Echoes Beyond

Two days had passed since the discovery of the signal. Dr. Harris had given no explanation—only said, “The matter is closed.” But for Lucy, it wasn’t over.

It was close to midnight. Lucy sat alone in the lab. The systems were shut down, but her eyes remained fixed on the same monitor. Suddenly, a faint sound came through her headphones—a slow, incomprehensible whisper.

Voice: “… Lucy…”

Lucy held her breath, trembling as she removed the headphones. No one was there. The machines were off.
Just then, Daniel’s footsteps echoed from the hallway.
Daniel: “What are you doing here? I thought you went back to the dorm.”
Lucy: “Daniel, I swear… someone said my name. Through this system.”
Daniel chuckled, but it was a short, uneasy laugh.
Daniel: “Maybe it’s still in your head. Since that night, I’ve been feeling strange too… like my brain is full of static.”

The lab lights flickered. Both looked up. Silence. Then, the monitor—previously off—lit up again, showing the same pulsating pattern.

Message on screen: HELLO LUCY