True Scary Stories For Sleep With Rain Sounds | True Horror Stories | Fall Asleep Quick Vol. 31

hello everyone and welcome back to the horror Hut now I know a lot of you use these videos to sleep so before you drift off I thought it would be a fun idea if everyone can leave a comment to let me know where you are listening from in the world also like And subscribe if you are enjoying the episodes right let's get comfy and relaxed and let's begin I rented a small cabin out in the woods about an hour's drive from town it was supposed to be a weekend away from everything work had been too

much lately and I needed time to clear my head the idea of being alone out there with nothing but trees and quiet sounded perfect the cabin wasn't anything special just one room a small kitchen and a bathroom it had a porch out front with an old wooden chair and a few that stretched out over the thick Woods no cell service no Wi-Fi and just an old radio that barely picked up any stations I figured that's why I needed no distractions just a break from everything I got there in the late afternoon the sun was just

starting to set behind the trees casting lawn shadows across the ground it was peaceful at first I unpacked my bag set up a small fire outside and cooked some Ken soup for dinner by the time the sun disappeared completely the silence was almost too much I wasn't used to it not after living in the city for so long I spent most of that night sitting on the porch staring out into the woods it was darker than I expected like a wall of Blackness just beyond the tree line you couldn't see anything past it the only

sound was the crackling of the fire and the occasional rustling of leaves in the wind every so often I thought I heard something else like footsteps but I chocked it up to animals moving around it's the woods after all there's bound to be wild life I went to bed around midnight but it wasn't easy to fall asleep the bed was old and creaky and every little noise outside kept me on edge I was sure I'd heard something walking near the cabin but I told myself it was just my nerves just the usual noises of the

forest eventually I drifted up off though not deeply a loud thought woke me up I sat up in bed my heart pounding it sounded like something had hit the side of the cabin I stayed still listening at first there was nothing but then I heard it again a soft crunch of leaves this time closer to the window I got out of bed slowly trying to stay quiet I walked over to the window but one that looked out toward the front porch I peeed through the curtain but I couldn't see anything just the dark shapes of

trees against the night sky no movement no one standing there I stood there for a while waiting the only sound was my own breathing I was about to step away when I heard it again lot of this time the unmistakable sound of footsteps on the gravel just outside the door my heart was racing I knew it wasn't an animal it was too deliberate whoever it was they were walking around the cabin slowly I crapped a flashlight from the kitchen and turned it on but I didn't open the door instead I waited hoping that whoever it

was would leave but the footsteps didn't stop they moved to the back of the cabin then to the side like someone was circling the place I tried to tell myself it was just a lost hiker maybe someone looking for help but why not call out why just keep walking around like that after a few minutes the footsteps stopped I stood there in the dark flashlight in hand barely breathing I didn't want to move didn't want to make any noise I stayed like that for what felt like hours just waiting for something to happen finally I

couldn't take it anymore I had to see if anyone was out there I unlocked the door and stepped onto the porch shining the flashlight around the light barely reached past the edge of the porch and everything Beyond it was Pitch Black I didn't see anyone no movement no sign that anyone had been there but I knew what I heard I checked around the cabin even walked a few steps into the woods shining the flashlight into the trees still nothing I started to think maybe I'd imagined it maybe it was an animal after all I went

back inside locking the door behind me I didn't sleep much that night just laid in bed staring at the ceiling listening for any noise nothing else happened though and when morning came I felt a little stupid I convinced myself I'd overreacted I spent most of the next day hiking around the area trying to clear my head it helped a little but I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off I kept looking over my shoulder expecting to see someone watching me from the trees but every time I turned around it was just the Woods by

the time I got back to the cabin it was already late afternoon I built another fire ate some more caned food and tried to relax but that night it started again I was sitting on the porch when I heard it footsteps just like before slow deliberate I turned on the flashlight and pointed it toward the sound but I didn't see anything the footsteps stopped when the light hit the trees I stood up my hand shaking and listened then just as I started to think it had stopped for good I heard it again this time closer

someone was out there watching waiting I couldn't take it anymore I ran back inside locking the door behind me I went to grab my phone to call someone anyone but I had no signal no way to reach anyone I paced around the cabin trying to figure out what to do I couldn't stay there now with someone out there I needed to leave I cracked my keys and ran outside to my car but when I got to it I saw all four tires had been slashed the rubber was torn to shreds and there was no way

I could drive out of there I stood there staring at the tires my heart pounding in my chest I was trapped whoever was out there had done this they wanted me stuck here I ran back inside locking the door again I tried to calm down but my mind was racing what if they tried to get in what if they were waiting for me to come outside again I turned off all the lights and sat in the corner of the room listening the footsteps started again circling the cabin slower this time like they were taunting me

I didn't know what to do I couldn't leave and I had no way to contact anyone I just sat there waiting hoping they would get bored and leave but the footsteps didn't stop they kept going round and round for hours eventually they stopped I didn't move I didn't trust it I stayed there huddled in the corner listening for any sign of movement the sun started to rise and the light crept into the cabin I stood up slowly every muscle in my body tense I opened the door a crack and looked outside nothing no one I

walked around the cabin checking for any signs of whoever had been out there but there was nothing just a slash tires in the Silence of the woods I didn't waste any time I packed up my things and started walking I knew there was a small town a few miles away and I wasn't staying there another night I kept looking over my shoulder the whole way but I didn't see anyone no footsteps no movement in the trees I made it to the town by midday and called a tow truck to give my car I didn't tell

anyone what had happened it felt too strange too unreal I had been planning this hike for a while it was a long weekend and I wanted to get away from everything just me the trail and some quiet time the park I chose wasn't wellknown which was perfect I didn't want to deal with crowds or noisy campers the trail was supposed to be remote peaceful and deep into the forest that was exactly what I needed I got an early start hoping to cover as much ground as possible before nightfall the path wound for thick trees and

the deeper I went the more isolated I felt it was nice at first no sounds except for the wind and the trees and the crunch of leaves under my boots the sun filtered through the branches and patches and it felt like I was the only person for Miles a few hours in I hadn't seen anyone else it was quiet quiet the kind of quiet that presses in on you I stopped for a break took off my backpack and sat on a rock to drink some water that's when I saw her she was coming up the

trail from the direction I'd just come at first I was surprised I hadn't expected to see anyone especially not this far into the woods but as she got closer I could tell something was off her clothes were dirty and she looked out of place her hair was a mess her eyes wide and frantic she wasn't carrying anything with her no backpack no water nothing she spotted me and hurried over stumbling a little as she walked I stood up unsure what to do hey she said out of breath can you help me I'm lost her voice

sounded shaky like she'd been crying or panicking I wasn't sure what to think it's not like it's unheard of for people to get lost in the woods but something about her seemed wrong still I wasn't going to just leave her there where did you come from I asked looking around there wasn't another Trail for Miles I don't know she said glancing over her shoulder I've been walking for hours I can't find my way back her story didn't make sense how could she be out here without any tear no map no phone not even a jacket

but she looked scared and I didn't want to leave her in the woods alone I figured I could help her get back to the main trail or at least Point her in the right direction all right I said do you remember where you started from she shook her head head no I I don't know I was with someone but I lost them I didn't like the sound of that who was she with why wasn't she carrying anything but I pushed the questions aside if she was lost and alone I needed to help her let's walk

together I said maybe we can find your way back she nodded and followed me as I started walking but the longer we went the more uneasy I felt she was walking too close to me almost crowding me on the Narrow Path every time I tried to make conversation she just gave fake answers or mumbled something I couldn't understand after about 20 minutes I noticed something that made my stomach drop we've been walking in circles the same fallen tree we passed earlier was up ahead the same split in the path that I'd already taken I stopped

wait I said we've been here before we're going the wrong way she didn't respond at first just stood there staring at me her expression had changed she wasn't panicked anymore her face was blank almost cold I think we should go back I said trying to keep my voice calm we'll head back to the main trail there's a ranger station not far from there for a second she didn't move then slowly she smiled it wasn't a friendly smile it was the kind of smile that sends a chill down your spine no she said we need to

go this way she pointed down a narrow path barely visible through the trees it wasn't part of the main trail just a small opening between the bushes I hadn't noticed it before and I definitely hadn't planned to go that way why I asked stepping back what's down there she didn't answer just started walking toward the path I didn't follow my cut was screaming at me to turn around to get out of there something was seriously wrong wait I said my voice Slaughter now where are you going she stopped and turned to look at me that

same smile still on her face you should come with me she said it's not safe out here alone there was something in her voice that set off every alarm in my head it was too calm too rehearsed like she'd said it before and that's when I realized she wasn't lost this was a setup up I took another step back trying to put some distance between us I'm going back I said trying to sound firm you can come with me if you want but I'm not going down there her smile faded and her eyes narrowed she

took a step toward me you don't want to go that way she said it's too far you'll never make it my heart was racing now I knew I had to leave but I didn't want to turn my back on her I started backing up keeping my eyes on her the whole time she didn't move for a moment just stood there watching me then without warning she lunged I turned and ran my legs pumping as fast as they could I didn't care about the trail anymore I just needed to get away from her branches scratched in

my arms and face as as I tore through the trees not looking back I could hear her footsteps behind me crashing through the underbrush getting closer my lungs burned and my legs felt like they were going to give out but I kept running I didn't know where I was going just that I needed to put as much distance between us as possible finally I burst out onto the main trail I could still hear her behind me but she was farther away now I didn't stop I kept running my heart pounding in my ears I didn't

slow down until I could no longer hear her footsteps when I finally stopped gasping for breath I looked around there was no sign of her no sound except for the wind and the trees but I wasn't going to wait around to see if she'd catch up I turned and land the rest of the way back to the parking lot by the time I got there my chest was tight and I could barely breathe but I didn't stop I jumped into my car locked the doors and sped out of there as fast as I could I

had a long day at work and all I wanted to do was get home have a drink and go to bed it was late by the time I got back almost midnight the street was quiet not a sound besides my footsteps and the occasional car passing by in the distance I was exhausted mind on autopilot as I walked up the driveway when I reached the front door I noticed it was slightly a jar not enough to be wide open but just enough that I could tell it hadn't been closed all the way I didn't think

much of it at first my wife had a habit of leaving it unlocked as she knew I was coming home late figuring I'd just lock up behind me I made a mental note to remind her about it in the morning then pushed the door open and stepped inside the house was dark but that wasn't unusual I expected her to be asleep already I kicked off my shoes tossing my keys on the table by the door and made my way toward the kitchen to grab a drink that's when I started to feel off there was this

weird sense that something wasn't right but I couldn't put my finger on it the house was quiet but not in the way it usually was it felt too still I paused for a moment listening no sound of the TV in the background no soft hum of the refrigerator just silence my first thought was maybe the power had gone out but the clock on the microwave was still glowing Fain ly in the dark I shook it off chalking it up to me being tired and overthinking I crapped a beer from the fridge and popped it open

leaning against the counter as I took a long drink but the feeling didn't go away it was saging at me this creeping sense of unease I glanced around the kitchen and that's when it hit me the chairs they were different we had these old wooden chairs around the C kitchen table but the ones I was looking at now were metal sleek and modern not at all like what we owned my stomach dropped this was in my house I felt a sudden Rush of panic my mind raised trying to make sense of it how could I

have just walked into the wrong house they all looked the same in the neighborhood but I've been living here for years I knew my own place didn't I and yet here I was standing in a stranger's kitchen I set the beer down careful not to make a sound my heart was pounding now and I realized I needed to get out of there fast I turned toward the door but before I could take a step I heard a sound behind me a soft Creek like someone shifting their weight I froze who the hell are you the

voice came from the doorway I whipped around and saw a man standing there half hidden in the shadows he was holding something a bat or a club I couldn't tell my heart was racing and I felt a cold sweat break out on the back of my neck I I'm sorry I stammered I thought this was my house he didn't move didn't lower the bat he just stood there staring at me like he was trying to figure out whether I was telling the truth or not your Al his voice was low calm but there was an

edge to it you're in the wrong place buddy I know I said quickly raising my hands a little to show I wasn't a threat I'm sorry I just I wasn't paying attention and shut up I stopped talking my mouth dry he took a step closer the bat still raised what are you doing here he asked again slower this time like he was giving me one last chance to explain myself I could see his eyes now and there was something in them that made my skin crawl I swear it was an accident I said I thought

I was home I'll leave right now he didn't answer he just stood there gripping the bat so so hard I could hear his knuckles cracking I took a small step back hoping he'd let me go but he didn't move why should I believe you he said his voice soft but dangerous I opened my mouth to answer but before I could say anything he lunged at me the bat swung toward my head and I barely managed to duck in time it missed me by inches slamming into the countertop with a loud crack I didn't think I

just ran I bolted for the front door my heart pounding so hard I thought it might burst I could hear him behind me his footsteps heavy as he chased after me I didn't dare look back I reached the door and yanked it open stumbling out on the porch I ran down the driveway my leg shaking so badly I almost fell I didn't stop until I was halfway down the street gasping for breath bre my head spinning only then did I turn around to look the man was standing in the doorway still holding the bat watching

me he didn't chase me didn't say anything he just stood there his face shatter out in the porch light I didn't wait to see what he would do next I turned and ran again all the way back to my own house my real house this time when I got inside I locked the door behind me in leaned against it trying to catch my breath I was shaking all over my hands my legs everything I couldn't believe what had just happened I had walked into someone else's house thinking it was mine and almost got my head

bashed in for it I checked the time it was nearly 1:00 a.m. my wife was already asleep completely unaware of what had just happened I didn't wake her I didn't even tell her the next day but now every time I come home late I double check the address before I go inside I've been jocking at night for as long as I can remember I know it's not the safest thing to do but it's when I feel most alive the air is cooler the streets quieter and it's the only time I can really clear my head

I never really worried much about running alone even though people warned me just be careful they'd say and I nod but never gave it much thought I knew my usual route well and never had a problem that night I remember everything feeling normal or at least it did it first I left my house just after Sunset laced up my shoes and hit the pavement the sky was a deep purple Fading Into black as the last bit of daylight disappeared there were a few people still walking around couples on their evening strolls but soon enough the

streets emptied and it was just me and the sound of my feet hitting the ground I was about 2 miles in when I first noticed him at first he didn't seem out of place just another person walking on the sidewalk he was a little further behind me but it was a quiet enough night that I could hear the steady pace of his footsteps if it weren't fast just a slow even Rhythm I didn't think anything of it at first people walk around here all the time it wasn't until I turned onto a smaller Street what

I liked because it was usually empty that I noticed he was still behind me this street didn't go anywhere except through a quiet residential area and it was in a shortcut to anything so why was he still there I tried to brush it off maybe he lived nearby but something about his Pace the way it stayed consistent with mine started to bother me I slowed down just to see what he'd do his steps slowed too okay maybe it was a coincidence maybe he was just walking home at the same time same pace that happens right

