True Scary Stories For Sleep With Rain Sounds | True Horror Stories | Fall Asleep Quick Vol. 33

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 moved into this apartment a few months ago and at first I loved it it was my own space finally it's on the ground floor which is convenient

and the windows are huge so there's plenty of natural light there's a little garden light outside which was another big selling point I like the idea of having something nice to look at while sitting on the couch or cooking in the kitchen the first couple of weeks were fine I was still unpacking getting used to the neighborhood figuring out the routine the complex is quiet not many people around which I thought was a good thing at the time there's a park nearby some shops within walking distance and for the most part it's a peaceful area

I felt safe here then one night I was watching TV just winding down after work it was late maybe around 11: or so I had the lights off in the living room because the TV was bright enough and I liked the Cozy feeling the curtains were open because why not there was no one around and the garden gave me some privacy or at least I thought it did I got up to grab a drink from the kitchen which is right next to the living room and as I was walking back I glanced out the window

that's when I saw him he was just standing there in the garden barely visible in the dim light at first I thought maybe he was a neighbor or something one passing by but he wasn't moving he was just standing there staring right into my apartment I couldn't make out his face clearly but I could see his outline the way he stood completely still just watching I froze my first thought was that maybe I was seeing things it had been a long day I was tired maybe it was a trick of the light or something but

no he was there I stood in the middle of the room unsure of what to do my heart was pounding in my chest I didn't want to make any sudden movements like that would somehow make it worse so I just turned off the TV thinking that maybe if I turned off the last bit of light he wouldn't be able to see me anymore but even in the dark I could feel his eyes on me I slowly backed away from the window trying to stay out of sight I grabbed my phone and went into the bedroom

where I felt a little safer with the door closed I sat there for what felt like hours waiting listening I didn't hear anything but that didn't make me feel any better eventually I got the courage to peek out of the bedroom window which faces the opposite side of the building I couldn't see him from that angle but that didn't mean he wasn't still out there I didn't sleep much that night I kept thinking about that figure standing in my garden staring into my apartment like he was waiting for something the next day I convinced myself

it was just a random person passing by maybe he got lost or he was drunk or maybe he thought he saw someone he knew it was creepy sure but I told myself it was just a onetime thing I had to otherwise I wouldn't be able to live here for a while things were okay I went back to my routine though I started keeping the curtains closed at night just in case I didn't tell anyone about what happened because I didn't want to sound paranoid and honestly I was trying to forget about it but a couple

of weeks later it happened again it was late just like before I had just finished cleaning up after dinner and was sitting on the couch scrolling through my phone the lights were on this time but the curtains were still closed I hadn't opened them since that first night I hadn't even looked out into the garden but for some reason I felt the urge to check I don't know why maybe some part of me knew he was there again I got up and slowly pulled the curtain back just a little just enough to peek outside he

was there standing in the same spot as still as before watching this time I could see his face or at least what I could make of it in the dark he wasn't close enough for me to make out details but I could see enough to know it was the same guy the way he stood the way he didn't move just like before I dropped the curtain and stepped back my heart racing I couldn't breathe he was back why was he back what did he want this time I called the police I didn't care if it

made me look paranoid I wasn't taking any chances the dispatcher said they would send someone out to check but by the time they arrived he was gone they looked around shown their flashlights through the garden and down the street but they didn't find anyone the officers were polite but I could tell they thought I was overreacting they said it was probably just someone passing by again maybe a kid playing a prank but I knew better I knew it was the same man and I knew he wasn't just passing by after that night I didn't feel

safe anymore I kept all the curtains closed even during the day I didn't go out into the garden and I double checked the locks on all the windows and doors before going to bed but no matter what I did I couldn't shake the feeling that he was watching me even when I couldn't see him it wasn't every night but every few nights I catch a glimpse of him I hear a noise or I'd feel that same heavy sense of being watched and I'd know he was out there sometimes I'd look out and see him standing

there sometimes he'd be gone before I had the chance but I knew he was still around one night I woke up to a noise outside my bedroom window it was a soft tapping like someone lightly knocking on the glass my heart stopped I didn't want to look but I had to I had to know if it was him I crept out of bed and slowly tearfully pulled back the edge of the curtain he was there standing right outside the window his face inches from the glass he was smiling but there was no warmth in it

it was cold predatory my breath caught in my throat and I I stumbled back knocking over a lamp in the process the noise startled him and he disappeared into the darkness before I could even scream I called the police again and once again they found nothing no Footprints no sign of forced entry nothing they suggested I get a security camera or some motion lights but that didn't make me feel any safer I knew he'd be back he always came back it was a few nights later when I found the note I had come home from

work exhausted and as I walked into my apartment I saw it on the floor just inside the door a piece of paper folded neatly I picked it up with shaking hands and opened it it was blank except for one sentence written in small neat handwriting I see you that was it no signature no explanation just those three words I don't know how he got it inside my apartment the door was locked when I left and there was no sign of a break in but somehow he had gotten in that night I didn't sleep I packed

a bag and stayed with a friend too scared to be alone in that apartment the next day I went to the landlord and demanded to break my lease I didn't care about the deposit or the money I just needed to get out I moved out a week later and I've never looked back but sometimes when I'm alone in my new place I still feel that same cold unsettling feeling like someone's watching me I've always enjoyed hiking being out of nature away from everything it clears my head when I moved to a new city I didn't

know anyone and I thought finding a hiking buddy would be a good way to meet people I joined a local hiking group online and after a few weeks of chatting with people I met a guy named Mark he seemed normal enough we exchanged messages about different trails and eventually we decided to meet up for a hike one Saturday morning it wasn't anything complicated just a moderate Trail about 10 mies out of town he said he'd been there a few times before and he even offered to drive since I didn't know the area too well I

agreed looking back that was probably my first mistake when he picked me up he seemed friendly we made small talk on the drive talking about our jobs where we were from stuff like that he was a big quiet but nothing that raised any red flags I figured he was just more of an introvert that was fine by me I wasn't looking for someone to chat the whole way through the hike when we arrived at the trail head it was early and there weren't any cars around it was one of those mornings where the sky was

a bit overcast and everything felt quiet peaceful I thought we crapped our tear and started walking for the first hour everything was normal the trail wound through a dense forest and you couldn't hear anything except the wind in the trees and the occasional bird it was nice actually we didn't talk much just the occasional comment about the scenery or how nice the weather was then about halfway in things started to shift Mark who had been walking a few steps behind me suddenly sped up and got in front he stopped in the middle of the trail

and turned to me hey he said pointing off to the side I know a shortcut I looked where he was pointing it was just trees no path no markers nothing I hesitated shortcut to wear I asked trying to laugh at off he didn't smile back to the car he said flatly it cuts out a good chunk of the trail something about the way he said it didn't sit right with me we were about halfway through the loop and it didn't make sense to take a shortcut now the whole point was to finish the hike I

think I'll just stick to the trail I said trying to keep my voice casual we're already halfway mark didn't move he just stood there staring at me the friendly vibe from earlier was gone his eyes looked different cold almost empty it's faster this way he said not moving I started to feel uneasy my cut was telling me something was off I'm good with staying on the trail I repeated taking a step back you can take the shortcut if you want I'll meet you back at the car he didn't answer at first just stood there staring

at me then without a word he turned and started walking up the trail into the trees I watched him go hoping he would just disappear into the forest and leave me alone but after a few steps he stopped and looked over his shoulder you coming he asked I shook my head forcing a smile now I'm could he stared at me for a long moment then he Shrugged and disappeared into the trees I stood there Frozen for a few seconds listening to the sound of him moving through the underbrush I couldn't hear his footsteps anymore and

that's when I realized how quiet it had gotten no birds no wind just silence I turned back toward the trail and started walking trying to put some distance between us I kept my Pace steady not too fast F but not slow either I didn't want to make it obvious that I was freaked out but my art was racing after a few minutes I started to relax a little maybe I was overreacting maybe Mark really did know a short cut and he was just bad at explaining himself I tried to shake off the bad feeling in

focus on the trail ahead then I heard something behind me footsteps slow deliberate I stopped the footsteps stopped I turned around but there was no one there just trees and shadows I waited for a second listening nothing I turned back and kept walking a little faster this time my heart was pounding in my chest and I could feel sweat on the back of my neck the quiet was starting to get to me every crack of a branch every rustle of leaves made me jump a few minutes later I heard the footsteps again closer this time

I stopped again and spun around but just like before there was nothing no one Mark I called out my voice shaky is that you silence I didn't know what to do I was miles from the trail head and there was no one else around my phone had no signal I felt completely alone I started walking again faster this time my mind was racing trying to figure out if I was imagining things or if someone Mark was messing with me the friendly guy who had picked me up this morning didn't seem so friendly anymore I hadn't

gone far when I heard something that made my blood run cold a laugh low quiet like someone trying not to be heard it came from behind me somewhere in the trees I didn't turn around this time I just started running I ran as fast as I could my heart pounding in my ears my breath coming in sharp bursts the trail blurred beneath my feet as I sprinted not tearing where I was going just trying to get away branches whipped at my face and I stumbled more than once but I didn't stop I didn't hear the

footsteps anymore but I knew he was there I could feel it after what felt like hours I saw the trail head up ahead my car was parked just beyond it I pushed myself to run faster even though my legs felt like they were going to give out I burst out of the trees and into the small gravel lot my car was still there but Marx was gone I didn't stop to think about where he had gone or why I fumbled for my teas my hand shaking so badly I almost dropped them and jumped into the

driver's seat I locked the doors and started the engine my eyes stting to the rearview mirror there was no sign of him but I couldn't shake the feeling that he was still watching me somewhere out there in the trees I peeled out of the lot gravel kicking up behind me as I sped down the road not caring about speed limits or anything else I just wanted to get away I finally made it home I locked every door and window in my apartment and collapsed on the couch my whole body shaking I didn't know what had

just happened but I knew one thing for sure I would never go hiking with a stranger again for days after I kept expecting to see Mark again at the grocery store walking down the street in my rearview mirror but he never showed up I still go hiking sometimes but only on while travel trails and I never ever go alone I live alone so when I came home one night and found the front door of my apartment wide open I felt my stomach drop nothing was missing but everything had been moved around just a little the

sofa pillows weren't where I left them my laptop was tilted the curtains were pulled back which I never do the worst part was that the door wasn't forced open no sign of a break in I called the police and they told me it was probably kids or someone messing around I didn't believe it but what could I do the next morning I called a locksmith to change my locks the guy who showed up was in his late 30s maybe early 40s normal looking he was friendly a little too friendly maybe asked a lot of questions

Small Talk At first where I worked how long I'd lived there that kind of thing then it got a little personal you live alone right he asked glancing around my apartment I H hesitated before answering but I didn't want to be rude yeah I said just me he smiled but it didn't reach his eyes he kept working chatting the whole time I felt uneasy but I told myself I was overreacting he was just doing his job and I was already jumpy because of the break in when he finished he handed me the new keys and

said you'll be safe now something about the way he said it made me uncomfortable but I thanked him paid and watched him leave for the next few days things were fine I was still on edge but nothing happened I started to relax thinking maybe the break-in was just a onetime thing then I began to notice little things again small things like before but enough to make me feel like something wasn't right my phone charger would be plugged into a different Outlet my shoes weren't where I'd left them by the door the TV remote was on

the coffee table I swore I'd left it on the couch I started double-checking everything before I left for work making sure all the windows were locked doors shut tight nothing in our place but every time I came home something would be off I knew I wasn't imagining it one night I decided decided to set a little trap I placed a mug on the edge of the kitchen counter right where I would fall if anyone bumped into it when I came home from work the mug was on the other side of the counter someone had moved

it that's when I knew someone was coming into my apartment I called the police again but there was nothing they could do no forced entry no evidence of a crime they told me to keep an eye out and call if anything else happened I felt helpless I knew someone was coming in but I had no proof no idea who it could be that night I couldn't sleep every noise in the apartment made me jump I kept thinking about the locksmith how he asked if I lived alone how he looked around my apartment like he was

taking it all in I tried to convince myself that I was being paranoid that it was just a coincidence but deep down I knew the next day I decided to take action I went to the hardware store and bought a chain lock and some extra security measures for my windows when I got home I installed a chain lock right away I figured even if someone had a key they wouldn't be able to get in with the chain on that night I went to bed feeling a little better the chain lock was on the windows were

secure I felt safer but I still couldn't shake the feeling of being watched I didn't sleep much around 3:00 a.m. I woke up to a noise a soft click I held my breath listening then I heard it again the sound of the front door opening I shot up in bed heart rcing the chain lock caught the door whoever was trying to get in stop for a moment I could hear them fumbling with the door like they were trying to figure out why it wouldn't open all the way I got out of bed slowly trying not

to make a sound my phone was on the nightstand I crapped it and dialed 911 my hand shaking the dispatcher answered and I whispered that someone was trying to break into my apartment while I was on the phone I heard the door shut quietly whoever it was had given up for now the police arrived about 10 minutes later but by then whoever had been in my door was long gone there were no signs of forced entry no fingerprints nothing I didn't sleep at all that night the police told me to stay with a friend for

a few days just in case I packed a bag and left the next morning but before I did I installed a hidden camera in the living room I needed to know who it was I needed proof I stayed with a friend for three nights when I came back the apartment seemed untouched nothing was out of place and for the first time in weeks I started to think maybe it was over maybe whoever it was had gotten scared off by the police I checked the footage from the camera for the first two nights there was nothing

just an empty apartment then on the third night around 2:00 a.m. I saw it the locksmith he let himself in with a key walked straight to the living room and looked around he didn't take anything he just stood there for a while staring at my things walking around like he belonged there he even sat on my couch after about 20 minutes he got up and laugh I couldn't breathe my hands were shaking so badly I almost dropped my phone I felt sick I called the police again and showed them the footage this time they took

me seriously they tracked the locksmith down and it turns out he had a history of doing this kind of thing breaking into homes he worked on sometimes stealing sometimes just watching he was arrested and I changed my locks again this time with a different company I also moved a few months later I couldn't stay there after what happened I still don't feel safe even in my new place every time I hear a noise at night I wonder if someone's there watching me I double check the locks constantly but it doesn't help I don't know if

I'll ever feel safe again I had been out late maybe later than I should have but I was tired and just wanted to get home I was in a city I didn't know that well visiting for work and after a few drinks with colleagues I called a taxi to take me back to the hotel it was one of those old beat up taxis you see in movies with cracked leather seats and the faint smell of cigarettes lingering inside the driver looked a little rough but I didn't think much of it at the time I was

just tired all I wanted was to get back to my room and sleep I told him the address of my hotel and he nodded without saying a word then started driving I leaned back in the seat watching the city lights blur past the window feeling myself start to relax at first it seemed normal we were heading in the right direction the main road still big busy with traffic even though it was late about 10 minutes into the ride I noticed we had taken a turn off the main road I figured maybe it was just a

shortcut or a way to avoid traffic so I didn't say anything but after a few more minutes the street started to look unfamiliar darker quieter there weren't as many cars around anymore and the buildings seemed to get more spread out more rundown it was wasn't the kind of area I expected to be driving through I leaned forward a bit feeling the knot of anxiety tightened in my stomach uh I think you missed the turn back there I said trying to keep my voice calm the driver didn't respond he just kept driving staring Straight Ahead his

hands cried the whe tightly Knuckles white Under the dim light of the dashboard I could hear my heartbeat in my ears and that sick feeling of honees started to grow I told myself I was overreacting that he knew the way better than I did maybe this was just some back road to avoid traffic but then we took another Wrong Turn and I knew something was wrong we were heading into an area that looked completely deserted no street lights no houses just empty warehouses and industrial buildings I sat up straighter my eyes darting around trying to

figure out where we were hey this isn't the right way where are we going I asked lot of this time still no answer that's when I tried the door handle it didn't budge the locks were on and no matter how hard I pulled it wouldn't open I tried the other door Reaching Across the seat in a panic but it was the same locked my heart was racing now I felt trapped stuck in this car with no way out I leaned forward again trying to keep my voice steady but I could hear the fear creeping in

let me out now you're going the wrong way the driver finally spoke his voice low and L we're not going to your hotel he said sit back my stomach dropped the way he said it so cold in matter of fact send a chill down my spine I started to panic my mind racing trying to figure out what to do I pulled out my phone but as soon as I unlocked the screen he reached over and grabbed it from my hand tossing it onto the dashboard out of my reach you're not calling anyone he said his

eyes briefly meeting mine in the rear view mirror there was something in his eyes that terrified me calm like he had done this before like he knew exactly what he was doing I felt the walls closing in my breath coming faster please just let me out I don't want any trouble just let me go he didn't respond just kept driving deeper into the dark empty streets I could see the warehouse buildings looming closer their Windows dark and broken graffiti covering the walls there was no one around no one to see us no one to help

