Chapter 3: The Game Begins

0 0 0
                                    

Lily stared at the rose, its crimson petals a stark contrast against the white box.

A chill ran down her spine. This wasn't just a gift. It was a declaration. A game.  She felt a wave of panic wash over her.

"What the hell?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

She carefully lifted the rose from the box, its silky petals cool against her fingertips.  It was a beautiful rose, but something about it felt wrong, like a predator disguised as prey.

She reached for her phone, her fingers fumbling with the buttons.

"Hey, what's up?" she typed, trying to sound casual.

A few seconds later, the reply came.

"I thought you might like something pretty."

Her heart pounded against her ribs.  He knew she was home.  He was watching her.

"Who is this?" she typed back, her fingers shaking.

"Someone who knows you well," came the reply.

"I don't understand. Why are you doing this?"

He didn't reply for a moment, and Lily's anxiety shot through the roof.

"It's a game," he finally typed.

"A simple game. Follow the rules, and you'll be fine."

"What rules?" Lily typed, her mind racing.

"You'll find out," he replied.

"I'll leave clues.  Just follow them.  It's gonna be fun."

"Fun?" Lily typed back, her stomach churning.  "This is not fun.  Leave me alone."

"Don't worry, I'm not going to hurt you," he replied. 

"Not yet, at least."

The message was chillingly casual.  It sent a wave of fear crashing over her. This wasn't some teenage prank.

This was dangerous.

Lily shut her phone, her hands trembling.  She felt trapped.  The stalker was playing a game, and she was the pawn.  And she had no idea how to win.

She sank onto the couch, clutching the rose, its fragrance a reminder of the chilling game she'd been dragged into.  She knew she needed to tell someone, but who could she trust?

She could feel his eyes on her.

The game had begun.

THE STALKERWhere stories live. Discover now