OCTOBER 20th- "There was a picture of me sleeping on my phone. I live alone."

“Nice photo, super dramatic. What kind of filter did you use?” Ashley asks, admiring the shot on my phone. It’s black and white, and has a shadowy feel to it.

“You’re not listening to me dude.” I respond, “I’m passed out!”

“Yeah, so what?” Ash questions.

“Who would have taken this photo?” I ask.

Ashley gets ready to respond sarcastically, but stops as what I’ve said hits her. Her face has a mix of shock and apprehension on it.

“Are you screwing with me right now? Because you know I scare easily!” She finally says.

“I know. That’s why I’m showing you this. I know how seriously you take this stuff.” I say with no trace of joking. I take the phone back and stare at the screen trying not to shiver. There is a picture of me sleeping on my phone. I live alone, as in no one else is there. No one could take that photo of me.

“I checked for intruders after I saw it.” I continue, gesturing towards the phone. “There was nothing out of place, the doors and windows were untouched, and I’m pretty sure I’d have heard something at night.”

“Crap. Are you sure you didn’t fall asleep while someone was over?” Ash asks.

“I think I’d remember I had company.” I retort.

“Crap.” Ashley states again.

“That’s not even the worst part,” I say, “Look at this text I got.” I click on my message icon and hand the phone back to her. Ashley’s eyes scan over the text.

“WTF.” She states flatly. She hands my phone back to me like it will burn her.

“Yup. There's no number that goes with it either. I was going to text back an angry message, but nothing. What do you think it means?” I ask her.

“It means you need help. Like ghostbuster help.” She replies.

“There are no such thing as-“ I start.

“Then explain this? You said yourself you’re telling me because I believe in this stuff. Well, I believe in it for a reason. You need help.” Ash says firmly. I can tell she won’t budge from her stance, and I’m relieved I went to her instead of someone else. I knew she would take me seriously.

“Okay,” I say, “Suppose there is such thing as ghosts and stuff…Who do you even go to?”

“I know a guy. Or, I know a guy who knows a guy. I think his name is Michael Cross, he considers himself a paranormal investigator.” Ashley answers.

“So?”

“Don’t worry, I’m on it. I’ll try to get back to you tonight. If that message is real, and that photo is not by someone you know, we need this Michael ASAP.”

“Thanks Ash.” I say, gratefully. Ashley waves goodbye and leaves to contact her friend, apparently he’s “off the grid” and doesn’t believe in phones. Thinking of my phone, I don’t blame him.

I look down at the unnerving photo, and the text that’s even worse. I read the words one more time, filling with more dread after each one.

‘I see you! In three days, you’ll see me too. If you don’t and I’m here first, you’re all mine you’ve been cursed. So say goodbye and pray to heaven, and be very afraid of 12:07.’