It’s raining outside, and I’m too lazy to get out of bed. I just now decide that today’s just going to be one of those lazy days, where I do pretty much nothing at all - contribute nothing to society and whatnot. But hey, sometimes it feels nice to just be by yourself. It really does.
I roll over in the bed and listen to the soft, constant drone of the rain pattering against the roof. The blinds are pulled down over my window, keeping out the sunlight and maintaining the deep shadows in my room. The house is quiet; Denise is no doubt at work, and I have no visitors.
I stretch my arms over my head and rake a hand through my tangled hair. A shower sounds great. I’ve slept in a long-sleeved, loose-fitting shirt over my undies, and since I’m going to spend today by myself, I figure I can just wear this. Sighing, I pull myself out of the bed and trudge out of the room. The entire house is lit in looming shadows, and for a moment, goosebumps rise along my arms. I feel as though I’m being watched.
“Silly,” I mutter to myself with a smile, shaking my head. Of course I’d feel paranoid, being here by myself. I just saw a videotape of my boyfriend being killed - and the murderer knew my name! I have a right to feel wary, right?
I hum lightly under my breath as I go to the kitchen to fill myself a glass of water. Relieving my dry throat, I notice a picture frame sitting on the counter. Setting the glass down, I come closer and squint my eyes in recognition. It’s impossible? How…
It’s the picture frame with Niall and I - the one that disappeared and then reappeared. The one with the hair I hate looking back on. This intense, weighing feeling washes over me; I don’t remember bringing this here with me. I’d think I would’ve stuffed this in a box somewhere when I moved out of my apartment. How’d it get here?
Denise probably saw it somewhere and set it out. I shake my head again when I realize how paranoid I’m being and figure I’ll have some wine later. But for now, a shower sounds amazing.
I grab a towel out of the closet and go into the bathroom, not bothering to close the door behind me. I pull off my shirt and undies and turn on the water, making sure it’s hot and steaming. Then I step inside.
For a few moments or so, I let the cascading water run over my face; with my eyes closed and lips pursed, I feel the heat all around envelop me in its comforting hold. I don’t want to leave. Right now, I feel content. I’m not worried about a serial killer being in my house, and I’m not remembering how I watched my boyfriend die through a morbid video. I’m at peace.
When I pull my head from the water and turn to get my hair wet, I hear something thump. It’s not in the room - it’s somewhere else in the house. I instinctively cover my chest and curse low under my breath, suddenly regretting keeping the bathroom door wide open. What’s that noise? Is someone here?
On instinct, I look for something to use as a weapon. Sadly, the only thing I can think of right now is a shower scrubber. I’m completely frozen, stricken as I stare cautiously at the open doorway, trying to see if any of the shadows outside move.
There’s only silence and the running sound of water.
Maybe I heard the noise? Maybe it was my feet accidentally kicking the wall of the shower?
After realizing I’m fine and safe, I take a deep breath and force the thought of someone here with me out of my mind. Then I get my hair soaked and start mussing shampoo through my hair. I take as long as I want to wash my hair, and when I’m finished, I wash my body with soap and step out.
Wrapping myself in the towel, I brush quickly through my dark hair and walk back to the kitchen. My stomach’s growling. I hum lightly under my breath as I look through the fridge, but as I grab a carton of leftovers, I have the strangest feeling that...someone’s watching me. I can feel someone’s gaze burning in my back, it’s almost...painful in a way. And I feel a presence.