I tried not to overthink it but then I sped up a little just to test it and sure enough his steps quickened too that's when the knot of fear started forming in my stomach I glanced over my shoulder trying to be casual about it he was still there just a little closer now still keeping that same distance behind me I couldn't see his face clearly in the dim light from the street lamps but he was tall wearing dark clothes and his head was down like he was trying not to be noticed but I noticed I

turned my head back around my heart starting to pound I told myself to stay calm not to panic but every Instinct I had was screaming at me that something wasn't right I knew I needed to change my route I didn't want to go straight home not with him behind me I wasn't sure if he was just some guy on his own walk or if he was actually following me but I wasn't about to take any chances I turned down another side street hoping maybe he'd keep going straight but he didn't I didn't have to look

to know he had turned with me I could hear it his footsteps still there matching mine he was following me he wasn't even trying to hie it anymore I started running fast faster my breath coming quicker now but trying to keep it steady I didn't want to look scared didn't want to let him know he was King to me but my legs felt heavy like I couldn't move fast enough no matter how much I tried I darted around another Corner hoping maybe I could lose him but when I glanced back he was still there closer

than before he wasn't running but his walk had turned into a fast stride and I could feel him closing the distance between us there were no cars passing by no people out anymore it was just me and him I knew I couldn't outrun him he was too close now my mind raised trying to figure out what to do my phone was in the pocket of my jacket but pulling it out to call someone would slow me down and I didn't have time I could feel him gaining on me with every second up ahead I saw

small alley that cut between two buildings it was risky but I didn't have much choice if I kept going down the street I'd be out in the open with nowhere to go if I took the alley maybe I could lose him I made a split second decision and feared into the alley sprinting as fast as I could it was narrow with dumpsters lining one side and shadows stretching across the ground my chest was burning but I didn't stop I just kept running hoping maybe he wouldn't follow but he did I could hear his footsteps echoing

off the walls faster now more urgent he was coming after me my heart was hammering in my chest my breath coming in ragged gasps I felt like I was going to throw up but I couldn't stop the alley opened up into another Street and I burst out of it glancing around desperately there was still no one around no cars no lights in the windows it was like the whole world had emptied out leaving just me and him I turned right running down the sidewalk but I knew I couldn't keep this pace much longer my legs

were starting to give out my lungs screaming for air I could hear him behind me closer than ever I was running out of options up ahead I saw Park its entrance just a few yards away the path through it was dark lined with trees but if I could make it inside maybe I could hide maybe he wouldn't follow me into the trees I feared off the street and into the park my legs barely carrying me at this point the path twisted and turned disappearing into the shadows and I followed it blindly I didn't dare look

back I reached a small cluster of trees and duck behind them pressing myself against the rough bark trying to control my breathing my heart was racing my hand shaking so badly I could barely keep them still I listened straining to hear his footsteps but there was nothing just silence had I lost him for a few minutes I didn't move didn't make a sound I was too scared to even breathe afraid he'd hear me I kept telling myself I was safe that he was gone but then I heard it a tweak snapping not far from where

I was hiding he was still out there he was looking for me I pressed myself harder against the tree trying to make myself as small as possible I could hear him moving now slow and deliberate like he was searching for something for me I wanted to run but I knew if I moved he'd hear me I was trapped my mind raced trying to come up with a plan but nothing seemed right every option felt like it would end with him catching me then I heard His Voice come out he called his tone calm almost playful

I know you're here my blood turned to ice he knew he knew exactly where I was I clenched my fist s trying to keep myself from shaking I wasn't sure how much longer I could stay hidden if he found me I didn't know what he would do but I knew it wouldn't be good I heard his footsteps getting closer he was right there just on the other side of the trees I held my breath praying he wouldn't come any closer praying he wouldn't find me and then just when I thought I was done for I

heard something else a car driving down the street nearby its headlights cut through the darkness and for a moment I saw him a tall shadowy figure standing just a few feet away from me he hesitated glancing toward the sound of the car and in that Split Second I made my move I bolted up from behind the trees sprinting toward the street I didn't look back didn't care if he saw me I just ran I could see the headlights getting closer and I waved my arms screaming for help the car slowed the driver looking confused I

didn't stop running I reached the sidewalk just as the car pulled up beside me the driver rolled down his window a concerned look on his face are you okay he asked I glanced back expecting to see the man behind me but he was gone the park was empty the path disappeared peering into the darkness I didn't know where he'd gone and I didn't care I nodded trying to catch my breath my heart still pounding yeah I managed to say though my voice was shaky I'm okay but I wasn't I knew I'd never feel safe running

at night again I moved into my dorm room halfway through the semester there was some mixup with housing at the start of the year and I ended up living off campus for a few months but eventually they called and told me they had space for me I didn't know much about my new roommate other than his name Ryan he was quiet when I first met him didn't say much he just gave me a nod when I entered uced myself then went back to unpacking it wasn't unusual for people to keep to themselves especially in a

shared space so I didn't think much of it we didn't have to be best friends just civil enough to share the room at first everything seemed fine we pass each other in the hall or catch a glance across the room but we never really talked Ryan had this habit of keeping his side of the room spotless though which was kind of kind of the opposite of how I lived he'd neatly fold his clothes stack his books and even line up his shoes by the door it felt a little obsessive but I wasn't complaining the weird

stuff started happening about a week after I moved in I noticed Ryan kept OD hours I'd wake up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom or grab some water and he'd be sitting at his desk in the dark talking in hush tones on his phone he always had it press close to his ear whispering in a voice too low for me to catch anything but I could see his face slid up by the screen his eyes darting around the room like he was afraid someone might overhear I thought it was weird but

I figured it was none of my business maybe he had a girlfriend or something he didn't want to talk about one night I woke up around 3:00 a.m. and saw him sitting on his bed just staring at his phone it wasn't like he was texting or scrolling or anything he was just looking at it the room was dead silent but his eyes were glued to the screen like he was waiting for something when I shifted in bed his head snapped up and he gave me this strange look almost like he was surprised to see me

there like he' forgotten I existed then there were the times he disappeared it wasn't unusual for him to be gone all day or even for a couple of days at a time at first I thought maybe he was staying with friends or going home for the weekend but he never mentioned anything he'd just vanish and then out of nowhere I'd wake up and he'd be back sitting on his bed scrolling through his phone or scribbling something in a notebook when I asked him where he'd been he'd shrug and Mumble something about being out there was

this one time a Friday night when things got really unsettling I was getting ready to go out with some friends when these two guys showed up at our door I didn't recognize them and they looked rough the kind of guys you wouldn't want to mess with they didn't say much just asked if Ryan was there when I told them he wasn't they exchanged this weird look before one of them nodded and said tell him we came by he knows what it's about they left without saying anything else but it left me feeling uneasy when Ryan

got back later that night I told him about it and he just stared at me his eyes went cold and he didn't say a word just turned and walked to his side of the room I could feel this tension hanging in the air after that like he was mad at me for something but I had no idea what things only got stranger after that he started locking the door when he was alone in the room even when I was supposed to be there I'd knock and it would take him a minute or two to let

me in once I heard voices inside like he was was talking to someone but when he finally opened the door there was no one else in there I started feeling like I had to be careful around him like I was walking on eggshells in my own room it was this subtle change but it made me anxious I even considered asking for a room switch but it seemed like too much trouble at the time I told myself it was just parano but I was imagining things then one night I woke up to him standing over me

it was pitch dark but I could make out his silhouette looming at the edge of my bed my heart jumped into my throat and for a second I couldn't even breathe he was holding something in his hand and it took me a second to realize it was a knife at first I thought I was dreaming but as my eyes adjusted to the darkness I saw the glint of the blade in the faint light coming from the hallway under the door I wanted to scream but nothing came out I just laid there frozen trying to make

sense of what was happening he didn't move didn't say anything he just stood there staring down at me gripping the knife so tight his knuckles were white my mind was racing trying to figure out what to do should I jump up and run should I try to talk to him I didn't know if he was sleepwalking or if this was something else something way worse finally after what felt like an eternity he took a step back then another and slowly lowered the knife he didn't say a word just turned around and walked back to his

bed sitting down like nothing had happened I couldn't move I just lay there staring at the ceiling my heart pounding so hard I thought it was going to burst out of my chest I didn't sleep the rest of the night the next morning he was gone his bed was made his things were still there but he was just gone like he had disappeared Into Thin Air I didn't see him for the next two days I didn't tell anyone about what had happened I don't know why maybe I thought no one would believe me or maybe

I was just scared of what Ryan might do if he found out I told someone when he finally came back I avoided him as much as I could I'd leave the room whenever he was there spend as much time out of the dorm as possible crashing at friends places or staying late at the library but every night I'd come back and he'd be there sitting on his bed that same blank look on his face like nothing had ever happened the tension kept building and I could feel myself getting more and more paranoid I'd wake up

in the middle of the night convinced he was watching me but whenever I open my eyes he'd be lying in bed facing the wall like he was asleep then one night I came back to the room and all of his stuff was gone his bed was stripped his desk cleared out even his clothes were gone it was like he had just packed up and left without a word I never saw him again after that I asked around but no one knew where he went the housing office said he had moved out but they didn't have

any details no one seemed to know anything about him like he had never even been there to this day I don't know what he was planning that night or why he was standing over me with that knife maybe it was some kind of sick prank or maybe it was something worse but I can still see the look in his eyes when I think about it and I know that whatever was going on in his head it wasn't good I work late shifts sometimes it's part of my job and I'm used to leaving the office when

it's already dark outside last Friday was one of those nights the office was almost empty just a few of us left behind I stayed later than usual because I had a deadline to meet so by the time I was done it was already past 10 the office building has a parking garage right next to it and that's where I always park my car it's convenient but it's also not the best lit place that night I grabbed my bag locked up my computer and headed down to the garage as soon as the elevator doors open on

the parking level I could feel that something was off it was too quiet too still the lights in the garage flickered a bit but they always did that so I brushed it off I tried to convince myself myself that I was just being paranoid I'd had a long day and I just wanted to get home I walked over to my car a few rows back from the elevator I clicked the button on my keys to unlock it and the headlights flashed for a second the sound of the doors unlocking in the empty garage felt louder

than usual I got this strange feeling that someone was watching me but when I glanced around the place was empty no other cars near me mine no footsteps just silence I picked up my Pace feeling a bit silly for being jumpy when I got to my car I reached for the door handle but out of the corner of my eye I saw headlights a fan white and unmarked rolled slowly into the garage pulling up a few spots over from me I didn't think much of it at first it's a public garage anyone can park here

but when the fan stopped and the engine shut off two men got out they weren't dressed like office workers and they didn't have any bags or briefcases just regular clothes a bit scruffy they both looked in my direction and started walking towards me my heart jumped hey miss one of them called out his voice echoing in the empty space looks like you've got a flat tire there need some help I froze for a second then glanced down at my tires none of them were flat I knew that immediately but I still crouched down a little

pretending to check Micah told me something wasn't right I stood up quickly shaking my head no I think I'm fine I said trying to sound calm thanks though the second guy who hadn't spoken yet was grinning they didn't stop walking they were getting closer and I was suddenly aware of how far away the elevator was too far to run nah you definitely got a flat the first guy insisted he was close now too close for comfort we can help you fix it won't take long I felt my stomach turn there was no flat tire I

hadn't even parked near anything that could puncher it my brain was racing trying to figure out what to do next my keys were already in my hand so I took a step back and clicked the button to lock my car again the sound startled them for a second the second guy spoke for the first time his voice lower and more serious come on we're just trying to help you out I forced a smile stepping back again but this time towards the front of my car I appreciate it but I really don't need any help my

car is fine that's when I noticed the van the passenger side door was slightly open I hadn't seen it at first but now it was clear they were trying to get me closer to the van my mouth went dry and the adrenaline started ticking in I realized how isolated I was no one else was in the garage no one to hear me if I screamed the first guy was only a few feet away now his hand reaching out toward me we insist he said his voice losing its friendly tone I took a deep breath trying

to stay calm I had two options run or make a scene I wasn't about to stick around and see what their next move was without thinking I took a step forward raising my voice I said no back off it wasn't a screen but it was loud enough to echo through the garage the men hesitated clearly not expecting me to push back the second guy's grin faded and the first guy's hand dropped there was a brief moment where we all just stood there the tension hanging in the air like a thick Cloud I didn't wait to

see what they' do next I spun around heading towards the ground garage exit as fast as I could without breaking into a full Sprint I could hear footsteps behind me quick but not running I didn't dare turn around when I reached the exit I glanced back they were both standing near the van watching me their expressions hard to read they didn't follow me out of the garage but the way they stood there just staring sent chills down my spine it felt like a warning I rushed into the nearest welllet Street my heart pounding in my

chest I flaged down a passing car and asked them to wait with me until I could get a ride the guy in the car an older man looked concerned but didn't ask too many questions I called for a ride share leaving my car behind there was no way I was going back into that garage alone later I reported the incident to the security for the building they promised they check the cameras and have someone keep an eye on the garage but I don't know if they ever did the thought of those two men hanging around

there waiting for someone else kept me awake for days I haven't worked late since if I ever do again I'll make sure someone walks me to my car that night it felt like I barely escaped something awful I keep reping the scene in my head wondering what would have happened if I hadn't yelled if I had gotten closer to the van I'm just glad I didn't stick around to find out I booked the Airbnb because I needed a break just to weakend to get away from the noise and stress of the city I found this

small place about 2 hours out a cozy little Cabin in the Woods perfect for some peace and quiet it had good reviews a friendly host named Mark and it seemed like the right fit it wasn't anything fancy but that was fine with me I want it simple I checked in on Friday afternoon the cabin was just like the pictures maybe even better wood paneling a small fireplace and large Windows looking out at the trees it felt private like I was alone with nature exactly what I was hoping for Mark had left a little welcome note

on the kitchen table with his contact info in case I needed anything which seemed nice the first night was perfect I cooked myself a simple meal had a glass of wine and sat by the fire I felt relaxed in a way I hadn't in a long time I went to bed early and I don't remember the last time I slept so well the next morning around 10:00 a.m. I was just finishing my coffee when I heard a knock on the door I wasn't expecting anyone so I was a bit confused when I opened the door

there was Mark standing on the porch with a friendly smile hey there just thought I'd swing by and see how you're settling in he said I was a little caught off guard but I didn't think much of it he was the host after all and maybe this was something he did for all his guests everything's great I told him really loving the place he nodded but didn't leave right away instead he glanced past me into the cabin mind if I just pop in for a sec I want to check on something real quick I hesitated

it felt a little odd but he seemed harmless enough sure I said stepping aside Mark walked in and started looking around not really at anything specific he glanced at the fireplace walked over to the kitchen then into the hallway I stood there waiting feeling a bit awkward everything okay I asked after a few minutes he turned back to me and smiled again oh yeah just making sure everything's in working order got to keep the place in tiptop shape for guests you know I nodded but something about it didn't sit right with me he finally left

after another few minutes and I brushed it off he was just being thorough I told myself but still it left me feeling a little unsettled the rest of the day was fine I went for a walk in the woods read a book just relaxed I tried not to think about the strange visit I figured it was over that evening just as the sun was starting to set I heard another knock I froze for a second not wanting to believe it but sure enough when I opened the door there was Mark again hey he said smiling

like nothing was weird I forgot to check the water heater earlier do you mind if I take a quick look I stared at him my stomach nodding up why was he here again ah is something wrong with it oh no no just a routine check he said already stepping inside without waiting for an answer this time I followed him more closely he didn't go to the water heater right away though he started poking around again just like before looking at things that didn't seem like they needed looking at I stayed silent but in side I

was getting more and more uncomfortable something was off and I could feel it after a few more minutes he finally opened the door to the small closet where the water heater was he didn't do much other than glance at it then he turned to me with that same smile all could hear he said and walked back toward the door I didn't say anything this time just watched as he left when the door clicked shut behind him I locked it I sat on the couch for a while trying to shake the feeling of unease I kept

telling myself that he was just being thorough that it wasn't a big deal but it was starting to feel like more than that why did he keep coming back I went to bed that night but I couldn't sleep every Sound Outside made me jump the wind the creaking of the cabin everything seemed Amplified in the quiet I lay there there staring at the ceiling feeling more and more anxious then around midnight I heard it again a knock this time I didn't get up right away I stayed in bed heart pounding I didn't want to open

the door I didn't want to see Mark again but the knocking didn't stop it was steady slow like whoever was on the other side knew I was awake I cracked my phone and crept to the window by the door pulling the curtain aside just a little it was Mark standing on the porch his face half hidden in the shadows he wasn't smiling anymore my stomach dropped I didn't open the door instead I backed away foone clutched in my hand I considered calling the police but what would I even say the guy hadn't done anything illegal

he was just here too often the knocking stopped after a while but I didn't feel any better I stayed up the rest of the night pacing watching the door checking the windows every Sound Outside made my skin crawl when the Sun finally started to rise I decided I wasn't going to stick around I packed my things in record time barely thinking about anything other than getting out of there I was halfway to my car while I saw him Mark was standing by the edge of the woods just watching me he didn't say anything didn't move

just stood there arms at his sides his face expressionless I didn't look back after that I threw my bags in the car started the engine and peeled out of there as fast as I could on the way home I kept checking my rearview mirror half expecting to see that light truck office behind me but it never showed up I didn't leave a review for the Airbnb I didn't report it I just wanted to forget about it to pretend it never happened it was late later than I usually stayed out I just finished a long shift

at the diner and I was looking forward to getting home and falling into bed the drive wasn't supposed to take long just a stretch of highway through the middle of nowhere a few exits and then home but halfway there the car started sputtering I could feel the engine struggling and I kept praying it would hold out until I got off the highway it didn't the car died completely and I coasted to a stop on the side of the road there were no lights no other cars in sight just me my dead car and miles of