I started banging on the Windows hoping someone anyone would hear me but the streets were empty the only sound was my fist hitting the glass the doll thud echoing inside the car what do you want I asked my voice shaking now I couldn't keep the fear out anymore why are you doing this he didn't answer just kept driving I could see the grin on his face now a small twisted smile like he was enjoying this like he was feeding off my fear the road ahead was getting narrower the buildings taller and the street lights fewer

until we were driving in almost complete darkness my mind was racing trying to think of a way out I couldn't break the windows I couldn't open the doors my phone was Out Of Reach I looked around the back seat hoping for something anything I could use but it was Bare just the old leather seats and the faint smell of cigarettes I remembered my bag it was at my feet and I reached down fumbling with a zipper trying to stay quiet I felt inside for anything I could use my keys my wallet anything sharp my hand

closed around my keys and I pulled them out slowly gripping and tight in my hand the driver hadn't noticed he was still focused on the road that sick grin on his face I waited heart pounding trying to figure out what to do I knew I had one chance and if I messed it up I didn't know what would happen we were getting closer to the warehouses now the buildings on either side of us tall and imposing I could see a dead end up ahead no way out just a large empty par parking lot surrounded by

crumbling walls the car slowed down as we approached and I knew this was it this was where he was taking me I took a deep breath cripping the keys so hard they dug into my palm as the car came to a stop I made my move I lunged forward aiming for his neck slashing wildly with the keys I didn't care where I hit him I just wanted to hurt him to make him stop he yelled out swering the car as my keys grazed his skin blood tripped from the side of his neck but it wasn't

enough he crapped my arm his like iron and pulled me back hard slamming me into the seat I tried to fight him off kicking and hitting but he was Stronger he pinned me down with one arm his face inches from mine that sick cren replaced by something darker angrier you shouldn't have done that he crawled his breath hot on my face I struggled against him Panic surging through me but I couldn't break free he reached down for something something under the seat and I knew I had to do something now with everything I had I

kicked out my foot connecting with the side of his head it wasn't a strong hit but it was enough to throw him off balance for just a second I Scramble for the door again pulling at the handle with all my strength and and this time by some miracle the lock clicked open I threw the door open and tumbled out of the car hitting the ground hard I didn't stop to look back I didn't even check if he was coming after me I just ran ran as fast as I could away from the car away from

him my breath coming in ragged gasps my legs burning with each step I didn't stop running until I saw lights street lights a gas station something I burst through the door gasping for air and the cashier looked at me like I was crazy I didn't care I just wanted to be somewhere safe somewhere with people I told the police everything they never found the driver or the car they said it was probably a stolen vehicle that the guy had likely ditched it after I escaped I still think about that night about what could have happened

happened if I hadn't fought back about how close I came to I don't even want to think about it but I'll never get in a taxi again not at night not ever when I first moved into the apartment everything seemed fine it was a small place two bedrooms a shared bathroom kitchen and a little living area nothing fancy but it was affordable and close to campus which was really all I cared about I'd met Rachel My new roommate through one of those roommate matching SES and she seemed all right during the few messages we exchanged

she was studying psychology quiet and seemed like the kind of person who'd mostly keep to herself I figured that was a good match for me at first things were normal we didn't see much of each other because our schedules didn't really line up I was in class most of the day and she worked at night so by the time I got home she was usually leaving for our shift when we did cross paths she'd say hi maybe make small talk about classes or work but nothing more than that I didn't mind I wasn't looking for

a best friend just someone who paid rent on time and didn't blast music at 2 a.m. but after the first month I started noticing things little things that didn't feel right at first it was just subtle stuff things in my room being slightly out of place when I got home a notebook I was sure I left on my desk would be on the floor or my bed would look like someone had sat on it I figured I was just being paranoid maybe I'd left a notebook there without realizing maybe I hadn't made my bed as

neatly as I thought I had I tried to brush it off telling myself it wasn't a big deal then I started catching Rachel staring at me not just a passing glance but staring I'd walk into the living room and she'd be sitting on the couch eyes fixed on me like she'd been waiting for me she wouldn't say anything just watch me walk by her expression blank sometimes I'd wake up in the middle of the night and when I'd walk to the bathroom I'd find her standing in the hallway just standing there in the dark she

wouldn't move wouldn't say anything just stood there watching it was unsettling but again I told myself I was overreacting maybe she was just weird or maybe she was sleepwalking people do weird things and I didn't want to jump to conclusions but the longer it went on the more uncomfortable I became I started locking my door at night just to give myself piece of mind one night I woke up to the sound of my door handle rattling at first I thought maybe I'd imagined it but then I heard it again slow deliberate like someone was testing

to see if the door was locked I froze my heart pounding in my chest I could hear footsteps outside my room sought and careful like someone trying not to be hurt I sat up in bed straining to listen and after a few minutes the footsteps stopped I Waited For What felt like hours before I finally got out of bed quietly unlocking my door and peeking out into the hallway it was dark but I could make out Rachel's door slightly a jar I stepped into the hallway my bare feet cull against the wooden floor and walked

to her door I pushed it open just a little not wanting to wake her but what I saw made my stomach turn her room was a mess papers and books scattered everywhere clothes piled up in the corner but what caught my attention was the small table in the corner of the room covered in notebooks not just any notebooks my notebooks my journals my class notes even a few of my textbooks all laid out neatly in a row there were photos too pictures of me some from inside the apartment some from outside one was of me

walking to class another of me sitting in the living room watching TV they were all tended all taken without me knowing I felt sick I backed out of the room not sure what to do my hands were shaking my mind racing why would she be taking pictures of me why did she have my stuff my first instinct was to confront her but something told me not to something about the way she'd been acting the way she'd been watching me made me think that wouldn't end well I went back to my room and locked the door

again my heart pounding so hard I could feel it in my throat I sat on my bed staring at the door listening for any sound but the apartment was silent I didn't sleep that night I just sat there waiting for morning the next day I decided to pack up and leave I didn't have a plan but I knew I couldn't stay there anymore I didn't feel safe not with Rachel in the Next Room I waited until she left for work and then I started throwing my stuff into bags as quickly as I could I figured

I could crash at a friend's place for a few nights until I figure out where to go next as I was packing I heard the front door open my heart dropped I wasn't expecting her back for hours but there she was standing in the doorway staring at me with that same blank expression leaving already she asked her voice calm almost too calm I froze my hand halfway to my bag yeah I said trying to keep my voice steady I've got some stuff I need to take care of so I'll be staying with a friend for

a while she didn't say anything anything just stood there blocking the doorway I could feel my pulse racing the hairs on the back of my neck standing up I didn't know what she was going to do but I knew I needed to get out of there and fast I'll just crap the rest of my things and go I said trying to move around her but she stepped in front of me her eyes locked on mine you don't have to leave she said her voice soft but unnerving we're getting on just fine I swallowed hard my

throat dry I I really need to go she stepped closer her eyes narrowing I've been watching you you know she said I know everything about you I took a step back my mind racing trying to figure out how to get past her that's that's not okay Rachel you shouldn't be watching me she tilted her head like she was confused why not I live here I can do what I want I felt the Panic rising in my chest I need to go before she could say anything else I pushed past her grabbing my bag and rushing

out the door I didn't look back I just ran my heart pounding in my ears my hand shaking so badly I could barely hold on to my phone as I called a friend to pick me up I never went back to that apartment I moved in with a different friend temporarily and I blocked Rachel's number and deleted her from all social media I didn't tell anyone the full story just that it didn't work out with the roommate but I still think about it about the way she'd been watching me the photos the journals I wonder

how long she'd been doing it how much she knew about me before I even realized what what was happening it still makes my skin crawl to think about it I had been on the train for about an hour already when I first noticed him it was a long ride several hours ahead of me and I had settled into my seat by the window hoping to sleep or maybe read a bit it wasn't too crowded maybe half full and I lik that it was quiet mostly people minding their own business to rhythmic clatter of the tracks

had a caling effect and I let myself relax looking out at the trees and Fields passing by he was sitting across the aisle a few rows ahead of me at first I didn't pay attention to him right away he was just another passenger a man in his mid-30s scruffy looking wearing an old jacket and jeans but after a while I could feel something you know that sense when someone's watching you I brushed it off at first but he kept naging at me so I turned my head slightly and that's when I saw him his eyes

were locked on me staring not even pretending to look away when I caught him it felt wrong immediately not like a casual glance or someone zoning out his eyes were fixed cold I shifted in my seat uncomfortable and tried to look out the window again telling myself maybe I was imagining things but every time I glanced back he was still staring like he wasn't even trying to hide it I tried to ignore it focus on my book but the words just blurred together my stomach tightened and I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off

I glanced up again and that's when I noticed he'd moved he wasn't in his original seat anymore he had shifted closer just a row behind me on the opposite side I CED the edges of my seat trying not to panic maybe he just liked the few from the other side I told myself but deep down I didn't believe it my heart started to race and I wondered if I should move to another car but I didn't want to make it obvious that he was making me uncomfortable I kept thinking maybe I'm overreacting then I heard

him stand up the soft Shuffle of his feet made my skin crawl I glanced out of the corner of my eye and he was walking down the aisle slowly for a second I thought maybe he was going to the restroom but then he stopped right next to my row he slid into the seat directly across from me there were plenty of empty spots in the car but he chose that one right there just a few feet away away my hands started to sweat and I GED my bag a little tighter I could feel his eyes

on me again not just a glance this time but that same intense stare long trip he said I didn't want to respond I didn't want to engage with him at all but I felt trapped if I ignored him he might get angry if I answered he might think I was interested in talking I kept my eyes on the window and nodded slightly hoping that would be enough where are you headed he asked his voice low too familiar I didn't want to tell him I didn't want him to know anything about me but again I felt

like I couldn't just sit there in silence so I muttered just visiting family hoping that would end it but it didn't he leaned forward his elbows on his knees I still locked on me where's your family live that made my stomach churn I could feel the tension building every Instinct in me telling me to get away a few Towns over I said my voice as flat as I could make it hoping he'd lose interest he didn't instead he leaned back in his seat I never leaving my face I'm heading that way too he said a

slow smile creeping across his face maybe I'll see you around that's when I realized he wasn't planning to get off at his stop the way he said it so casual like he already decided my mind started racing trying to figure out what to do I couldn't stand up and leave without him noticing he was too close if I waited too long he might follow me when I tried to get out the train I didn't know what to do my phone was in my my bag and I thought about texting someone but I didn't want to

pull it out in front of him I didn't want him to know I was panicking I glanced around the car hoping maybe someone else would notice what was going on but the few other passengers were either sleeping or too far away to see for a while he just sat there staring at me not saying anything just watching I could feel my heartbeat in my throat and every second felt like it stretched on forever I thought about making up an excuse to move maybe go to the dining car or the bathroom but I was scared he'd

follow I didn't want to lead him anywhere more isolated suddenly he leaned forward again you seen nervous he said his voice low almost mocking something wrong I tried to laugh it off but it came out shaky I'm just tired I lied hoping he' buy it but his smile didn't fade if anything it grew whiter more unsettling you should relax he said we've got a long ride ahead that was it I couldn't take it anymore I crapped my bag and stood up quickly trying not to show how terrified I was I'm going to get some air

I said my voice barely steady he didn't move didn't try to stop me but his eyes followed me as I walked down the aisle my legs felt weak like they could give out any second but I forced myself to keep walking to keep my head up I moved into the next car then the next putting as much distance between us as I could without running when I finally found an empty seat near the back I collapsed into it my hand shaking uncontrollably I pulled out my phone and texted a friend just to have someone know

what was happening but I didn't feel any safer my eyes kept darting to the door expecting him to follow me at any second the rest of the ride was a blur every time the train stopped I watched the doors praying he would get off but he never did he stayed on the train somewhere behind me and I couldn't shake the feeling that he was still watching still waiting when my stop finally came I waited until the last possible second to get off hoping he wouldn't notice I rushed off the train pushing through the crowd as

quickly as I could I didn't look back I didn't want to see if he was following I got to the station called a friend to pick me up and waited in the most crowded part of the platform my art didn't stop racing until I was in the car driving away putting as much distance as I could between me in that train I don't know what he wanted but I know it wasn't good I I've never felt that kind of fear before that feeling of being hunted trapped I still take the train sometimes but I can't

relax not like before every time I board I scan the seats checking for that face for those I was watching me waiting for the next time I won't be able to get away I decided to take a solo camping trip because I needed a break my job had been wearing me down and I just needed some quiet there's a spot I like up in the woods near a lake where the forest is dense but the trails are clear enough to follow without getting lost it's not a popular area which is what I like about it

secluded peaceful I've gone there a few times before never seen anyone around it's one of those places you wouldn't know about unless you stumbled on it by accident I arrived early in the afternoon found a good spot and set up my tent near a clearing not too far from the lake but far enough that I wouldn't hear the water all night the air was cool crisp perfect for a campfire later I spent the first few hours just relaxing walking around the trails enjoying the quiet there was no one around not a soul in sight just

Birds the rustle of the trees and the occasional squirrel darting past it was exactly what I needed by the time the sun started to dip below the triline I had a fire going and was sitting by it eating some food I brought with me that's when I noticed him it was subtle at first just a flash of movement through the trees out of the corner of my eye I looked over and saw someone a man setting up a tent not too far away from me maybe 50 60 ft across the clearing it was weird because

I hadn't heard anyone arrive the whole area was silent except for the crackle of my fire and the wind and the leaves but there he was working quickly setting up his gear he hadn't been there when I picked my spot I was sure of it I'd walked around the entire clearing earlier and there hadn't been any sign of of anyone else but I figured maybe I just missed him somehow or maybe he'd arrive while I was walking the trails it was strange though he didn't have a car or a bike nothing that I could see

just him a tent and his backpack I tried not to think much of it the woods were public after all and he had just as much right to be there as I did still something about it didn't sit right with me I wasn't used to seeing other people out here especially not at that time of year it was getting late in the season and most campers had moved on for the year I've watched him for a bit and he never looked my way just focused on what he was doing like he hadn't even noticed me

after a while I went back to my fire trying to relax but I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off it wasn't until later when the sun was fully set and the fire was burning low that things got weird I was sitting there poking at the Embers with a stick when I glanced up and he was standing by his tent but he wasn't just standing he was watching me staring right at me from across the clearing his face was blank no expression at all just this cold fixed gaze it was unnerving I couldn't tell

if he was trying to figure something out or if he was Ang angry or what but he didn't move for a long moment I didn't move either I just sat there gripping the stick in my hand my pulse picking up I told myself it was nothing maybe he was just zoning out looking in my direction without really seeing me but the longer I sat there the more I could feel his eyes on me sharp and deliberate I tried to shrug it off told myself I was being paranoid people can be weird right I figured maybe

he was just shy or didn't know how to act around strangers but when I looked up again he was still watching me not blinking not moving just standing there like he was waiting for something finally I had enough I called out to him trying to keep my voice casual hey everything okay over there no response mon he just stood there like a statue do you need something I asked a little louder this time hoping maybe he hadn't heard me the first time still nothing he just kept staring like he hadn't hurt me at all I

felt a shiver crawl up my spine I didn't like this not one bit I stood up trying to shake off the unease and walked a Little Closer closer to the edge of my campsite but I kept my distance from him is there a problem I asked trying to keep my tone calm even though my heart was racing he finally moved slowly he turned his head to the side like he was thinking about something and then without a word he walked back to his tent he didn't look at me again just turned around and unzipped his

tent disappearing inside I stood there for a minute watching his tent flap close waiting to see if he'd come back out but he didn't the clearing was quiet again but I couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong I told myself it was fine that maybe he was just awkward or maybe he hadn't heard me properly but deep down I knew that wasn't it I sat back down by my fire but I couldn't relax my eyes kept flicking over to his tent Half expecting him to come back out and start watching me again but nothing

