Round 2 Transcript

The sound of footsteps echoes through the narrow hall, growing louder as The Force moves towards the kitchen where Jeane has taken refuge. A faint creaking noise accompanies each step, as if The Force is testing the floorboards for any signs of movement or traps.

Jeane grips her makeshift club, a heavy lamp base, tightly in both hands, her knuckles white with tension. She stands frozen beside the kitchen counter, her eyes fixed on the hallway where The Force's footsteps are getting closer.

Jeane stands gripping the lamp base tight, heart pounding in her chest, feeling the weight of it in her hands. I can hear someone moving through the house now, coming this way. The footsteps are slow and deliberate like they're not trying to hide anymore. She shifts her weight onto the balls of her feet, ready to swing or run. Whoever you are, get out! I have a weapon and I'm not afraid to use it! Jeane's eyes dart around the kitchen, assessing escape routes and potential obstacles. The back door is nearest but would mean running past the intruder if they're in the hallway. Stay where you are! I'm warning you once! She raises the lamp higher, muscles tense and ready.

I check the downstairs rooms first, quick and quiet. Kitchen empty, living room clear, no signs of her yet. The house is too big for this. I move to the stairs, listen hard—nothing. I go up slow, step by step, gun ready. The upstairs hallway is dark except for a nightlight near the bathroom. Two doors closed: guest room or linen closet, bathroom. And one open door at the end—her bedroom. I check the guest room first, just in case. Empty. Linen closet too. Now the bathroom. I turn the handle slow, push it open with my foot. Empty too. That leaves the bedroom at the end of the hall. She has to be in there. I hear movement inside now—soft, muffled. She's hiding under the bed or in the closet. I check the flashlight battery again, good. I check the gun, full mag. I move to the bedroom door.