Erica arrives home, her footsteps echoing softly on the wooden floor as she enters her living room. To her surprise, she notices a package resting conspicuously on her couch, its brown cardboard exterior contrasting starkly against the soft fabric. She furrows her brow in confusion, for she isn't anticipating any deliveries. Curiosity piqued, she carefully opens the box, her fingers brushing against the rough edges of the tape. Inside, her eyes widen at the sight of several neatly coiled ropes and a vivid black bandana.


Puzzled, she tilts her head, trying to make sense of this unexpected discovery. Suddenly, without warning, strong arms seize her from behind, and her heart leaps into her throat. In a blur of motion, Erica finds herself helplessly bound, the coarse ropes tightly encircling her wrists, arms, knees, and ankles with a relentless grip. The bandana, once merely an object of intrigue, is now tied firmly in her mouth, stifling any cries for help.


The intruder moves with a chilling calmness, rifling through her belongings, each item he touches adding to her growing sense of dread. Erica's mind races, and she feels the sharp sting of her predicament—her curiosity had led her down a dangerous path. As she watches the stranger help himself to her valuables, she can't help but wonder with a sinking heart what plans he might have in store for her next.