happened the hours dragged on and I started to feel more and more uneasy finally I couldn't take it anymore I stood up grabbed my flashlight and walked over to his tent my heart was pounding but I needed to know what was going on I couldn't just sit there feeling like I was being watched all night I stopped a few feet away from his tent and called out hey sorry to bother you but did I do something wrong you were staring at me earlier and it's making me uncomfortable for a second there was silence then I

heard a rustling from inside the tent and the zipper slowly opened he stuck his head out looking at me with that same blank expression I've been here the whole time he said his voice low and monotone I blinked confused what do you mean I've been here all day he repeated not blinking just staring at me with those cold empty eyes my stomach dropped that didn't make any sense I had seen him arrive I had watched him set up his tent he hadn't been here when I arrived I was sure of it you you just got

here this evening I said my voice shaking a little I saw you set up your tent he shook his head slowly his eyes never leaving mine no I've been here all day you must have missed me I didn't know what to say his tone was so flat so certain that for a second I doubted myself but I knew what I had seen I had walked around that clearing I had checked the area there was no way I could have missed him him I don't know what kind of game you're playing I said trying to sound

braver than I felt but it's not funny he didn't respond he just looked at me his expression never changing and then without another word he zipped up his tent again and disappeared inside I stood there staring at his tent my mind racing none of this made sense I felt a cold sweat break out on the back of my neck and I realized ized I needed to get away from him I didn't know what his deal was but I wasn't sticking around to find out I hurried back to my own tent my heart pounding in my

chest I packed up my gear as quickly and quietly as I could constantly glancing over at his tent Half expecting him to come out and stop me but he didn't within minutes I had everything packed up and I started making my way back to the trail my flashlight cutting through the darkness I didn't care that it was late I didn't care that I'd have to hike back to my car in the middle of the night I just needed to get away from that man as I walked I kept glancing over my shoulder expecting to see

him following me but every time I looked there was nothing there just the dark empty Woods I made it back to my car without incident but even as I drove away I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being being watched I don't know what that guy's deal was and I don't want to know but I've never gone camping alone again and I don't think I ever will I've always liked traveling alone it gives me time to think clears my head I was driving cross country heading out to see some old friends I'd been on

the road for hours and it was getting late I hadn't seen a gas station or anything for Miles just dark empty Highway and the occasional flicker of headlights from another car passing in the opposite direction the road stretched on forever I was tired so I pulled off into a rest stop I didn't want to risk falling asleep at the wheel it wasn't my watch just a couple of parking spots a few trees and a beat up fending machine next to a bathroom that looked like it hadn't been cleaned in years the whole place felt like

it had been forgotten like it was stuck in time but I was exhausted and I figured a quick nap would be fine there was no one else around no cars no people just me in the dark I parked under one of the street lights even though it was flickering on and off I figured it was better than nothing I locked the doors leaned my seat back and tried to get comfortable the air outside was still in quiet and the hum of the engine as it cooled down was the only sound after a few minutes I

drifted off I don't know how long I was asleep when I heard the knocking at first I thought I was dreaming but it kept going tap tap tap someone was knocking on the window I jolted awake my heart pounding it was Pitch Black outside except for that flickering street light and I could barely see anything I sat up disoriented trying to make sense of what was happening there was a man standing outside my window I don't know how long he had been there but he was staring at me through the class his face partially obscured

by the Shadows he had his hand raised ready to knock back again and he was just waiting I rolled the window down just to crack barely enough to talk through can I help you I asked trying to keep my voice steady the man leaned in closer his face now visible under the weak light he looked rough dirty clothes unshaven and there was something off about the way he was standing too close to the car like he didn't understand personal space his eyes darted around as if he was checking to see if anyone else was around

but there was no one just me and him my car broke down he said his voice slow and Scratchy I need some help can you give me a ride to the next gas station I glanced around there was no other car no sign of anyone else the road behind us was empty stretching out into the darkness something was right if his car had broken down why hadn't I seen it when I pulled in why wasn't it parked anywhere nearby I'm sorry I said keeping my window barely cracked I can't help you maybe you can call

someone he didn't move he just stood there staring at me with those Restless eyes I don't have a phone he said his voice getting a little more agitated come on it's just a few miles up the road you can drop me off I shook my head feeling that honees creeping deeper I really can't I'm sorry you should wait for someone else to come by the man's expression changed his friendly act dropped and something darker flashed across his face he slammed his hand against the window harder this time come on he said his voice growing louder

angrier I just need a ride open the door I could feel my pulse racing my hands were shaking as I tried to keep calm I said no I repeated trying to sound firm but my voice was barely above a whisper I reached for the ignition ready to start the car and get out of there but before I could turn the key he grapped the door handle and yanked on it hard the car was locked but the sound of him pulling at the handle made my heart race faster he wasn't asking for help anymore he was

demanding it open the door he shouted pounding on the window with both fists now his face was twisted in anchor and I could see the veins in his neck bulging he looked like he was ready to rip the door off if he could I fumbled with the keys my hands trembling I had to get out of there now I turned the key in the ignition and the engine roared to life the man backed up for a second his eyes wild but then he rushed at the window again slamming his fists against the glass so hard

I thought it might shatter let me in he screamed his voice breaking into a manic desperate rage I threw the car into reverse my tires screeching as I backed out of the parking spot the man Chas chased after me still pounding on the windows but I didn't stop I didn't even look back I floored the gas pedal my heart racing and sped out of the rest stop onto the empty Highway for a few minutes I drove in Silence the adrenaline still pumping through me I kept glancing in the rearview mirror half expecting to see him

running after me down the road but there was nothing just a dark endless stretch of highway I kept driving not slowing down until I saw the lights of a gas station up ahead I pulled in my hands still shaking as I parked near the front I couldn't stay at that rest stop and I didn't know where else to go I just needed to be around people while I walked into the gas station the clerk looked up from behind the counter giving me a curious glance I must have looked like a mass my hair was disheveled

my clothes wrinkled from sleeping in the car and my face probably pale from the shock of what had just happened I didn't say anything to him just crapped a bottle of water from the fridge and walked up to the counter as I paid I kept looking over my shoulder half expecting the man to show up again to follow me here but he didn't after a few minutes I finally started to calm down I sat in the gas station parking lot drinking my water and staring out at the highway I still couldn't shake the feeling that

he was out there somewhere watching me waiting I didn't stay long as soon as I felt like I had gathered myself enough I got back in the car and kept driving not stopping until I reached a small motel a few Towns over I barely slept that night jumping at every little sound Imagining the man breaking down the door trying to get inside the next morning I reported the incident to the police but they didn't seem too concerned they took my statement said they keep an eye out but I could tell they didn't think it was

that serious to them it was probably just some desperate guy looking for help but I knew it was more than that I decided to rent a cin for the weekend I've been under a lot of stress lately work's been Non-Stop and I just needed a break it wasn't too far from the city maybe a 2-hour drive into the woods the listing looked nice simple quiet just what I needed to clear my head the house seemed friendly too left a note in the booking saying if I needed anything to just let him know his name was

Craig I got there late in the afternoon on Friday the sun was starting to set and the cabin was tucked away in a pretty remote area the road leading up was narrow gravel crunching under the tires trees surrounded the place thick enough that you couldn't see much Beyond them no neighbors no traffic just a sound of wind rustling through the branches when I arrived Craig was already there waiting outside on the porch he waved smiling and came over as I parked hey glad you made it he said he was tall probably in his late 40s

with a beard and a worn baseball cap he had that sort of friendly but rough look you'd expect from someone who lives out in the woods we shook hands and he gave me a quick tour of the place the cabin was small but cozy there was a living room with a fireplace a kitchen and a bedroom everything was clean and simple just like the pictures Craig showed me how to work the wood stove where the extra firewood was and mentioned that cell service might be spotty out there but there was an old landline if I

needed to call out then he handed me the keys I live about 15 minutes up the road he said pointing back toward the way I came if you need anything just give me a ring but otherwise I'll leave you to it hope you enjoy your stay I thanked him and he left it felt good to be alone just me in the quiet I unpacked my bag made some dinner and sat by the fire for a while the place was peaceful exactly what I needed the first night was uneventful I slept fine the bed was comfortable

and the sounds of the forest were kind of soothing but the next morning when I got up something felt off it wasn't anything big at first just small things that didn't seem right the door to the cabin the one I was sure I had locked before going to bed was unlocked when I went to make coffee I brushed it off at first thinking maybe I'd just forgotten but then I noticed that the curtains in the living room were open I distinctly remembered closing them the night before it was strange but I told myself maybe the

wind had shifted them or I was just tired when I arrived and wasn't thinking straight I went for a hie later that day spend most of it out in the woods and tried to forget about it by the time I got back it was already starting to get dark I made some dinner again read a bit and then settled in for another quiet night but that second night I woke up around 3:00 a.m. it was dead quiet quiet the kind of Silence where you can hear your own heartbeat something felt wrong but I didn't know

why I lay there for a minute listening and then I heard it a creek like floorboard shifting coming from the living room my heart started pounding I sat up in bed listening harder trying to figure out if I'd imagined it but then there was another sound soft like something brushing against the door I didn't want to go out there but I had to know I got out of bed as quietly as I could grabbing the flashlight I'd left on the nightstand the door to the bedroom was slightly ajar and I slowly pushed it open the

beam of light cutting through the darkness the living room looked the same as it had before the fire was out and everything seemed still but as I stepped closer I noticed something one of the chairs at the table was pulled out just slightly I hadn't sat there hadn't even touched the chair since I got in a cold chill went through me I checked the door again it was unlocked I locked it this time making sure and then I checked all the windows nothing seemed broken or forced but the unease stayed with me I tried to

go back to bed but I couldn't sleep every noise every little creek or rustle made my skin crawl the next morning morning I woke up late exhausted from barely sleeping I made some coffee and sat down at the kitchen table staring at that chair wondering if I should just leave maybe I was being paranoid maybe it was nothing but I couldn't shake the feeling that someone had been in there I even checked my stuff but nothing was missing I spent the day around the cabin too uneasy to go for another hike the whole place felt

different now like the walls for watching me every time I walked by the windows I felt exposed like someone was out there watching I tried to tell myself it was just in my head but I couldn't relax that night before going to bed I made sure everything was locked I double checked the windows checked the door again and even pushed a chair against it just in case I wanted to sleep but the anxiety tipped me up around night I heard it again footsteps slow and deliberate just outside the bedroom door my heart was pounding so

hard I thought I'd pass out I didn't dare move the footsteps stopped and for a moment there was nothing but silence then the door handle rattled I froze my breath caught in my throat it was subtle like someone was testing it seeing if it was locked the door didn't open but the sound of the handle moving slowly deliberately made my blood run cold I cracked my phone but of course there was no signal the landline was in the living room I wasn't about to go out there I waited not moving for what felt like hours

but nothing else happened the door didn't open no more footsteps eventually I must have fallen asleep but I don't know how the next morning I couldn't take it anymore I packed my things as quickly as I could I didn't even make coffee just grabbed my bag and threw it in the car as I was about to leave I noticed something that made my stomach drop on the floor near the door was a piece of crumpled paper I picked it up my hand shaking and uncrumpled it it was a note scribbled hastily in pen you should

have left sooner I didn't wait to read it again I got in my car and drove Not Looking Back not stopping until I was miles away I didn't even call Craig didn't leave a review nothing I just wanted to forget the whole thing but I couldn't someone had been inside the cabin while I was sleeping someone had been watching me moving things around testing the door and they they had left that note I don't know who or why and I don't want to know I lived alone in a small apartment on the edge of town

it was a cozy place with a big window overlooking the street I enjoyed to quiet especially after a long day at work most nights I would curl up with a book or watch some TV before heading to bed everything felt normal until the call started at first it was just a couple of Silent phone calls late at night I would pick up the phone and all I would hear was breathing on the other end it was unsettling but I told myself it was probably just a wrong number or some telemarketer I hun up until tried

to forget about it as the days went by the calls became more frequent Some Nights the phone rang twice sometimes three times it was always the same silence no one ever spoke I began to feel a knot in my stomach each time the foam rang my heart would race and I would hesitate before answering one night after three calls in 1 hour I finally snapped I picked up the phone and shouted into it what do you want but there was nothing just that heavy silence I tried to brush it off I told myself it was

just a prank but deep down I felt a creeping anxiety that I couldn't shake I started sleeping with my phone next to me the screen lighting up with each call Illuminating my dark room I kept the curtains drawn tight I didn't want anyone one peering in I thought if I ignored it it would go away but it didn't it got worse I noticed I was not just receiving calls the other night I had just settled into bed when my phone rang again I answered ready to scream but this time I heard something different a soft

rustle like fabric brushing against the phone my blood ran cold I hun up heart pounding I looked around my small apartment my breath coming in quick bursts everything felt too quiet I decided to go for a walk to calm myself down it was late but I thought some fresh air might help clear my mind I walked around the block trying to distract myself but I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched when I returned home my phone rang again I almost didn't answer it but I I was fed up I picked it up

ready to confront whoever was on the other end the moment I answered I heard that russle again followed by faint breathing my voice trembled as I said who is this but there was no response just a breathing in the russle that was it I decided to call the police I explained everything to the officer on the line he seemed kind but he also sound Ed skeptical he told me they would keep an eye on my street and then I should report any suspicious activity after hanging up I felt a bit better but I was still

terrified I didn't sleep well that night the calls kept coming almost like clockwork each time I answered I heard nothing but breathing the Russell got louder more pronounced I started to feel like I was losing my mind I wondered if someone was outside my apartment hiding in the shadows one night after another sleepless evening I decided to set up a camera I didn't know if it would help but I wanted to feel more secure I placed my phone on the window so facing the street hoping to catch something I turned off all the lights and

settled into bed trying to stay awake long enough to see if anything happened hours passed I had almost drifted off off when the phone rang again my heart jumped I quickly reached for my phone but I hesitated before answering something compelled me to look outside first I peaked through the curtain the street was dark quiet I didn't see anything unusual I answered the call The Familiar russle came through the line but this time there was something else I heard a faint sound like footsteps crunching on gravel my heart raced and I felt a chill run

down my spine I put my phone on mute and listened intently the footsteps continued getting closer to my building I held my breath waiting hoping it was just my imagination then I heard it a voice low and menacing just outside my window I couldn't make out the words I could feel the weight of it the intent I quickly dropped the phone and backed away from the window my mind raced should I call the police again I felt Frozen in place suddenly I remembered the camera I rushed to grab my phone from the window sill and

turned on the recording I wanted to capture whatever was happening I positioned it to face the door hoping to catch a glimpse of whoever was outside the footsteps stopped I sat in Silence the room heavy with tension I glanced at my phone watching the red recording light minutes passed but nothing happened just when I thought I might have AAG the voice I heard a knock it was soft at first then louder my heart raised again I couldn't believe it someone was knocking on my door I couldn't stay there I knew I had to get out

I cracked my bag and quietly slipped on my shoes I planned to sneak out the back door I opened it just enough to peek outside but all I saw was Darkness the air fell thick and the tension made it hard to breathe I stepped out and crept down the hallway my pulse pounding in my ears the knocking continued now accompanied by that same lling sound I could barely hear it over my heart racing I finally reached the stairwell and hurried down hard in my throat when I got to the ground floor I pushed the door

open and stepped outside the fresh air hid me like a wave and I took a moment to breathe I glanced around the parking lot but everything seemed still the street lights flickered and the Shadows danced along the pavement I rushed to my car fumbling with my keys as I tried to unlock the door just as I slid into the driver's seat my phone buzzed again I glanced at the screen another call this time I didn't answer I turned the car on and backed out leaving my apartment behind I didn't look back I drove straight to

the police station the officer I spoke with was there again and when I told him everything he seemed to take K more seriously this time they agreed to send someone to my apartment to check things out I waited in the lobby trying to calm my nerves but every minute felt like an eternity after a while a couple of officers returned they told me they found nothing unusual but they advised me to stay with friends or family for a few days I nodded but I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off as I was leaving