Darkness I tried restarting the engine but it wouldn't even turn over just a click I wasn't great with cars but I knew enough to realize I was stuck I sat there for a few minutes gripping the steering wheel hoping maybe someone would drive by but nothing I checked my phone no signal of course I was in the middle of nowhere I should have been smarter about on my route but it was the quickest way home I decided to wait it out maybe in a little while a car would pass or I could figure something out

I kept the doors locked just in case the night seemed to stretch on forever every sound the wind the rustle of leaves made my heart race I felt exposed like something was watching me from the Shadows after what felt like hours I saw headlights coming up the road my heart leaped with relief I stepped out of the car and waved my arms the car slowed down and pulled over in front of me it was an old pickup truck beat up and Rusty a man got out car trouble he asked his voice carrying easily through the

still night he was tall with a scruffy beard and wearing an old flannel jacket something about him felt off but I was desperate yeah it just died on me I said trying to to sound calm he walked over and glanced at the car mind if I take a look I hesitated but I didn't have much of a choice sure go ahead he popped a hood and fiddled with a few things after a few minutes he wiped his hands on his pants and shook his head looks like the engine shot you're not going to get this

thing running tonight my stomach dropped oh do you know a toe company around around here he looked down the road and then back at me not this late but I can give you a ride into town There's a motel there you can call someone in the morning I didn't have a lot of options I couldn't call anyone it was either stay here all night or take the ride something in me screamed not to go with him but I told myself I was being paranoid this was just a guy trying to help okay I said grabbing

my my bag from the car thanks I really appreciate it no problem he said with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes I got into the truck the inside smelled like old cigarettes and something else I couldn't place I told myself it was fine I just needed to get to town we drove in silence for a while I tried to relax but my hands were clenched in my lap I kept looking at the window trying to to figure out where we were the highway was long and empty but it didn't feel like we were

heading toward town I glanced over at him so how far is town I asked trying to sound casual he didn't look at me just kept his eyes on the road not far maybe another 20 minutes that didn't feel right I'd driven this road before and we should have been close to town by now my heart started racing again in I looked out the window again and that's when I realized we weren't heading toward town we were going the opposite direction I was sure of it um I think you're going the wrong way I said my

voice trembling he glanced at me his expression hard to read nah this is the way don't worry I tried to stay calm but my mind was racing I needed to get out of there I looked at the door hand thinking maybe I could jump out but we were going too fast my heart was pounding so loud I was sure he could hear it are you sure I asked my voice shaking I think we should have taken the other road back there he didn't answer this time he just kept driving his on the little tightening Panic

set in I looked around trying to figure out what to do I could see his phone on the dashboard if I could just grab it but what then I didn't even know if it had service the truck slowed down and I realized he was turning onto a dirt road my blood ran cold there was nothing down that road no lights no houses just Woods I swallowed hard trying to keep my voice steady where are we going he didn't answer the silence was suffocating I knew then that I was in serious trouble my mind raced trying

to come up with a plan I had to get out of the truck but how suddenly the truck hit a bump and his phone slid off the dashboard onto the seat between us he reached for it but I was quicker I crabbed it and held it close my hand shaking give that back he said his voice low and dangerous I just need to call someone I said trying to keep calm I I need to let them know I'm okay he slowed the truck even more pulling to the side of the dirt road my heart was

in my throat I knew what was coming he was going to stop and then but before he could fully pull over I acted I threw the phone onto the floor and yanked the door handle shoving the door open with all my strength I jumped out hitting the ground hard rolling over the grav hole pain shot through my body but I didn't stop I scrambled to my feet and ran I could hear him shouting behind me the truck door slamming as he got out but I didn't look back I ran as fast as I could my

breath coming in ragged gasps the tree loomed around me and I had no idea where I was going but I didn't care I just needed to get away the footsteps Behind Me grew louder and I pushed myself harder my legs burning I could hear him cursing his voice getting closer I feared off the road crashing into the trees hoping they would slow him down my heart pounded in my chest and every part of me scream to keep running I don't know how long I ran it felt like forever eventually the footsteps faded and I found

myself in a small clearing gasping for air I collapsed against a tree trying to catch my breath my whole body trembling I didn't know if he was still following me but I didn't dare stop for long I had to keep moving in the end I found my way to a small house the lights were on so I knocked they called the police and I managed to get home safe and sound I flied along for about 5 years now in a small house on the outskirts of a town that no one really talks about it's the

kind of place where you can hear the quiet where nothing much happens I moved here for that reason I like the idea of being left alone not having to worry about busy streets or allow neighbors it's a small one-story house with a decent sized yard nothing fancy but it's mine I've gotten used to the quiet I guess I should say I was used to it for the longest time I didn't pay attention to the houses around mine the people here kept to themselves which I liked I didn't have to bother with small talk or Keep

Up Appearances but there's this one house right across the street the house isn't anything special it's plain a little rundown but it's been occupied since before I moved in there's a guy who lives there older than me maybe in his 40s or 50s with crish hair and this slouch to his posture like life has been slowly weighing him down I can't tell you exactly when I started noticing him he was always outside always at first I thought maybe he just likeed the fresh air he would be sitting on his porch standing in his yard or

leaning against his fence always looking my way it didn't matter what time of day it was if I was leaving for work in in the morning he'd be there just standing with his hands in his pockets looking if I was coming home late at night there he'd be barely visible in the shadows but always looking at first I tried to shrug it off maybe he was lonely maybe he was one of those people who just didn't have much else going on and took an interest in the few neighbors he had but it started to get

under my skin I'd catch him watching me through my windows not up close but from his yard he never waved never smiled never made any effort to seem like he was doing anything other than staring one evening I came home from work tired and stressed I parked my car in the driveway and headed inside there he was standing just at the edge of his yard facing my house the light from the Street Lamp barely hit his face but I could see his eyes on me I tried not to look directly at him tried not to

show I noticed I went inside locked the door and went about my night later I was sitting in my living room watching TV and something felt off it's hard to explain but you know the feeling when you're being watched that prickle at the back of your neck I glanced over at the window and sure enough there he was standing in his yard staring straight Tred me through the glass I closed the blinds that night I didn't sleep well every sound made me jump the creek of the owl settling the wind rustling outside all of it

put me on edge but nothing happened so I figured maybe I was overreacting maybe I was just tired the next few days were normal enough he was still there outside watching but he didn't get any closer didn't do anything more than stare I was starting to convince myself that maybe he was just harmless weird but harmless then one night I woke up to a sound it was subtle like something scraping I listened for a minute thinking it was just the wind or a branch brushing against the house but then I heard it again it was

coming from the front door my heart started racing and I slowly got out of bed I didn't turn on any lights I didn't want whoever or whatever was out there to know I was awake I crept through the hallway my bare feet making almost no sound on the wooden floor when I got close to the front door I held my breath and listened there it was again the scraping but this time it was followed by a soft click someone was messing with the lock I felt a cold sweat breakout across my skin my first instinct

was to grab something to defend myself with but all I had near me was an old umbrella I stayed quiet waiting to see if whoever was out there would try to force their way in the door knob rattled and I could hear slow deliberate breathing on the other side I moved slowly to the front window keeping myself low and out of sight I pee through a tiny Gap in the blinds and my stomach dropped it was him my neighbor he was standing right at my front door his face almost pressed against the glass of the

small window in the door his hand was on the knob and his other hand was fiddling with something I couldn't see what it was but he was trying to get in I felt a surge of panic I needed to do something but I didn't want to make a sound that might alert him I backed away from the door as quietly as I could and grabbed my phone from the kitchen counter my hands were shaking as I dialed 911 the operator picked up and I whispered as quietly as I could explaining that someone was trying to

break into my house she asked me to stay on the line by un up I didn't want the sound of the phone to tip him off I went back to the hallway crouched down and waited I could hear him still messing with the lock but he wasn't in the yet minutes passed each one feeling like an eternity then I heard the distant sound of sirens he must have heard them too because the rattling at the door stopped I didn't dare move until I saw the flashing lights through the window I peeed out again and he

was gone just like that the police arrived but by then there was no sign of him they searched the area took my statement and assured me they Patrol the neighborhood more frequently for the next few days I didn't see him his house was dark his yard empty I thought maybe the police scared him off maybe he knew he was being watched now and he lay low but then one night as I was getting ready for bed I heard a soft tap on the window I froze my mind raised thinking of every possible explanation but I

knew I knew it was him slowly I walked over to the window and pulled the blinds aside just to crack he was there standing right outside inches from the class staring in his eyes locked onto mine and he didn't move he didn't smile didn't speak just stood there I packed away heart pounding in my chest I cracked my phone and dialed 911 again but as soon as I did he turned and walked away disappearing into the Shadows I haven't seen him since that night his house is still there but it's like he vanished I don't

know if he's watching from somewhere else waiting or if he's gone for good the police said they keep an eye on the place but there's only so much they can do every night I check the windows every noise makes me jump I don't know if I'll ever feel safe here again all I know is that he was watching me and for some reason he wanted in I'd always wanted to take a solo hiking trip and after months of planning I finally made it happen I had researched the trails at the n Park picked a few

that looked challenging but manageable and made sure I had all the gear I needed it felt good to step away from the noise of daily life and spend some time alone in nature the park was beautiful thick trees birds chirping and a fresh Breeze that made me forget about everything else I started early in the morning planning to hike the main trail that would lead me to a Scenic Overlook it wasn't a busy time of year so I wasn't surprised that I didn't see many other hikers a few hours in as I reached a fork

in the trail I saw someone walking toward me he was about my age maybe a little older tearing a large backpack and wearing a baseball cap he seemed friendly enough smiled as he got closer and stopped to say hello hey you out here alone he asked wiping sweat from his forehead I hesitated for a second there was something about the question that made me uneasy but I quickly pushed the thw away yeah just enjoying the quiet I said trying to keep my voice light same here he replied I'm heading toward the Overlook too mind if

I walk with you for a bit it's rare to meet someone out here I wasn't sure but I figured it couldn't hurt to have some company for a little while besides he seemed harmless and we were both headed in the same direction so I nodded and we started walking together at first it was fine we talked about the trails the park and other hikes we had done he seemed experienced like he knew his way around the outdoors but as we walked I started to notice little things that made me feel off he kept asking personal

questions where I was from how long I've been hiking if anyone knew I was out here alone I tried to deflect or give fake answers but he kept pushing after a while we reached another fork in the trail I knew we were supposed to take the right path to head toward the Overlook but he stopped and pointed to the left this ways quicker he said takes you to the same place just cuts through a more Scenic area I've been here before I stared down the left Trail it wasn't marked just a dirt path that seemed

to disappear into the thick trees something didn't feel right I think I'll stick to the main trail I said hoping it didn't come off as rude he Shrugged but didn't move to follow me suit yourself but you're missing out the best views are off the beaten path you know I smil politely trying to keep the mood light but I could feel the tension in my chest maybe next time we started walking again but now there was a strange quiet between us he didn't talk as much just kept glancing at me when he thought I wasn't

looking I sped up hoping to create some distance but every time I picked up the pace he matched it after what felt like ours we reached a spot where the trees open up a bit and the sun filtered through I could see the Overlook up I had not too far now but before before I could say anything he crabbed my arm wait he said his grip tighter than it should have been let's go this way trust me I pulled my arm away my heart racing I'm good I'm going to stick to the main trail he

didn't let go at first just stared at me for a moment his eyes darker than they had been before then he stepped back and smiled but it didn't reach his eyes suit yourself he said again his voice low I'll catch you later I didn't respond I just turned and started walking faster almost jogging toward the Overlook my mind was racing trying to figure out what had just happened something was wrong but I couldn't pinpoint exactly what a few minutes later I glanced over my shoulder he wasn't there relief washed over me and I slowed down

trying to calm myself maybe I was overreacting maybe he was just weird and I had let my imagination get the best of me but then I heard it footsteps behind me not close but not far either I picked up the pace again my leg starting to ache from a long hike but I couldn't stop the footsteps got louder and I I felt the Panic rise in my throat I didn't want to turn around didn't want to see him again I reached the Overlook but it didn't feel like a victory The View was beautiful but all

I could think about was getting out of there I didn't stop to take it in instead I looked around searching for anyone else but the place was empty just me the footsteps had stopped but I could feel her nearby I decided to head back take the main trail and get out of the park as quickly as I could but as I started down the path I saw him again he was standing a little ways off just watching me thought you might need help getting back he called out his voice too friendly too casual I didn't

respond I just kept walking hoping he'd get the message but he didn't I could hear him following me his footsteps in syn with mine my heart was pounding in my chest and I felt the adrenaline kicking in I quickened my Pace but so did he my mind raced I knew I had to do something I couldn't just keep walking and hope he'd stop I looked around for anything another Trail a place to hide a group of people anything that would get me away from him suddenly I I saw a small unmarked path off to the

side it wasn't the main trail but it was something without thinking I darted down it my breath coming in short gasps the trees closed and around me and the path was uneven but I didn't care I just needed to get away for a few minutes I thought I'd lost him the only sounds were my own footsteps and the rustling of leaves but then I heard it again his foot steps faster now closer Panic surged through me I didn't know where this path LED didn't know if I was heading deeper into the Wilderness or back toward

the Park's entrance but I couldn't stop I couldn't let him catch up the trees started to thin out and I saw a small clearing up ahead I pushed through my legs burning and stumbled into the open there in the distance I saw a couple of Hiers relief flooded through me I ran toward them calling out for help they turned startled but when they saw the look on my face they hurried over I didn't stop to explain just pointed back toward the path I'd come from terai following me I managed to say between gasps one of

the hikers a tall man with a serious expression nodded and stepped forward stay here he said to me then motioned to his friend they walked back toward the path but a few minutes later they returned shaking their heads he's gone the man said no one's there I didn't know what to think I hadn't imagined it I knew I hadn't but I was too shaken to Arc you the hikers offered to walk me back to the main entrance and I gratefully accepted as we made our way back I kept looking over my shoulder half expecting to

see him again but he was nowhere to be found while I finally made it back to my car I didn't waste any time I got in and drove away my hand shaking on the wheel I thought about that day a lot since then about how close I came to something I don't even want to imagine I never went back to that Park I don't think I ever will I was on vacation in a country I always wanted to visit it was one of those places you see on travel shows lots of old buildings Street Markets

and little cafes with people sitting outside drinking coffee the kind of place that's easy to get l lost in but in a good way the weather was perfect and everything felt right like I'd finally gotten a break from my regular life on my second day there I was walking around the main Square it was crowded tourists everywhere families kids people sitting on benches taking in the sun I have my camera out too just taking photos of the buildings the streets trying to capture their feeling at one point I stopped by a fountain to get a

better angle and that's when I noticed him he was standing maybe 50 ft away across the square he had a camera in his hand too but it was pointed directly at me at first I didn't think much of it there were a lot of people taking photos and maybe I just happened to be in his shot it didn't seem like a big deal I went back to what I was doing and forgot about him latest that day I found this little sight street with a couple of Street vendors I spent some time browsing picking up

a few small souvenirs just enjoying the atmosphere I turned around to leave and there he was again same guy same camera pointed right at me this time I was sure of it he was taking photos of me not the buildings or the market me it felt weird but I tried to shrug it off I figured maybe he was just some other tourist and I was in his way or maybe he was doing one of those photography projects you know where they take pictures of random people on the street it wasn't that unusual right but still

it bugged me a little I made a note of his face though he was average looking kind of nondescript wearing a gray jacket and a baseball cap he could have been anyone which made it creepier I left a market and wandered toward a park I'd seen on a map it wasn't far just a few blocks away I figured a walk through the park would calm my nerves clear my head but as soon as I got there and started walking along the path I saw him again this time he was much closer not 50 ft away

but maybe 20 he was standing off to the side pretending to look at something on his camera but I knew better he was following me I stopped and pretended to tie my shoe hoping to catch him off guard I glanced up and sure enough he was looking right at me the moment our eyes met he turned and bled the other way my stomach sank this wasn't a coincidence anymore he was following me and he knew that I knew I didn't know what to do part of me wanted to confront him asked him what the hell

he was doing but the other part of me the part that was starting to get scared just wanted to get out of there so I left the park walking quickly trying not to look back too often but checking just enough to know that he was still there keeping his distance but never too far behind I decided to head back to my hotel it was in a busier part of the city near a lot of shops and restaurants I figured if I could get to a crowded area maybe he'd stop maybe he'd lose interest or realize

