The TV

Randy was grateful he was given a place to stay. It wasn’t what he was hoping for, living inside of a run-down apartment that is obviously littered with rats and cockroaches, but what could he do?

He was tight on cash, was currently looking for another job, and was struggling to pay his student loans. His parents warned him that they wouldn’t support him if he didn’t continue med school.

He didn’t have the heart to tell them in person that he had dropped out without telling them, but he did let his parents know through a text. They didn’t take the news well and cut him off.

His brother was now their new favorite, pushing him into med school. It was such a shame that his parents were assholes, and he hoped his brother wouldn’t suffer as much as he did.

Randy stared at the small stack of boxes in the corner of the living room. He had lost his motivation ever since he had dropped out of college, and no longer knew what he wanted to do with his life.

He picked up the remote and turned on the television. A random episode of a reality TV show was playing. The show involved beautiful women, that were selling unique items to rich people who were interested.

He watched the episode with a blank expression, thinking back on that strange interaction he had with the landlord.

He was thankful to him for letting him stay there, and asked the landlord why the pay was so low for his apartments. He scratched the back of his neck, a forced smile on his face.

“Well, I understand when times are tough for some folks, you know? And uh…there is something you should know about this place.”

“Um, what is it?,” Randy asked.

“The apartment is…haunted. I would advise you to never watch the television past midnight. She…might appear.”

Randy looked at him trying to figure out if he was getting pranked.

“I see…thanks for letting me know.”

The landlord gave a brisk nod and walked away a bit too quickly. Randy remembered that part was kind of odd too, but he shrugged it off. Maybe the landlord was a bit of a loony, but at least he was friendly.

Randy decided now would be a good time to look for jobs online. It was pretty late, probably already past midnight, but he needed to at least get something done.

He retrieved his laptop, sat down on the couch, and began to search for jobs to apply for.

How he wished a sudden goldmine would appear on his lap, but the chances of getting hired for a corporate job were pretty low for someone with no degree.

He unhappily went through Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter. The TV was playing the reality show in the background, and Randy found it strangely comforting listening to one voice coming from the show.

Her voice sounded so soothing, it was almost like she was right next to him, whispering in his ear. He closed his laptop shut, wanting to get a good look at this particular woman. Once he saw her, he couldn’t look away.

She was beautiful.

Her makeup was perfect, her skin was perfect, and she looked quite cute in her blue and white outfit. She was addressing a couple that was interested in buying a vase.

The way she carried herself was so professional, lifting up her arm to point out the vase. She turned back around to give the couple a bright smile, and Randy felt his face get red. She was utterly perfect.

The couple told the woman they would like to purchase the vase. The woman reached out to shake each of their hands, thanking them for their purchase. Then something weird happened.

The woman walked away, and the camera continued to follow her. She walked all the way to the living room, and sat down on the loveseat. She lifted up her legs, slowly removing her heels.

Then she smiled straight at the camera.

“Hello, Randy.”

Randy wasn’t sure how to respond. It was all a dream. He probably fell asleep on the couch.

“Randy…come on. I know you can hear me.”

He dropped his laptop. It clattered to the carpet. The woman giggled.

“You’re a clumsy one, aren’t you?”

Randy clasped his hands together. They were sweating. He wasn’t sure whether it was from fear or lust for this wonderful creature.

“I — I guess I am.”

The woman waggled a finger in his direction.

“There is no need to feel shame, Randy. No one is perfect.”

“You are,” Randy blurted out without thinking.

The woman threw back her head and laughed. Even that side of her was perfect. She winked at Randy.

“You’re not so bad yourself, Randy. I think you’re quite attractive.”

“You-You think so?”

“Yes.”

The woman patted on empty spot next to her on the love seat.

“Come. Join me. I bet you can do wonders with those hands of yours…”

“How…how do I do that?”

Randy caught the scream in his throat just in time, as the woman plunged her entire arm straight through the television screen. She beckoned with her finger towards Randy, before pulling her arm back into the screen.

Randy stood up, walking slowly over to the television. His legs felt wobbly, he wasn’t sure how to address what the fuck he just seen. Whether this was a dream or not, it was pretty freaky.

The woman licked her lips, tracing a circle on the love seat with her finger. Randy didn’t know why, but he needed her. Dream or not, he had to have her. He walked closer to the television, getting on his knees to face the screen.

The woman leaned closer, her arms now sticking out of the screen.

“Come to me, Randy. Come to me.”

Randy closed his eyes, as the woman gently placed her hands on his cheeks. It was just as how he imagined. It was the most wonderful feeling to be held by someone like her.

A sharp pain shot through Randy’s face. His eyes shot open, realizing that the woman had dug her fingernails into his face. Randy grabbed her arms, desperately trying to pry them off.

The woman released a shriek, revealing a whole mouth full of teeth. They were as sharp as knives. Randy screamed. The woman shoved her entire face through the screen, opened her mouth wide, and bit off Randy’s head.

***

The landlord pounded a fist against room 67. He waited for a response. Nothing.

“Hello? Is anyone there? The other tenants came to me and told me they heard you scream!”

Nothing.

The landlord pulled out a set of keys, and opened the door.

A headless body was positioned in front of the television in the living room. A huge puddle of blood formed beneath the body, and left a massive stain on the carpet. Blood splatters made the static screen of the television appear more frightening.

The landlord slapped a hand against his forehead.

“Aw shit. Not again! I warned you, dipshit!”

Thank you for reading!

Emy Quinn