Stalker in the Storm: Fear and Uncertainty

If I had never been with you, would you have ever lived?

Inspector John returned to the old burnt prison on a dark, stormy night. The wind howled through the broken windows, and the eerie creaks of the structure made his heart race. He couldn't shake the feeling that he had missed something crucial. Why would someone torment Mia's mother with her late husband's photos? It wasn't just a prank—there had to be something more. His mind was a chaotic mess as he searched the ruins again, desperate to clear his doubts once and for all.

The dust and burnt walls made it hard for him to find anything. Shadows danced in the flickering light of his flashlight, and the silence was broken only by the distant rumble of thunder. Each step felt heavy, and the oppressive atmosphere pressed down on him. The charred remains of the prison, the spot where they had found Mia's father, now overgrown with wild weeds, seemed like a cruel reminder of failure. Disappointment and frustration gnawed at him.

With a heavy heart, he left the old prison, feeling the weight of hopelessness. He then tried to reach Mia, but she didn't answer. Panic surged through him, twisting his stomach into knots. He dialed her number repeatedly, each ring echoing his growing dread. Filled with worry, he got into his car and drove off into the night, his thoughts consumed by fear for Mia's safety.

Mia, on the other hand, reached her destination and sighed deeply at the sight of the bustling city, now grown into a town that seemed as lively at night as it did during the day. She laughed softly, admiring the beauty of the night-lit streets, recalling old memories when all she wanted was to stay with her hero. Haha, Papa, I'm here again, but I wish I could forget you, she murmured, her voice tinged with sadness. With her suitcase, she stood at the bus stop where the bus had dropped her off and driven away.

Hmm, now what? Should I go to where our old house was or to the old prison station? she wondered aloud, tears welling up in her eyes. Some passersby thought she had lost her mind, but she didn't care about their stares. Her disheveled appearance even made some young ladies run away, leaving her alone.

Oh man, this weather—it seems like it's going to rain. Just wait until I reach my destination, she mumbled. As she walked, a chill ran down her spine. She felt like she was being watched and followed. Trying to act normal, she crossed the street to get a cab. Luckily, one appeared quickly, and she managed to get in just in time, her heart pounding with fear.

Wait, I felt like I was being followed. But why, and by whom? she thought, glancing back at the bus stop. She saw a human figure dressed in black, standing ominously in the shadows. Her breath caught in her throat as she recognized the figure. I have seen you before, she whispered to herself, a mixture of fear and sadness washing over her. Is it Sara? But she couldn't be sure, and the uncertainty gnawed at her as the cab drove away into the night.

Mia's head was spinning with thoughts the entire ride until she reached her stop. Thank you, sir. Keep the change, please, she said as she climbed out of the car, walking without paying attention. She bumped into Alex, who was also lost in thought, wanting to hide from the entire world.

Ah, sorry, Mia said, gazing at Alex's shoes before snapping back to reality. She had even forgotten her suitcase. When Alex was about to reply, she cut him off.

Sorry, but I'm not sorry. Next time, walk with your eyes open. Not everyone is in a good mood, okay? Her voice was filled with indifference. Adjusting her cap, she pulled her suitcase and left him standing there, speechless. Alex smirked, not believing what had just happened.

Ha ha ha, she bumped into me, and now I'm the one she blames. The audacity, Alex thought, both amazed and somewhat admiring her boldness. As he turned his gaze from her, something caught his attention. It seemed someone was stalking her, following every single step she took.

Hey Alex, snap out of it, he muttered to himself. She seems brave; she can handle herself. It's not your duty. Alex fought his thoughts while still observing what was happening. His heart urged him to help the lady, while his mind called him all kinds of silly names and warned him that he might even be killed. He shook his head and decided to help her.

As he walked to his car, the rain started to pour, turning the streets into a blur of glistening reflections. The raindrops pounded on the pavement, adding a sense of urgency to the night. Lightning flashed, illuminating the scene for a split second. In that brief moment, he saw the stalker's face—a look of cold determination and menace.

Mia was walking briskly, trying to shake off the growing fear. Her heart raced as she sensed the stalker getting closer. She could hear footsteps splashing through the puddles behind her. Every instinct told her she was in danger, and the terror was palpable.