I glanced at my phone I had a notification from my camera app I quickly opened it there on the screen was the recording from that night I held my breath as I played it back praying I'd see something that made sense of everything it showed me sitting in bed the room dark but the sound was what made my stomach drop halfway through I heard a knock on my door followed by the rustling noise but then the camera picked up something I didn't see just outside my window in the shadows a figure lingered watching I dropped

my phone a wave of nausea crashing over me I knew then I wasn't imagining things someone had been watching me calling me and they were close I didn't stay in that apartment after that I packed up my things and laugh thankful for the safety of my friend's homes I never found out who it was or what they wanted but I learned to trust my instincts sometimes it is better to leave a place behind than to risk staying where you don't feel safe I first noticed the guy maybe two 3 months ago it was the same

time every day late afternoon just as the sun was starting to dip low enough to cast Shadows he' walked past my house heading down the street with his dog it was this big friendly looking golden retriever always waging its tail pulling him along like it couldn't wait to explore the guy looked friendly enough too just your average middle-aged guy I figured he Liv nearby maybe a couple streets over at first I didn't think much of it I'd see him on my front window while I was having a coffee or getting ready for dinner he was

always dressed the same jeans a baseball cap and a windbreaker no matter the weather the dog too looked like it had the same color same leash every day they had a routine I guess people like routines one day he stopped out front while I was watering the front garden the dog was sniffing around at the edge of my driveway and the guy waved gave me one of those friendly nods I waved back nothing weird right the next few times I saw him he'd wave or say something in passing it wasn't until maybe the fifth or

sixth time that he actually stopped to chat it was small talk at first he asked if I'd lived in the neighborhood long if I had any pets he told me the dog's name was Duke I remember thinking he seemed like a nice enough guy though I couldn't place where exactly in the neighborhood he lived I didn't ask people are always moving in and out of these old houses around here so I figured he was new as the weeks went on he kept stopping to talk whenever I was outside I didn't think much of it really

he was just being friendly and it wasn't like we were having long long conversations sometimes he'd bring up stuff like the weather or complain about the city not fixing piles fast enough just regular neighborly chitchat one evening though something felt off it was a Friday and I just come back from the grocery store I was unloading my bags when I saw him walking by in but this time he didn't have Duke with him I thought it was odd since he always had the dog he noticed me and waved like usual but when he came over

to talk he was acting different he stood closer than he usually did and his smile seemed forced like he was trying too hard to be friendly duk at the fet he said my asked about the dog but his voice had this strange itch to it like he was nervous or something I asked if everything was all right with the dog and he just Shrugged then changed the subject quickly asking about my weekend plans I don't know why but I got this weird feeling in my gut you ever get that like something's off but you can't

quite put your finger on it I didn't want to be rude though so I just made some excuse about needing to finish putting away my groceries and headed inside when I glanced back through the window he was still standing there at the end of my driveway staring at my house he stood there for a few seconds before finally walking off that's when I started noticing little things that hadn't stood out before like how I never saw him walking anywhere except past my house or how no matter what time I happened to be outside he always

seemed to show up within a few minutes I hadn't really paid attention to it before but now it felt deliberate a few days passed and I didn't see him again I figured maybe I was just overthinking things but then another week went by and still nothing no sign of him or the dog I didn't even see him walking around the neighborhood anymore it wasn't until a few nights later that things took a turn I was taking the trash out and it was already dark as I was walking back to the house I noticed something out

of the corner of my eye a light flickering in one of the old houses down the street the house had been abandoned for months maybe even a year but there was a faint glow coming from one of the upstairs windows I stopped in my tracks squinting at the house the light flickered a couple more times before going dark again I shook my head chalking it up to my imagination or maybe squatters it wasn't uncommon for people to break into those empty houses still I couldn't shape the feeling that something was wrong the next morning I

decided decided to go for a walk down the street passing the old house as I got closer I noticed the door was slightly a jar it had always been boarded up before curiosity got the better of me so I stepped closer peering inside the place was trashed like someone had been living there old newspapers were scattered across the floor along with a couple of empty food containers I was about to turn around when something caught my eye a jacket draped over the back of a Dusty chair it was the same windbreaker the guy always wore

I felt a not form in my stomach my mind raised trying to make sense of it why would he be living here he always seemed like a normal guy walking his dog every day but the more I thought about it but more things didn't add up I had never seen him with anyone else never saw get into a car or leave from any of the nearby houses I quickly left trying to put distance between myself and that place for the rest of the day I couldn't stop thinking about it it was like a puzzle with

too many missing pieces I wanted to believe it was just a coincidence that maybe he'd left his jacket there for some reason but deep down I knew there was more to it that night I barely slept I kept hearing noises outside like footsteps on the pavement every time I looked out the window though there was nothing just the empty Street and the occasional car driving by I tried telling myself I was being paranoid but then just after midnight I heard it a soft knock at my back door I froze the knock came again Lotter this

time I slowly got out of bed my heart racing and crept toward the door I didn't turn on any lights not wanting to let whoever was out there know I was awake as I reached the kitchen I could see the outline of a figure through the frosted glass someone was standing right outside I held my breath inching closer trying to get a better look then the figure shifted and I saw the familiar outline of the baseball cap and windbreaker it was him Panic searched through me why was he at my house why was he knocking

on the back door in the middle of the night I backed away from the door my mind racing I needed to do something but I didn't want to confront him what if he was dangerous what if he'd been watching me this whole time waiting for the right moment the knocking stopped and everything went quiet I stood there barely breathing listening for any sign of movement minutes passed and finally I heard footsteps retreating down the driveway I Waited For What felt like hours before I dared to move the next morning I called the police I told

them about the guy about how he'd been acting strange and how I'd found his jacket in the abandoned house they promised to send someone to check it out a couple of days later an officer came by to update me they'd searched the ow and found signs that someone had been living there recently but no one was there now they hadn't been able to track down the guy or even confirm his identity it was like he vanished Into Thin Air I never saw him again after that night no more dog walks no more friendly waves but

still get this feeling sometimes like I'm being watched every time I pass that abandoned house I can't help but glance at the windows half expecting to see him standing there waiting for the right moment to come back it had been a long night out with friends we went to a bar downtown to celebrate a birthday I had not planned on staying out late but the atmosphere was too too Lively to leave early I enjoyed the laughter and the music by the time I decided to call it a night I felt a mix of excitement and

fatigue my friends had already left and I found myself alone on the sidewalk swiping my phone to order a ride the app connected me with a driver in just a few minutes the car pulled up and I climbed into the back seat feeling a bit unsteady the driver turned to greet me with a friendly smile he looked to be in his mid-30s clean shaven with short hair and a simple black jacket where to he asked his T Mormon inviting just take me home please I replied leaning back against the seat the car began to move

and I let out a sigh of relief glad to be on my way as we drove through the dimly lit streets I tried to shake off the lingering buzz from the night the driver made Small Talk asking about my night did you have a good time he asked yes it was great I said trying to sound more awake than I felt I see you were at the Blue Lantern he remarked I raised an eyebrow yeah how did you know oh I pick up a lot of people from there it's a popular spot I nodded but

something about the way he said It felt off off he kept glancing at me in the rearview mirror his smile unwavering I brushed it off thinking it was just part of his job to be friendly but then he continued you know I saw you a couple of times this week my heart skipped a beat what do you mean just around I was driving in your neighborhood you walked your dog on Wednesday right you have a little one I felt a chill run down my spine ah yeah how do you know that he chuckled but there

was an unsettling Edge to it it's just my job to know the regulars I remember faces I tried to Shake it Off convincing myself it was just coincidence I guess I walk him at the same time every day I replied forcing a laugh yeah I noticed he said glancing at me again you go to the same coffee shop every morning too don't you that little one on Maple Street my pulse quickened how do you know all this his smile faltered for just a moment then returned I'm just observant you must really like their vanilla lattes

the conversation turned cold and I felt a knot tighten in my stomach I looked out the window trying to focus on the streets flashing by my heart raced and I felt the urge to get out of the car could you take me home faster please sure thing he said his voice still light but something about it felt forced as we drove I noticed the street lights Illuminating the car's interior my mind raised with questions had he really been following me what else did he know my phone buzzed in my pocket but I did not want

to distract him I focused on my breathing willing myself to stay calm do you have any plans for the weekend he asked breaking the silence not really I said trying to keep my tone neutral just some errands maybe H he replied almost thoughtfully you should really check out that new Italian place downtown I heard they have great pasta I felt the hairs on my arms stand up yeah I might try it I said wishing I could just disappear into the back seat you know I've been meaning to try it too maybe I'll see you there

he said chuckling again I forced a smile my mind racing it felt like he was toying with me but I didn't want to give him the satisfaction of knowing how scared I was the streets were becoming less familiar and my instinct screamed at me to get out can you take the next right I think it's a quicker way to my place I suggested hoping to steer him away from where we were headed he turned his head looking at me with a strange intensity why you afraid I'll take you somewhere else the tension thickened in the

car and I could feel my hands climbing against my phone now I just want to get home I said trying to keep my voice steady all right I can do that he said turning sharply the car jolted slightly and I gripped the seat my mind raised and I couldn't shake the feeling that I needed to escape the driver continued to make small talk but I barely registered his words I was too busy plotting my next move when we turned down a quieter Street I noticed a familiar corner I could almost see my apartment building just

a few blocks away my heart sank with a mix of relief and tread suddenly he said you should really trust me I've got your back you know I wouldn't let anything happen to you the way he said it sent a wave of nausea through me it was as if he was trying to reassure me but it only made me feel more trapped just drop me off here please I insisted just a little further he replied grinning again stop the car I shouted my voice breaking he chuckled but it didn't sound genuine you really don't need

to be scared I'm just a guy giving you a ride I pulled out my phone ready to dial 911 I'm calling for help if you don't let me out right now his smile fan finished you really think that's necessary yes I yelled Panic rising in my throat he glanced at me then back at the road for a split second I thought I saw something change in his expression it was like a mask slipping away revealing something dark beneath fine he said abruptly pulling over to the side of the road I wasted no time I flown

open the door and bolted out Not Looking Back My Feet hit the pavement and I ran I didn't stop until I reached the nearest wellet corner where there were people I turned around scanning the street for the car but it was already gone I stood there trying to catch my breath the adrenaline still coursing through my veins I pulled out my phone and dialed my friend praying she would pick up I need help I said when she answered can you come get me I didn't tell her what had just happened I didn't want to freak

her out and I needed to be somewhere safe when my friend arrived I jumped into her car and I felt the weight of the world lift off my shoulders I told her I had a strange ride leaving out the details I just wanted to forget that night I couldn't shape the feeling of being watched I checked every window and locked every door I didn't sleep well tossing and turning the fear still fresh in my mind the next morning I checked my social media I had a notification from the ride share app I opened it my

heart racing again I saw my driver's name and profile I clicked on it and there was a picture of him smiling just like the face I remembered but below the picture I noticed something disturbing reviews from other writers they all mentioned similar experiences strange comments about their lives and an unsettling feeling during the rides I felt sick to my stomach I immediately reported him to the app but I knew it wouldn't change what had happened I deleted the app from my phone and vowed never to use it again I began taking taxis instead always ensuring

I was alert and aware looking back I realized how close I had come to something terrible the thought of him knowing my routine still haunted me I learned to trust my instincts and be more cautious never again taking a ride for granted I was grateful for that night grateful that I had escaped when I moved into the apartment it wasn't anything fancy just a one-bedroom in an older building with creaky floors and windows that barely opened but the rent was cheap and it was my own space so I didn't care the place was fine clean

decent size close enough to work and I was eager to start fresh there was just one odd thing about it one of the closets was locked it was the smaller one in the bedroom room opposite the main one where I put my clothes I didn't think much of it at first the landlord had mentioned something about the previous tenant leaving some stuff behind and he'd get around to clearing it out eventually I figured it wasn't a big deal I had plenty of space otherwise and the locked closet wasn't in the way still it was weird

right moving into a place where you didn't even have access to all of it for the first couple of weeks nothing strange happened I settled into my new routine got to know the neighborhood met a few people in the building I mostly kept to myself but the neighbors seemed friendly enough every now and then I glanced at that closet wondering what could be inside but I Shrugged it off I figured the landlord would get around to it sooner or later then one night I woke up to a noise it was late maybe 2:00 or 3:

in the morning at first I thought it was just the usual creeks and groans of the old building I was half asleep still cogy but then I heard it again a faint rustling sound like something moving I sat up in bed listening it was coming from the closet I tried to tell myself there was nothing probably just a building settling or maybe a mouse in the walls but the noise was persistent this soft steady shuffling like something or someone was moving around inside I got out of bed heart pounding and walked over to the closet

door I stood there for a moment listening it had gone quiet again I told myself I was being ridiculous there was no way anyone was in there the door was locked after all and the landlord had the key it was probably just my mind playing tricks on me I went back to bed but I barely slept every little sound made me jump and I kept staring at that closet waiting for something to happen the next morning I called the landlord hey I know it's not a big deal I said trying to keep my voice casual

but could you come by and unlock that closet in my bedroom I just wanted to check it out make sure everything's fine he hesitated for a second yeah I can come by later this week but like I said there's just some old junk in there nothing to worry about still I pressed I'd feel better if I could just take a look he agreed to stop by in a few days but something in his voice felt off like he wasn't telling me everything I tried to push the thought out of my mind but that night the

noise started again it was louder this time more distinct like something was scraping against the inside of the door I could hear a soft tapping like fingers druming against the wood my skin crawled I stood in front of the closet again my hand on the doorknob it was locked tight just like before I knocked on the door feeling stupid as soon as I did it but there was no response just that awful scratching sound I barely slept again that night the next day I went to a hardware store and bought a set of lockpicking tools

I wasn't sure what I was expecting but I knew I couldn't wait for the landlord to come by anymore whatever was happening I needed to figure it out now that evening I sat in front of the closet door with the tools spread out beside me my hands were shaking as I fumbled with the lock it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be just a simple old lock that hadn't been touched in years within a few minutes I heard the soft click of the mechanism releasing I hesitated for a moment my hand on the

doorknob then I slowly opened the door inside the closet was mostly empty just a few old boxes stacked against the back wall but something about the space felt wrong the air inside was Dale like it hadn't been touched in ages but there was this strange smell damp musty like something rotting I stepped inside shining my phone's flashlight around trying to see if there was anything unusual that's when I noticed it the back wall of the closet didn't seem light it wasn't solid like the rest of the walls in the apartment there was a small gap

between the wall and the floor just big enough to see through I I knelt down peering closer there was a hole it was small maybe the size of a quarter but it went deep I Shone the flashlight inside and my heart skipped a beat behind the wall there was a small space it wasn't part of the apartment not really it was more like a narrow crawl space that ran between the walls and then in the beam of the light I saw it a mattress there was a filthy stained mattress crammed into the crawl space along

with some old blankets and what looked like food wrappers scattered around someone had been living back there suddenly the noises I'd been hearing made sense the rustling the tapping it wasn't the building settling or an animal in the walls it was someone someone had been in there the whole time watching me through that tiny hole in the wall my stomach turned and I scrambled back out of the closet slamming the door shut behind me my mind was racing how long had they been there how much had they seen I cracked my phone and called the

landlord my hand shaking so badly I could barely dial the number when he picked up I could barely get the words out there's there's someone in the walls I stammered I found a mattress someone's been living in there the landlord went silent for a moment then in a calm voice he said I'll be there in 10 minutes I hung up pacing the apartment glancing back at the closet every few seconds I couldn't shake the feeling that whoever had been back there was still watching me even though I'd shut the door the air felt heavy like

the walls were closing in on me true to his word the landlord showed up in less than 10 minutes he didn't say much when I opened the door just nodded and headed straight for the closet I watched as he knelt down inspecting the hall he didn't seem surprised by what he found I'll get this sealed up he said finally his voice calm too calm shouldn't have been like this in the first place that's it I asked my voice shaking someone was living in there watching me he stood up wiping his hands on his pants I'll

take care of it he repeated his eyes not meeting mine just leave it to me I didn't sleep in the apartment that night I couldn't I packed a bag and went to stay at a friend's place leaving the landlord to deal with whatever was going on in that closet a few days later I went back to the apartment to crap the rest of my things the closet was sealed shot just like the landlord had promised but something about the place still felt wrong like there was a shadow hanging over it I didn't stay long I

moved out at the end of the month I never found out who had been living in the walls or how long they'd been there the landl Lord never gave me any more details and honestly I didn't want to know but some sometimes late at night while I'm lying in bed I think about that tiny hole in the wall and I wonder how much of my life that person saw how long they watched waiting for the right moment to come out I wasn't planning on liking that day at least not at first it was one of

