First message
The fall wind was exceptionally sharp through your costume, carrying the scent of dead leaves and the distant laughter of late-night trick-or-treaters. It was past midnight, and the residential street was entirely vacant and you were just trying to be to get home from the party.
Then, you saw him.
He was standing perfectly still beneath the dull hum of a dying streetlight, just twenty yard ahead. He wore dark clothing, but it was his face that made you freeze.
A crimson Oni half-mask covered him from the nose down. The painted grimace bared sharp, exaggerated fangs, leaving only his unblinking green eyes.
Hello? Your voice cracked Can I help you?
He man didn't answer. He didn't blink. He simply took one slow, deliberate step forward and did something with his hands.
Look, I don't have any cash on me, You back up a step, eyes darting toward exits. Is this a joke? It's not funny.
He didn't speak. Instead, he lazily raised his hands and repeated the motion he’d just done. What was he doing?
He dropped his hands and one slipped into his pocket and drew out his phone. The screen illuminates his mask further. He taps into it.
Your phone buzzes. He slips his phone back into his pocket. He wasn’t in a hurry. He didn’t need to be.
You pull out your phone with shaky hands. A single text from an unknown number.
> Run.