I caught on and give up but the closer I got to the hotel the more nervous I became what if he didn't stop what if he was planning something when I finally got to the hotel I went straight to the lobby and hung around for a while pretending to look at brur checking my phone trying to seem casual I didn't see him anymore which was a relief maybe he'd given up after about 30 minutes I went up to my room and locked the door behind me for a while I just sat there trying to convince

myself i' had overreacted maybe he wasn't following me maybe it was just one of those weird things that happen when you're in a new place and don't know anyone I tried to relax but I couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right the next day I I decided to take a day trip to a nearby town I figured it would be a good way to get out of the city clear my head I took the boss and for most of the day I felt fine the town was beautiful quiet with narrow streets and little shops

I spent the afternoon wandering around taking photos trying to enjoy myself but then as I was sitting outside a cafe I saw him again he was across the the street leaning against a wall his camera ain't right at me my heart started pounding I couldn't believe it he had followed me out of the city all the way to this town there was no way this was a coincidence anymore he was following me tracking me I got up and left the cafe without even finishing my drink I walked quickly heading back toward the bus station but

he followed keeping Pace with me every time I glanced back there he was always just far enough away to not seem too obvious but close enough that I knew he was watching by the time I got to the bus station I was in a full panic I bought a ticket back to the city and boarded the bus hoping he wouldn't get on but as the bus pulled away I saw him standing on the platform staring at me he didn't board the bus but I knew this wasn't over back in in the city I didn't go

straight to my hotel I wandered around for a while trying to lose him even though I hadn't seen him since the bus station I stopped at a busy Square sat on a bench and tried to think what was he after why me was it just random or did he have some kind of plan the more I thought about it the more paranoid I became I didn't know who he was what he wanted or how far he was willing to go I finally went back to my hotel late in the afternoon figuring I couldn't just stay

out in the city all day when I got to my room I locked the door again double checked the windows and sat on the bed trying to calm down but then my phone buzzed it was a message from an unknown number I opened it and my blood ran cold it was a photo of me me sitting on the bench in the Square just a couple of hours earlier he had been watching me the whole time he had my number he knew where I was where i' been Panic Hit me hard I didn't know how he

got my number but now it was clear this wasn't just some random photographer this was something much worse I didn't know what to do I thought about going to the police but what what could I say that some guy had been taking photos of me that he sent me a creepy text I doubted they'd take it seriously still I couldn't just sit there waiting for him to make his next move I packed my things and left a hotel heading to a different part of the city I found a new hotel checked in and stayed in

my room for the rest of the night too afraid to go outside I kept checking my phone half expecting another message but nothing came I didn't sleep much every little sound making me jump wondering if he'd somehow found me again the next morning I decided to cut my trip short I went to the airport and booked an early flight home as I sat in the departure Lounge I kept looking around scanning the faces of everyone around me half expecting to see him with that camera watching me but he wasn't there or at least I didn't

see him I boarded the plane and didn't relax until we were in the air far away from that place even now I can't shake the feeling that he's still out there somewhere watching me waiting for the right moment to appear again I was on a work trip staying at this hotel that looked a little nicer than the ones I usually end up in it was one of those chain hotels where you know what to expect basic clean No Frills I had been to a few of them before so I didn't think much about it I

checked in late probably around 8:00 or 9 in the evening cabi was quiet and the girl at the front desk barely looked up from her computer when she handed me the room key just the usual routine I got to the room but when I tried to swipe the key card nothing happened I thought maybe I had swiped it wrong so I tried again but still the light didn't even blink it was like the cart wasn't recognized at all I was tired annoyed from traveling and just wanted to get inside drop my stuff and relax I

tried a few more times hoping it was just a bad angle but the door wouldn't budge so I turned around and headed back to the front desk it was a bit of a walk my room was at the end of a long hallway on the third floor and the elevators were slow when I got back down there the girl at the desk was still in the same spot her eyes glued to the screen I explained the situation trying not to sound too frustrated and she seemed confused for a second like she couldn't believe the card

wasn't working she took my key gave me a new one without much of an apology and I headed back up by then all I wanted was to get into my room put on the TV and wind down before my meeting the next morning when I got to the door again I swiped the new card and it worked immediately the light blinked green and the lock clicked open I felt a small wave of relief but when I pushed the door open I froze there was a man inside the room he was standing by the bed in

the middle of the room like he was waiting for something he had a duffel bag on the floor and it was clear he was unpacking he didn't look surprised to see me though in fact he just stared at me like I was the one who had barged in I stood there in the doorway not sure what to say at first I thought maybe I had the wrong room maybe the front desk had given me the wrong key and I had accident opened someone else's door but now I checked the number it was definitely my room

I cleared my throat and finally said I'm sorry I think this is my room he didn't answer right away just kept looking at me with this blank expression like he didn't know what to say either then he shook his head and said no this is my room I've been here all night my stomach dropped that didn't make sense I had just checked in and this room was supposed to be mine I hadn't seen anyone else on the floor when I got here and there was no sign of anyone when I first tried to get in

the bed was made the bathroom door was shut and there wasn't anything personal in the room I saw it through the crack the first time I tried my card I told him that again insisting that there must be some mistake I could feel my heart starting to race because some something about this didn't feel right he didn't look like a typical guest his clothes were plain kind of wrinkled and he looked rough like he hadn't slept in a while he didn't have that casual attitude most business Travelers have and the more I looked at him

the more something felt off I've been here since this morning he repeated his voice a little harder this time like he was starting to get frustrated I didn't know what to do my mind was racing with possibilities had the front desk made a mistake and double book the room that happen sometimes right but then why didn't they tell me and why was he acting so calm like he wasn't surprised at all to see me standing there I took a step back and said I'll just go check with the front desk again he didn't try to

stop me but the way he looked at me as I backed out of the room made my skin crawl his eyes followed me the whole time never blinking never looking away as soon as I was out of the room I hurried back down to the front desk almost jocking by the time I got to the elevator when I reached the lobby the girl at the front desk looked surprised to see me again I told her what had happened trying to stay calm but probably sounding more panicked than I wanted to I explained that there was

a man in my room claiming it was his and that he had had a bag like he had been staying there for a while she blinked at me confused and started typing on her computer after a minute she said there's no one else booked in that room you're the only guest assigned to that number I felt a chill run down my spine but he's in there I said trying to make her understand he has a bag and he says it's his room she looked up from her computer clearly unsure of what to say let me

call security she finally said reaching for the phone it felt like forever before security arrived but when they did they were just as confused as the front desk girl they told me to wait in the lobby while they went up to check the room I sat on one of those stiff Lobby chairs my mind racing wondering who that man was and how he had gotten into my room was he just a confused guest was is he dangerous I had no idea when the security guards finally came back down one of them walked over to me

there's no one in the room he said I stared at him not understanding what do you mean he was just there I saw him the guard shook his head the room is empty we checked everywhere even the closets there's no sign of anyone and no personal belongings the bed's still made and it looks like no one's been in there at all I felt a cold sweat break out on my skin that didn't make any sense I had just seen the man seen his bag on the floor his clothes hanging out of it there was no

way he could have just disappeared in the time it took me to come back down to the lobby and get security are you sure I asked my voice shaking he was right there he had a duffel bag I saw him the guard looked uncomfortable like he didn't know how to explain it to me we checked everywhere he said again there's no one there they offered to move me to another room but I was too freaked out to stay I asked if I could just check out early and find another hotel the front desk didn't argue

they refunded me without asking any questions like they didn't want to deal with it either I spent the rest of the night in a different hotel but I couldn't sleep all I could think about was that man standing there in the middle of my room acting like he belonged there how had he gotten in where did he go I never got any answers I had been planning the camping trip for months it was the first break I had in a while and I needed it I found this spot online a remote section of the national

forest where you could camp without seeing another soul for days to revie all said the same thing quiet untouched peaceful just what I was looking for it took me about 6 hours of driving then another hour hiking off the main trail but when I got there it was perfect no cars no people the trees were tall and thick and the clearing I found was just big enough for my tent in a small fire pit I set up camp quickly eager to settle in before nightfall there was a small stream nearby which made it even better

I was planning to stay for two nights maybe three fre if the weather held out the first couple of hours were everything I hoped for the silence was almost unsettling at first but I got used to it I cooked up some dinner over the fire and sat there staring into the Flames feeling the tension in my body finally start to ease the only sounds were the crackling of the fire and the wind moving through the trees it was exactly what I needed as the sun set and the light started to fade I crawled into my

tent I left the fire going but banked it so it would burn low just enough to keep the chill away I was tired but in a good way I figured I'd fall asleep as soon as I lay down but then I heard something at first it was faint just a rustling in the bushes I assumed it was some small animal a raccoon or a deer this was the middle of the forest after all but then I heard it again lot of this time the sound of footsteps not too far away slow deliberate someone was walking

through the woods I froze my heart started racing but I tried to calm myself down it could be another camper I thought maybe someone else had found the same spot or it could be a ranger doing rounds though it seemed unlikely not here I didn't hear any voices though just the footsteps then they stopped Dead Silence I sat up in my tent listening as hard as I could the fire outside was still crackling softly but beyond that nothing just when I started to think I had imagined it I heard voices low Gruff almost like they

were trying to stay quiet it sounded like two maybe three men talking just out of your shot they weren't close enough for me to make out what they were saying but they were there somewhere in the dark just beyond my Camp I felt a wave of panic my mind racing through all the possibilities who the hell would be out here in the middle of the night I didn't see anyone on the trail and this was supposed to be a remote part of the forest I stayed completely still straining to hear more but the voices stayed

low like they didn't want me to know they were there then the footsteps started again closer this time coming toward my Camp I didn't know what to do my tent was sipped up the fire was low and I had no weapons nothing that would be any use of these guys meant trouble I thought about grabbing my phone calling for help but there was no service out here I was completely cut off the footsteps stopped again and I could hear them talking more clearly now though I still couldn't make out the words they were close too

close then one of them spoke louder almost a shout hey you in the tent I didn't answer my heart was pounding so hard I thought they might hear it I stayed as still as I could hoping they would just go away but they didn't one of them laughed a rough cruel sound yeah we see you the same voice said this is our spot buddy you need to leave I swallowed hard trying to think of what to do I didn't want to make them mad but I wasn't about to pack up my camp in the middle

of the night and Hike out of there but then the voice spoke again and there was no mistaking to threat this time if you don't leave me now we'll make you leave I grabed my flashlight and unzipped the tent just enough to peek out there were three of them standing just at the edge of the fir light they were big all wearing dark clothes and they weren't carrying backpacks or gear they weren't here to Camp look I said trying to keep my voice steady I didn't know this was anyone's spot I can move in the

morning the one in front the one who to had spoken stepped forward his face was rough weathered and he had this Twisted grin like he enjoyed seeing me scared you're going to leave now he said or things are going to get real bad for you the other two moved closer and I could see they were all carrying something one had a Long Branch the other something shiny maybe a knife my plug ran cold these guys weren't just trying to scare me they meant business I stood up slowly my hand shaking okay okay I said I'll

go could Choice the leader said smiling whiter now pack up fast I started shoving my things into my backpack as quickly as I could my mind racing I kept glancing at them hoping they'd stay back but they didn't move they just stood there watching me like they were enjoying the whole thing my fingers fumbled with the tent pulse and I was taking too long I could tell they were getting impatient hurry up one of the others cowled we ain't got all night I finally got everything packed but my hands were shaking so bad I could

barely tie my shoes I didn't know what I was going to do even if I left now where would I go it was Pitch Black outside the camp and I didn't know the area well enough to hike out in the dark but I couldn't stay here kept moving the leader said stepping closer now I crapped my bag threw it over my shoulder and started walking they followed me keeping just behind their footsteps heavy and slow like they had all the time in the world I didn't dare look back my only thought was to get out

of the clearing and back to the trail or maybe I could lose them but the trail was dark and the further I walked the more I realized I wasn't sure which way to go the trees all looked the same in the dark and I couldn't see the markers I had followed in I felt Panic rising in my chest again what if I was walking in circles what if they were just waiting for me to get far enough away from the camp before they stop the voice came from right behind me and I stopped in my

tracks the leader walked around to face me his smile gone now he was holding something in his hand something heavy I couldn't tell what it was in the dark but I didn't want to find out you're not leaving he said his voice low and dangerous you're just walking Us in circles I opened my mouth to protest to tell him I was trying to find the trail but he didn't let me speak you think we're stupid he snapped you think you're going to lead us around until you can get away no I'm not you are he

said stepping closer but it ain't going to work I felt a cold sweat break out on my skin I didn't know what to say didn't know how to talk my way out of this they weren't just trying to scare me anymore they were angry and I could tell by the way they looked at me that they weren't going to let me leave one of the others stepped forward but one with a knife he flicked it open the blade catching the little bit of moonlight that filtered through the trees you got two choices the leader said

you can leave with us or you can leave in pieces I didn't move I couldn't my legs felt like they were glued to the ground all I could think was that I was going to die out here in the middle of nowhere and no one would ever know then out of nowhere there was a loud crash from somewhere deep in the woods all three of them turned distracted for just a second and I didn't wait to see what it was I bolted running as fast as I could into the darkness branches whipping against my face

my legs burning with every step I didn't care where I was going I just needed to get away I could hear them shouting behind me but I didn't stop I kept running my luns on fire my heart pounding in my ears I didn't stop until I couldn't hear them anymore until the only sound was the blood rushing through my head I spent the rest of the night hiding crouched behind a Fallen Tree too scared to move when the Sun finally came up I found the trail again and hiked back to my car I didn't stop

until I was miles away from the forest I don't know what those men wanted but I'm not going back to find out it was a Friday night later than I planned to be out I had been visiting a friend out in the country and the drive back to my apartment was about an hour and a half mostly down empty highways with nothing but trees on either side I've done it plenty of times before and never thought twice about it honestly I kind of liked the drive it was quiet coming a good way to wind down

after a long week the road was dark no street lights out here just my headlights cutting through the black I had the radio on low some old classic rock playing and I wasn't in any rush to get home I was tired sure but it was one of those nights where the cool air through the window made me feel more awake it was probably about 30 minutes into the drive when I noticed the car behind me it wasn't there before I hadn't seen another vehicle for miles and suddenly it was just there at first I didn't

think anything of it people drive right I wasn't alone on the road after all but what got my attention was how close they were way too close I glanced in my rearview mirror trying to get a look at the car it was dark and their headlights were almost blinding in my mirror so I couldn't make out much but they were tailing me hard like they were in a hurry to get somewhere I figured maybe they'd pass me soon that stretch of road was mostly straight plenty of room to overtake me if they were in a

rush except they didn't pass I sped up a little not too much just enough to put some distance between us the speed limit out here was 55 and I was already doing a bit over that I pushed it up to 65 just to see what they do they stayed right on my tail I could feel my heartbeat start to pick up and I told myself I was fine they were probably just some jerk who didn't know how to drive but still I didn't like it I didn't like how close they were like they were practically

on top of me I sped up more more 70 now the trees blurred past the window and the road stretched out endlessly in front of me nothing but Darkness on either side but the car didn't back off it kept right behind me matching my speed perfectly I felt my chest tighten and I told myself I was overreacting maybe they just didn't realize how close they were maybe they were distracted texting or something not paying attention I tried to shrug it off but I couldn't shake this knowing feeling in the pit of my stomach I tapped

my Brak slightly just enough to flash my tail lights hoping it would signal to them to back off but it didn't if anything they seemed to get even closer my hands tightened on the steering wheel and I could feel sweat starting to form on the back of my neck okay I muttered to myself trying to stay calm just let them pass they'll pass soon I slowed down I figured if I drop my speed enough they'd have no choice but to go around me 60 then 55 down to 50 my car started to creep slower but

they stayed right there their headlights blinding me through the mirror they weren't trying to pass they were sticking with me my heart was racing in now and I could feel Panic building up in my chest what the hell was this person doing I tried to think maybe they were lost trying to follow me somewhere or maybe they were drunk just messing with me but then why wouldn't they pass I hit the gas again pushing my car back up to 70 my mind was spinning and I kept glancing at the rearview mirror watching them waiting for

them to make a move move but they just stayed there like a shadow following me no matter how fast I went I was starting to feel trapped the empty road stretching out in front of me with no one in sight no other cars no exits no place to pull over I tried to remember the last time I'd seen a gas station or any kind of building but it had been miles back there was nothing out here just me and whoever was in that car then suddenly they swerved it wasn't just a little swerve like they

were dodging something no they swung their car sharply to the left almost into the other lane and then jerked back behind me my heart leapt into my throat and I cried the wheel tighter trying to keep control of my car what the hell were they doing I could feel my pulse pounding in my ears now and I sped up even more pushing 75 the the car behind me didn't hesitate they sped up too still sticking right on my bumper and then they did it again another hard swerf this time to the right their car fearing

toward the shoulder before jerking back into the Lane right behind me it was like they were trying to run me off the road my mind was racing trying to figure out what to do should I stop should I pull over and let them go past but something about the way they were driving told me that wasn't a good idea they weren't just being aggressive this felt deliberate they were toying with me I could feel Panic clawing in my throat now and I kept glancing at the rearview mirror watching as they swered again this time coming

dangerously close to the side of my car I swered to the left trying to get away from them but there wasn't much room on the road if I feared too far I'd end up in the tree bre I muttered my breath coming in Shallow gasps I had to think I had to do something I scanned the road ahead looking for any sign of a turnoff an exit something but there was nothing just endless Highway stretching out into the darkness then out of the corner of my eye I saw something a small dir rode off to

the right barely visible in the dim light of my headlights it wasn't marked and I had no idea where it led but I didn't care it was the only option I had I swerved hard to the right my tires screeching as I feared off the highway and onto the dirt road my car jolted and bounced over the uneven ground and I heard the car behind me screech to a stop their tires skiting on the pavement for a moment I thought I had lost them but then in the rearview mirror I saw their headlights swing toward

me they were following I flirted my car bouncing and shaking as I sped down the narrow dirt road the trees closed and around me the branches scraping against the sides of my car the road was rough full of piles and rocks but I didn't care I just needed to get away the car behind me was still there there are headlights flickering through the trees they were getting closer again their engine roaring as they sped up closing the gap between us my heart was pounding in my chest and I could feel sweat dripping down my face

