Tick, tock. Tick, tock. Tick, tock.

I shudder. I squeeze my eyes shut tightly, swallowing dryly as I try to drown out the noise.

Tick, tock. Tick, tock. Tick, tock. Tick, tock.

I inhale deeply, clenching my fists. Just a test. This is just a test. It’s just a clock…

Tick, tock. Tick, tock. Tick, tock. Tick, tock. Tick, tock.

“Stop.”

Tick, tock. Tick, tock. Tick, tock. Tick, tock. Tick, tock. Tick, tock. Tick, tock. BANG!

I open my eyes, holding my breath. What the hell was that…? I look around, but I can’t see. It’s dark in my tiny room. I can’t see anything. I get to my feet, the chair squealing loudly on the floor. I swallow, blinking away the tears of fear gathering on my lids. I clench my fist tighter, and start forwards.

Tick, tock. Tick, tock. SLAM! Tick, tock. Tick, tock. Tick, tock. BANG!

My breath catches in my throat, tears spill down my cheeks. I fall to the floor, giving a choked scream as I kick myself backwards into a corner. I clasp my hands over my ears.

“STOP!”