prologue
—Dispatch. What service do you need?
The person on the other end took a couple of seconds to respond; all that could be heard was the caller's heavy breathing—you need to send an officer right now—the words came out instantly, spoken in a low voice, without the caller ever taking their eyes off the door.
—What is the emergency, young man?
A brief silence fell once more; the person who had initiated the call took a moment to answer the question posed by the one asking for help.
Hearing distant screams and the sound of rapid footsteps in the corridors was what terrified him most—They’re killing people; there are several dead—his voice barely trembled as he spoke.
—I need you to stay calm; tell me your name and where you are—the operator’s tone shifted immediately, becoming more serious given the situation.
—I don't know—the caller replied; their hands were growing increasingly restless, and their sense of desperation was mounting—i don't know this area; I came here with a friend.
—Where in the house are you right now? Do you know of any nearby landmarks?
—I don't know where I am; it's all dark,— the boy declared, leaning further around the corner of one of the room's walls—There were a lot of shops nearby and a small arcade, I think—he mentioned—and a church—I don't know, I don't remember clearly.
—Is the person responsible still in the house?
Silence had returned to the call, but this time it lasted longer than usual. Amidst the quiet, the sound of the door opening and strange thuds near the phone could be heard, yet no one was answering.
—Hello? Are you still there?—the voice came from the phone lying on the floor, echoing throughout the room—until, just a few seconds later, the line went dead.