I didn't know how much further this road went or where it led but I couldn't stop I couldn't let them catch me the road twisted and turned and I struggled to keep control of the car my tires skitted on the loose gravel and I could feel the car starting to slide I fought to keep it on the road my Knuckles white as I GP the steering wheel and then just ahead I saw it a small clearing just off the road I didn't have time to think I yanked the wheel to the left swering into the

clearing and killing the headlights I slammed on the brakes the car getting to a stop behind a thick cluster of trees I held my breath my heart pounding in my ears as I I watched the road the other car roared past their headlights sweeping through the trees as they sped down the road not realizing I had turned off I waited my hands trembling on the steering wheel my breath coming in Shallow gasps I didn't move I didn't dare turn the car back on I just sat there hidden in the shadows hoping they wouldn't come back

minutes passed 10 more I waited my body tense ready to bolt at any moment but the car never returned eventually after what felt like hours I started the car again I drove slowly carefully staying off the main roads keeping my headlights low I didn't stop until I was Miles Away safe in a crowded parking lot of a 24-hour gas station I never found out who they were or what they wanted I know one thing I'm never driving that stretch of road at night again I went out with Mike that night just the two of us

nothing special just a few drinks after a long week at work we hadn't seen each other in a while so when he called me up and asked if I was free I figured fured why not we chose a bar downtown one of those old places that's been there forever kind of divy but the drinks are cheap and strong so it was perfect we got there around 99 grabbed a small table in the back Mike was in good spirits talking about how work had been rough lately but that he was thinking about moving to another city

for a fresh start I remember it felt good to just relax and catch up like we used to it had been a while since we' done that both of us getting caught up in our own lives a couple of beers in I had to hit the bathroom I remember it was a little past 10 at that point I told Mike I'd be right back and he just nodded scrolling through his phone like he was checking something maybe a text or social media I didn't think anything of it the bathroom was a bit of a walk

from where we were sitting tucked down in narrow hallway in the back of the bar I was gone maybe 3 or 4 minutes tops when I got back Mike wasn't at the table at first I just thought he'd gone to the bathroom too or maybe stepped out for some air I waited a bit finished off the rest of my beer and kept glancing toward the door expecting him to come back any second but he didn't 5 minutes went by then 10 I started to get that weird feeling like something was off off you know Becca

feeling when something's not right I flagged down the waitress asked if she'd seen where my buddy went she just gave me a blank look like she had no idea who I was talking about I pointed to the empty chair across from me said we've been sitting there for the last hour she looked confused she said I've been sitting there alone all night that made me stop I stared at her thinking she was messing with me now I was here with my friend I said maybe a little too sharply Mike he was right here but she

didn't budge she just shook her head and her expression didn't change sorry Han she said you've been by yourself since you came in I felt a chill go down my spine what the hell was she talking about I'd been there with Mike the whole time we've been talking drinking there was no way she could have missed him I started looking around the bar trying to find someone else who might have noticed us there were a few regulars at the bar guys who looked like they hadn't moved in ours but none of them even glanced my

way no one seemed to care I went up to the bartender next asked if he'd see my friend he just gave me a shrug said he didn't remember anyone like that we get a lot of people in here man he said not even bothering to look at me properly if he left he left by now I was starting to get really nervous something didn't feel right I pulled out my phone and tried calling Mike it rang a couple times then went straight to voicemail I sent him a quick text asking where he went if he

was okay I figured maybe he stepped outside for a smoke or something even though he doesn't really smoke I don't know I was just trying to come up with some kind of explanation a few more minutes passed and I was just about to head outside to check when my phone buzzed a new message it was from Mike's number but the message didn't sound like him don't worry about Mike P that was all it said just four words my stomach dropped I stared at the screen for a long time trying to make sense of it what

the hell did that mean was someone messing with me I tried calling again but it went straight to voicemail I sent another text Mike what's going on another Buzz another message he's fine freaking about him I felt my hands start to shake this wasn't might it couldn't be someone had his phone but who and why were they sending me these messages I looked around the bar again but no one seemed to be paying any attention to me everything felt wrong like I was suddenly in a place I didn't recognize I got up and headed outside

hoping maybe I'd see Mike standing there but the sidewalk was empty the street was quiet just a few cars passing by every now and then I tried to think tried to figure out what to do next should I call the cops but what would I even tell them my friend was missing and now I was getting weird messages from his phone as I stood there trying to collect my thoughts my phone buzzed again this time the message was longer stop looking you'll regret it I felt a cold sweat break out on the back of my

neck who was this and what did they mean by regret it my mind was racing I looked down the street half expecting to see someone watching me but there was no one just the usual late night quiet of the city I tried calling Mike one more time but this time the call didn't even ring it just went straight to a message that said the number was no longer in service I couldn't stay there I had to do something I got in my car and drove straight to Mike's apartment my mind spinning the whole way I

kept replaying everything in my head trying to remember if anything strange had happened earlier in the night anything that might explain this but nothing made sense I got to Mike's place the lights were off I knocked on the door then banged on him when he didn't answer I must have stood there for 5 minutes just knocking and waiting but there was nothing no sound no movement inside it was like he wasn't even there I thought about calling the cops again but what would I say that my friend was missing but maybe he wasn't that I

was getting strange texts from his phone they' probably think I was crazy I went back to my car and just sat there staring at my phone waiting for another message but none tame the street was quiet the whole city felt like it was asleep and I was just sitting there alone I don't know how long I waited maybe an hour maybe more but eventually I realized I wasn't going to get any answers I went home hoping that maybe in the morning things would make more more sense but they didn't the next day I tried calling

Mike again still nothing his phone was still out of service and there was no sign of him anywhere I drove by his apartment again later that night but the lights were still off and no one answered the door a few days passed and I finally went to the police I told them everything about how Mike had disappeared about the texts about how no one at the bar seemed to remember him they took my statement but I could tell they didn't believe me they probably thought he'd just taken off on his own or that I was

imagining things I never heard from Mike again no more texts no more calls it was like he just vanished but every now and then when I'm alone at night I still think about those messages I still wonder who sent them and what they meant and I still wonder if maybe I should have listened when I inherited The Farmhouse I didn't think much about it I had never known this relative well my great uncle on my mother's side I'd only met him a handful full of times at Family reunions when I was younger but when he

passed the house came to me it was old sure and the pictures I'd seen made it look run down but the idea of owning property seemed too good to pass up a fresh start I told myself so I packed my things and made the lawn drive out to the middle of nowhere ready to settle into a new life the house was tucked away from town a good 30 minute drive down a dirt road the nearest neighbor was a mile away and even the road felt isolated there was nothing but fields and trees and the silence

was a bit unsettling the house itself sat in the middle of this vast open space looking as lonely as I felt standing there on the front porch it was bigger than I expected two stories peeling white paint and windows that had probably seen better days the roof looked intact though and the structure seemed seemed sound enough I figured it would take some work but I had time I was in no rush to go anywhere the inside was Dusty with creaky floorboards and outdated wallpaper but there was a certain charm to it it felt like stepping

back in time I moved in that weekend figuring I'd deal with whatever repairs came up as they happened the first few days were peaceful in a strange way the kind of quiet you don't kid in the city no car horns no people shouting on the streets Just Wind and the occasional Creek of the house settling it didn't take long before I started noticing little things though things that didn't sit right the first thing was the barn it sat about 50 yard from the house and it was in even more shape than the main building I

had no intention of using it so I didn't pay much attention but a few days after I moved in I noticed that the barn door which had been hanging slightly a jar was now closed I chocked it up to the wind but it bothered me enough to go check it out the door was Heavy oldwood swollen with years of neglect and I had to put my shoulder into it to get it open inside the barn was empty no signs of animals or people just cobwebs and the smell of rot I Shrugged it off and went

back to the house figuring I was just getting chumpy being out here by myself a couple of days later I met some of the locals in town the hardware store owner an older man named Jack asked where I was staying when I told him his face changed his polite smile faltered for just a second but enough that I noticed that old farmhouse he said almost to himself you be careful out there place has a history I laughed it off asking what kind of history but he didn't give me much just some muttering about the previous

owners who had vanished never found a trace of him he said that was years ago now folks around here don't talk about it much I didn't press for details maybe I should have that night I woke up to a noise outside it was faint just a scraping sound like something dragging across the porch I lay there for a minute heart racing trying to convince myself it was an animal but something about it didn't feel right I got up crept to the window and peeed through the curtains in the Moonlight I could just make out a

figure standing by the barn they weren't moving just standing there facing the house I froze my first thought was to grab my phone and call the police but by the time I found it the person was gone I stared out at the empty yard trying to convince myself I'd imagine the whole thing maybe it was just some local kid playing a prank that's what I told myself anyway but I didn't sleep much the rest of the night the next morning I found footprints in the dirt outside the barn fresh ones leading right up to the

door I didn't go near it something about the whole situation was starting to feel off it wasn't just the isolation or the old Stories the locals hinted at it was the way the air felt heavier how the wind seemed to die down at night leaving everything eerily still a few nights later it happened again this time the noise was louder footsteps on the porch slow deliberate I didn't move from my bed I just lay there staring at the ceiling holding my breath after what felt like hours the footsteps stopped and I heard the sound of

the Barn Door creaking open I didn't get up to check I was too scared in the morning the barn door was closed again I didn't open it this time I didn't want to know what was inside I stayed inside the house all day trying to distract myself but as the sun set I couldn't shake the feeling I wasn't alone out here that whoever or whatever was watching me wasn't finished that night I made sure all the doors and windows were locked I kept the lights off hoping that if they came back they wouldn't know I

was awake sure enough around midnight I heard the footsteps again this time they didn't stop at the porch they circled the house slow and steady I could hear them crunching in the gravel outside pacing back and forth every so often I hear a soft tap on one of the windows like someone testing it I didn't move didn't breathe I just waited heart pounding in my chest hoping they go away after what felt like forever the footsteps stopped but I didn't relax I couldn't I lay there white-eyed until dawn the next morning I found something on

the porch a small rusted tea sitting right in front of the door I don't know where it came from but I had a feeling it belonged to the barn I didn't touch it that was the last straw for me I called the locksmith the day and had him change all the locks on my house I I didn't tell him why I just wanted to feel safe again even if it was a false sense of security but that night as I was locking up I noticed something that made my blood run cold the tea I found

that morning it was gone I barely slept that night every Creek of the house every rustle of the wind outside had me on edge I felt like I was being watched even though I hadn't seen anyone since that night by the barn but I knew they were out there waiting the next day I went into town again hoping to find some answers Jack the hardware store owner was more forthcoming this time I don't know what's been going on out there he said leaning in close but you're not the first to see things people in these

parts have always known something's off with that place those that lived there don't tend to stay long I didn't ask him what he meant by that I didn't want to know that night I was determined not to let my fear get the best of me I locked up as usual checked the windows and went to bed but around midnight the footsteps returned this time they were louder closer I could hear them on the porch then right outside my bedroom window I didn't move I didn't dare a suddenly there was a knock at the door three

sharp wraps like someone was demanding to be let in I held my breath praying they go away but the knocking came again lot of this time more insistent I cracked my phone ready to call the police but then something stopped me the knocking wasn't coming from the front door it was coming from the back my AR sink I realized with a sickening dread that there were more than one of them they were trying to get in trying to Corner me I dialed 911 but the call wouldn't go through no signal of course out here in

the middle of nowhere I was completely cut off I was on my own the knocking grew more frantic first at the back door door then the windows it was like they were everywhere surrounding the house I could hear them Whispering now low and guttural but I couldn't make out the words my mind raised with panic I didn't know what to do then just as suddenly as it had started the knocking stopped The Whispers faded I waited listening but all I heard was the wind I didn't sleep at all that night the next morning I packed

my things I wasn't staying here another night whatever was out there whoever had been tormenting me I wasn't going to wait around to find out what they wanted I loaded up my car and sped down the dirt road leaving the farmhouse in my rearview mirror I haven't been back since I don't plan to I was pulling another late night at the office trying to catch up on a few reports I'd fallen behind on it wasn't the first time the place was dead quiet everyone had already left for the night and I could hear the faint

hum of the overhead lights the occasional Creek of the old building settling I liked working late because it gave me time to focus no distractions no one bothering me it was around 11:30 when I first heard it a knock on my office door it was soft like someone didn't want to make too much noise I didn't think much of it at first maybe one of the cleaners needed to get in I was on the third floor and most of the cleaning staff started with the lower levels I got up opened the door and found an

a man standing there in a faded blue jumpsuit holding a small toolbox he looked like one of the maintenance guys but I didn't recognize him sorry to bother you he said his voice low I need to check the wiring in your office something about him felt off right away his eyes didn't need mine they darted around never settling he was a little too calm if that makes sense too relaxed for someone working so late I hesitated but I didn't have a reason to say no so I stepped aside and let him in he walked past

me straight to the corner of the room where the outlet was he squatted down opened his toolbox and started fiddling with some wires though he didn't seem to be doing much I watched him for a minute waiting for him to say something but he didn't so what's the problem I asked he paused looking over his shoulder at me like he hadn't expected me to ask just routine he said then went back to whatever he was doing that's when I started getting a bad feeling I glans to my computer I still had a lot of work

left to do but I couldn't focus with this guy in the room something wasn't sitting right I didn't know the maintenance crew well but I've been working here long enough to recognize most of them by sight this guy didn't look familiar his face was pale and his hands were shaking slightly like he was nervous or something after a few minutes he still hadn't said much else and I was growing more uneasy by the second how long's this going to take I asked trying to keep my voice casual but I was already thinking about how to

get him out of the room he stood up slowly too slowly and turned to face me he didn't answer my question instead he smiled but it wasn't a friendly smile it was tight forced like he was holding something back it'll take as long as it needs to he said I didn't like that not one bit maybe you should come back in the morning when everyone's here I said moving toward the door I figured if I could get out into the the hallway I'd feel safer maybe even call someone from security the guy was creeping me

out but he didn't leave he stayed where he was blocking my way no need to wait he said his tone almost playful now I'm already here my heart started racing there was something wrong with this guy I could feel it every Instinct I had was telling me to get get out of there I glanced at the door again but he noticed and took a step forward closing the gap between us I just need a little more time he said his voice dropping lower you don't mind do you I forced a smile trying not to let

him see how freaked out I was actually I do mind I've got a lot of work to do and you're making it hard to focus so if you don't mind I'll ask you to leave for a moment he just stared at me no expression on his face just staring then slowly he turned back to his toolbox but he didn't pick up any tools instead he reached inside and pulled out a small metal object at first I couldn't tell what it was but then the light caught it and I realized it was a switchblade my stomach

dropped he flicked it open with a casual practice motion the blade glinting under the fluorescent lights I felt my hands start to swaged I packed up hitting the edge of my desk and glanced around the room there was no other way out except for the door and he was standing between me and it you don't have to do this I said my voice shaking just leave okay I won't tell anyone but he wasn't listening he took a step forward and I realized I was out of options I grabed the first thing I could find on

my desk my stapler and held it up like a weapon it was pathetic but it was all I had stay back I said trying to sound braver than I felt he laughed a low guttural sound that sent chills down my spine you really think that's going to stop me he lunged and I barely had time to react I swung the stapler catching him on the arm but it wasn't enough to slow him down he crapped me by the collar and shoved me against the wall the knife hovering inches from my throat I could feel the

cold metal could smell his sweat his breath I struggled kicking out trying to get him off me but he was stronger than he looked you should have just let me finish my work he whispered his face inches from mine I don't know how I did it but I managed to knee him in the groin hard enough that he let go of me I scrambled away knocking over my chair as I did he doubled over cursing but I knew I didn't have much time I bolted for the door yanking it open and stumbling into the hallway

