Title: The Signal Dr. Mia Hart was alone in her lab, deep in the woods, testing a new device designed to capture radio signals from deep space. The night was stormy, lightning illuminating the windows, casting eerie shadows. As she adjusted the dials, a sudden burst of static erupted from the speakers, followed by a fragmented voice: “Help… trapped… must warn you…” Mia's heart raced. Was it a prank? She leaned closer, fingers trembling as she tried to decipher the message. The voice was pleading, frantic. “They’re coming for you!” Just then, a loud crash echoed outside, causing Mia to jump. She peered through the rain-slicked window and saw a dark figure lurking at the edge of the trees. Panic surged through her as she realized she was not alone. Ignoring the voice in her head telling her to run, she grabbed a flashlight and moved to the door. As she stepped outside, the figure darted deeper into the woods. “Wait!” she called out, but it vanished into the shadows. The radio crackled again, “Get inside! Now!” Heart pounding, Mia raced back into the lab, locking the door behind her. The air was thick with tension, and she could feel something watching her. As she turned to the radio, the voice became clearer. “They’re hunting… they want your device.” Just then, a low growl resonated from outside, shaking the walls. Mia's breath quickened as she realized the figure wasn’t human. She grabbed the device, frantically working to transmit a signal for help. The growling intensified, and the shadows outside thickened, moving with purpose. Just as she pressed the send button, the door splintered, and the creature lunged inside. In one final burst of desperation, Mia shouted into the radio, “Help!” The device emitted a blinding flash, engulfing the lab in light. For a moment, the creature paused, then disintegrated into the darkness. Mia fell to her knees, gasping. The radio fell silent. She had escaped, but as she looked around, she knew the night was far from over. The forest was alive with whispers, and somewhere, the signal was still calling out, waiting for its next victim.