As soon as Matthew rushed out of the door he was greeted by two pale eyes. He jumped back in surprise, slamming his head against the door behind him. The eyes blinked slowly between a thin frame of dark hair, and a pair of long dried lips curled to reveal a neat row of yellowed teeth.

            “The…rent?” A musty old scent seized Matthew as the old woman spoke. Already back against the wall, he slid along it to gain space between the two of them. At the end of the hallway there was still a shimmering ripple form Trevor’s exit. Of course he’d be able to avoid her…

            “Rent…” The old woman extended a crinkled hand full of envelopes, presumably from the other tenants. Matthew gently pushed them away and edged further off. The door to the staircase was right there, if he could just make it.

            “Yes, rent. Rent.” Matthew assured her, trying to avoid being caught in the pale stare. “It’s coming along, it’s, it’ll all be there soon enough, just, just hang on…” He almost had his hand to the door- freedom was so close!- and an icy chill ran down his spine. He turned to see the skeleton of a woman had clutched his hand. She leaned in closer, hissing as she breathed. She let out one last gasp as she spoke.

            “Rent…” The old woman backed away, taking the chill with her. Matthew stumbled and clawed at the doorknob. He finally ripped the door open, and without a word, fled down the stairs. The old woman waited as she listened to the sharp thumps on the stairs. After hearing a satisfying crash, she moved on to the next tenant.