A cold sweat ran down his back.
The knocking echoed in the darkness, getting closer.
He woke up alone, terrified.
It wasn't the neighbour's footsteps, but the frantic beating of his heart.
He held his breath, listening carefully.
The pounding intensified, an ominous rhythm.
Slowly, the truth broke through his terrified mind.
It was not an intruder, it was death itself, knocking at his door.
He swallowed hard, feeling the fear tighten in his chest.
There was no escape, only the inevitable embrace of the grim reaper, already there, lurking in the gloom.