Built From Broken

Don't Open The Door

Soraya was busy. Focused. Between work, brand deals, and raising Sonali, she didn't have time to feed her paranoia. She assumed the world was finally letting her breathe.

But the world don't work like that.

The morning started normal.
Kairo had sent her a "good morning" voice message that made her smile, even though his voice was groggy and rough like he'd just woken up.

Sonali had thrown her juice cup across the room just because she could. Same old, same old.

But across town, someone was watching.

A man in a car. He had a blunt hanging from his lip, eyes glued to his phone, zooming in on photos. Photos of Soraya.

Her walking to her car.
Her carrying Sonali.
Her opening the door to Kairo on a random Wednesday night.

It wasn't obsession.
It was a plan.

He'd found out she was messing with Kairo.
And if you're gonna hurt a man like Kiaro, you don't come at him directly.
You go for the girl.
The kid.
The peace he's finally building.

That night, Soraya had an eerie feeling.

She was in her apartment alone with Sonali—Nyelle at work, Kairo hours away for a drop. She'd turned the lights low and lit a candle, scrolling through TikTok while Sonali dozed off beside her on the couch.

Then—Knock Knock Knock. Three soft knocks. Not loud. But enough to pull her attention.

She paused. Checked her phone. Nobody said they were pulling up.

She peeked through the peephole.
Nobody.
Just an empty hallway.

She double-locked the door.

Then her phone buzzed.
Unknown Number: Cute baby. Bet she look just like her daddy.

Soraya's heart dropped.

She stared at the screen, her stomach turning.
Then she grabbed Sonali, carried her into the bedroom, locked the door, and sat on the bed breathing heavy.

She called Kairo.
He picked up on the second ring.
"What's wrong, shorty?"

The fear in her voice made his tone shift instantly. She read him the text. Told him about the knock.

He didn't say a word at first. Just heavy breathing. Then, "Aight. I'm on my way."

And that was that.

Outside the apartment complex, the black hooded figure walked away. Calm.
The trap had been set.
And now...
The real game was staring.