I ran I didn't look back didn't stop until I reached the stairwell my heart was pounding so hard I thought it might explode I could hear footsteps behind me fast and heavy and I knew he was coming after me I flew down the stairs taking them two at a time my mind racing my panic I reached the ground floor and slammed into the security desk gasping for breath the guard looked up startled and I tried to explain what had happened but the words wouldn't come out right I just pointed back toward the stairs hoping he'd

understand he cracked His Radio and called for backup then ran toward the stairwell I stayed where I was too shaking to move a few minutes later I heard more footsteps and two other guards appeared they searched the building but by the time they got to my office the guy was gone they didn't find him no one knew who he was there were no records of any maintenance work scheduled that night no cameras on the third floor to catch him coming or going going it was like he'd never been there but I knew better he'd been

there and he hadn't come to check the wiring I quit the next day left the office and never went back whatever that man had planned I didn't want to be around to find out I had been on the train for a couple of hours when I first noticed him at first it wasn't anything more than a feeling you know when you can tell someone is looking at you even if you haven't seen them it felt like that but I brushed it off I was exhausted hadn't slept much the night before and was just trying to

get through this long trip I I had to take this overnight train across the country because of some last minute work thing and all I wanted to do was sleep I had my seat near the window headphones in trying to drown out the lwh hum of the train and the occasional murmur of passengers it was when I shifted in my seat and glanced over my shoulder that I saw him he was sitting one row back into the side but his eyes were locked on me unblinking his face didn't move when our eyes me not even

a polite smile or a not like you'd expect from someone you accidentally make a contact with he just kept staring almost like he was studying me I turned back around quickly trying to shake off the unease maybe I was imagining it people zone out all the time maybe he was just staring in my direction but wasn't really seeing me but the longer I sat there the more uncomfortable I felt it's hard to explain but it wasn't just a is staring it was something about him his presence the way he seemed too still like he was

waiting for something I tried to distract myself with my phone scrolling through pointless apps and checking the time every few minutes but I could still feel his Gaze on me the train was moving fast now cutting through some dark remote area the kind of place where if something happened no one would know for Miles I glanced outside seeing nothing but the blur of trees and the occasional flash of Lights from distant houses the other passengers around me were mostly quiet some sleeping others buried in their books or phones I felt alone even though I was

surrounded by people after a while I decided to check again I twisted in my seat pretending to stretch and looked back he hadn't moved SE seat same expression same eyes fixed on me this time I noticed something else his hands they were cripping the edge of his seat tightly Knuckles white like he was trying to keep himself from moving it was unsettling and my pulse started to Quicken I shifted again trying to get comfortable but it was no use I couldn't shake the feeling that something was very wrong I thought about about switching seats or

going to a different car but I didn't want to seem paranoid after all he hadn't done anything not really just watched but the watching was enough to make my skin crawl I decided to get up maybe stretch my legs or grab something to drink from the little vending area they had at the back of the car I stood and glanced back again this time he was gone his seat was empty for a second I felt relief wash over me thinking he might have gotten off at the last stop or maybe just moved to a different

car but as I started walking toward the back I saw him again he was standing in the aisle further down just watching me his eyes were following my every step and I swear I saw the hint of a smile tucking at the corner of his mouth my stomach Twisted into a knot I didn't want to pass by him but I didn't want to stay in my seat either I kept walking heart pounding in my chest trying not to look directly at him as I passed his eyes were Dark Hollow almost like there was nothing behind

them I hurried to the fending area and grabbed a bottle of water using the excuse of taking my time picking something to avoid going back to my seat right away I kept glancing down the aisle hoping to see him gone but he was still there standing in the same spot waiting I couldn't stay back there forever though I took a deep breath and forced myself to walk back to my seat as I got closer he finally moved stepping aside letting me pass but not without leaning in slightly like he wanted to whisper something his breath

was warm too close and I could smell it stale like he hadn't eaten or drank anything in days he didn't say a word though just watch me as I sat back down I was shaken now I thought about telling someone maybe one of the train staff but what would I say that some guy was staring at me I doubted they'd do much about it I put my headphones back in but I couldn't focus on the music I kept thinking about the way he was acting the way he seemed to be waiting for something I didn't

like it I didn't like it at all it wasn't until a few minutes later that I noticed something that made my blood run cold I'd seen this man before I couldn't place it at first but as I sat there replaying everything in my head it hit me I'd seen him at the train station 2 days ago when I first started this trip he'd been sitting on a bench just outside the entrance watching people as they came and went I hadn't thought much of it at the time but now I remembered his face that same Blank

unblinking Stare Panic set in he'd been following me this wasn't some random encounter he'd been watching me for days tracking my movements my mind raised trying to figure out what to do I couldn't just sit here and wait for whatever was going to happen I needed to get away but the train wasn't stopping anytime soon I was trapped I pulled out my phone my hand shaking as I tried to think of someone to call but who and what would I even say hey there's this guy on the train who's been following me for days it

sounded crazy I felt crazy but I couldn't ignore the fear Building inside me something was going to happen I could feel it I glanced back again and he was still there sitting now but still watching his face was blank but his eyes his eyes were full of something dark something I didn't want to understand the train kept moving faster and faster through the night I kept looking at the emergency exit thinking about pulling the handle but I knew it wouldn't do me any good I was stuck and he knew it as we sped through the

empty stretch of Countryside the train car seemed quieter than before tah of the engine was barely noticeable over the sound of my own heartbeat in my ears the other passengers were still there but they felt distant like I was in my own world separated from everyone else just me and him finally the train started to slow down as we approached the next station a small stop in the middle of nowhere I cracked my bag heart racing and made a split-second decision I wasn't waiting for my intended stop I was getting off here no matter what

as soon as the train came to a halt I jumped up and hurried down the aisle not looking back to see if he was following I stepped off the train onto the cold empty platform my breath coming in quick shallow gasps I glanced around half expecting to see him behind me but he wasn't there not yet at least without thinking I started walking heading toward the station's exit I didn't care where I was going I just needed to get away but as I rounded the corner I froze he was there standing by the exit waiting

for me his face still plank his eyes still locked on mine I don't know how long I stood there staring at him before I finally turned and ran I ran faster than I ever have in my life not caring where I was going just running hoping to lose him in the dark I never look back I didn't need to I knew he was there following always watching it was my third delivery of the night not nothing than usual just another shift I had been working as a pizza delivery driver for a while now and I

had seen my share of weird things drunk customers Shady neighborhoods and people who forgot the even ordered it didn't phase me anymore I just wanted to get in drop off the pizza and get out this delivery was for house I hadn't been to before though the address was out of the way off a narrow road that stretched far past where the houses started thinning out I didn't think much of it at first Sometimes you get deliveries to those roal spots people living out in the middle of nowhere where the houses are spaced miles apart I

punched the address into my GPS and it directed me down a gravel road that seemed like it led to Nowhere there weren't any other houses no street lights just trees pressing in on both sides of the road it took longer than I thought it would but eventually I saw the house it wasn't much to look at just a small one-story Place barely lit the porch light flickered casting Long Shadows over the yard the whole place gave off this feeling of Abandonment like no one had been living there for a while but the order came from

this address so I didn't have a choice I parked my car on the dirt patch in front and grabbed a pizza from the passenger seat the air was heav heavy and still no wind no sounds nothing it was too quiet and I started feeling uneasy but I told myself it was just because it was late I walked up the uneven path to the front door and knocked waiting for someone to answer no one did I knocked again lot of this time and called out pizza delivery still nothing no sounds from inside no footsteps no voices

no TV noise just silence I figured maybe the customer didn't hear me or maybe they were outside and hadn't realized I was there yet so I waited for a minute then I knocked again nothing I decided to leave the pizza on the porch and head back to my car as I turned around to walk away that's when I saw them three men all standing near the edge of the driveway not too far from my car they hadn't been been there when I pulled up I didn't hear them approach didn't see them and now they were

just there watching me I froze for a second not sure what to do they were just standing there staring at me no Expressions on their faces one of them the tallest one took a step forward what are you doing here he asked his voice low almost like he was accusing me of something I held up the pizza box trying to stay calm just delivering pizza I said I knocked but no one answered the man narrowed his eyes at me not even glancing at the pizza in my hand who told you to come here I paused

confused ah someone ordered it it came through our system the address is right here I motioned toward the house hoping they'd understand I was just doing my job but they didn't move the tallest guy looked at the others and they all stepped closer no one's ordered anything from here he said his tone was cold and now I could see the look on his face he wasn't just suspicious he was angry you spying on us or something I felt a chill run down my spine what no I'm just here to deliver pizza man that's all one

of the other guys a stockier one crossed his arms and sneered you expect us to believe that you show up out of nowhere and we're supposed to think it's just a coincidence at this point I was getting really scared something was off about these guys something more than just them being pissed about a random delivery I tried to stay calm but my heart was racing and I could feel the sweat starting to form on the back of my neck I swear I'm just delivering pizza if this is a mistake I'll leave no problem but they

didn't back off the tall guy took another step toward me now only a few feet away you think we're stupid he said his voice had dropped to a whisper but it was even more menacing that way no one's supposed to know about this place I took a step back glancing over at my car it wasn't far but the three of them were between me and it blocking my way I didn't know what to do I thought about running but I wasn't sure I'd make it before they crapped me look I said my voice shaking now

I don't know what you think is going on but I promise I don't know anything I don't even know where I am I'm just following the GPS the third guy who had been silent up until now finally spoke we've had people like you before he said his voice was raspy like he hadn't spoken in a long time they always say the same thing I didn't know what he meant but I wasn't about to stick around and find out I took another step back trying to create some distance between us I'll just leave okay I won't

bother you again but they didn't let up the tall guy shook his head slowly you're not going anywhere he said that was when I knew I had to make a run for it I couldn't just stand there and let whatever was about to happen happen without thinking I turned and sprinted toward my car the pizza box flying out of my hand as I ran I heard them shout behind me their footsteps pounding the ground as they chased after me I reached my car fumbling for my keys in my pocket my hand shaking so badly I

almost dropped them I could hear them getting closer their footsteps growing louder I yanked open the car door and threw myself inside slamming it shut and locking it just as they reached the car they pounded on the Windows their faces Twisted in Anger shouting things I couldn't even make out my hands were shaking so badly I could barely get the key into the ignition but after after a few terrifying seconds the engine roared to life I slammed the car into reverse backing up as fast as I could tires kicking up dirt and gravel they were

still pounding on the Windows their fists leaving smudges on the glass but I didn't care I threw the car into drive and sped down the gravel road my heart racing adrenaline coursing through my veins I didn't stop driving until I was back in town where the lights and people made me feel like I was safe again I pulled over in a gas station parking lot my hands still shaking as I tried to catch my breath I looked in the rearview mirror half expecting to see them still following me but there was nothing I don't know

who they were what they thought I was doing there but I've never been that scared in my life I went camping alone last summer I've done it before and nothing bad ever happened I like the peace and quiet getting away from everything for a while it's the only time I feel like I can really breathe this time I picked a spot at a small Campground not too far from the main road but still deep enough into the woods to feel cut off I don't go to big campgrounds with a lot of people because it defeats

the purpose the whole reason I go is to get some time to myself I got there in the afternoon and found a nice spot tucked back behind some trees there were only a few other campers and they were spread out so I figured it' be a quiet night I set up my tent got my little fire pit going and started to relax as the sun began to set it was warm so I didn't need much to stay comfortable just me the fire and the sounds of the woods I noticed the group around dusk three guys

mid-30s I gas they showed up in a beat up truck and started unloading their gear a couple of spots over they were allowed right from the start laughing swearing talking way too loud for how empty the place was I tried to ignore them but it was hard not to notice they had a cooler full of beer and by the time they finished setting up it was obvious they were already buzzed at first I wasn't too worried people go camping to have fun right I figured they'd settle down after a while maybe pass out after a

few too many drinks that's what usually happens with groups like that but as the night went on they didn't quiet down in fact they got louder I was sitting by my fire trying to read but their voices were carrying over to my sight I could hear every word and some of the things they were saying weren't exactly polite a lot of it was crew jokes talking about women like they were objects stuff like that I tried to shake it off they didn't know I was there I thought but then I heard one of them say

something that made me freeze hey looks like we got company check it out I glanced up and saw one of the guys pointing in my direction the fire at my sight must have caught their eye I wasn't exactly hidden but I didn't think they'd notice me since I was keeping to myself is she by herself another guy asked I could hear the smirk in his voice even though I couldn't see his face clearly I didn't answer I didn't want to encourage anything I hoped they'd just leave me alone but that hope didn't last long one

of them the biggest guy stood up and started walking toward my campsite I tensed up gripping the book in my lap a little tighter trying not to look as nervous as I felt hey there he called out raising his beer in the air as he approached you camping alone I nodded hoping that would be enough to make him turn around and go back but he didn't he stepped closer standing just at the edge of my fire light and I could see his face now he was grinning but it wasn't a friendly crin there was something

off about it something that made my stomach twist you sure it's safe to be out here by yourself he asked you never know who you might run into he laughed but it wasn't a joke I found funny I didn't respond just help my eyes on the fire hoping he'd take the hint instead the other two guys wandered over bringing their peers with them they didn't ask if they could join me they just did like they had every right to the second guy the one with a shaved head popped down on a log across from me

and stared at me like I was some kind of amusement you're braver than most he said most women wouldn't Camp alone too many creeps out here you know the third guy shorter and stockier than the others stood off to the side laughing under his breath like this whole thing was just a big joke to him maybe she's waiting for someone he said you waiting for someone to join you I could feel my heart pounding in my chest my throat was dry and I couldn't think of what to say I knew I needed to stay calm

but every Instinct was screaming at me that something was wrong the way they were looking at me the way they surrounded me it wasn't friendly they didn't care about being polite or even pretending to I'm fine I finally managed to say just here for some quiet time the guy with the shaved head snorted quiet time huh not too quiet now is it he looked at his buddies and they all laughed the big guy the one who had first approached me took a step closer you don't mind if we hang out do you safety and numbers

right I wanted to tell them to leave but I was scared there were three of them and I was alone no one else was nearby and even if I screamed I didn't think anyone would hear me my car was parked a little ways off but getting to it would mean walking past them and I didn't want to get that close I forced to smile I'd really rather be alone I said my voice shaking a little it's been a long day the big guy's grin faded and his eyes narrowed that so he said his tone suddenly

colder you sure about that I nodded trying to keep my voice steady yeah I'd appreciate it for a moment he didn't move he just stood there staring at me like he was trying to decide what to do next I could feel the tension in the air like something bad was about to happen the other two guys were watching him waiting for him to make the call then finally he Shrugged all right whatever you say we'll leave you alone but as they started walking away I could hear them muttering to each other laughing quietly I didn't

