The air stood still.
A silence so heavy it pressed against their chests. Even the clock seemed to stop ticking.
Both Ella and Anna froze as the voice echoed again from the other side of the door — low, cold, almost emotionless.
"Is anyone inside? There's a parcel for Ella Raymond."
Ella's lips trembled. "A–Anna… did you—did you order something?"
Anna shook her head, whispering, "No… did you?"
Ella's head moved side to side, eyes wide, her voice breaking. "No, I didn't."
Another knock. Knock. Knock. Knock.
Louder this time.
Anna's breath hitched. The shadows on the wall danced from the flickering light above. She reached for the kitchen knife on the table, the blade catching a faint glint of light.
"Stay behind me," she whispered.
Her steps were careful, deliberate — each one echoing louder than the last. She peeked through the peephole.
A man stood there, hat pulled low, shoulders hunched, his face hidden in shadow. He clutched a large parcel to his chest like it was something sacred — or dangerous.
"Please sign and take it. It's paid for," he said again, his tone too calm… too measured.
"I can't tell you who sent it."
Anna's voice was low and sharp. "Who sent this? Tell me!"
Silence.
Only the sound of his boots shuffling.
Her heart pounded so hard it hurt. She unlocked the latch halfway and opened the door — just enough to see the edge of his coat.
Then—
SLAM!
The door flew open with a violent shove.
Anna stumbled back, screaming, "Ella! Get back!"
She pushed with all her strength, trying to close it, but the man forced it open again.
Ella ran forward, panic flooding her veins. "Anna!"
Both pressed against the door, straining — but it was useless. The man's strength was overwhelming.
The door burst open, throwing them to the ground.
Anna scrambled to her feet, gripping the knife with trembling hands. "Who the hell are you!" she yelled, charging forward.
The man moved swiftly — too swiftly. He sidestepped her and kicked her legs from under her.
Anna fell with a cry, the knife clattering across the floor.
Then, he turned toward Ella.
His head tilted slightly, the brim of his hat still hiding his face. Each step he took echoed in the room — deliberate, heavy, merciless.
The light flickered.
Ella's body froze.
Her heart screamed run! but her legs were stone.
She couldn't move. Couldn't even breathe.
Move, Ella. Move!
Her mind shouted, but her body refused.
The man's gloved hand lifted — reaching toward her face.
She shut her eyes, tears forming.
Elliot.
Why am I thinking about him?
Why him?
"You shouldn't open doors for strangers."
A scream tore through the room. "AHHHH!" Anna shouted behind her.
Ella's eyes flew open — and everything froze again.
The man was pulling off his mask.
And behind it —
Elliot.
He grinned widely, brushing his hair back, his tone playful.
> "Wow, you both are terrible at defense. I could've robbed you blind."
Anna's eyes flared with rage. "You idiot! You—You almost gave us a heart attack!"
Elliot laughed, stepping back, dodging as Anna threw a slap his way.
"Hey, hey! Calm down! It was just a prank!"
"A prank?!" Anna screamed, her voice shaking with fury. "You kicked me, you psycho!"
He raised his hands defensively, chuckling nervously. "I didn't kick you that hard!"
But his smile faded the moment he looked at Ella.
She sat on the floor, eyes wide, pale as paper, hands trembling uncontrollably.
Her lips quivered, but no words came out. Tears spilled silently down her cheeks.
Elliot's grin vanished completely. He stepped closer, guilt flickering across his face.
"Ella… hey… I didn't mean to scare you," he said softly. "I thought you'd— I don't know—laugh or something."
She didn't answer. Her gaze was distant, unfocused.
"Don't touch her!" Anna snapped, pulling Ella close. "Haven't you done enough?"
Elliot froze, his expression shifting between regret and frustration.
"Anna, come on… I messed up, I know that! I just— I wanted to surprise you two, not—"
"Surprise?" Anna hissed. "You broke into our house, Elliot! You attacked me!"
Elliot knelt down, lowering his tone. "I'm sorry… truly."
He looked at Ella again — her small, trembling form pressed against Anna's shoulder. "I didn't think she'd get this scared."
He reached out gently. "Ella… please, say something."
Her lips parted, voice barely a whisper. "Why… why would you do that?"
That broke him. His throat tightened. "Because I thought you were both strong enough to handle a joke. I was stupid."
Anna glared at him. "You think this is a game?"
"No…" Elliot's voice dropped to a whisper. "I think I just forgot what fear really looks like."
Silence filled the room — broken only by Ella's quiet sobs.
Finally, Elliot stood up, pulling out the parcel and opening it wordlessly. Inside was food — still warm.
"I just wanted to eat with you two," he muttered, setting the plates down. "Guess that was a bad idea."
He looked at Ella one last time. "You shouldn't sit on the floor," he murmured softly, lifting her carefully and placing her on the sofa.
Anna's arms wrapped around Ella protectively, glaring daggers at him. "If you ever try something like that again, Elliot, I swear—"
He nodded quietly, guilt written across his face. "You won't have to tell me twice."
Ella wiped her tears, still shaking. Her voice trembled. "You scared me… I thought— I thought I'd die."
Elliot swallowed hard, pain flickering in his eyes. "You'll never have to think that again… not while I'm here."