Wildflower

Chapter 3: Shadows and Sparks

Chapter 3: Shadows and Sparks

I open the door cautiously, my heart pounding in my chest. My mind races through a dozen worst-case scenarios, each more terrifying than the last. But when I see the man standing there, my breath catches in surprise. It's not Matheo. It's not anyone dangerous. It's just a neighbor, a middle-aged man with a sheepish smile.

"I'm so sorry," he says, glancing down at a piece of paper in his hand. "I think I've got the wrong house. I'm looking for number 12. All these houses look so similar."

Relief floods through me, but it's tinged with embarrassment. I force a smile and nod. "No problem. It happens."

He apologizes again before heading off in the right direction, and I close the door, leaning against it for a moment. My body trembles slightly, the adrenaline still coursing through my veins. It's just a harmless mistake, but the encounter leaves me shaken. I realize just how on edge I am, how quickly my mind jumps to the worst possible conclusion.

As I stand there in the quiet of my new home, the weight of my fear settles heavily on my shoulders. I had hoped that moving here, away from Matheo, would help me escape the anxiety that's been my constant companion for years. But it's clear that the physical distance hasn't completely freed me from the grip of the past. Even a simple mistake like a neighbor knocking on the wrong door has my heart racing as if I'm still in danger.

I glance around my living room, taking in the partially unpacked boxes and the few pieces of furniture I've managed to arrange. The space is meant to be a fresh start, a place where Luna and I can build a life that's ours alone. But right now, it feels more like a temporary refuge—safe for now, but fragile, easily shattered by the intrusion of the world outside.

That night, I can't shake the unease. Even though I know there's no real danger, the thought of Matheo somehow finding me gnaws at the back of my mind. I decide to keep Luna close, carrying her to bed with me instead of leaving her in her crib. I need to know she's safe, that nothing can happen to her while she's within arm's reach.

As I lie in bed, Luna nestled against me, I try to calm my racing thoughts. The sound of her gentle breathing soothes me, but sleep doesn't come easily. My mind keeps replaying the events of the evening, reminding me how deeply Matheo's control still lingers, even when he's not here.

I think about the years I spent under his thumb, how he managed to make me feel so small, so insignificant. Every decision I made, every action I took, was filtered through the lens of his approval or disapproval. Even now, miles away from him, I'm still afraid of making a move that might somehow draw his wrath. I can't let myself live like this anymore—I know that. But breaking free from the chains he's wrapped around my mind is proving to be harder than I ever imagined.

As the night stretches on, I find myself slipping into memories I've tried so hard to bury. I remember the early days of our relationship, when Matheo was charming and attentive, when he made me feel like the most important person in the world. I was so young, so naive. I didn't see the warning signs—the subtle ways he started to isolate me from my friends and family, the little comments that chipped away at my confidence. By the time I realized what was happening, I was already trapped, too scared to leave, too broken to believe I deserved anything better.

I close my eyes, trying to push the memories away. This is supposed to be a new beginning, a chance to rebuild my life. I can't let him have this power over me anymore. But the fear is still there, lurking just beneath the surface, ready to pounce at the slightest provocation.

Eventually, exhaustion wins out, and I drift off to sleep, Luna's warmth a small comfort against the coldness of my thoughts.

The next morning, I wake up early, the sunlight filtering softly through the curtains. Luna is still asleep beside me, her tiny fists curled up near her face. For a moment, I just watch her, feeling an overwhelming surge of love and protectiveness. I won't let anything happen to her. I won't let Matheo's shadow darken our lives any longer.