The Horizon Strangers

Whispers of Chaos

SAM POV

As I navigated through the bumper-to-bumper traffic, I couldn't stop glancing at my rearview mirror, my nerves still rattled from what I'd seen or thought I'd seen in the parking lot. Every passing car, every shadow cast by the streetlights, made me second-guess myself. 

Was someone following me? Or was it just paranoia?

I came to a stop at a red light and reached for my phone. Scrolling through the contacts, I dialed Chelsey's number. The moment she picked up, her voice blasted through the speaker.

"Girlllll! How was your first day, our new program manager in town?" Chelsey squealed with excitement, her voice so loud I had to pull the phone away from my ear before my eardrum gave out.

Chelsey my best friend since middle school. We'd grown up together, our parents having been college friends themselves. She was practically family, and no one had been more excited for me when I landed this job. 

She'd been hyped for days, planning a mini celebration ever since I told her the news.

"Where are you?" I asked, hearing the faint noise of a crowded store in the background.

"I'm at the grocery store," she replied. "Picking up stuff to cook so we can pop some wine and celebrate your first day!"

That was Chelsey for you always thoughtful, always ready to turn an ordinary night into something fun. The light turned green, and I pressed on the gas, falling back into the slow crawl of traffic.

"Listen, Chels," I began, still keeping an eye on my mirrors, "I got a scare in the parking lot after work."

"What happened?" she asked, her tone shifting from playful to concerned.

"I think someone was following me," I said, glancing over my shoulder as if someone would pop up in the backseat any second. "I'm probably overreacting, but it just felt weird. Like someone was there, watching."

"Hold on, Sam, let me just put these groceries in the car," she said quickly. I waited, hearing the shuffle of bags being loaded into her trunk. 

After a few seconds, she was back on the line. "Okay, what were you saying?"

I took a deep breath and told her everything the shadow in the parking lot, the way my heart raced the whole drive home, how dark it had gotten so quickly. 

"I swear, it was like the temperature dropped out of nowhere. And it wasn't just that it got dark so fast, too. It's weird, right?"

"Girl, you're not crazy," Chelsey said, her voice calm but thoughtful. "I noticed how fast it got dark today, too. It's kind of freaking me out. Maybe it's just the weather or something, but still..."

"Exactly!" I exclaimed. "I knew something was off."

"Listen, get home quickly," she said. "Forget about it, and let's celebrate. We've got a whole night ahead of us to unwind. You don't need to stress yourself out."

"Yeah, you're right. I just need to let it go," I muttered, though I wasn't sure if I could.

"Oh, crap!" Chelsey suddenly shouted, startling me.

"What now?"

"I forgot to pick up eggs and milk for breakfast tomorrow. Sam, can you be a darling and swing by the store for me? I'm already driving home, and I do not want to go back."

I sighed, but a small smile crept onto my face. That was so like her. "Fine. I'll grab them. You owe me, though."

"You're the best, babe! See you soon!" she chirped before hanging up.