Chapter 3: Strange Encounters
The next few days passed in a blur of unpacking and trying to adjust to my new life in Ridgewood. Despite the excitement of the city, I couldn’t shake the unsettling feeling that seemed to follow me everywhere. It was as if a shadow was constantly looming over me, one that I couldn’t quite see but could always feel.
Every time I stepped into the hallway or walked through the lobby, I half-expected to run into Liam. And more often than not, I did. He always seemed to be around, offering a friendly smile or a casual remark that kept me just slightly off-balance.
One evening, after a particularly long day of organizing my apartment, I decided to take a walk to clear my head. The sun had just begun to set, casting a warm golden hue over the city. I grabbed my jacket and headed out, hoping the fresh air would help ease my mind.
As I walked, I found myself drifting towards a nearby park. The trees swayed gently in the breeze, their leaves rustling softly. The park was serene, a small oasis in the middle of the bustling city, and for the first time in days, I felt a sense of peace.
That is, until I saw him.
Liam was leaning against a tree, his phone in hand, completely engrossed in whatever he was doing. For a moment, I considered turning back the way I came, but he looked up and our eyes met. There was no escaping now.
Liam
(smiling) Hey, Emily. Out for a walk?
Emily
(nervously) Yeah, I needed to get some air. Didn’t expect to see you here.
Liam
(putting away his phone) It’s a small world, isn’t it?
He walked over to me, his movements smooth and controlled. The closer he got, the more I could feel that familiar tension creeping up my spine. I tried to tell myself it was all in my head, but my instincts screamed otherwise.
Emily
(forcing a smile) I guess so. The park is beautiful at this time of day.
Liam
(his gaze intense) It is. But it’s better when you’re not alone.
There it was again, that edge in his voice that made my heart race. I couldn’t quite figure him out. Was he just being friendly, or was there something more? Something darker?
Emily
(laughing nervously) I’m fine on my own, but thanks.
Liam
(stepping closer) Are you sure? You never know what could happen in a city like this.
I swallowed hard, his words hanging in the air like a warning. But instead of backing away, I held my ground, refusing to let him see how unnerved I was.
Emily
(firmly) I can take care of myself, Liam.
He stared at me for a moment, as if weighing my words, then his lips curled into a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.
Liam
(nodding) I’m sure you can, Emily. But just in case, you know where to find me.
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving me standing there in the fading light. I watched him go, my heart pounding in my chest. There was something about him that scared me, but at the same time, I couldn’t deny the pull I felt towards him. It was like being caught in a storm—dangerous and unpredictable, yet strangely exhilarating.
I stood there for a few more minutes, trying to calm my racing thoughts. The park, which had once seemed so peaceful, now felt ominous, like a place where shadows could hide anything. I decided it was time to go home.
As I walked back to my apartment, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was being watched. I kept glancing over my shoulder, half-expecting to see Liam following me. But each time I looked, the street was empty, the only sound the soft echo of my footsteps on the pavement.
When I finally made it back to my building, I hurried inside and locked the door behind me, my hands trembling. I pressed my back against the door, trying to catch my breath.
Emily
Thoughts: What is it about this place? And why can’t I shake the feeling that something is terribly wrong?
Later that night, I couldn’t sleep. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Liam’s face—those piercing blue eyes, that unsettling smile. It was like he was haunting my dreams, refusing to let me rest.
I tossed and turned, but sleep wouldn’t come. Finally, I got up and went to the kitchen, hoping a glass of water would help calm my nerves.
As I stood by the sink, sipping the cold water, I noticed something out of the corner of my eye. Across the street, in the shadows, a figure was standing perfectly still, watching my building. I froze, my breath catching in my throat.
It was too dark to see who it was, but I didn’t need to. Somehow, I knew it was him.
I quickly turned off the light and stepped back from the window, my heart pounding in my chest. Was he really watching me? Or was my mind playing tricks on me?
Either way, I couldn’t shake the feeling of dread that had settled deep in my bones. I was in over my head, and I knew it. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t escape the web that was slowly closing in around me.
And Liam was at the center of it all.
Comments
Cara De Clare
Liam here, seems to be interested in her from the first day.However, I conjecture that he knows her from before. And, man — This is creeping me. Does he follow her everywhere or what? Not all the encounters can possibly be a coincidence!
2024-08-25
3
Cara De Clare
Liam is wrong here. /Sweat/
2024-08-25
0
Cara De Clare
He's stalking —
2024-08-25
0