Ghaith didn't move.
The ticking behind the door continued.
Tick.
Tick.
Tick.
His eyes were locked on the hallway.
For a moment, he wondered if he was dreaming.
The phone screen slowly went dark in his hand.
"Relax," he whispered to himself. "This is stupid."
But his legs refused to move.
The ticking continued.
Then his phone vibrated again.
Another call.
Unknown Number.
His heart started beating faster.
He answered.
"Hello?"
The same whisper returned.
"Why are you still inside?"
Ghaith swallowed.
"I think someone put something behind my door."
"I know."
The voice sounded nervous now.
"You have four minutes left."
"Left for what?"
The voice exploded in panic.
"To live!"
Ghaith froze.
The ticking suddenly sounded louder.
"Listen to me," the voice continued quickly. "When you open the door, don't stand in front of it."
"Why?"
"Because the bomb is attached to the mailbox slot."
The word bomb made his stomach drop.
"You're joking."
"I wish I was."
Silence.
The voice then said quietly:
"You have three minutes."
Ghaith's hands began shaking.
"Who are you?"
There was a pause.
Then the voice said something impossible.
"I'm you."