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Chapter 1 - Midnight call

Chapter 1: The First Ring

Zara loved the quiet of midnight. It was the only time the world seemed to pause — no pings, no calls, no expectations. Just peace.

Until one night, at exactly 12:03 AM, her phone buzzed.

Unknown Caller.

She frowned. Spam, maybe. She declined the call without a second thought.

The next night, same time — 12:03 AM — the phone lit up again.

Unknown Caller.

She let it ring. No voicemail, no text. Just silence.

By the third night, her curiosity was stronger than her caution. She stared at the screen, finger hovering over the green button. Something about the timing — exactly 12:03 — made it feel intentional. Ritualistic.

She answered.

All she heard was soft static. Then... a whisper.

"Zara... do you remember June 8th?"

She froze. Her fingers gripped the phone tighter.

June 8th.

The date struck like lightning through her chest. It was the day Maya — her best friend since primary school — went missing. No warnings. No signs. One minute she was there, and then... gone.

Zara whispered, "Who is this?"

No answer. Just breathing. Then the call ended.

She sat frozen in her bed, heart racing. Her room felt colder than before. She turned on the lights, checked the windows, locked the doors — though she wasn't sure what she was afraid of.

That night, she didn't sleep.

And when 12:03 came again the next night... the phone rang.

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