The Door Handle — Wayne’s Promise to Protect Lauren

The tension inside the house had become almost unbearable. 😰

Lauren sat quietly, trying her best to keep herself calm, but the fear in her eyes told a completely different story. Dan’s behavior had gone far beyond a simple argument. He had already shown up at Lauren’s house, caused a scene, and made it clear that he was not willing to back down.

Wayne stood nearby, watching Lauren carefully.

He could tell she was scared.

But what worried him even more was what could happen next.

Wayne took a deep breath and finally spoke.

“Lauren, this isn’t something we can just ignore anymore.”

Lauren looked at him.

“What do you mean?”

Wayne’s expression became serious.

“Dan came to your house. He confronted you here. He’s already crossed a line, and I don’t know what he’s capable of doing next.”

Lauren looked down, trying to hold back her emotions.

“I know… but I can’t just stay inside forever. I have things I need to take care of.”

Wayne immediately shook his head.

“You’re not understanding me. I’m not saying you can’t leave. I’m saying you’re not going anywhere by yourself.”

Lauren looked surprised.

“Wayne…”

“I’m serious,” he said firmly. “If Dan is out there, I’m coming with you.”

For a moment, nobody said anything.

Delicia, who had been listening closely, stepped forward.

She looked at Lauren with genuine concern.

“I’m really worried about you,” Delicia said. “Dan has already shown up at your house. What if he does something worse?”

Lauren swallowed hard.

“I don’t know what he wants anymore.”

“That’s exactly the problem,” Wayne replied. “We don’t know what he wants, and we don’t know what he might do.”

Delicia nodded.

“Wayne is right. You shouldn’t be alone right now.”

Lauren tried to stay strong, but her voice became shaky.

“I just don’t want to feel like I’m trapped because of him.”

Wayne softened his expression.

“You’re not trapped, Lauren. You’re being protected.”

Lauren looked into Wayne’s eyes.

“And what if he comes back?”

Wayne didn’t hesitate.

🔥 The room suddenly became silent.

Delicia looked at Wayne.

“Just be careful. Don’t let your anger turn this into something bigger.”

Wayne nodded.

“I’m not looking for a fight. I’m looking to make sure Lauren gets home safely.”

Lauren slowly stood up.

“I need to get a few things.”

Wayne immediately stood as well.

“I’m coming.”

Lauren grabbed her belongings and headed toward the door.

Every step she took seemed to make the room quieter.

Delicia watched her closely.

“Lauren…”

Lauren turned around.

“What?”

“Please don’t take any chances.”

Lauren nodded.

“I won’t.”

Wayne walked over and stood beside her.

“I’ll be right there with you.”

Lauren reached for the door.

A sudden sound came from outside.

Everyone froze.

Lauren immediately pulled her hand away.

“What was that?” she whispered.

Delicia’s eyes widened.

“I don’t know…”

Wayne slowly turned toward the door.

His entire expression changed.

He raised one hand, signaling everyone to stay quiet.

“Stay back.”

Lauren’s breathing became faster.

“Wayne…?”

He looked at her.

“Stay behind me.”

Delicia quickly moved closer to Lauren and placed an arm around her.

“Come here.”

Lauren stepped backward.

Another sound came from outside.

Someone—or something—had moved near the door.

Lauren’s face filled with fear. 😨

“Is that Dan?”

Wayne didn’t answer immediately.

He stared at the door.

His eyes were locked on the handle.

For several seconds, nothing happened.

Then—

The door handle moved.

Lauren gasped.

“Oh my God…”

Delicia pulled Lauren closer.

“Don’t move.”

Wayne slowly stepped forward.

His heart was pounding, but he tried not to show it.

He reached toward the door.

The handle moved again.

Someone was clearly trying to open it.

Wayne stopped just inches away.

He looked back at Lauren.

“Whatever happens, stay behind me.”

Lauren nodded nervously.

“Wayne, please…”

“I’ve got you.”

Another violent shake hit the door.

Lauren jumped.

Delicia whispered,

“This is not normal.”

Wayne’s jaw tightened.

“No. It’s not.”

He slowly placed his hand on the door handle.

The entire room seemed to hold its breath.

Wayne looked toward Delicia.

“Keep Lauren behind you.”

Delicia nodded.

“I will.”

Wayne turned back toward the door.

He was ready.

Silence.

Complete silence.

Wayne waited.

Five seconds.

Ten seconds.

Nothing.

Lauren whispered,

“Maybe they left…”

Wayne shook his head.

“I don’t think so.”

“Why?” Lauren asked.

Wayne looked at the door.

“Because whoever is out there wanted us to know they were here.”

😳 Everyone froze again.

Delicia’s face became pale.

“What are you saying?”

Wayne didn’t answer.

Instead, he slowly moved his hand toward the lock.

Lauren whispered,

“Wayne, don’t open it.”

He stopped.

He looked back at her.

“You’re right.”

Wayne stepped away from the door.

The door suddenly shook violently.

Lauren screamed.

Delicia grabbed her.

Wayne immediately moved in front of them.

“Stay behind me!”

Another bang hit the door.

Wayne’s eyes widened.

Whoever was outside wasn’t leaving.

They were trying to get inside.

Lauren’s voice trembled.

“Wayne… what are we going to do?”

Wayne stared at the door.

“I don’t know yet.”

Then suddenly, everything went quiet again.

Wayne slowly looked down.

Someone was standing directly outside.

Lauren covered her mouth to stop herself from screaming. 😰

Delicia whispered,

“Wayne…”

He raised his hand.

“Don’t say a word.”

The shadow remained there.

Nobody moved.

Nobody breathed.

Then a voice came from the other side.

Lauren’s eyes widened.

She immediately recognized the voice.

Her face lost all its color.

“It’s him…”

Wayne’s expression hardened.

“Dan?”

There was no answer.

Then the voice came again.

“Lauren… I know you’re in there.”

Lauren stepped backward in fear.

Delicia held onto her.

Wayne positioned himself directly between Lauren and the door.

“Dan, leave.”

Silence.

Then a quiet laugh came from outside.

Wayne’s eyes narrowed.

The handle began moving again.

Slowly.

Very slowly.

Lauren whispered,

“Wayne… please don’t let him in.”

Wayne looked back at her.

But just as Wayne reached for the door—

The lights suddenly went out.

The entire house fell into darkness.

Lauren screamed.

Delicia grabbed her hand.

“Lauren! Stay with me!”

Wayne stood frozen in front of the door.

A loud noise came from behind them.

Wayne slowly turned around.

His eyes widened.