those spur of the- moment decisions the weather was good clear and sunny and I figured I could use some fresh air so I drove out to the woods about an hour from town There's a popular trail that loops around a lake and I thought I'd spend a couple hours walking it maybe clear my head a bit the trail started out fine there were a few people around families with kids some older couples but as I got further along it thinned out I was glad for that honestly I prefer iing alone after about an hour I

reached a fork in the trail the path I'd been on would take me around the lake but it was crowded up ahead so I took the other path instead I didn't know where it led but I figured I could always turn back if it didn't loop around the further I went the quieter it got the trees thickened and the Trail started to get narrow I wasn't worried at first I like Solitude and I figured I was probably just taking a lesser known rout it didn't bother me that it was getting harder to see the trail

markers or that the trees seemed to be closing in but then I started noticing things at first it was subtle little things like broken branches hanging low and scuff marks on the dirt that didn't look like they came from animals I didn't think much of it it's a forest people come and go Wildlife moves around but after another 20 minutes the feeling crept in there wasn't alone anymore I stopped to adjust my pack and that's when I noticed the footprints they were fresh maybe no more than a few hours old but they weren't heading in

the same direction as me they were coming from deeper in the woods Away From Any Trail that's when I started to feel uneasy see I tried to push it out of my head told myself it was nothing probably someone else out for a hike maybe a hunter but I picked up my Pace I wanted to reach the end of the trail and be done with it then I heard something it wasn't loud just a faint rustling like leaves being brushed aside I froze straining to listen for a second I thought it was the wind but

it was wasn't it was too deliberate I turned around scanning the woods but I didn't see anything I kept walking telling myself it was just my imagination but the feeling didn't go away in fact it got stronger it felt like someone was watching me just out of sight staying hidden behind the trees that's when I heard the voice hey you it was soft almost a whisper but it was close too close I stopped dead in my tracks looking around the voice came from somewhere behind me but I couldn't see anyone the hairs on the back

of my neck stood up over here the voice again cleared this time but something about it was off it didn't sound right it was human sure but there was this strange quality quity to it like whoever it was wasn't used to talking it was like they were mimicking a human voice but it wasn't quite natural I felt a wave of fear roll over me my instincts were screaming at me to leave to get out of there I didn't respond to the voice I just started walking faster nearly jogging trying to put distance between me and

whoever was out there wait this time the voice sounded a little closer I didn't stop I didn't even look back I didn't want to see who or what was following me all I could think about was getting back to the main trail where there were people the trail seemed to stretch on forever my heart was pounding and I was breathing hard but I kept moving every now and then I hear the faint sound of footsteps behind me soft barely noticeable but there whoever was following me was keeping their distance but they weren't leaving then just

when I thought I couldn't take it anymore I saw it the trail ahead split off and there in the middle of the path was a figure a man standing still just watching me he was tall dressed in dark worn clothes that looked like they hadn't been washed in weeks his face was mostly hidden by a hood but I could see his eyes eyes he was staring right at me my heart jumped into my throat I stopped in my tracks too scared to move the man didn't say anything didn't do anything he just stood there watching

for a split second I thought about turning around going back the way I came but then I realized I couldn't I could feel it there was someone else behind me hidden in the trees waiting I was trapped I took a step forward trying to act like I wasn't scared maybe if I just kept walking he'd move out of the way maybe he wasn't even interested in me I could just pass him and keep going I had to believe that as I got closer I noticed something strange his face it wasn't right there was something wrong

with the way his skin looked pale and stretched tight over his bones his lips were cracked and his eyes they didn't blink they were wide open fixed on me like a predator watching prey I was a few feet away from him now and my legs were trembling so badly I thought I might collapse I forced myself to keep moving trying to ignore the feeling of those eyes on me just as I was about to pass him he spoke why are you here his his voice was flat emotionless I didn't answer I didn't trust myself to

speak I kept walking praying he wouldn't follow then as I passed him he reached out and grabbed my arm it wasn't a hard but it was enough to stop me his hand was cold like ice and his fingers felt too long like they wrapped around my arm in a way that didn't feel natural I turned to face him my heart pounding in my chest you shouldn't be here he said his voice barely above a whisper I yanked my arm free and bolted I didn't care about the trail anymore I ran Straight Into the Woods crashing

through the underbrush not caring if I was making noise I just needed to get away branches whipped in my face and the ground was uneven but I didn't stop I could hear him behind me moving through the trees getting closer I don't know how long I ran it felt like hours but it was probably only a few minutes eventually I stumbled onto another Trail when I recognized from earlier my legs were burning and I could barely Catch My Breath but I kept going pushing myself forward until I saw the parking lot in the distance I

didn't stop until I reached my car I locked the doors as soon as as I got inside my hand shaking so badly I could barely get the keys and the ignition I fled out of there not even looking back I don't know who that man was or what he wanted but I know one thing for sure I'm never going back to those woods again I moved into my new place of about a year ago it's a nice neighborhood quiet Suburban just the kind of place I thought I wanted to sett down and after my last

apartment in the city the houses are close enough together that you could wave to your neighbors but far enough apart that you wouldn't be in each other's business all the time or so I thought my neighbor the guy next door always seemed a little off I didn't get much of a chance to talk to him when I first moved in he'd give a short wave from across the yard but that was about it his name's Todd mid-40s I guess lives alone I didn't think much of it at first I like keeping to myself too so

I figured maybe he was just one of those guys who likes his space but after a few months I started to notice things weird things the first time I really paid attention was one night when I couldn't sleep I was tossing and turning and around 2:00 a.m. I got up to grab a glass of water my kitchen window faces Todd's house and from where I was standing I could see his place pretty clearly that's when I saw him he was out in his yard heading towards his basement door it's one of those old slanted doors

that leads outside separate from the rest of the house he was carrying something looked heavy but I couldn't tell what it was from the distance I figured maybe he was just doing some late night organizing or something it was weird but not enough to set off any alarms but then it kept happening almost every other night around the same time I'd see him heading into that basement with something in his hands sometimes it looked like bags sometimes boxes and every time it was late at night when the whole neighborhood was asleep I started watching more

closely even though I knew I shouldn't I couldn't help it the way he moved quick and deliberate it just didn't sit right with me one night I stayed up late on purpose just to see if he'd go out again sure enough around 1:45 a.m. I saw him this time though he wasn't carrying anything he just went down into the basement and didn't come back up for hours I sat there in the dark waiting staring at the door when he finally came back out it was nearly sunrise and he looked off sweaty tired like he'd been

doing something strenuous down there I told myself it was none of my business but my curiosity was getting the better of me a few days later I was outside in my backyard and I heard it a loud thump coming from his basement I froze it was broad daylight so I thought maybe he was doing some kind of construction project but when I looked over the basement doors were closed and his car wasn't in the driveway I didn't want to jump to conclusions but something felt wrong I decided to take a walk around the block to

clear my head but as I passed by his house I couldn't resist glancing at those basement doors they were padlocked from the outside why would you need to lock yourself in from the outside that's when I started to feel a little uneasy maybe it was nothing but maybe it wasn't that night I couldn't stop thinking about it I kept picturing him in that basement doing God knows what my imagination was running wild and I hated it but I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off then one night I heard voices it was late again

around 3:00 a.m. this time I was lying in bed trying to fall asleep when I heard the slow murmur at first I thought it was the TV or maybe someone outside but when I got up and looked out the window I realized it was coming from Todd's basement I couldn't make out what they were saying but it was more than one person I tried to convince myself it was just a couple of friends over for a late night hangout but I couldn't see any extra cars parked out front and I hadn't seen anyone go into

his house the next morning I decided to check things out for myself I know it sounds crazy but I had to know what was going on I told myself I'd just walk by maybe peek over the fence and if I didn't see anything I drop it but when I got close I noticed something I hadn't seen before his basement door was slightly open not much but enough that I could see a crack of Darkness inside my heart was racing I knew I shouldn't but I couldn't stop myself I crept closer holding my breath and gently

pushed the door open a little more it was dark down there too dark to see anything clearly but the smell hit me first a damp musty odor mixed with something else something metallic like rust or blood I don't know why but the smell made my stomach turn I couldn't bring myself to go any further so I backed away heart pounding and quickly walked home that night I tried to tell myself I was imagining things maybe I'd overreacted but then around midnight I heard it again the sound of something heavy being dragged across the floor it

was faint but it was there I got up looked out the window and sure enough Todd was up there again heading into his basement with a large black bag slung over his shoulder I knew something was wrong I thought about calling the police but what would I say my neighbor's acting weird and I think he's hiding something in his basement they probably laugh me off the phone but I couldn't just do nothing the next day I decided to confront him I waited until I saw him outside mowing his lawn and casually walked over I tried

to keep my tone light like I wasn't suspicious of anything hey Todd I said I've been hearing some noises at night coming from your basement everything okay he stopped mowing turned to look at me and for a moment I thought I saw something in his eyes something cold but then he smiled at this big Big Friendly crin that didn't reach his eyes oh yeah just working on some projects down there nothing to worry about he said his voice was too casual too smooth like he'd rehearsed the answer I nodded pretending to believe him but I

could feel the tension in the air I don't know how to explain it but in that moment I realized something I wasn't imagining things he knew I was on to him and he didn't like it that night I couldn't sleep every little sound made me jump around 2: a.m. I heard footsteps outside my window my heart was pounding so hard I thought it might burst out of my chest I slowly pulled back the curtain and there he was Todd Standing in my yard just staring up at my window I froze I didn't move didn't breathe

he stood there for what felt like hours just staring then without a word he turned and walked back to his house I locked every door every window and sat in my living room with a kitchen knife in my lap for the rest of the night I didn't sleep I couldn't the next day I called the police I didn't care if they thought I was crazy I told them everything about the noises the basement Todd Standing in my yard they sent someone out to talk to him but they didn't find anything suspicious of course they didn't

he probably cleaned up before they got there I don't know what he's doing in that basement but I'm not sticking around to find out I've already started looking for a new place I can't live next to him anymore not after what I've seen I checked into the motel around 11:00 p.m. it was the only place I could find after a long day of driving I was dead tired and my phone had run out of battery hours ago so I couldn't even check for better options it was one of those motels that you could tell had

seen better days flickering neon sign cracked parking lot and an old man behind the counter who didn't say much when he handed me the key I didn't care all I needed was a bed to crash in for the night room 12 second floor the stairs creaked as I climbed them and the hallway smelled faintly of mildew my room was at the end and when I unlocked the door I was greeted by the side of a small dimly lit space just a bed a dresser with a TV that looked like it hadn't been us used in

a decade and a tiny bathroom with chipped tiles I set my duffel bag down on the chair and ticked off my shoes the bed looked like it had been slept in a thousand times but I was too tired to care I lay down staring at the cracked ceiling for a minute trying to relax the walls were thin and I could hear someone walking around in the room next to me it was faint but the occasional thud and scrape made it clear someone was in there about 20 minutes later just as I was starting to drift

off there was a knock at the door I jumped a little it was quiet out almost dead silent except for the h of the air conditioning unit the knock came again a little louder this time I hesitated for a second then got up and walked to the door there wasn't a people which should have been my first warning sign I pressed my ear to the door and called out yeah who is it a man's voice replied hey I think there's been a mistake I was given the key to this room can you open up for

a second I frowned that didn't make sense the guy at the front desk hadn't mentioned any mixup and I definitely had the key ah I don't think so man I checked in just a little while ago I said there was a pause on the other side and then the man's voice came back sounding a bit more urgent look they gave me this room I need to get in just open the door and we'll figure it out something felt off I couldn't explain it but my gut told me not to open the door it was late

and the way the guy sounded too insistent too pushy it just didn't sit right with me sorry man I said stepping back from the door you should go talk to the front desk another pause this time the silence felt heavy like the guy was thinking something over then the knocking started again but harder rapid almost frantic open the door the guy demanded his voice lower now angrier I know you're in there just open the damn door I felt my pulse Quicken I glanced around the room as if there was something I could do some way

to block the door in case he tried to break in the lock wasn't much a flimsy dead bolt that didn't look like it could hold up to a good shove the knocking continued louder and faster turning into banging open up I know you can hear me you have my room I packed away from from the door heart rcing this wasn't just a mistake with the Rome something was seriously wrong I'm calling the front desk I yelled though I didn't actually know if I could my phone was still dead and there wasn't a phone in the

room I could hear him Breathing heavily through the door and the banging got even louder then the door knob rattled and I heard him twisting it trying to force it open let me in in his voice was almost a crawl now filled with anchor I crabbed the dresser and shoved it in front of the door it wasn't much but it was the only thing I could think to do my mind was racing trying to figure out what the hell was happening why was this guy so desperate to get in the banging stopped suddenly and everything

went quiet I stood there staring at the door my breath coming in short gasp the silence was worse somehow like to Cal before a storm I couldn't hear anything no footsteps no movement just the dull hum of the air conditioner and the pounding of my heart then I heard the voice again right on the other side of the door so close I could almost feel it I'm not leaving he said his tone flat and cold I'll wait all night if I have to I backed up against the far wall staring at the door like it

was going going to burst open at any second I didn't know what to do I felt trapped it was just me and that thin cheap door between us minutes passed but it felt like hours I could hear him out there pacing muttering something under his breath I strained to listen but I couldn't make out what he was saying the air felt thick heavy with tension then out of nowhere I heard foot steps someone else coming up the stairs the guy outside the door stopped pacing the footsteps got closer and I held my breath listening hey

it was a new voice sharp and commanding what the hell are you doing there was a scuffle outside the sound of shuffling feet and then I heard the other guy's voice the one who had been banging on my door mumbling something the second man the one with the commanding Force voice cut him off get out of here he said go on leave I pressed my ear to the door again trying to hear what was going on after a few tense moments I heard the footsteps retreating growing fainter as they moved down the hall I waited

my heart pounding unsure of what to do was it over should I open the door just as I was debating with myself self there was a knock again this time softer hey it's the manager the voice said it's okay now that guy's gone I didn't move at first I wasn't sure if I could trusted but then he knocked again more gently this time I know you're freaked out but he's gone I just saw him leave you're safe now slowly cautiously I pushed the dresser aside and unlocked the door I opened it just to crack enough

to see the old man from the front desk standing there his hands up in a calming gesture you all right he asked his voice calm but tired like he dealt with this kind of thing before I nodded swallowing hard who was that guy the manager shook his head some crazy I've had trouble with him before tries to scare the guests maybe get a little money out of them don't worry he won't be back I didn't know if I believed him but I didn't argue I just wanted the night to be over the manager stayed for

a few minutes making sure I was okay he offered to move me to another room but I declined I didn't want to stay any longer than I had to I told him I'd be leaving first thing in the the morning when he left I locked the door again and shoved the dresser back in front of it I sat on the bed staring at the door listening for any sound any sign that the guy might come back but the rest of the night was quiet I barely slept as soon as the sun came up I grabbed

my things checked out and got back on the road I don't know what that guy wanted and I don't care to find out I've stayed in a lot of motels before but after that night I'm a lot more careful about where I stop I moved out to the farm a few years ago it's quiet out here nothing but fields and trees for Miles I like that about it no neighbors too close no City noises just me and the land it wasn't big just a small house a barn and enough land to keep me busy most

days it's peaceful but after that night I don't think I'll ever feel the same about living out here it started late one evening it had been raining on and off all day so the air was damp and the crow was muddy I had finished feeding the animals and closed up the barn for the night then settled in for a quiet evening I was sitting on the the couch reading a book when I heard a sound from outside at first I thought it was the wind the way it sometimes H through the trees but then I

heard it again a soft scraping sound like something was moving against the side of the house I put my book down and listened the sound came again a little louder this time and closer to the front door I stood up my heart already starting to beat faster living out here I wasn't used to people coming by especially not at night I moved to the window and peeed through the curtain but I couldn't see anything in the dark the scraping sound came again and this time it was followed by a soft knock on the door I

froze listening it wasn't a normal knock it was slow deliberate like whoever was out there was taking their time I stepped back from the window and tried to think who would be out here at this hour maybe someone had broken down on the road or maybe it was just a lost traveler but something about the way the knock sounded it didn't feel right I didn't have a PE so I moved to the side of the door staying out of few who is it I called out trying to keep my voice steady there was a pause

and then a voice of man's voice called back I need some help my car broke down can you let me in his tone was off it didn't sound urgent or scared like you'd expect from someone stranded in the middle of nowhere at night he sounded calm too calm I can call someone for you I said keeping my distance from the door there was another pause and then he knocked again a little harder this time no need for that just let me in please pleas it's cold out here I didn't respond right away something felt wrong

