The night train to Hollow Creek rattled through the dark countryside, its wheels clattering rhythmically over the tracks. Inside, the compartments were dimly lit, shadows dancing on the walls as the overhead lights flickered. Sarah settled into her seat, clutching her backpack tightly, feeling a mixture of excitement and trepidation. She was heading home after a long week at work, eager to escape the city’s noise and find solace in the quiet of her hometown. The train began to fill with passengers, their voices creating a low murmur. Sarah glanced around, noting a few familiar faces—commuters she had seen on previous trips. But one figure caught her eye: a tall man in a dark coat sitting alone across the aisle. His face was partially obscured by the shadow of his hood, but his intense gaze seemed to bore into her. Sarah quickly averted her eyes, trying to shake off the unease settling in her stomach. She took a deep breath, reminding herself that her imagination often got the best of h...