Alex's resolve hardened. He couldn't just stand by and do nothing. His heart pounded with fear and adrenaline as he sprinted through the rain towards Mia. The thought of her being hurt or worse fueled his determination. He knew he had to act fast.

Stranger no lady, wait! he shouted, but his voice was almost drowned out by the storm. He reached his car, fumbled with the keys, and managed to unlock it. He quickly started the engine and drove towards her, the windshield wipers struggling to keep up with the downpour.

Mia glanced back and saw the stalker closing in on her, his intentions unmistakably sinister. Panic surged through her, and she quickened her pace, but the wet streets made it difficult to run. She stumbled, her suitcase slipping from her grip, and she fell to the ground, the cold rain soaking her through.

Just as the stalker was about to reach her, Alex's car screeched to a halt beside her. He jumped out, ignoring the rain pelting down on him. Get in! he yelled, extending his hand to her. Without a second thought, Mia grabbed his hand and scrambled into the car.

Alex slammed the door shut and sped off, the stalker left behind in the storm. As they drove away, Mia's breath came in ragged gasps, and she shivered from the cold and fear. Alex glanced at her, his own heart still racing. Are you okay? he asked, his voice filled with concern.

Mia nodded, tears mingling with the rain on her face. Thank you, she whispered, her voice trembling.

As they drove through the rain-soaked streets, Alex couldn't help but smirk a little. Ha, I think this area will be fun and interesting, he mumbled wryly, though the smirk soon faded. He knew they were far from safe, but at least for now, Mia was out of immediate danger.

Silence was all they heard until Mia said, Hey stranger, thanks again. It's okay, I can go on from here myself. She tried to sound grateful, but it failed. She pointed at the car's window, and Alex obediently pulled over at a nice hotel.

The rain poured down in sheets, creating a hazy view through the car windows. Mia stepped out, instantly drenched, her clothes clinging to her skin, accentuating every curve. The hotel lights illuminated her wet figure as she walked straight, as if she hadn't been scared minutes ago. Alex tried hard not to focus on her almost transparent attire.

Alex, stop, he mumbled to himself while trying to gaze at the guards. He lowered his eyes as if he saw someone he knew.

Hey, are you...?

Hi Alex, long time no see. Sorry, I'm no longer your bodyguard. You know I started my own business now. Wait before I go into it.

"What are you doing here?" The person smiled widely, calling Alex out of his car for a talk. The rain was still pouring but not as heavily as in the last few hours. Alex stepped out, instantly soaked, the rain plastering his hair to his forehead.

Man, I'm all...Alex showed that he was all wet and couldn't dare talk to him like that. Feeling embarrassed, Alex attempted to sit again and take off, but the man only mockingly laughed.

Hey young boy, I have always been with you since you were this little, he said, putting his hand halfway up. He laughed, grabbing Alex's ear and pulling it. Don't forget I raised you! he chuckled. Alex moaned in pain but then laughed and hugged the older man.

Meanwhile, Mia watched from the hotel entrance, rain streaming down her face. She shook her head, a slight smile playing on her lips as she saw the interaction. Alex's ex-bodyguard looked over, noticing Mia's amusement.

Oh, I see you've got yourself a new friend, Alex. Nice upgrade, he mocked, winking at Mia, who rolled her eyes and stepped further into the lobby.

Alex sighed, shaking his head. Always with the jokes, huh?

Wouldn't be me if I didn't, the man laughed again, slapping Alex on the back as they both stood there in the rain, the storm finally beginning to subside.

The bad weather made Mia's mama restless, pacing back and forth, which made Mary feel dizzy as she tried to follow her movements. Unable to take it anymore, Mary turned on the television. The news presenter, with a grave tone, reported that the weather would be severe, predicting heavy rainfall and violent storms. The broadcast showed images of flooded streets and uprooted trees, advising that people should remain indoors for at least three days until conditions improved.

Rosey's eyes widened in fear as she watched the unsettling news, her worry growing with every update. The storm outside intensified, with howling winds and torrential rain pounding against the windows, amplifying her anxiety. She tried calling Mia, but the line was dead, which only deepened her distress. The worsening storm added to her sense of dread, making the situation feel even more dire.

