The Wife Who Came Home Twice

James arrived home at 11:40 p.m. after working late. His wife, Emily, was already asleep upstairs, so he quietly went into the kitchen to make tea. As he filled the kettle, he heard the front door open. “James?” Emily called from the hallway. He froze. A second later, his wife walked into the kitchen wearing the same clothes she had been wearing that morning. She looked terrified. “Don’t go upstairs,” she whispered. James stared at her. “But you're already upstairs.” Emily slowly shook her head. “No… that isn't me.” Then footsteps began moving across the ceiling above them. Three slow steps. Then another. Someone upstairs began humming the song Emily always sang while cooking. James grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the back door. But before they could leave, the upstairs bedroom door slammed shut. A voice from above screamed, “James! Why are you trying to leave with her?” Emily beside him began crying. “Whatever happens,” she whispered, “don't answer when she comes downstairs.” Then the footsteps started coming down.

The Man Who Never Left