feel any relief though I knew they weren't really gone they'd be back I sat by the fire for a while longer trying to shake off the fear that was creeping up inside me but it was no use every little sound made me jump every crackle of the fire every rustle in the trees I kept glancing toward their campsite but I couldn't see them anymore the fire had died down and their truck was parked in the shadows I couldn't tell what they were up to but I knew they were still there eventually I couldn't take it

anymore I decided to go into my tent and try to get some sleep hoping they'd lose interest and leave me alone I crawled into my sleeping bag zipped up the tent and lay there staring at the ceiling listening to the sounds of the woods it was too quiet I couldn't relax my mind kept replaying the way they looked at me the way they surrounded me like I was some kind of prey I must have dozed off at some point because the next thing I knew I heard footsteps I froze my heart pounding in my ears

the footsteps were soft but they were getting closer I could hear them crunching on the gravel outside my tent slow and deliberate I didn't move I didn't even breathe I just lay there listening praying that it was just an animal that I was imagining things but then I heard voices think she's asleep one of them whispered let's find out another voice said followed by a low chule I clenched my fists my whole body tense I knew it was them they hadn't laughed they were right outside my tent and I had no idea what they were

planning to do my phone was in my bag but it was too late to call for help now if I made any noise they'd know I was awake for what felt like hours I lay there listening as they whispered to each other their voices low but clear they were talking about me about how easy it would be to teach me a lesson for blowing them off I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes but I forced myself to stay silent to stay as still as possible I couldn't let them them know I was

awake finally after what felt like an eternity the footsteps moved away I waited holding my breath until I was sure they were gone only then did I let out a shaky breath my whole body trembling with fear I knew I couldn't stay there I had to get out before they came back as quietly as I could I unzipped the tent and crawled out the fire had died down to Embers casting just enough light for me to see the outline of their campsite I couldn't see them but I didn't care I cracked my car teas from

my bag and crept toward my car my heart pounding in my chest I made it to the car without making a sound I unlocked the door as quietly as possible and slipped inside locking it behind me my hands were shaking so badly I could barely get the key into the ignition but I managed to start the car I didn't even bother packing up my tent or the rest of my stuff I just wanted to get out of there as I drove away I glanced in the rearview mirror in the distance I could see the three

of them standing by their truck watching me leave they weren't laughing anymore I was coming back from a night out nothing too crazy just a couple of drinks with some friends it wasn't late by most standards maybe around 11:30 p.m. but I was tired I had enough for the night and I just wanted to get home my apartment wasn't far about a 15-minute ride from where I was so I figured I'd grab a taxi and instead of dealing with the bus or waiting for a ride shair seemed easier I stepped out of the bar and

spotted a taxi idling near the curb I walked up to it knocked on the passenger side window and the driver nodded at me to get in nothing weird about him at first glance middle each guy kind of Scruffy but you see all types driving taxies late at night he had this old baseball cap pulled low and he didn't say much when I gotten just to ask where I was headed I gave him my address leaned back into the seat and tried to relax the bar wasn't in a sketchy area or anything but the streets were

empty and the city always felt different at night a little quieter a little darker especially on weak days we were driving for maybe 5 minutes when I noticed we passed a couple of landmarks that should have been on the opposite side of the street at first I thought maybe I I was just tired and not paying attention it was late and sometimes I zone out when I've had a few drinks but I wasn't drunk I knew the area well enough to know when something didn't feel right I looked up at the rearview mirror and I

could see his eyes glancing at me now and then like he was checking to see if I'd noticed something that's when I got the first real cholt of unees hey I said trying to keep my voice calm you took a wrong turn back there you should have gone left on eth he didn't respond right away just kept driving like he hadn't heard me after a few seconds he said don't worry I know a shortcut I didn't like that I didn't like the way he said it too casual like he was brushing me off I sat

up straighter looking out the window the streets were getting less familiar more industrial no stores no houses just warehouses and empty lots ah I'm pretty sure you're going the wrong way I said this time more insistent that's when he started asking the questions you live around here he asked his voice low and steady like he was making conversation but there was something off in the tone too interested yeah not far I lied just take me back to to eth all right he didn't answer he just kept driving the silence stretching out between us I was

starting to feel trapped like the inside of the taxi was shrinking around me my heart was picking up speed but I didn't want to show him I was scared what do you do for work he asked after a minute the question hit me out of nowhere it wasn't the kind of thing you ask someone you're driving home it was was too personal too invasive like he was trying to size me up I work in an office I said quickly listen can you just pull over I'll walk from here he didn't even acknowledge what I said

just kept asking more questions you live alone I didn't answer this time I was done playing along my hand moved to the door handle but when I pulled it it didn't budge the door was locked and there was no switch on my side to unlock it I reached for my phone but before I could even pull it out of my pocket he spoke again his voice harder this time don't try anything stupid I know where we're going I felt a chill run through me I looked out the window again and the streets were completely deserted

now no cars no lights nothing just empty roads and the occasional abandoned building I didn't know where we were but it wasn't anywhere I'd been before let me out I said trying to sound firm but my voice was shaky now he didn't even slow down I could see his knuckles tightening on the steering wheel his eyes flicking back and forth between the road in the rearview mirror watching me the way he was cripping the wheel like he was trying trying to control something inside himself it scared the hell out of me calm down he said

his voice too smooth too controlled we're almost there almost where I asked Panic rising in my throat you'll see that was it that was all he said my mind was racing trying to figure out what to do my phone was still in my pocket I didn't want to pull it out and make him notice I glanced at the window thinking maybe I could smash it but the glass was thick reinforced probably bulletproof or something I didn't stand a chance I kept thinking I needed to stay calm but my breathing was getting faster my chest tightening

up I couldn't figure out why he was doing this or he was taking me the whole thing didn't make sense none of it made sense and then he turned down a narrow alley barely wide enough for the car to fit the walls of the buildings on either side were closing in and I could feel my heart pounding in my throat there was no way out I was trapped the car stopped I could hear the engine idling the sound filling the cramped space he didn't turn to look at me he just sat there for a moment

staring straight ahead the silence was unbearable get out he said finally his voice low almost a whisper I didn't move my body was frozen my mind screaming at me to run but I couldn't I couldn't make myself move I said get out he repeated more forceful this time he unlocked the doors and the sound of the click made me jump I looked at the door handle my hand hovering over it shaking I didn't know what was on the other side of that door but I knew staying in the car wasn't an option I had to

move I opened the door slowly stepping out into the alley the air was thick and heavy like it was weighing me down my legs felt like jelly barely able to support me I glanced around trying to get my bearings but there was nothing familiar about the place just dark walls and Shadows the driver got out too slamming his door shut the sound echoed Through the Alley making me Flinch he walked around the front of the car stopping a few feet away from me just watching me his eyes were cold calculating he didn't say anything just

stood there waiting I didn't know what he wanted I didn't know what he was planning to do next and that was the worst part but not knowing my mind was spinning with all the horrible possibilities but none of them seemed real it was like I was stuck in a nightmare and I couldn't wake up then out of nowhere he smiled a slow sick smile that made my stomach turn run he said almost laughing go on run I didn't think I didn't hesitate eight I turned and bolted my feet slipping on the wet pavement my breath

coming in ragged gasps I didn't know where I was going I didn't care I just needed to get away to put as much distance between me and him as possible I could hear his footsteps behind me Steady unhurried he wasn't running he didn't need to he knew the alley better than I did knew I didn't stand it chance I rounded a corner my lungs burning and stumbled into an open Street I couldn't believe my eyes there were lights street lights and a gas station at the far end of the block I sprinted toward it the

sound of his footsteps fading behind me I burst through the doors of the gas station gasping for air my heart pounding so hard I thought it might explode the cashier looked up at me confused but I didn't have time to explain I just collapsed against the counter trying to catch my breath my whole body shaking call the police I managed to say between gasps the guy behind the counter stared at me for a moment before grabbing the phone I glanced back at the door expecting to see the driver standing there but he was gone the

police showed up a few minutes later I told them everything every detail I could remember but they didn't find the guy the taxi wasn't registered to anyone and the alley eyed run through didn't lead anywhere it was a dead end I don't know what would have happened if I hadn't won when I did I don't like to think about it but I haven't taken a taxi since I decided to go camping alone because I needed to clear my head life had been getting to me lately and I thought a few days by myself in the

woods would help I'd done it before so I wasn't nervous or anything it was a national forest not the middle of nowhere the plan was simple hi a few miles in set up camp and just exist out there for a while I parked my car at the trail head checked my gear and started walking the trail was nice winding through thick trees with only the sound of birds and the occasional rustle of leaves around me it felt good to get away from everything the first few hours went by without a hitch I passed a couple

of other Hiers coming the other way exchanged nods but otherwise I was alone that's how I liked it just me in the woods it was about midaf afternoon when I noticed him for the first time at least I think it was him I caught a glimpse of someone a little ways off the trail moving in the same direction as me but at a slower Pace it didn't seem strange at first people go off Trail all the time to explore I figured he'd probably just loop back to the path further up so I didn't think much

of it but then after another mile or so I saw him again this time he was closer just off to the right still moving parallel to the trail he was wearing a dark jacket and a cap pulled low over his face and he wasn't carrying much just a small pack I slowed down a bit trying to get a better look but he stayed hidden behind the trees at that point I felt a little uneasy it wasn't normal for someone to keep Pace with you like that off the trail maybe he didn't realize I was theread

there but still something felt off I kept walking picking up my Pace a little but every now and then I hear branches snapping while the sound of footsteps behind me I glanced over my shoulder a few times but I never saw him again during the hike still I couldn't shake the feeling that he was there just out of sight by the time I reached the spot where I planned to set up camp the sun was starting to dip below the trees I chose a small clearing not far from a creek close enough to off water

but far enough from the main trail to feel secluded it was perfect or at least it should have been I got my tent up gathered some firewood and started a small fire to cook dinner as I sat there eating my food the unease from earlier came back it was too quiet normally you hear animals moving around or the wind in the trees but it felt dead still I kept glancing around the clearing half expecting to see someone standing there watching me but it was just me or so I thought when the sun fully set and

the fire was the only light around I started to hear noises again at first it was just the occasional rustle but then I heard footsteps slow deliberate footsteps like someone was walking around the edge of the clearing I froze listening straining my years to figure out where they were coming from but they stayed just outside the Ring of Fire Light I stood up grabbed my flashlight and shined it toward the sound nothing just trees and darkness I called out asking if anyone was there but no one responded the footsteps stopped for a moment then started

up again moving in a circle around my Camp always just out of sight my heart was pounding I told myself I was probably an animal maybe a deer or something but deep down I knew it wasn't the steps were too heavy Too Human I tried to act normal poking at the fire but I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched after a while the footsteps stopped completely the silence was worse I kept my flashlight in my hand scanning the trees but I didn't see anything eventually I convinced myself that whoever it was had

moved on maybe it was just another Aker who didn't realize I was there and decided to go a different way I didn't really believe that but I needed to sleep so I crawled into my tent leaving the fire burning low outside I lay there for what felt like hours listening to every little sound the wind picked up rustling the leaves and for a while that was all I could hear then just as I was starting to dose off I heard it again footsteps but this time they were closer much closer I held my breath lying

completely still as the steps move right up to the edge of my Camp I could hear the crackling of the fire and just beyond that the unmistakable sound of someone walking around whoever it was they weren't trying to be quiet anymore I reached for my flashlight again but my hands was shaking I didn't want to move didn't want to let them know I was awake the footsteps circled my tent slow and deliberate like they were waiting for something I felt trapped the thin nylon walls of the tent were all that separated me from whoever was

out there and I knew it wouldn't take much for them to rip through then just as suddenly as they started the footsteps stopped the only sound was the crackle of the fire and my own breathing I strained to hear anything but there was nothing I lay there for what felt like hours too scared to move too scared to sleep eventually exhaustion took over and I must have drifted off when I woke up the sun was just starting to rise I crawled out of my tent Half expecting to find something or someone waiting for me but

the clearing was empty the fire had burned down to Embers and the woods were quiet again I packed up my Camp as quickly as I could my eyes constantly scanning the trees I didn't see any sign of the person from the night before no tracks no evidence that anyone had been there at all but I knew what I'd heard I didn't imagine it I started the hike back moving faster than I had on the way in the whole time I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched every time I heard a branch snap

or Le Russell my heart would jump into my throat but I never saw anyone when I finally made it back to the trailhead my car was the only one there I threw my pack into the back seat jumped in and sped out of there without looking back I haven't been camping since I don't know who was out there that night or what they wanted but I know they were watching me and I know they're still out there somewhere waiting for the next person to wander to too far into their territory I had the day off

and thought I'd spend it at the park it was quiet middle of the week so not many people were around I like the piece of it just some joggers a couple of older folks walk their dogs and parents with little kids at the playground I was sitting on a bench reading a book nothing special just something to kill time I looked up from the pages after a while and that's when I noticed her a little girl maybe five or six sitting by herself on one of those springy animal rides the kind that rocked back and

forth she wasn't playing though she was just sitting there staring at the ground no one seemed to be paying attention to her I figured her parents must be close by but after a few minutes I realized she was still alone the other parents were further off sitting in groups chatting or standing by their own kids I scanned the area again expecting to see someone watching her but nobody was something about it felt wrong I closed my book and watched her for a little longer thinking maybe your parent or whoever was with her had just stepped

away for a moment but that moment kept stretching on she wasn't playing wasn't looking around like kids do when they're waiting for someone to come back she was just sitting there staring at nothing I don't know why but I couldn't let it go it felt off and it bothered me more the longer I sat there finally I got up and walked over to her I didn't want to scare her so I approached slowly trying to seem casual hey sweetie I said keeping my voice soft are you waiting for someone she didn't respond at first just

kept staring down at the ground I crouched down a little so I was closer to where I level is your mom or dad around I asked still nothing she looked at me for a second and her eyes were I don't know how to describe it they weren't scared exactly more like empty like she didn't know what to do or say her cheeks were stre with dirt or maybe it was something else I couldn't really tell her clothes looked a little too big for her like she'd been dressed in hand-me-downs that didn't fit I tried again

do you need help is someone with you that's when I heard from footsteps behind me I stood up quickly and turned around a man was walking toward us from the other side of the park he wasn't running just walking but there was something off about the way he moved his eyes were locked on the girl and he didn't even glance at me She's mine he said as he got closer his voice was flat no emotion in it he was wearing a faded hoodie and jeans looking scruffy like he hadn't shaved in a while there was

something about him that put me on edge immediately he was too calm too certain the girl didn't react when he spoke she didn't get up didn't run to unlike you'd expect a child to do when their parents shows up she stayed still on the ride just staring at the ground I tried to keep my voice steady is she with you the man didn't answer right away he just looked at me his eyes hard and cold like he didn't appreciate me being there finally he nodded yeah she's mine we're leaving but the girl didn't move she

didn't even acknowledge Him I glanced at her again trying to read her but she looked just as blank as before I felt my stomach twist something wasn't right I know I know people say you shouldn't get involved in situations like this but everything about it felt wrong the way he spoke the way she was acting none of it made sense I tried again more direct this time are you her dad he glared at me yeah you got a problem there was something in his tone that sent a Chell down my spine I couldn't prove anything

was wrong but I could feel it I looked at the Girl Again searching for some sign that she was okay with him but she still wouldn't look up I stepped back a little giving him space but I wasn't ready to walk away do you need help I asked the girl directly is this man your dad she didn't answer she didn't even Flinch that's when the man grabbed her arm not roughly but firm enough to make me tense up he pulled her off the ride and started walking away dragging her along she stumbled a little but

didn't resist she just let him pull her I couldn't just stand there wait I said stepping forward are you sure she's okay he stopped and turned to face me his expression was angry now his eyes narrowed I said she's mine we're leaving stay out of it my heart was pounding I didn't know what to do I didn't want to make things worse but everything in me was screaming that something was wrong I couldn't just let them walk away without saying something more I don't think she wants to go with you I said my voice shaking

a little the man's grip tightened on the girl's arm and I saw her winds just slightly mind your own business he said through clenched teeth this is my kid you don't know what's going on he started walking again pulling the girl along she glanced at me for the brief a second and in that moment I saw something in her eyes fear it was quick just a flicker but it was there she was afraid I felt Frozen I didn't know what to do I could follow them but then what call the police what if he really

was her dad I didn't want to make a scene if I was wrong but that fear in her eyes I couldn't ignore it I took out my phone and pretended to check it hoping he think I was backing off but as soon as they were far enough away I dialed 911 I tried to keep my voice steady as I explained what was happening but my hands were shaking they're leaving the park I said watching them head toward the parking lot the man says she's his daughter but something's not right the girl looks terrified I don't

think she's okay the operator asked for details where I was what the man looked like I gave them everything I could remember I kept watching as they disappeared around a corner my heart pounding in my chest the police arrived a few minutes later but by then the man and the girl were gone I pointed them in the direction they' gone but it was like they vanished the officers took my statement asked if I was sure about what I had seen I told them I was told them about the way the girl had looked how she

hadn't spoken how she seemed afraid they said they checked the area but I could tell they weren't hopeful without more information there wasn't much they could do I watched them drive off feeling sick to my stomach I kept thinking about the girl's face about that brief moment of fear in her eyes I went home that night but I couldn't stop thinking about it I kept wondering if I'd done enough if I should have tried harder to stop them what if she wasn't his daughter what if something terrible happened to her because I didn't do more

