As Neva and I ascend the stairs to my room after our research, an uneasy feeling settles over me. The air seems heavier, charged with an unexplained tension. Mishou trails behind us, his tail puffed up in agitation, sensing something amiss.
"Does your room always feel like this?" Neva whispers, her voice barely audible over the creaking of the wooden steps.
"No, it doesn't," I reply, my eyes darting around nervously as we reach the top landing. The door to my room stands slightly ajar, casting a thin sliver of light into the dim hallway.
Pushing open the door cautiously, I step inside, followed closely by Neva. The room feels different—unsettlingly so. It is as if someone has been here in my absence, leaving behind an inexplicable presence that lingers in the air.
Neva's eyes scan the room, taking in the disarray of scattered boxes and the faint outline of footprints on the dusty floor. "Sophie, look at this," she murmurs, pointing to a corner where the dust has been disturbed, revealing fresh shoe imprints.
My heart races as I approach the corner, kneeling down to inspect the marks. They are definitely recent, not like the settled layers of dust covering the rest of the room. Fear clenches my stomach, mingling with anger and confusion. Who has been in my room? How did they get in?
"Mishou," Neva calls softly, drawing our attention to the window. It is slightly ajar, the curtains billowing in the evening breeze. "Sophie, did you leave this open?"
I shake my head, my mind reeling with possibilities. "No, I didn't. Someone was here," I whisper, my voice trembling. The realization sends shivers down my spine. The stalker—have they found me here? Are they watching us right now?
"Oh my god. Sophie!" Neva gasps, her eyes almost popping out. When I look in her direction, I swear my heart could almost collapse.
My mirror is molested. My name is everywhere.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Neva reaches for her phone, dialing the emergency line. "We need to call the police," she says firmly, her eyes fixed on mine, mirroring the gravity of the situation.
As we wait for the authorities to arrive, I feel a surge of fear and anger coursing through me. My sanctuary has been violated, and the presence of the unknown intruder looms large in my mind. Mishou rubs against my leg, a comforting presence amidst the chaos.
Minutes later, the sound of sirens pierces the night, signaling the arrival of the police. Neva and I step outside, relief washing over us as we see the flashing lights. Officers approach us, their expressions serious as they listen to our account of the break-in.
Inside, they conduct a thorough search, examining every corner for clues. I watch from the porch, my hands trembling as I clutch Mishou close to me. Neva stands beside me, offering silent support as we await answers.
After what feels like an eternity, one of the officers emerges from the house, holding a small object in an evidence bag. "We found this," he says, handing me a torn piece of paper. On it are hastily scribbled words:
"Next time, no police."
My heart sinks as I read the chilling message. The stalker has been here, leaving behind a haunting reminder of their presence. Despite the police's assurances and efforts, I know deep down that this isn't over—that the threat still looms ominously over me.
As the officers continue their investigation, Neva stays with me, offering her home as a safe haven for the night. We wait anxiously for any updates, surrounded by the unsettling silence that now hangs over my once peaceful refuge.
Tomorrow, I know, will bring more questions, more uncertainties. But for now, I hold onto Mishou tightly, seeking solace in his comforting presence amidst the turmoil that has invaded my life once again.
Neva's concern for me is palpable as we stand outside my room, surrounded by the aftermath of the break-in. Her eyes search mine, filled with worry and uncertainty.
"Sophie, are you sure you're okay?" she asks softly, her voice laced with genuine concern.
I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves despite the lingering fear. "I'm okay, Neva," I reply, forcing a reassuring smile. "It's just... unsettling to think someone was here."
She nods slowly, her expression still tense with worry. "You don't have to stay here tonight. Come to my place. It'll be safer," Neva urges, her concern evident in every word.
I appreciate her offer, grateful for her unwavering support. "Thank you, Neva. Really, I appreciate it," I say sincerely, placing a reassuring hand on her arm. "But I need to do this on my own. I'll be fine."
Neva hesitates, clearly torn between wanting to protect me and respecting my decision. Finally, she nods in understanding. "Okay. Just promise me you'll call if you need anything, alright?"
"I promise," I assure her, offering a grateful smile. "Thank you for everything, Neva."
As she leaves, I turn back to the house, steeling myself for the night ahead. Despite my reassurances to Neva, fear still gnaws at me. But I know I can't let it paralyze me. Gathering my resolve, I close the door behind me, determined to face whatever comes next with courage and resilience.
