“72201, your sustenance is at the top of the steps.” I called out as I closed the door. Footsteps begin across the basement floor, finally making their way up the stairs. I hear the fork jostle against the edge of the plate as the thing descends to its pile of blankets.

A knock on the door of the basement is how I know meal time has been completed. I open the door and see the shadow moving away from the steps. “Plate retrieved 72201” I call out. Garbled inhuman noises is the only response.

A minute later my phone buzzes. “I have a name” reads the text. I reply back “now you know how I felt when you guys quarantined me in the basement for Covid. Turn about is fair play.”

Based on a true and currently active story.