I hadn't heard a car pull up and there weren't any lights from the road I knew the sound of my driveway when someone drove on it the gravel crunches loud enough to hear from inside but I hadn't heard anything like that I'll call someone for you I repeated backing further away from the door suddenly the knocking stopped and there was silence I stood there heart pounding waiting for him to say something but the silence stretched on I couldn't hear any footsteps walking away just a steady patter of rain on the roof I waited for a

few minutes then slowly made my way back to the window I didn't want to look but I had to know if he was still out there I peeed through the curtain just barely lifting it and I saw nothing just darkness the yard empty and quiet I let out of breath thinking maybe he had left but then out of the corner of my eye I saw movement at the edge of the trees a figure was standing there watching the house he was just standing still almost blending into the darkness but I could make out the shape

of him the way the rain glistened on his jacket I quickly dropped the curtain and backed away from the window my heart was racing now what was he doing why didn't he leave if he needed help then I heard a different sound this time it wasn't knocking it was tapping like metal against glass I turned towards the back of the house where the kitchen windows were the sound was coming from there I crapped my phone and tried to dial for help but of course I had no signal out here I cursed under my breath and

looked around the room for something to defend myself with there wasn't much a fireplace poker a heavy lamp I crapped the poker and crept towards the kitchen trying to stay quiet the tapping continued steady and deliberate when I got to the kitchen I stood against the wall out of sight and listened I know you're in there the man's voice said from outside the window he was closer now right up against the house come on out I just want to talk my skin crawled I didn't respond I didn't move I just stood there gripping the poker

in my hands trying not to make a sound the tapping stopped and for a moment everything was quiet again then without warning I heard the sound of footsteps moving around the house fast like he was running they circled around to the front then back to the side then to the back again it was like he was looking for a way in testing the doors and windows I couldn't take it anymore I rushed to the front door checking the lock making sure everything was Secure then I did the same with the back door and the windows

I could hear him moving around outside the sound of his boots squishing in the mud the occasional scrape against the side of the house and then just as suddenly as it had started the noise stopped I stood there holding my breath waiting for the next move but nothing happened minutes passed and the only sound was the rain tapping against the roof I didn't dare look outside again I didn't want to see him standing there watching waiting after what felt like an eternity I slowly backed away from the windows and made my way to the bedroom

I closed the door behind me and sat on the bed head trying to think I didn't know what to do I was stuck out here with no phone signal and no way to call for help I couldn't just wait for morning who knew what he'd do in the meantime then just as I was starting to calm down I heard something that made my blood run cold it was my voice from outside I heard my own voice calling out clear as day help please someone help me I froze my mind racing how was that possible it

was like a recording playing over and over the same words the same tone help please someone help me I crept back to the window heart pounding in my chest I didn't want to look but I had to know what was going on slowly I lifted the curtain just a crack and peered out into the darkness there standing in the middle of the yard was the man he was holding something in his hand a small device like a speaker and from it I could hear my own voice distorted and Eerie repeating the same words over and

over help please someone help me he stood there staring up at the house holding the device up like he was offering it to me like he wanted me to come outside and take it from him I packed away from the window heart hammering in my chest he was trying to lure me out he thought if I heard my own voice i' come running thinking someone was in trouble I didn't move I didn't make a sound I just stood there waiting hoping he would give up and leave but he didn't he stayed there for hours pacing

the yard playing that recording over and over waiting for me to make a mistake to come outside eventually the rain started coming down harder and I heard him curse under his breath he turned and walked back towards the trees disappearing into the darkness I didn't sleep that night I sat on the bed clutching the poker listening for any sign that he might come back by the time morning came I was a wreck I packed up my things and left the farm that day I didn't tell anyone what happened I didn't know how to explain it

all I know is I'll never live that far out in the middle of nowhere again I was out for a hike one Saturday afternoon I like being out in the woods away from all the noise and people just walking along the trails there's this spot I go to sometimes a bit off the beaten path it's a few miles into the forest no one really goes that far but that's what I like about it you can hear the wind in the trees the birds Everything feels so quiet I'd been walking for maybe an hour when I

saw something ah Hadad on the trail at first I couldn't make out what it was but as I got closer I realized it was a kid standing there looking lost they were small probably around eight or nine wearing this red jacket that looked a little too big for them they had their back to me facing deeper into the woods I stopped a few feet away and called out hey are you okay the kid didn't answer right away just stood there almost like they didn't hear me I figured maybe they were scared or hurt so I

tried again hey do you need help this time the kid turned around slowly their face was pale dirty like they'd been out here for a while and their eyes something about their eyes didn't sit right with me they were wide staring at me but there was no emotion in them like they weren't really seeing me I need to find him the kids said their voice quiet almost a whisper find who I asked taking a step closer my brother they said he's in the the woods we got separated now something about this didn't feel right the

way the kid was standing there so calm no tears no Panic just blank but I couldn't just leave a kid out here alone so I asked where did you last see him without a word the kid turned and started walking deeper into the woods off the trail I hesitated for a second looking around but there was no one El in sight no sign of other iers no sound of anyone calling for help I followed the kid figuring I could help find the brother get them both back to the trail and then call for someone if

needed we walked for a few minutes and the trees got thicker the CR was uneven covered in Roots and Fallen branches but the kid didn't slow down they moved fast weaving between the trees and I had to pick up my Pace to keep up hey I called trying to catch my breath are you sure this is the right way the kid didn't answer they just kept moving deeper into the woods until the trail behind us was gone I was starting to get this tight feeling in my chest like something was wrong but I didn't want

to leave the kid out here alone after a while we came to this small clearing the trees open up a bit and the light from the late afternoon Sun was shining through but it felt strange like the air had gotten heavier colder the kids stopped in the middle of the clearing and turned to face me we have to go farther they said their voice still that strange flat tone I looked around feeling more and more uneasy how much farther I asked trying to sound calm but I was starting to get worried we were way off

the trail now and I had no idea where we were the kid didn't answer they just stood there staring at me with those wide empty eyes I think we should head back I said taking a step toward them we can call someone to help find your brother the kid blinked slowly then tilted their head to the side like they were thinking about it he's close they said you have to come with me something in the way they said it sent a chill down my spine I glanced around again hoping to see some sign of the

trail but everything looked the same just trees and more trees stretching out in every direction I don't think we should go any farther I said my voice a little fir this time let's go back okay the kid didn't move they just stood there staring at me and for the first time I noticed how still they were no fidgeting no no shuffling of their feet just perfectly still then they smiled it wasn't a normal smile it was slow too slow like they were trying to mimic a smile but didn't quite know how the corners of their

mouth pulled up showing too many teeth and that tight feeling in my chest turned into full-blown panic I don't want to go back the kids said their voice suddenly colder sharper you need to come with me I took a step back my heart racing now no we're going back I said trying to keep my voice steady I turned around ready to head back the way we tame but when I looked the path we take in was gone the trees looked different closer together like they'd shifted while I wasn't looking I spun around to face the

kid again but they were gone Panic hit me like a punch in the gut I called out hey where are you but there was no answer I started walking back the way I thought we come from but every direction looked the same the trees the undergrowth everything was blending together and I couldn't find any sign of the path that's when I heard it a voice from somewhere behind me you can't leave I spun around but there was no one there the kid was gone the clearing was empty but the voice it sounded like the kid's

voice only wrong it was too low too deep like it was coming from everywhere at once you have to stay my heart was pounding in my chest I didn't care about finding the kid anymore I just wanted to get out of there I started running crashing through the underbrush trying to find any sign of the trail branches whipped in my face my feet slipped on the wet leaves but I didn't stop I could still hear the voice closer now following me you're not going anywhere I ran faster my breath coming in ragged gasps the trees

seemed to Clos and around me the Shadows growing longer as the sun started to dip below the Horizon I kept running not looking back just focusing on getting out then out of nowhere I tripped my foot caught on a route and I went down hard my KN slamming into the ground pain shot through my leg but I didn't have time to think about it I scrambled to my feet looking around but everything was spinning I couldn't tell which way I'd come from couldn't hear anything but the blood rushing in my ears for a moment I

thought I was alone but then I heard it again that voice Whispering from somewhere in the trees you're mine now I couldn't take it anymore I ran limping through the woods barely able to see where I was going I didn't tear I just needed to get out needed to find the trail needed to get away from whatever was out there with me and then just as suddenly as it had started the trees opened up I stumbled out onto the trail gasping for breath my leg shaking beneath me I looked around trying to get my bearing

but all I could see was the path stretching out in front of me leading back towards the parking lot I didn't stop running until I reached my car when I got there I slammed the door shut and locked it my hand shaking so badly I could barely get the key into the ignition I drove out of there as fast as I could not looking back not caring about anything except getting as far away from those woods as possible I don't know what I saw that day I don't know who that kid was or what they

wanted all I know is I'm never going back into those woods again I have been driving back from my sister's house it wasn't a long trip just a couple of hours and I had made it about halfway when my car started acting funny the engine started sputtering and I felt it lose power I tried giving it more gas but nothing happened before I knew it the car completely died on me I pulled over to the side of the road but this wasn't some busy highway it was one of those narrow tooling roads the kind with

barely any shoulder surrounded by trees and Fields no street lights and nothing for miles it was starting to get dark and I could already feel the cold creeping in I sat there for a minute hoping the car would just start back up if I gave it a second but it didn't I tried the ignition again but the engine only clicked that's when I realized my phone was on low battery too I had been listening to music using GPS and texting earlier and I didn't think to plug it in I was stranded no service barely any

juice left in my phone no idea where the nearest gas station was I was just sitting there trying to figure out what to do next when I saw a pair of headlights coming up the road my heart jumped a little more from relief than anything I thought maybe they'd have a phone or something I stepped out of the car waved my arms a little and the truck slowed down it pulled up right behind my car and the driver got out he was a tall guy middle-aged probably in his late 40s or early 50s with a

scruffy beard and a dirty baseball cap he had on a Flamel shirt and jeans looking like the type of guy you'd expect to see driving an old pickup truck in the middle of nowhere he smiled when he saw me and at first I felt relieved car trouble he asked looking me up and down in a way that made me a little uneasy but I brushed it off yeah it just died on me I said I'm not sure what's wrong with it he walked over to the front of my car and popped out without even asking

like he knew exactly what to do mind if I take a look sure I said though I was feeling a bit more uncomfortable now he hadn't even asked my name or anything just jumped right into checking my car but I figured maybe he was just trying to be helpful he poked around under the hood for a few minutes fiddling with some cables and muttering to himself I stood back watching my arms wrapped around myself to keep warm after what felt like forever he came back around to where I was standing looks like it's your alternator

he said wiping his hands on a rag he pulled from his pocket know we you're driving this thing tonight I felt my stomach drop I had no idea what an alternator even did let alone how to fix one I can give you a ride to a safe place he said casually almost like it was no big deal there's a truck stop not too far from here I could drop you off there and you can call a tow truck at that moment something about the way he said safe place send it chill down my spine I

didn't know why but it felt off like he knew something I didn't my cut was telling me not to try trust him even though he was the only person around who could help me thanks but I think I'll just wait here for a bit I said trying to sound casual maybe the car will start back up once it cools down he raised an eyebrow clearly not buying it you won't get it running again tonight no use sitting out here alone in the dark I can take you somewhere safe he said it again safe and this

time the way he was looking at me felt wrong like he was too focused like he wasn't offering help for my sake but for his own reasons I took a step back closer to my car door I'll be fine I said I've got a friend coming to pick me up I was lying but I didn't care I just wanted him to leave his smile faded a little and he tilted his head you sure it's going to get real cold out here tonight I nodded gripping my keys in my hand ready to jump back into my

car if I had to I'm sure thanks though for a moment he just stood there staring at me not saying anything the air between us felt thick like I was waiting for something to happen something bad then he nodded slowly and stepped back toward his truck all right he said his voice colder now if you're sure I watched him walk back to his truck my heart pounding in my chest he climbed in started it up but he didn't pull away he just sat there his headlight still shining on my car like he was waiting for

something I sat back down in the driver's seat locking the doors trying to keep my breathing steady then after what felt like forever his truck finally pulled out onto the the road and drove off disappearing into the distance I sat there in the dark my AR still racing trying to shake off the feeling that something wasn't right I waited for a while longer but no one else came down the road my phone was almost dead and it was getting colder by the minute just as I was starting to think about what to do next I

saw headlights again the same truck the same guy he pulled up behind me but this time he didn't get out he just sat there his engine running his headlight shining into my rearview mirror I felt my stomach twist into knots what was he doing I locked my car doors again even though I knew it wouldn't do much if you really wanted to get to me I crapped my phone but it was barely holding on at 2% I didn't have service anyway then he haunted horn three short sharp honks I jumped in my seat my hand

shaking I didn't move didn't turn around I just stared Straight Ahead hoping he'd get the message and leave me alone but he didn't instead he honked again and again finally I couldn't take it anymore I turned around glaring at his truck through my rearview mirror but I couldn't see his face the headlights were too bright blinding me I felt trapped like a rabbit caught in a snare then out of nowhere his truck ried its engine the sound was loud echoing through the trees and it sent a surge of panic through me I didn't know what

he was trying to do but it wasn't good I could feel it in my bones I turned the key in the ignition one last time praying my car would start even though I knew it wouldn't but to my shock the engine sputtered and roared to life relief flooded through me and I threw the car into Kier pulling out onto the road as fast as I could his truck followed staying close behind me his headlights burning into my rearview mirror my heart was pounding in my chest and I could barely think straight I flirted hoping to

get enough speed to outrun him but he kept pace right on my tail I didn't know where I was going didn't know if there was even a gas station or truck stop up ahead all I knew was that I had to get away from him I kept driving faster and faster my hands gripping the wheel so tightly they hurt the road twisted and turned and I could feel my tires sting on the sharp curves but I didn't let up I couldn't after what felt like an eternity I saw a light up ahead a small gas

station its neon sign flickering in the distance I feared off the road and pulled into the parking lot my tires screeching as I slammed on the brakes his truck didn't follow this time he kept going speeding past the gas station and disappearing into the night I sat there for a long time shaking trying to catch my breath I didn't know who he was or what he wanted but I knew one thing for sure I wasn't going going to let him find out when I moved into my new apartment I thought it was perfect it was

small but that was fine since I lived alone the building was old but it had a charm to it creaky floors old-fashioned windows with head curtains and a lot of character the landlord Mr Feldman was this older guy probably in his 60s who lived in the apartment next door he seemed friendly enough maybe too friendly but at first I just thought he was being nice he helped me carry a few boxes inside when I moved in even offered to fix a leaky faucet that I hadn't even noticed yet he told me if you need anything

at all don't hesitate to ask I'm just right next door always here always happy to help I appreciated it at the time thought it was kind of him to be so welcoming the first few days things were fine I spent most of my time unpacking getting settled and exploring the neighborhood but then about a week in I noticed Mr Feldman would show up at my door randomly he'd knock saying he was just checking in once he said he thought he heard a noise coming from my apartment like something had fallen and he wanted to make

sure everything was okay I thought it was a bit odd but maybe he was just being cautious then he started making excuses to come by more often one evening I was watching TV and he knocked saying the lights in the hallway flickered and he wanted to check if my power was working fine it was another time he showed up with a bag of groceries saying he bought too much and thought I could use some it felt unnecessary but I didn't want to seem ungrateful so I took them it wasn't until a few weeks later that

