Love with monsters

"Death smiles at us all, all a man can do is smile back.” — Marcus Aurelius.

1.

In the quiet of the night, shadows clung to the edges of the scientist's house. The assassin, a silhouette of deadly intent, slipped through the darkness with a predatory grace. The air was thick with tension as he approached the target's residence, moving with a cat-like stealth.

He had come all the way from Milan to perform this act of penance.

"This is God's work", he thought. "I am nothing but the handmaid of the lord"

Inside, the renowned scientist, Dr. Emily Turner, suspected nothing. She sat in her study, surrounded by shelves filled with scientific journals and the soft hum of the computer analyzing data from her latest experiment. The only sound was the tapping of keys and occasional murmurs of approval as she reviewed her findings.

The assassin, clad in black, observed from the shadows, patiently waiting for the opportune moment. He had meticulously planned this mission, studying Dr. Turner's routines and learning every nuance of her life. His employers demanded precision, and he intended to deliver.

As Dr. Turner took a break, she reached for her phone to check messages. Little did she know that her every move was being watched. The assassin maintained a safe distance, his eyes locked onto her every action. The scientist, unaware of the predator lurking, exchanged casual messages with a friend, discussing the mundane details of life.

With the scientist momentarily distracted, the assassin seized the opportunity to slip into the house undetected. He moved with an eerie silence, weaving through the corridors like a ghost. The tension escalated as he closed in on his target, his hand tightening around the hilt of a concealed blade.

Just as he prepared to strike, a sudden ringtone echoed through the house. Dr. Turner's phone illuminated, displaying an incoming call. She picked up, engaging in a conversation that unwittingly prolonged her life. The assassin, frustrated but disciplined, retreated back into the shadows, waiting for another opening.

The call concluded, and Dr. Turner returned to her work, oblivious to the danger that lurked so close. The assassin recalibrated, adapting to the unpredictable rhythm of his prey. Time seemed to stretch as he followed her through the house, navigating the labyrinth of hallways with a deadly patience.