Safe and Sound

I got my studio apartment for a steal, likely because of the heavy scratching noises in the ceiling every night. Honestly? I didn't mind. The rhythmic sounds actually helped me drift off. But ever since my landlord started seeing a new girlfriend, the scratching has stopped completely. The sudden silence is terrifying. I lie awake for hours, shivering, praying for the noise to come back so I can finally feel safe again.