FATED TO HIS DARKNESS

A'S

I was being watched, the s

heart. At twenty-five, I had built a life that looked perfect from the outside

control had b

nto the door, as though someone stood just out of sight. Once, I caugh

d, there was

. Long hours. T

e half-empty and slick with rain. A street lamp flicker

I fel

was watc

and slow

e his face clearly, but his eyes caught the light, a faint,

ammed again

?" I asked, my

slightly, as if m

he wa

, snapping me b

I ans

next month!" she said, excitement sha

cour

ed. "Everyone will ask why you're still s

A stranger watching me... and

pping my fingers against my bag. As the doors closed, my thoughts drif

en watc

t a memory surfaced, the man at the coffee shop last week, t

l ache. Inside my apartment, I checked the windows, drew the

ate for distraction. Hours blurred together unti

ulled m

was there again, closer this time. His eyes locked o

and hovering inches f

rs touched, the

om felt too quiet. I hugged my teddy, telling mysel

hausti

warm breath near my ear, a whi

p claimed