Sarah peeked cautiously through the eye-level peephole, her heart hammering a slow, rhythmic dread against her ribs. When she recognized the silhouette standing on the other side, she drew a quiet breath, unlocked the deadbolt, and pulled the door open. Her brow furrowed instantly, an instinctual reaction to the unexpected presence, but she forced her lips into a polite, albeit frail, attempt at a smile.
"Mr. Flickerman..." Sarah murmured, her voice barely carrying above a fragile whisper.
Phillip Flickerman—the building manager—stood leaning against the doorframe, his face painted with a wide, effortless grin. Just minutes prior, he had handed Sarah a spare key, allowing her to set foot back inside her own sanctuary after what felt like an eternity away.
