Watched From Behind The Screen

5- A Close Call

The unease that had settled in Mia’s chest had grown heavier over the past few days. Despite Jake’s and Sarah’s constant encouragement, she felt more isolated than ever. The messages continued to taunt her, growing increasingly sinister.

One evening, Mia decided to step out for some fresh air, hoping it might clear her mind. As she walked down the street, she glanced around, feeling the weight of someone’s gaze on her. Just as she reached the corner, she spotted a figure lurking in the shadows. The moment her eyes met his, he turned abruptly and vanished into an alley.

Her heart raced. “No… not again,” she whispered, her instincts screaming at her to run. She hurried back to her apartment, slamming the door behind her, locking it tight.

Shaking, Mia grabbed her phone and called Sarah. “You won’t believe what just happened! I think I saw him—the stalker.”

“Mia, are you sure? Maybe it was just someone passing by,” Sarah suggested, but her voice was laced with worry.

“No! I felt it. He was watching me!” Mia insisted, pacing the room. “I can’t keep living like this. I need help!”

Just then, Jake knocked on the door, having overheard their conversation. “Mia, let me in. I think we need to discuss this in person.”

She opened the door, and Jake stepped in, looking more serious than ever. “What’s going on?”

“I think I saw the stalker. He was just down the street!” Mia said, her voice trembling.

Jake’s brow furrowed as he exchanged glances with Sarah. “This is escalating. We need to piece together everything we have. Let’s look through those messages again.”

They gathered around the coffee table, Mia laying out the notes and messages she had collected. “Look at this,” she pointed to one message. “It mentions a place I went last week—a cafe I only mentioned to you guys.”

“Wait a second,” Jake said, his eyes narrowing. “What if it’s someone who knows you? Someone from your circle?”

Mia felt a chill run down her spine. “But who? I’ve only told you both about the messages!”

As they rifled through the notes, Sarah picked up a slip of paper. “What’s this? An invitation for a party? You didn’t mention you were invited.”

“It’s from Emily. She’s a mutual friend,” Mia said, frowning. “But I didn’t plan on going.”

“Could she be involved?” Jake asked, his expression shifting to concern. “Maybe she knows something more.”

Before Mia could respond, her phone buzzed again. A new message appeared on the screen:

Unknown: “You should’ve come to the party, Mia. I’ll be waiting for you.”

Mia’s breath hitched in her throat. “This isn’t just a threat. They’re trying to manipulate me.”

“Let’s go talk to Emily,” Jake said, determination in his voice. “If she’s connected, we need to confront her.”

Mia nodded, the realization dawning on her. But just as she was about to grab her jacket, her heart sank. What if Emily was the one behind it all?

As they prepared to leave, a thought struck Mia like lightning. “What if… it’s someone we’ve trusted all along?” She looked at Jake and Sarah, her voice barely above a whisper. “What if the stalker is closer than we think?”