2

Once I had gotten off the bus, I started to walk home, grasping the handle of my umbrella tightly with both of my hands as my steps fastened. I could now hear footsteps splashing in the puddles matching my pace from behind me in the shadows. This person was quite persistent. I could figure out who it might be, but all I knew was that the situation was good. Even if they couldn't grab me today, this person would already know where I lived and potentially break in and rob me, or even worse kill me. I had no choice. I had to get this person off my back.

Upon reaching this resolution, I ran. I ran as fast as my legs could carry me, but still kept in mind the various puddles that were in my way. The sound of my quick steps blocked out the sound of my thumping heartbeat and the quickening steps of my perpetrator.

Moments later, I stopped and hid in a small alleyway only to hear silence. No footsteps. Just the soft patter of the rain as it slowly calmed down. Odd, but it's better than being stalked.

Luckily, the apartment house lobby was just a block away. I stepped into the elevator while shaking off my umbrella gently as I ascended to the level of my apartment. The fading wallpaper and the dusting carpet on the floor seemed so sad. The lonely atmosphere in this small confine followed my every move. I looked around the room, feeling quite paranoid due to the game of cat and mouse. The sound of the metal ropes winding up was all that could be heard. My shoulders jolted a little with surprise as the doors of the elevator opened so abruptly. My hesitant steps rang through the hallway, careful to not disturb any of my neighbours as I slowly approached my apartment door. With each step forward, my paranoia grew. My eyes would dart from left to right when I heard a noise. My heart pounded against my chest rapidly to the point I could hear it in my head.

The moment I stepped in front of my door I didn't know what to do. My hand quivered with my keys while my arm rose anxiously about to unlock the door. I didn't know what I was so scared of. Was I scared that my stalker had broken into my room? Or was I simply scared because I was still shaken up? I had no clue. The more I procrastinated, the more anxious my heart became.

Suddenly, I felt something warm in my hand. Like a sense of comfort and reassurance. Like someone else was holding my hand. My hand stopped shaking. My breath calmed down. My anxiety and paranoia dissipated. I didn't know what's going on, but it's nice. I unlocked my door and stepped inside my apartment, shaking my shoes off, then hanging my umbrella on the doorknob to dry. My apartment was dark and distant, but it was somehow rather warm. These small occurrences have been happening lately. Though it's not unpleasant, it's just rather mysterious. Have I gone completely mad? I don't think so. If I had gone crazy, what caused this insanity then?

"I'm thinking too much,"

I mumbled to myself in disbelief as to what had crossed my mind.

Once I locked the door, I flicked on the lights, dropped my heavy bag on the couch (not caring if it fell to the ground in the end) and walked to my room to change into non-rain drenched clothes.

As I changed, my mind recalled some dark memories. The yelling. The screaming. The rumours. The pain. The loneliness. The comfort I never had. No one to talk to or turn to. Unaware, tears formed in my eyes and fell onto my cheek, then landed on my lips. The darkness had consumed me. Sniffling turned to sobs, and sobs turned to wails. My heart that I glued together, broke all over again and landed in my hands. Falling to the floor as my knees gave in, the saltiness of my tears left a sweet taste lingering on my tongue. The sweet taste of the pains of the past. I wrapped my arms around myself, comforting myself as if someone was hugging me. It looked so pitiful – having to hug yourself to feel some comfort.

There it was again – that warm feeling. This time it felt as if someone pulled me into their arms, just like I wanted. As if someone heard my prayers this time. I couldn't care less. As long as I can imagine that there's someone's hugging me, I'm okay. It's better than nothing.

"You'll be okay…"

My body jolted in surprise. Who was that? I heard a voice right next to my ear. It was so close. So clear. The voice sounded like a male's voice and it was a little echoey as if you were in a bathroom. It made chills in my spine and the hairs of my arms stand up. My eyes scanned my room haphazardly, but my body was planted to the floor in fright. I decided to wait and see if whatever it is says something else. Despite the ticking of the clock, the silence was deafening. Seconds, then minutes go by, but still nothing. One side of me says that I'm either insane and need to go to a psychiatrist or am simply paranoid. On the other hand, the other side of me says that the voice is real – whether it's the stalker or someone else. I had no correct idea, but I have a feeling this isn't a coincidence.

The warm feelings I get whenever I become sad or anxious and then this. Something just seemed a little odd. No ordinary human just hears random voices and feels like their being hugged when in reality they are alone in their apartment. Maybe all I need is some food. Food should help me think straighter.