71

Then, in a jolt, I awoke, my heart pounding erratically, still echoing with the remnants of the overwhelming nightmare.

In the dimly lit room, an eerie silence filled the air. The slightly open doors drew my attention to the balcony, veiled by closed curtains.

Behind the drapes, a shadowy figure remained motionless.

An unsettling tension pulsed through me as I cautiously stood up, compelled by the mysterious presence on the other side of the billowing curtains.

The room seemed to shrink, amplifying the irregular thudding of my heart. Each step intensified the unseen force, creating an ominous atmosphere that quickened my breath.

The anticipation reached its peak as I approached the balcony, the room saturated with a blend of dread and curiosity. The curtains, like ethereal dancers, swirled, hinting at the enigma beyond. Shadows played tricks, conjuring images of a phantom suspended in time.

Summoning courage, I parted the curtains. A gasp caught in my throat as the balcony revealed