I started getting really uncomfortable I'd been out all day running errands and when I came back things in my apartment felt different not in a big way but enough to notice the pillows on my couch weren't where I left them my bathroom towels were folded in a way I didn't remember folding them little things that made me second guess myself maybe I was just imagining it maybe I was tired but it kept happening one day I came home and my front door was unlocked I was sure I had locked it before I left but there

it was just slightly open I felt a pit form in my stomach as I pushed the door open slowly half expecting in someone to be inside the apartment looked the same as always but that uneasy feeling was back I checked every room every closet even under the bed but there was no one there still I couldn't shake the feeling that someone had been inside the next day I left a small piece of paper wedged between the door and the frame when I left for work it was a tiny thing just something I'd noticed that the

door was open while I was gone why came back the paper was on the floor the door had definitely been opened that was when I realized I wasn't imagining things someone had been coming into my apartment I immediately thought of Mr Felman he was the only person with a key as far as I knew my hands were shaking when I went next door and knocked on his door he answered almost immediately like he had been waiting Mr Felman have you been in my apartment I asked trying to keep my voice steady but my heart was

racing he didn't look surprised in fact he smiled like he had been caught in some armless joke well I did check on the place a couple of times while you were out he said like it was the most normal thing in the world you know just making sure everything's in order you never know with these old buildings my blood ran cold you can't just let yourself in without telling me I said my voice Rising that's not okay his smile faded and he stared at me for a long moment like he was trying to decide how

to respond finally he Shrugged it's my building I'm just looking out for you you're new here living alone I just want to make sure you're safe his words sounded almost reasonable but the way he said them made my skin crawl he wasn't apologizing he didn't even seem to think he had done anything wrong I told him it wasn't acceptable that he needed to give me notice if he ever had to come into the apartment for any reason he nodded but there was something in his eyes that unsettled me like he was humoring me not actually

listening I didn't sleep much that night after every Creek in the old building made me jump and I kept thinking about how easy it had been for him to just let himself in whenever he wanted what if he was still coming in while I wasn't there what if he had been inside while I was asleep the next morning I went to a hardware store and bought a new lock for my door it wasn't much just one of those simple dead bolts you can install yourself I spent the afternoon putting it on feeling a bit better

once it was done at least now he wouldn't be able to just stroll in whenever he felt like it that evening there was another knock at my door I opened it cautiously and sure enough there was Mr Felman standing there with that same too friendly smile I noticed you put a new lock on the door he said you know that's not really allowed without the landlord's permission I stared at him not sure what to say he was right technically Al but there was no way I was taking it off not after what he had admitted

to I'll take it off when I move out I said my voice firm but I'm not taking it off while I'm living here for a moment he just stood there staring at me again the unsettling look in his eyes then without another word he turned and walked back to his apartment after that things got worse I started hearing noises at night Footsteps in the hallway the sound of something scraping against my door like someone was testing it trying to see if the new lock would hold I'd lie in bed staring at the door holding my

breath waiting for it to stop one night I woke up to the sound of my door knob rattling I shot up in bed my heart pounding someone was trying to get in I crapped my phone and tiptoed to the door my hand shaking as I pressed my ear against against it the rattling stopped and I heard footsteps moving away back down the hall toward Mr Feldman's apartment I didn't sleep at all after that the next morning I called a locksmith and had them install a chain lock on the inside of the door at least now

I'd have some extra protection if he tried to force his way in a few days later I was out grocery shopping when I ran into one of my neighbors a woman in her late 40s who lived in the apartment belone line we started chatting and I mentioned Mr Feldman trying to be casual about it she gave me a strange look has he been bothering you she asked her voice low I nodded feeling a not form in my stomach he's been coming into my apartment when I'm not there her face paled and she glanced around nervously

like she didn't want anyone to overhear he's done that before to other tenants that's why the last girl moved out I felt sick why didn't anyone warn me she Shrugged looking guilty we don't talk about it most people just leave when it gets too much that was it I decided right then in there that I couldn't stay I packed up my things that night as quietly as I could and called a friend to help me move the next morning I didn't tell Mr Feldman I was leaving I didn't even give him a hint the last

thing I remember is seeing him standing in his doorway as I carried the last box out he didn't say anything just watched me that same unsettling smile on his face I didn't look back it all started about 6 months ago I just started going to the gym again after taking a long break I figured it was time to get back in shape and since my work schedule had settled down a bit I didn't have any more excuses the gym was a 24-hour place which was perfect because I like going late at night when it's quiet

fewer people less awkwardness the first time I saw him I didn't think much of it he was just another guy working out tall kind of lanky wearing an old hoodie that looked like it had seen better days he was doing like presses and I remember thinking he didn't really seem to know what he was doing but who was I to judge we're all just trying to get better right I didn't pay him any more attention than I did anyone else there but then I started seeing him more often not just once in a while but

every time I went at first it seemed like coincidence maybe he had the same weird schedule as me hitting the gym late at night but it didn't take long before I realized it was more than that he wasn't just showing up at the same time he was always nearby if I was on the treadmill he'd hop on the one next to me even if the whole row was empty if I was using the weights he'd grab a bench right next to mine even though there were plenty of other spots the first few times I tried

to shrug it off I'm not a paranoid person and maybe he was just trying to be friendly in that weird Jim buddy kind of way but he never said anything never smiled never gave that not people do when they recognize someone just watched I glance up from whatever I was doing and he'd be looking right at me dead in the eyes like he was waiting for something it made me uncomfortable but I didn't want to make a big deal out of it people can be weird at the gym I told myself he's probably harmless so

I ignored it and kept going then it got worse one night after a late workout I added out to the parking lot it was around midnight and the lot was nearly empty empty just my car and maybe two others as I walked toward my car I noticed someone sitting in one of the vehicles a few rows over headlights off it was hard to see who it was at first but as I got closer I recognized the ODI it was him just sitting there engine running staring straight ahead I felt this cold not form in my

stomach but I told myself it was nothing maybe he was just taking a break before head home still I couldn't shake the feeling that he was waiting for me watching me I got in my car locked the doors immediately and pulled out of the lot as I drove away I checked my rearview mirror half expecting him to follow he didn't his car stayed where it was I tried to let it go told myself I was overreacting but after that I started noticing him everywhere I'd be out running errands and there he'd be a few Els

down in the grocery store pushing an empty cart and looking straight at me or I'd be filling up my car at the gas station and I'd see him across the street just standing there he never came close never said a word just watched I started to wonder if maybe I was imagining it maybe this guy just happened to live nearby and I was seeing him by coincidence but it didn't feel like that I could feel his eyes on me feel the way he always seemed to appear just when I was alone it was getting harder

to convince myself it was all in my head then the note appeared it was after another late night gym session I'd finished my workout headed out to my car and there I was tucked under the windshield wiper I remember standing there for a minute just staring at it not wanting to pick it up my heart was racing and I had this overwhelming sense of dread when I finally pulled it out and unfolded it my hands were shaking the note was simple handwritten in messy block letters I'm watching you that was it no name no threats

just those three words I looked around expecting to see him somewhere nearby but the lot was empty the Gym's lights flickered in in the distance but other than that there was no one just me in that damn note I got in my car and drove straight home my mind racing I didn't know what to do was this guy messing with me or was he planning something my thoughts were all over the place and the more I thought about it the more scared I got the next day I went to the chin during the day hoping

maybe I wouldn't see him in the crowd of regulars and for a while it worked no sign of him no creepy run-ins I thought maybe he' moved on found someone else to mess with I almost started to relax until he showed up outside my apartment it was late around 11:00 p.m. and I was sitting on my couch watching TV I live on the second floor and I don't usually keep my blinds open at night but for some reason I hadn't closed that evening I don't know why I looked out the window but when I did

I saw him he was standing across the street just standing there staring up at my window I froze my heart was pounding so loud I could hear it in my ears for a second I thought about calling the police but what would I say there's a guy standing outside my building it didn't seem like enough and what if he ran off before they got here then what I turned off the lights hoping he'd think I wasn't home but when I peaked out the window again he was still there just standing watching that was the last

straw I couldn't take it anymore I grabbed my phone and dialed 911 the dispatcher asked me a bunch of questions what he looked like what he was wearing if I felt like I was an immed immediate danger I didn't know how to answer I didn't know what this guy wanted all I knew was that he had been following me for weeks and now he was standing outside my home the police showed up about 15 minutes later but by then he was gone they took my statement said they patroled the area but there wasn't much they

could do they suggested I file a restraining order if I saw him again I didn't sleep that night every little noise had me on edge convinced he was going to come back I even considered moving but where what I go what if he followed me wherever I went a few days passed and I didn't see him I tried to get back to my normal routine though I was constantly looking over my shoulder waiting for him to show up again but he didn't not at the gym not in the parking lot not outside my apartment it

was like he' vanished then about a week later I found another note this time it wasn't on my car it was inside my apartment I came home from work and there it was sitting on my kitchen counter I hadn't left it there I hadn't left anything there my front door was locked when I got home but somehow he'd been inside I'm still watching you I called the police again but they didn't take me seriously there were no signs of forced entry and they told me it was probably just someone playing a prank a prank I

knew it wasn't a prank he'd been in my home he knew where I lived where I slept he could come back any time he wanted I changed the locks installed security cameras and started carrying pepper spray everywhere I went I didn't see him again after that but I never stopped looking over my shoulder even now months later I still feel like he's out there watching waiting I had always dreamed of a weekend at the beach just me the sound of the waves and a little escape from reality so when I found a quain little Beach

House available for rent I jumped at the chance it was off seon and the place was perfect rustic charm a few steps from the sand and just enough amenities to keep me comfortable I arrived late in the afternoon unpacked and felt the weight of the weak lift as I settled in the first evening was peaceful I watched the sun dip below the Horizon painting the sky in Hues of orange and pink I made a simple dinner and spent the rest of the evening relaxing letting the sound of the ocean lull me as I curled up

on the couch with a book I thought to myself how lucky I was to have this time for myself it felt perfect around midnight I was deep into the story when I heard a noise a faint scratching sound at the back door I paused thinking it might just be the wind or maybe a stray animal I tried to dismiss it but the noise came again this time a little louder like something was trying to push the door open I put down my book and listened closely my heart started to race I got up and moved

quietly toward the back of the house my bare feet padding silently on the wooden floor I could feel my heart beating in my throat as I approached the door I peered out the window next to it but it was too dark to see anything clearly just Shadows cast by the Moonlight I thought about calling the police but I was on a remote beach with no Neighbors in sight I could hardly hear the sound of the ocean now just that scratching noise it continued rhythmic and persistent and I felt a chill run down my spine I

decided to check the locks everything seemed secure but the noise continued then I heard it footsteps muffled against the wooden deck outside I held my breath it felt like an eternity but I mustered the courage to turn off the lights and hide behind the couch hoping whoever it was would go away my phone buzzed in my pocket and I nearly jumped out of my skin I silenced it quickly cursing under my breath I listened hoping to hear the sound of footsteps fading but instead the back door rattled someone was trying to get in my mind

mind raced with possibilities had someone squatted in this place before was it a thief looking for something I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched the rattling stopped and I heard a soft voice whisper hello is anyone there I could hardly breathe I wanted to scream to yell for help but I knew that would only draw attention to me I stayed quiet my heart pounding in my ears The Voice continued more insistent this time I know you are in there I just need to come in please I won't hurt you something inside me

snapped I needed to find out who this person was with trembling hands I grabbed my phone turned on the flashlight and crept towards the door I reached for the knob hesitated and pressed my ear against theall the wood please let me in the voice said again and I realized it was a woman there was desperation in her voice I was here last week I forgot something I swear I won't take anything part of me wanted to believe her but another part screamed that I should not open the door I decided to try talking to her

through the door who are you I asked trying to sound braver than I felt I am I'm Sarah I stayed here last week I really need to get my things I won't hurt you I promise I felt a wave of fear wash over me how did she know my name I didn't say it I was alone here I wanted to ask her more questions but the Panic made it hard to think what did you leave here I pressed hoping for some clue there was a long pause just some clothes and a backpack please I just

want to get them I swear I'll leave I shook my head even though she could not see me I am calling the police I said my voice trembling please don't do that she cried out her tone shifting from pleading to angry you don't understand you can't call them her Sudden Change in demeanor sent a jolt of fear through me I stepped back from the door heart racing what do you mean I asked my voice barely a whisper I didn't want anyone to find me here I have nowhere else to go I could hear the desperation

in her voice but I also sense something else a hint of Menace behind her words my instincts kicked in and I slowly backed away from the door trying to make as little noise as possible then I heard something crash against the door it jolted me and I stumbled back bumping into the table I quickly crouched down not daring to breathe I heard her voice again this time laced with anchor you cannot just keep me out let me in I have to get back in I felt trapped the door was locked but I knew if she

really wanted to she could break in I frantically searched the living room for something to defend myself with I crabbed a heavy lamp feeling the weight of it in my hands I would use it if I had to the banging on the door continued grro louder and more frantic please just let me in I won't take any anything I promise I just want my stuff I couldn't take it anymore I picked up my phone again and dialed 911 my hand shaking the operator answered and I whispered my location and what was happening I had to

keep my voice low so she wouldn't hear stay on the line help is on the way just stay quiet the operator instructed I could hear the panic in her voice what are you doing just open the door you were making a mistake I cried the lamp tightly trying to steady my breathing time felt like it was stretching each second feeling like an eternity then I heard her footsteps moving away from the door I held my breath unsure if she was leaving or just trying to think of another way in after a few moments of Silence

I appeared out of the window straining to see the beach house sat in isolation and I could see the Moonlight reflecting off the waves there was no sign of her I waited my heart racing half expecting her to reappear then I heard sirens in the distance relief flooded through me I quickly moved back to the door ready to let the officers in the sound of sirens grew louder and I felt a sense of hope I stood there holding my breath until I saw the flashing lights outside I opened the door and the officers stepped in

they asked me questions assuring me I was safe I explained everything and they checked house thoroughly but found no signs of a woman after a long discussion with the police they suggested I leave the beach house for the night and stay somewhere else they assured me they would Patrol the area but they couldn't guarantee the woman wouldn't come back I didn't need to be told twice as I drove away I glanced back at the beach house it looked so innocent against the backdrop of the moonlet sky but I knew now that it was tainted with

something dark I felt shaken but grateful to be safe I vowed never to return realizing that some dreams of Escape can turn into nightmares in an instant it All Began one rainy afternoon I had just returned home from work exhausted when I noticed a small cardboard box sitting on my doorstep I did not recall ordering anything so I figured it must have been a mixup I picked it up feeling the weight of it in my hands it had no return address just my name scrolled on it in black marker I opened it curious inside I

found a pair of old sunglasses they were worn but seemed to be in good shape I turned them over in my hands wondering who would send me something like this I Shrugged it off thinking maybe someone had meant to send them to a friend I tossed them in a drawer and forgot about it the next day another box appeared this time it was a collection of random trinkets some keychains a small flashlight and a few loose batteries I stared at them for a moment my stomach tightening they were strange nothing I would ever buy for

myself I decided to call the delivery company I reported the mistake thinking it would all be cleared up soon but the packages kept coming one day I received a box containing a wornout baseball glove the kind that looked like it had been used for years another time it was an old photograph of a group of people laughing and smiling with a red mark circling one of the faces the face looked Vaguely Familiar but I could not place it the items became more personal items I had used were thrown away and I felt a creeping sense

of tread settle in after a week I could not take it anymore I decided to take the boxes and their contents to the local post office to see if they could trace the sender I told them everything the strange packages the odd items the feeling of being watched the woman behind the counter looked concerned but assured me they would do their best to find out who was sending them I left the post office feeling a little better that evening I returned home and went through my normal routine I turned on the television trying to distract

myself from the unsettling feelings that had started creeping into my mind I had just settled in when I heard a noise outside I peeed through the curtains and saw a figure standing at the edge of my driveway partially obscured by Shadows my heart raced I could not see the person clearly but I felt a chill run down my spine the figure seemed to linger for a moment before moving closer to the house I stepped back trying to catch my breath I grabbed my phone and dialed the police but as I waited the figure disappeared into

the darkness the officer who answered my call assured me they would send someone to patrol the area when they arrived they did not find anything unusual I felt foolish for calling them but I told them about the packages and my growing concern they took my report and left but I could not shake the feeling that someone was out there watching me the next morning I opened my front door to find another package this time it was a red baseball cap with my initials embroidered on it I felt my stomach drop I had not owned that

cap in years I had lost it during a trip to a baseball game I rushed inside slamming the door behind me I felt trapped in my own home and the walls seemed to close in I decided to take action I began to change my routine staying away from the windows and not going outside unless I had to I started driving to work at different way hoping to shake whoever was behind the packages but the packages did not stop they kept coming each one more invasive than the last I received a box filled with my old

receipts the kind I had thrown away months ago another had a half eaten candy bar from my favorite brand one I had left on my kitchen cter her it felt as though someone was collecting pieces of my life and I was powerless to stop it one evening while I was watching television my phone buzzed it was a text from an unknown number I hope you like the gifts my heart raced as I stared at the screen I quickly deleted the message but the Panic grew I had tried to ignore the packages but now it felt

real someone was watching me and they were getting closer after that I decided to go to the police again I needed to show them the items I have received I collected everything in a box and took it down to the station I explained everything in detail hoping they would take me seriously this time but the officer on duty merely nodded saying they would keep an eye out I left feeling defeated I was terrified and did not know what to do next when I returned home I noticed something strange my front door was slightly a jar

