A sharp knock rattled the door of the run-down apartment. Rosemary, who had just come home from work, froze; her body tensed reflexively. She set her cloth bag down on the old chair and walked slowly toward the door.

“Who is it?” her voice came out faint and tired.

“Rose…” The deep voice on the other side made her heart pound instantly. A voice she had known for years. Adrian.

Rosemary stood still. Her hand trembled on the doorknob. A part of her wanted to ignore it, but the voice came again, this time softer, pleading.

“Please open the door, just for a moment. I promise I won’t bother you...