Part 1The Beast in Room 601

It was 2:00 AM. My roommates were screaming at their screens, on a losing streak in ranked.

I woke up, seething with annoyance, and went to the bathroom.

While I was in there, a news alert popped up on my phone: [URGENT: An adult gorilla has escaped the city zoo due to unknown circumstances. Residents are advised to lock all doors and windows. Do not go out late at night.]

When I got back to the dorm, I shoved my earplugs in and tried to force myself back to sleep.

In the dark, I silently cursed them. If that gorilla broke in and mauled them to death, maybe I’d finally get some peace and quiet.

The next morning, my RA (Resident Advisor) was shaking me awake, her face twisted in pure terror.

"Dead. They're all dead.

"Lily, wake up! Oh my god!"

* * *

I was still groggy, but the sight of the RA made me sit up fast.

I checked the time. 9:00 AM.

Damn it.

The other four girls in the dorm had been gaming all night, screaming and raging. I hadn’t slept a wink. Now I’d overslept and missed my morning class.

I scrambled to get dressed and climbed down from my bunk, ready to apologize to the RA and grab my books.

But the RA didn’t say a word. She just stared at the floor, eyes bulging.

I followed her gaze. And then I screamed.

Two of my roommates were lying on the linoleum in twisted, unnatural poses. Their eyes were wide open, staring at nothing. Their pajamas were soaked in red.

They looked... they looked like broken dolls.