Story 18
The Key Keeps Unlocking
This might sound like a story without a punchline, but lately, the lock on my door keeps unlocking by itself.
For reference, my place isn’t equipped with any kind of auto-lock system—it’s a 35-year-old apartment building.
Until recently, I was always out during the day for work, but about two months ago I switched to a remote job, so I’ve been home all the time. For the past three weeks or so, the lock has been unlocking on its own several times a day.
It’s a one-room apartment, so you can easily hear the sound when the lock turns. When it opens or closes, it makes this distinct click-clack sound that echoes through the room.
At first, I was startled. I opened the door to check, looked around to see if anyone was there—but there was never anyone. I thought maybe I was hearing the noise from the neighboring room, but then I remembered that the room next door has been vacant for about six months. And since mine’s a corner unit, there’s only one apartment next to me anyway.
It honestly freaked me out.
After about a week of this happening, I decided to contact the property management company and have the lock replaced. It’s just a regular turn-key type, so I didn’t think it was broken, but since it’s old, I figured there might be something wrong with it.
Yesterday, the lock replacement was completed. They came right away—super grateful for that, even though it cost me some money.
But this morning, the lock has already unlocked itself twice.
I honestly have no idea what’s going on anymore.
I didn’t pay much attention before, but… since this apartment is a stigmatized property, maybe it’s some kind of haunting?
