File: Homealone-1.0-pc.zip ... -

The download finished. Elias unzipped the file, expecting a buggy mess of pixelated sprites. Instead, the folder contained only one executable: Play.exe .

Elias reached for the power button on his monitor, but his hand stopped. On the screen, a pair of real boots—not pixelated, but high-definition, photographic—stepped into the bedroom view. Then, his own front door buzzed. File: HomeAlone-1.0-pc.zip ...

Elias moved his mouse. The cursor was a small, pale hand. He clicked on the front door. The game didn't transition to a new room; instead, the speakers emitted a sharp, digital thud , like someone actually knocking on his bedroom door. He froze. He was the only one in his apartment. The download finished

He looked at the zip file on his desktop one last time. He realized he hadn't checked the file size before opening it. The file wasn't a game. It was an invitation. Elias reached for the power button on his