It was a dark and stormy night, and Sarah was home alone. She had always been afraid of the dark, and tonight her fear was compounded by the raging storm outside. The wind howled through the trees and the rain pounded against the windows, making it seem as if the whole world was against her.

Sarah tried to distract herself by turning on the television, but the static on the screen only served to unnerve her further. She wrapped a blanket around herself and curled up on the couch, trying to ignore the feeling of creeping dread that was crawling up her spine.

Suddenly, she heard a loud crash from upstairs. Her heart racing, Sarah frantically searched for her phone to call for help. But as she fumbled in the darkness, she realized that the line was dead. She was completely alone and vulnerable.

Trembling with fear, Sarah slowly made her way up the stairs, her eyes scanning the darkness for any sign of danger. As she reached the top of the stairs, she saw a figure standing at the end of the hallway. It was tall and thin, with long, spindly fingers and a face that was twisted into a grotesque snarl.

Sarah let out a bloodcurdling scream and ran back down the stairs, tripping and stumbling in her panic. She could hear the creature following her, its footsteps heavy and purposeful.

She threw open the front door and ran out into the storm, the rain pelting her face as she stumbled through the darkness. She could hear the creature gaining on her, its ragged breath hot on her neck.