The forecast warned her not to open the door
A radio broadcast predicted Petra's actions at a roadside motel, warning her not to open her door after 1:10 AM.
The radio predicted Petra's next move before she made it. She stopped at a roadside motel after the storm erased every exit sign behind her.
The clerk said one room remained while the other guests slept in room six. Petra took room four, turned on the radio, and heard tomorrow's forecast. Clear skies, strong winds, temperatures falling to zero.
The midnight warning
Rain battered the windows. At midnight, the broadcast repeated the forecast and added, do not open your door after 1:10.
Petra laughed until someone knocked at 1:10. The clerk called from the front desk. He said the other guest had gone outside and now someone stood between the rooms. The radio announced hail. Ice struck the roof.
What the radio knew
Then it said, Petra will look through the peephole. She did. The hallway was empty except for a wet footprint beneath her door.
The radio continued. Petra will unlock the chain. Petra stepped back.
From room six, a woman called, please let me in. It knows I'm alone. Petra asked who she was. The other guest. The motel lights died.
What the clerk found
At dawn, the clerk found room four unlocked and empty. The radio forecast clear skies for tomorrow with one exception. Snow inside room four.
