Chapter 1: Unwelcome Company

“I really don’t understand why we need this in our home,” I remarked, staring at the sizable skeleton that now occupied space in our living room.

“I need it for my studies,” my partner replied.

“Do you really need something so unsettling for school?”

“Would you prefer I sacrifice my education just to ease your discomfort?”

“Actually, I would quite like that.”

“Let’s not forget how much we’re investing in medical school; your comfort can take a back seat.”

She was right about that.

“Well, I suppose it’s acceptable,” I conceded, pretending I had any say in the situation, “but absolutely no dead bodies. I refuse to have breakfast next to a cadaver.”

“If it means passing, I’d transform our home into a funeral parlor.”

“I believe you would.”

With a gentle kiss on her head, I left her to study while I headed off to work.

Work kept me preoccupied enough to forget about our new housemate, but I nearly dropped my briefcase upon returning home.

“Oh my goodness,” I exclaimed.

“I know,” she said, “I keep forgetting about him too.”

“Are you sure it’s a 'him'?”

“Definitely. The pelvis is too narrow—no baby is getting through those hips.”

“Interesting,” I commented. “Could we at least drape a cardigan over him? It might make things a bit less creepy.”

“He’s for my lab practical, not a Halloween decoration.”

“Fine, but if he catches a chill, that’s on you.”

Settling in, I turned on the television while my new skeletal companion loomed silently in the corner.

That night, I woke up multiple times, convinced that someone was watching me. Each time I opened my eyes, the room appeared empty.

I could have sworn I heard rattling.

Finally, around three in the morning, I nudged my wife awake.

“This better be urgent,” she groaned.

“Do you hear that?”

“Hear what?”

“It sounds like bones rattling.”

“You’re losing it. Go back to sleep.”

I attempted to do so, but rest eluded me. I kept my eyes shut for what felt like an eternity.

About an hour later, the rattling returned.

I shot up in bed, and the door slam