Mary handed her a tissue, her own worry evident as she moved closer to comfort Rosey. With concern in her eyes, she suggested that if Mia wasn't picking up, Rosey should try calling the inspector. The noise of the storm outside seemed to echo Rosey's growing fear, and the uncertainty of Mia's safety made the atmosphere heavy with sadness and apprehension.

Oh! Yeah, let me try calling the inspector,

Rosey said with shaky hands, her voice trembling with hope.

Mmmm, let me call him now, she muttered through broken words, one hand clutching her dress in a futile attempt to calm herself. But her composure shattered when the inspector's phone was busy. She gazed at Mary with wide, terrified eyes and muttered, His phone is busy. Should I call again?

The sitting room was thick with Rosey's fear and worry. Mary felt a wave of helplessness crash over her; she longed to comfort her friend, but it felt utterly useless. Rosey needed to know her daughter was safe and well—nothing else would suffice.

As the day dragged on, Rosey's tears flowed more freely, and Mary's anxiety grew. Confused and out of ideas, she instinctively patted her own back, searching for some semblance of comfort. When Rosey tried calling again and the line was still busy, terror gripped her so tightly she fell silent. The room descended into an oppressive, deathly silence.

The sounds of cars moving filled the air. Hey, are you okay? Where are you right now? Inspector John asked, his voice laced with worry. I'm still on the road. I can come to you right now.

John was so anxious that he could barely breathe, afraid he might lose control and cause an accident. Okay, okay, I will be there soon. Please don't go anywhere alone, he pleaded.

He turned the car around, heading back to where he had come from, causing confusion on the dark, winding roads. He didn't care; his only concern was Mia's well-being. He drove so fast, accelerating beyond the normal speed, breaking traffic rules without a second thought. Slapping the wheel, he muttered, Why isn't my car going any faster? What's wrong with this car? He slapped it again and again, the wind from the open windows blowing through the car. The darkness around him seemed to close in, but he remained intensely focused on the road, desperate to reach Mia in time.

Mia felt both relief and worry. She doubted if the inspector would drive safely, knowing he must be breaking the road rules. Standing at the hotel entrance, she anxiously watched for any car parking, hoping it was him. When he finally arrived, causing a commotion outside the hotel that caught everyone's attention, he shouted, Mia! Mia! Where are you? Sweating, a tear rolled down his face as he stormed into the hotel.

Hey, I'm here, Mia said softly, walking slowly towards him. She knew he must have gone through hell to reach her. He pulled her close, hug, tapping her back, but she stood straight and didn't hug him back.

Alex, sitting opposite Mia, clenched his fists, his knuckles white with jealousy. His eyes darkened as he watched them, every touch and glance between Mia and the stranger fueling his anger. He felt a burning jealousy mixed with fear and worry for Mia. His ex-bodyguard, noticing this while diving into his food, asked, Do you like the lady or not?

Alex stole a glance at Mia and then muttered, Will he hug her until morning? He filled his mouth with food, clearly frustrated. His eyes remained fixed on them, a storm of emotions brewing inside him. The panic in his chest grew as he imagined losing Mia to the inspector, his mind racing with dark thoughts.

The room felt charged with tension as Alex struggled with his jealousy and fear, the confusion outside on the dark road mirrored by the turmoil within him.

So, you like her?

His gaze shifted from Mia to Alex with a questioning look. He placed his file down, his eyebrows furrowing in disbelief. But how and why!?

He couldn't fathom that this young man, who seemed so aloof, could ever have feelings for someone. He gazed at Mia again, her presence stirring a mix of confusion and curiosity within him. Do you know her so well that...?

Hey, stop your nonsense. I didn't say I like her, Alex cut him off sharply, his voice tinged with irritation and defensiveness. Despite his words, his eyes never left Mia, who walked with the stranger, her figure becoming a blur as she moved farther away. A storm of emotions brewed within him—jealousy, worry, and a hint of fear.

He tried to remain calm, his chest rising and falling with each shallow breath, but he couldn't shake the feeling of unease. His heart pounded, and his hands clenched into fists at his sides. The thought of losing Mia to someone else gnawed at him, intensifying his turmoil.

Watching her disappear into the distance, he felt a pang of helplessness. The stranger's presence by her side was a constant reminder of his own inadequacies. He fought to keep his composure, but the struggle was evident in the tightness of his jaw and the fire in his eyes.

.....mmmm......