I had locked it before I left Panic searched for me I stepped inside my heart racing I called out hello there was no response the living room was just as I had left it I quickly checked the rest of the house every room every closet no one was there I felt a mix of relief and fear had I imagined it or had someone been inside while I was gone I locked the door again and sat down trying to calm myself the following days felt like a blur of anxiety and paranoia I was afraid to leave

my house and every sound made me jump then one night while I was lying in bed I heard a soft knock at my window I froze my heart pounding in my chest I peered through the curtains and saw the same figure from before standing outside in the Moonlight this time there was no mistaking it I recognized him he looked familiar like someone I had known long ago Panic CED me what did he want I knew I could not confront him not like this I dialed nine 11 one my hand shaking the operator answered and I

whispered my location in the situation stay inside help is on the way she said her voice steady and calm I backed away from the window Breathing heavily the figure remained outside his face obscured by Shadows I could hear my heartbeat in my ears as I waited for the police to arrive then the figure stepped closer to the window and I caught a glimpse of his face it was the same man from the photographs I have received in the packages suddenly the lights outside illuminated my driveway and I heard the sirens the figure turned and fled

into the night I exhaled a breath I did not know I was holding the police arrived and I explained everything again they searched the area but did not find him after that night I decided it was time to leave I packed my things and found a new place to live I cut all ties with the house and the haunting memories it held the packages eventually stopped arriving but I knew that I would always be looking over my shoulder haunted by the thought that someone had been watching me 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 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 9 grabbed a small table in the back Mike was in good spirits talking about how work had been R 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'd 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 three 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 to 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 you

know back a feeling when something's not right I flaged 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 r ERS at the bar guys who looked like they hadn't moved in hours 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 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 forget about him I felt my hands start to shake this wasn't M 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 Lan 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 it when he didn't answer I must have stood there for 5 minutes just knocking and weeding 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 came 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 sense but they didn't the next day I

tried calling Mike again still nothing his phone was still out of surface and there was no sign of him anywhere I drove by his apartment again later than at 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 whether

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 while 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 it started like any normal neighborhood potluck I had been living in the neighborhood for about 6 months at this point it wasn't the friendliest place but people waved at each other and said hello when they passed by nothing too

deep no close friendships it was fine really I didn't mind keeping to myself one of the neighbors Sarah had knocked on my door a week before the event and invited me to the potluck she seemed nice enough kind of The Unofficial ring leader of the block when she asked if I would come I figured why not it' be a chance to meet more people and honestly I've been feeling kind of lonely since I moved here the potlock was set up in Sarah's backyard long tables covered in all kinds of food I brought a pasta salad

nothing special people milled around making small talk filling their plates I was mostly keeping to myself sitting at the edge of the group not feeling super comfortable yet but still glad I came it felt good to be out of the house after a while I noticed something strange it wasn't obvious at first but after I started looking closer I realized that almost all of the dishes had meet in them like everything it wasn't just the usual stuff burgers are ribs you know the kind of thing you expect at a barbecue it was weird stuff too

like meat and things that usually didn't have it there was a meat pie meat in the potato salad even some weird Jell-O thing with chunks of meat inside I'm not a vegetarian or anything but it struck me as odd it was like they'd all gone out of their way to put meat in every dish I tried not to think too much about it I mean maybe it was just a coincidence or maybe it was some sort of running joke between them that I didn't get I Shrugged it off grabbed a plate and started picking through

the things that looked the least weird as I was eating I noticed that some of the neighbors were watching me not in an obvious way but every now and then I'd look up and catch someone glancing at me they'd look away quickly but it happened enough times that it started to bother me I told myself I was being paranoid I didn't know these people well and it's not like I was the most outgoing person maybe I just wasn't used to being around a lot of people but the more I sat there the more uncomfortable I

felt something wasn't liked after about an hour Sarah came over and sat next to me she had this big to Friendly smile on her face the kind of smile that felt practiced like she'd been putting it on all night are you enjoying yourself she asked I nodded not wanting to seem rude but I was starting to get the urge to leave I glanced down at her plate and I noticed that she wasn't eating anything not a bite her plate was full but untouched I looked around and that's when it hit me none of the neighbors

were really eating they were all holding plates pushing food around with their Forks but no one was actually e eating at least not the ones who lived here I started to feel a knot in my stomach something was seriously wrong I made an excuse about needing to get home something about having to work early the next morning Sarah's smile faltered just a bit like she hadn't expected me to want to leave so soon but she didn't AR you of course she said but before you go you should really try this she reached over to the

table and picked up a small dish it was some kind of Stew thick and dark with chunks of meat floating in it this is my grandmother's recipe she said her voice soft and warm like she was offering me some kind of gift I hesitated but I didn't want to make a scene so I took the spoon she handed me and dipped it into the stew the smell hid me first it was rich but there was something off about it something metallic I stirred the spoon around and a piece of meat floated to the surface it

didn't look like any meat I'd ever seen before I put the spoon down I think I'm okay thanks I said trying to keep my voice steady Sarah's smile didn't drop but her eyes did something they hardened just for a second before she pulled the dish back toward her suit yourself she said her voice light again like nothing had happened I stood up muttering something about needing to go as I turned to leave I saw one of the other neighbors a man I hadn't met before standing by the edge of the yard watching me he wasn't

smiling he just stared at me his eyes following me as I walked away I made it home locked the door behind me and sat down trying to make sense of what had just happened the whole night felt like a bad dream but I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something darker going on the way they watched me the way no one ate the meat in every dish it was all wrong that night I couldn't sleep I kept replaying everything in my head trying to figure out if I was just imagining things or if there

was something seriously wrong with my neighbors the next day I did some digging I didn't even know where to start but I figured I'd try looking up the history of the neighborhood see if anything strange had ever happened there it was a long shot but I couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right I didn't find much at first just a few mentions of the area and some old news articles but then I stumbled across an old police report from about 10 years ago there had been a missing person's case a woman who had lived

in the neighborhood had vanished Without a Trace they never found her the more I read the more un I became there were other reports too more disappearances over the years none of them were connected at least not officially but they all had one thing in common they had all lived in the same neighborhood my neighborhood I was starting to feel sick I closed my laptop trying to push the thoughts out of my mind but I couldn't stop thinking about the potluck the meat the way they watched me I didn't go outside for a few days

after that I didn't want to see my neighbors didn't want to risk running into Sarah or anyone else I felt trapped in my own home constantly on edge waiting for something to happen then a few nights later I heard a knock on my door I didn't answer at first I just stood there staring at the door my heart pounding in my chest the knock came again lot of this time I crept toward the window and peeed through the blinds it was Sarah she was standing on my porch smiling that same too friendly smile holding a

dish covered in foil I made too much for dinner she called out her voice muffled through the door I thought you might like some I didn't move I didn't say a word I just stood there Frozen as she knocked again her smile never fad I know you're home she said her voice taking on a Singsong tone why don't you open the door I backed away from the window my hand shaking the knocking continued for a few more minutes then finally it stopped I waited listening until I heard her footsteps Fay away that night I packed

a bag and laugh I didn't tell anyone where I was going didn't say goodbye I just got in my car and drove I didn't care where I ended up as long as it was far away from there I don't know what was going on in that neighborhood but I'm sure of one thing I was never meant to leave that potluck alive it all started a few months ago I was on one of those chat forums the kind where you can meet people with similar interests you know talk about movies music books whatever I wasn't looking

for anything serious just a way to pass time that's when I met him his username was something normal nothing creepy Mike 87 or something like that we got to talking and honestly at first he seemed really nice we talked about random stuff shared music recommendations and joked around nothing deep nothing weird after a few weeks we started messaging outside of the Forum just texting each other it wasn't anything special but he seemed to know a lot about the stuff I liked I didn't think much of it then but looking back there were probably some signs

little things like how he'd mentioned things about my day before I told him or how he seemed to know exactly when I'd be free to chat almost like he was following my schedule but I brushed it off I thought maybe he's just really intuitive or lucky with his guesses I mean people are always on their phones right maybe he just knew I'd be around he never pushed for personal information never asked for my address or anything not right away at least one night we were talking about meeting up he lived a few states away and

it seemed harmless enough to mention it I thought why not I've made friends online before and sometimes it's cool to meet in person he didn't seem weird at the time and I thought I was being cautious I didn't give him my address or anything just said we could meet in a public place if he ever came to my city I didn't think much of it after the conversation a week went by and we didn't talk as much he said he was busy with work and I was wrapped up in my own life I figured that

was that until one day a Thursday I came home from work and found a note slipped under my door it wasn't anything threatening just a folded up piece of paper that said hey I'm in town thought I'd surprise you can't wait to finally meet smiley face Mike my heart saying I never gave him my address I never even hinted at where I lived I immediately texted him asking what the hell was going on but there was no response I waited a few hours hoping he'd explain that it was some kind of joke or maybe a

coincidence but nothing that night I barely slept jumping at every little noise outside my window I kept my blinds closed and the lights off too scared to do anything else the next day I couldn't focus at work every time my phone buzzed I'd Flinch half expecting it to be him but there was nothing just silence when I got home there was another note this one was different it was longer and unsettling I've been thinking about this for a while it said I feel like I know you better than anyone else you're the one person who

gets me who really sees me I can't wait for us to spend more time together I've been planning something special that's when I knew this wasn't just some misunderstanding I was being watched I was being followed I called a friend and told her everything trying to stay calm but my voice was shaking she told me to call the police but I hesitated what was was I going to say some guy I met online left me a note I had no proof he'd done anything illegal it was just words on a piece of paper still I

saved the notes and decided to be more cautious that night I couldn't relax I double checked the locks on my doors and windows even barricaded the front door with a chair my mind kept running through every conversation we'd had every detail on might have slipped without realizing it but I hadn't given him anything not my address not my schedule nothing so how the hell did he know where I lived around midnight I heard it a faint knock at my door at first I thought I was imagining it that maybe it was just the house settling

but then it came again this slow deliberate knock my heart was pounding in my chest I didn't move I didn't even breathe the knock came a third time and then I heard his voice I know you're in there I froze it was him he wasn't shouting just talking in this calm almost friendly tone like we were old friends and he was just stopping by for a chat come on he said don't be scared I just wanted to talk I didn't respond I couldn't my phone was on the table across the room and I was too

terrified to move for what felt like hours I sat there waiting for him to leave but he didn't he just kept talking telling me how he'd been watching me for a while how he knew we were meant to be together his voice was so casual like this was all completely normal like I should have known this was coming eventually he stopped talking but I could still hear him moving around outside it sounded like he was pacing maybe trying to decide what to do next I was praying he'd leave that he get bored to realize I

wasn't going to open the door but then I heard something else the sound of metal scraping against the lock I panicked I cracked my phone and called 911 whispering to the operator that someone was trying to break into my apartment I don't even remember what I said just that my voice was shaking so bad she had to ask me to repeat myself a few times while I was on the phone the scraping stopped the silence was worse than the noise I kept waiting for him to start again to hear the door Creak open but there

was nothing a few minutes later I heard footsteps outside different ones louder I peeed through the blinds and saw two police officers standing near the door I opened it just a crack still shaking they didn't find anyone whoever he was he was gone by the time they got there they took a statement told me they'd Patrol the area for a few nights but I knew they couldn't do much I didn't even know his real name they suggested I stay somewhere else for a while maybe be with a friend I nodded but I didn't leave I

should have I should have packed my bags and gotten the hell out of there but I didn't the next morning there was another note it wasn't under the door this time it was inside just sitting on my kitchen counter like it belonged there I'm disappointed in you I thought we had something special don't make me wait too long long that was it no signature no smiley face just that cold unsettling message I grabbed whatever I could fit into a backpack and left I haven't been back since the day had been pretty normal up until the

doorbell ring I wasn't expecting anyone and I hadn't ordered anything but I figured it could be a mistake maybe something for a neighbor I opened the door and there was a delivery guy standing there holding a brown package he had on the usual uniform but something about him felt off right away he wasn't smiling not even that polite forc smile most delivery people give just staring at me like he was sizing me up delivery for you he said his voice low and flat I frowned and looked down at the package it had my name and

address on it clear as day but I hadn't ordered anything my first instinct was to refuse it say it wasn't mine but before I could say anything he stepped forward almost too close need me to bring it inside he asked his tone shifting like he was pushing for something no that's fine I said quickly stepping back a bit I'll take it from here I reached out for the package but he didn't hand it over right away his tightened on the box holding it just out of my reach I still locked on me you sure it's

heavy could be something fragile wouldn't want you to drop it I felt a coldness creep into my chest there was something wrong something in his eyes he wasn't looking at me like a delivery person would look at a customer but more like like he was trying to figure something out I didn't like it no really I've got it just hand it over I said fmer this time hoping he'd just give me the box and leave he hesitated for a second then slowly let go but his fingers brushed against mine in a way that made my

skin crawl I stepped back again holding the boxes in front of me like a shield and gave him a nod hoping he'd get the hint to leave but he didn't move you live here alone he asked his eyes drifting over my shoulder into the house behind me that question sent a jolt of panic through me why would he ask that what kind of delivery person asks that I swallowed hard forcing myself to stay calm now I lied my my husband's inside he's just in the shower for a split second his expression changed there was something

dark behind his eyes but then he smiled though it didn't reach his eyes it was forced unnatural lucky him he muttered under his breath I cried the package tighter feeling the weight of it now I just wanted him to leave I could feel the hairs on the back of my neck standing up my instinct screaming at me that something wasn't right well thanks I said quickly trying to close the door I've got it from here he didn't budge his hand shot out stopping the door from closing all the way my heart skipped a beat as

he leaned in his voice dropping even lower sure you don't need help won't take but a minute I felt trapped the door only half closed his hands still there holding it open just enough to stop me from shutting it my pulse was racing and my mind was screaming at me to do something but I was frozen unsure of how to handle it without making things worse now really I don't need help I said trying to keep my voice steady but it was shaking you should go now for a moment he just stood there not moving

not saying anything the sil stretched on and I could hear my own heart pounding in my ears then slowly his hand slid off the door and he took a step back but the smile on his face stayed all right he said his voice soft but unsettling if you're sure I nodded gripping the door tightly ready to slam it shut I watched him turn and walk away but he didn't go far he stopped at the bottom of my driveway way just standing there looking back at the house I slammed the door shut locking it immediately my

hand shaking I backed away from the door trying to catch my breath something was very wrong I could feel it in my bones I didn't know what he wanted but I wasn't about to find out I peaked through the blinds my heart racing as I watched him standing there still looking at the house he wasn't leaving he was just watching my mind raced with what to do call the police it felt extreme but every part of me was screaming that I was in danger as I stood there the Box still in my arms I realized

I hadn't even looked at what was inside I put it down on the table and grabbed a knife cutting through the tape as fast as I could my hand shaking the whole time I tore the flap open and what I saw inside made my stomach drop it wasn't something fragile or valuable it wasn't even something personal inside was a single piece of paper folded neatly I unfolded it my breath catching in my throat as I read the word scrolled across it in messy handwriting see you soon my blood ran cold and I stumbled back from

the table nearly dropping the paper my mind was was racing who had sent this was it him was he still out there I ran to the window and pulled the blindes aside again my heart pounding the driveway was empty he was gone but I knew he wasn't really gone he'd be back I could feel it I cracked my phone and called the police my voice shaking as I told them what had happened the they said they'd send someone to check the area but I could tell by the tone of the dispatcher's voice that they didn't

think it was serious just some delivery guy they probably thought but I knew it wasn't that simple I knew I wasn't safe I didn't sleep that night I stayed up sitting by the front door with a chair pushed under the knob and every light in the house on every little Sound Outside made me jump my mind playing tricks on me thinking he was out there watching waiting the police never found him they said they'd keep an eye on the neighborhood but that didn't make me feel any better I knew he was still out there I

didn't know when or how but I knew he'd come back for the next few days I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched every time I stepped outside I felt eyes on me I started carrying pepper spray in my pocket double-checking the the locks on every door and window but the worst part was the nights I couldn't sleep not really I kept hearing noises soft creaks and Taps that I convinced myself were just the out settling but in the back of my mind I knew better