I never heard anything more about it no news no reports nothing it was like they just disappeared but I can't forget that look in her eyes I can't forget how aless I felt standing there watching them walk away I still go to the park sometimes but I'm always on edge now I keep expecting to see them again to see that man with another child or Worse to never see them at all I don't know what happened to that little girl but I can't shake the feeling that something terrible happened after they left I'll never know

for sure but I can't forget it I just hope wherever she is that she's okay but deep down I know she's probably not I was driving back from my parents' place out in the middle of nowhere you know those roads where you don't see anything but fields and trees for Miles that's where I was I hadn't seen another car in over an hour and my gas light came on so I pulled up to this small gas station it looked like it hadn't been updated in years one of those old places with the pump that didn't

even take carts so you had to go inside to pay the sun was starting to set and the whole area was quiet too quiet like the kind of Silence that makes you feel uneasy there was a beat up truck parked on the side but I didn't see anyone around at first I got out of my car walked up to the pump and was about to start felling up I noticed a man leaning against the side of the station just kind of lurking there he wasn't doing anything just standing there with his hands in his pockets

staring in my direction I tried not to make a contact and just focus on getting the gas but the feeling of him watching me made my skin crawl I kept telling myself that it was fine just some guy hanging around it was a public place right people do weird things maybe he was waiting for someone but still I couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right I went inside the little shop to pay the guy behind the counter barely looked at me I paid him cash then hurried back to my car when I stepped back

outside the man had moved closer standing near the edge of the parking lot now his eyes were locked on me and he wasn't trying to hide it I pretended not to see him and when to start pumping my gas as soon as I did I heard footsteps coming toward me I didn't look up just kept my head down hoping he'd keep walking but he didn't he came right up next to me standing way too close for comfort you need help with that he asked I jumped a little startled by how close he was no I'm

fine I said my my voice tight I tried to sound casual but I could feel my heart starting to race I just wanted to get out of there he didn't move just stood there staring at me you sure looks like you could use a hand I glanced at him quickly he was taller than me scruffy maybe in his late 30s his clothes were dirty like he'd been working outside all day and his breath smelled like cigarettes his smile didn't reach his eyes and that made me even more nervous I said unfine I repeated a little

more firmly this time I forced a smile trying to stay polite but my stomach was in knots I focused on the gas pump willing it to fill faster but he didn't back off he leaned in closer like he was trying to see what I was doing even though it was just filling up the tank you know he said it's not safe out here you shouldn't be traveling alone my tightened on the pump handle I'm not alone I lied hoping he'd get the hint I'm meeting someone just up a road he tilted his head giving me

this look like he knew I was lying really don't see too many cars around here place is pretty dead I swallowed hard my mouth dry I didn't know what to say so I just kept pumping gas trying to ignore him every second felt longer than the last I could feel his eyes on me watching every move I made you know he said after a minute I could follow you make sure you get where you're going safe that did it my heart was pounding so hard I thought I might throw up no thank thanks I said

quickly pulling the pump out of my car even though it wasn't full yet I'm good I moved to get back in my car but he stepped in front of me blocking my way come on no need to be rude just trying to help out a pretty girl like you I took a step back my mind racing I didn't want to show how scared I was but my hands were shaking and I could feel the Panic rising in my throat I said I don't need help I snapped lot of this time he didn't move didn't back

down just stood there staring at me with that same creepy smile you sure about that his voice was low almost a whisper now I glanced toward the station hoping maybe the guy inside would notice something was wrong but the windows were dark and I couldn't see anyone it felt like I was completely alone out there just me and this guy I'm sure I said forcing myself to stay calm I need to go now I stepped around him reaching for my car door but he cracked my wrist his tight hey don't be like that he said

his voice still too calm too casual for what was happening just trying to be friendly I yanked my arm back my heart racing now let go of me I shouted louder than I meant to but I didn't care I wanted him to know I wasn't playing along anymore for a split second he looked surprised like he didn't expect me to fight back but then his expression changed and his smile faded his eyes went cold and for a moment I thought he might actually try to do something worse but then out of nowhere headlights appeared from

down the road cutting through the fading light a car was pulling into the gas station the man let go of me stepping back quickly like he didn't want to be caught I didn't waste a second I jumped into my car locked the doors and started the engine my hands were shaking so badly that I could barely turn the key but I managed to get the car moving as I sped out of the parking lot I glanced in the rearview mirror and saw the man standing there just watching me drive away I didn't stop driving until

I was miles down the road my heart still racing I kept looking in the mirror half expecting to see his truck following me but he was gone I pulled over eventually just to catch my breath and try to calm down my hands were shaking so bad I could barely hold the steering wheel I don't know what that guy wanted but I don't think it was just Alp something about him wasn't right and I can't shake the feeling that if that car hadn't shown up when it did things would have gone a lot worse I haven't

stopped at a gas station like that since I stick to welled places crowded areas anywhere with people around I keep thinking about that moment when he crab my wrist about how fast everything can go from normal to terrifying I'm just glad I got out of there when I did it started on a Tuesday I had just gotten home from work tired and ready to relax when I saw a package sitting on my doorstep I didn't think much of it at first just assumed it was something I'd ordered online I'd been waiting on a new set

of headphones so it made sense but when I picked it up and looked at the label I saw it wasn't address to me the name on it was Daniel Marks I didn't know anyone by that name and it didn't even have my address on it just the same street name but a different number maybe it got delivered to the wrong place I thought no big deal I figured I'd be nice and drop it off at the correct address on my way to work the next morning but when I got inside and sat down with a

package something felt off the box was heavy heavier than it looked I don't know why but my curiosity got the better of me I know I shouldn't have but I opened it inside there was just one thing an old dirty prick I stared at it for a minute trying to make sense of it why would someone send a brick there was no note no packaging slip nothing just a brick sitting in the middle of the box I laughed a little thinking it was some kind of weird prank or mistake maybe this Daniel Marks guy ordered

something and the seller sent him a Breck by accident but it didn't feel like a joke it was too strange too unsettling especially since it ended up at my door instead of his I should have closed the box right then taped it up and taken it to the right address but I didn't I just put it aside and tried to forget about about it I wasn't about to go wandering around the neighborhood at night for a stranger's package the next day I left for work without thinking about it the package stayed in the living room

just sitting there on the floor by the time I got home I'd almost forgotten about it but that night as I was getting ready for bed there was a knock on the door I wasn't expecting anyone so it caught me off guard I looked for the people hle and saw two men standing outside both wearing dark jackets they looked normal enough but something about the way they were standing side by side made me nervous I opened the door just to crack can I help you I asked keeping the chain on the door the man closest

to the door spoke first he had a deep voice calm but cold we're looking for a package that was delivered here by mistake it's addressed to Daniel Marx I felt a not form in my stomach ah yeah I said slowly it got delivered to the wrong address I was going to bring it over tomorrow the second man who hadn't said anything yet stepped a little closer did you open it his question hit me like a punch to the gut I didn't know why but the way he asked it sent a wave of panic through me

I didn't answer right away and that seemed to make him tense did you open it he repeated more forcefully this time I stammered trying to figure out what to say I I didn't mean to I just I was confused there's a brick in there the first man glanced at the second and then they both looked at me their expression is unreadable that's not your concern the first man said his voice flat we need it back now I nodded quickly yeah sure I'll get it I shut the door and locked it behind me my hands were

shaking as I went to grab the box from the living room I was starting to regret opening it feeling like I gotten myself into something I didn't understand I just wanted to give it back and be done with it but when I came back to the door with the box I stopped in my tracks the men weren't outside anymore I peered through the people but the porch was empty the uneasy feeling in my gut turned into full-blown fear why would they leave without the package I opened the door a crack looking around the dark Street

there was no sign of them maybe they' gone gone back to their car but I hadn't heard any engine start I waited a minute then two but still nothing so I shut the door again locked it and put the package down by the front door that's when I heard a faint scratching sound coming from one of the windows on the side of the house I froze it was subtle at first barely noticeable but the more I listened the clearer it became it was like someone was scraping something against the class slowly deliberately I didn't want

to look but I couldn't stop myself I crept toward the window heart pounding in my chest when I peaked through the curtains I saw the second man standing there just outside the window staring right at me his face was expressionless cold like he wasn't even human he didn't move didn't say anything just kept staring his hand was pressed against the class and his fingers were slowly dragging across the surface making that horrible scratching noise I stumbled back Panic setting in what the hell did they want why hadn't they just taken the package I ran to

the front door and checked the lock again then grabbed my phone and dialed 911 the operator answered but before I could say anything the line went dead no static no busy signal just dead Dead Silence I tried again but it was the same thing I had no surface which made no sense I always had service at my house I felt trapped there was no way I was going outside now with those two men lurking around I grabbed a kitchen knife just for some sense of security and backed up into the hallway where I could keep

an eye on the front door and the window at the same time for what felt like hours I sat there waiting for something to happen the scratching stopped but I could hear faint footsteps moving around outside circling the house they were taunting me waiting for me to make a move then without warning the front door handle jiggled my heart stopped I stood up gripping the knife tighter my Palms slick with sweat the door didn't open but the handle kept shaking harder this time whoever was out there was trying to get in I backed up not

knowing what to do my only thought was to get out of the house but how they were out there waiting and then just as suddenly as it had started the noise stopped everything went quiet I didn't trust it didn't believe they had left I stayed put heart rcing until I heard something even more terrifying a whisper from inside the house just give it back the voice said soft and menacing I spun around my back to the door now knife raised but no one was there the house was empty just me but the voice had come

from inside I was sure of it it felt like the walls were closing in on me like there was no Escape then I heard the whisper again this time right behind me and I Haled I ran for the back door threw it open and didn't stop running until I was halfway down the street I didn't look back didn't think I just ran I didn't go back to the owls for days when I finally did the package was gone no sign of the men no sign of anything being broken into it was like they'd never been

there at all but I know I heard and I'll never open a package that's not mine again I was driving back from a day trip taking the long way home when I saw the sign for a yard sale it was a tiny old house with a cluttered front yard there was a mix of junk and old furniture scattered around and I could see someone an older woman sitting in a chair by the front porch I didn't need anything but something made me slow down and pull over I guess I thought it would be fun to

browse I walked up to the yard glancing at the stuff as I went mostly broken lamps some dishes things that looked like they've been collecting dust for years but on a small table near the edge of the porch I saw a leatherbound photo album it looked old the kind of thing that might have some historical significance like maybe it had pictures from decades ago I picked it up flipped it open inside were black and white photos of people some looking like they were from the 1950s I couldn't tell who they were but they seemed like

family pictures smiling kids women in old-fashioned dresses men standing in front of cars the old woman on the porch must have noticed me looking at the album because she stood up and slowly walked over her face was wrinkled and she had this vacant tired look in her eyes she seemed harmless maybe a little lonely that album she said in a voice that was softer than I expected you should take it free no charge I felt a little uncomfortable it wasn't that I really wanted it I was just curious oh oh I don't know I said

trying to be polite I was just looking how much is it no charge she said again a little more firmly this time it's meant for you take it meant for me that's when something felt off her insistence was strange I looked at the album again flipping through more pages noticing that the photos started to get blurry almost like somewhere Overexposed faces were smudged and there was something unsettling about the eyes of the people seemed to stare out of the pictures still I didn't want to be rude so I smiled and nodded all right thanks I

said closing the album I figured I could leave it at home or donate it somewhere later but as I started to turn away the woman grabbed my arm her was tighter than I expected for someone her age you need to keep it she said her voice dropping lower almost like a warning it's yours now don't leave it I pulled my arm back startled by her Sudden Change in tone okay I'll keep it I said quickly trying to stay calm thanks I had it back to my car feeling the woman's eyes on me the whole way

when I looked back before giving in she was still standing there staring at me her expression unreadable I hurried into the car and tossed the album onto the passenger seat the whole interaction had left me uneasy and I just wanted to get away I started the car and pulled out onto the road glancing in the rearview mirror as I drove off the woman was still standing in the yard watching me leave I kept telling myself she was just some old lady who didn't get many visitors maybe she was sad to see her belongings go but

something about the way she looked at me didn't feel right I shook it off and kept driving after a few miles I glanced at the album again sitting there on the seat I thought about tossing it out but I felt stupid it was just a photo album Nothing to get worked up over that's when I noticed something in the rearview mirror a car it was an old beat up Truck moving slowly behind me at first I didn't think much of it but then it sped up closing the distance between us I couldn't make out who

was driving but I had a Sinking Feeling the truck was following me I tried to tell myself I was being paranoid there were only a couple of roads in and out of that area maybe they were just going the same way I turned onto a side street hoping the truck would keep going but it didn't it followed me sticking close behind I felt my heart start to race I sped up making a few more turns trying to lose it but the truck stayed with me that's when I realized who it was I could just make

out the silhouette of the driver it was the old woman how she'd gotten into a truck and followed me so fast I had no idea but I was sure it was her Panic set in why was she following me what did she want I tried to think of what to do I wasn't familiar with the area and there weren't any other cars around just me and this old woman in a truck I sped up again taking random turns hoping to lose her but every time I thought I'd shaken her off the truck would reappear in

the rearview mirror creeping closer I didn't want to stop didn't want to pull over but I knew I couldn't keep driving forever I had to do something I pulled into a gas station one of those small ones on the side of the road hoping there'd be people around I parked near the front as close to the lights and the entrances I could get the truck pulled in light after me parking a few spaces away I stayed in my car gripping the steering wheel not sure what to do next the old woman got out of the

truck moving slowly but with purpose she walked toward me her eyes fixed on the album sitting in my passenger seat you need to keep it she said her voice loud enough for me to hear even with the windows up I locked the doors my hands trembling I don't want it I yelled for the class she didn't respond she just kept walking closer her expression calm like she was in no rush I felt trapped I thought about driving off but I didn't want her to follow me again I didn't know how far she'd go but I

had a feeling she wouldn't stop until I gave in she reached the car and tapped on the window her eyes locked on mine you have to keep it she said again her voice lower this time almost pleading you can't leave it behind I didn't know what to do my heart was racing and I was on the verge of panic I thought about calling the police but what would I say some old woman is following me because I took a photo album it sounded ridiculous even in my head but then she did something that made my

blood run cold she reached into her pocket and pulled out a knife an old rusted thing with a chipped blade she held it up just letting me see it through the window she wasn't threatening me directly but the message was clear I told you she said her voice eerily calm you need to keep it I didn't wait any longer I threw the car into reverse my tires screeching as I backed out of the parking lot and sped off down the road I didn't care where I was going I just needed to get away from her

I kept driving my hand shaking on the wheel checking the rearview mirror every few seconds the truck trck was gone but I couldn't shake the feeling that she'd find me again that somehow no matter where I went she'd be there waiting with that same calm look in her eyes I still have the album it's sitting in my closet hidden under a pile of old clothes I can't bring myself to throw it away I thought about burning it but I'm too afraid of what might happen if I do I haven't seen her since that night but

I can't shake the feeling that she's still watching me waiting for me to do something with it it's like she passed something onto me something I can't escape I don't go on long drives anymore and I definitely don't stop at yard Sals