Chapter 17

Although the uneasiness twisted in my stomach, I compelled myself to continue walking, steering Chloe's stroller toward the park's entrance. The iron gates stood in front, bordered by vibrant flower beds and joyful families moving in and out. The park unfolded expansively and welcomingly, its lush area scattered with playgrounds, walking trails, and clusters of colorful wildflowers. It was meant to feel inviting, but for me, it felt like a war zone.

I clutched the stroller handle more firmly, the subtle creak of plastic beneath my fingers revealing the unease I attempted to conceal. Chloe's gentle coos interrupted my reflections, her little hands stretching toward the sunlight streaming through the tree leaves.

"Did you notice that, darling?" I whispered, attempting to infuse my tone with warmth. "Bright days and ducks and… ordinary things." "We're just like all others today."

She gurgled back, her face beaming with a toothless grin. It provided a brief spark of bravery, yet the tightness in my stomach would not ease.

I headed to a peaceful clearing close to the playground, where the atmosphere was filled with laughter and the sound of creaking swings. Seeing an unoccupied bench, I directed the stroller to a halt and took a seat, placing Chloe on my lap. Her little legs kicked with joy as her fingers quickly reached for the teething toy I presented to her.

For a brief time, I attempted to find a resolution. I concentrated on the wind playing with her gentle hair, the manner in which her laughter flowed like melody. Yet my eyes deceived me, flickering across the park in subtle, anxious glances. The runner at the fountain fastening his laces, the lady in sunglasses sitting by the swings, the bunch of teens laughing excessively under a tree—they were merely individuals. Ordinary individuals savoring their day. And still, each of them seemed like a danger.

I nodded my head, attempting to dispel the paranoia, but my heartbeat thudded in my ears. As Chloe let her toy fall onto the grass, I bent down to pick it up—and paused.

There, just past the playground, stood a man dressed in black. He rested nonchalantly against a vehicle, his arms folded across his torso. His features were mostly obscured by darkness, yet there was something in his immobility, his intentional stance, that sent a shiver coursing down my back.

My heart jumped.

*You're just imagining things,* I desperately thought, tightening my grip on the toy until it left marks on my palm. *He's merely a person waiting for another.* He isn't here for you.*

Yet, despite my repetition of the words, they seemed empty. I instinctively tightened my hold on Chloe as I looked back down at her. She murmured gently, unaware of the growing wave of fear surging within me.

I compelled myself to inhale, to calm the shaking in my hands. As I faced the car again, I braced myself to encounter the scene once more. However, the man had disappeared.

The exhale I released was unsteady, a mix of relief intertwined with persistent fear. Did he ever exist there? Did my paranoia create him out of nothing? The doubt was nearly more troubling than the fear itself.

I pulled Chloe in close, placing a kiss on her forehead for both her comfort and my own. The delicate aroma of baby powder and the warmth of her tiny body centered me, lifting me from the spiral. I had to remain composed. For her sake. For the two of us.

However, the discomfort remained. As we moved further into the park, every noise—footsteps trailing me, the whisper of leaves, the distant murmur of talk—seemed amplified, as if it was directed solely at me. I noticed I was quickening my pace, my breath catching with each stride.

I kept going until someone seized my trousers.

I yelled, turning around, gripping Chloe so firmly she whimpered in bewilderment. My heart pounded painfully as I gazed into the radiant smile of the young girl.

"Hello, Mrs.," she whispered gently, her hands lifted with a napkin. "I deeply apologize." I didn't intend to surprise you. "You let this fall."

Her big eye returned me to reality. Heat rushed to my face as I replied, "Um... thank you."

Yet my shaking hands revealed another tale. The girl smiled brightly and walked away; I observed her fading silhouette, akin to understanding emerging from the fog of fear. This was difficult—far more challenging than I anticipated—but it didn't imply that my efforts were misguided. The fear didn't control me. Not any longer.

I inhaled deeply, raising my chin and surveying the park. The playground remained filled with joyful children, the ducks continued swimming in the pond, and Chloe was still secure in my embrace.

*This is where it begins,* I considered. *Regaining power.* Demonstrating that I am capable of this—not for anyone else, but for her.*

My hands became steady as I repositioned Chloe's hat to shield her from the sun and rose, prepared to complete what I had begun.

The warm light of the orange sunset enveloped the park as Chloe finally nestled in my embrace. Her tiny head leaned on my shoulder, her gentle breathing smooth and serene. After hours of confusion and crying, she was ultimately at ease. I looked at the playground once more, observing the kids playing and laughing, and for the first time in days, I felt… alright. Not completely unafraid, but all right.

With Chloe at ease, I could finally exhale. The anxiety that had gripped me all day loosened its hold. I fixed her little hat and left the park with a slight spring in my gait.

While walking along the pavement, I came across a well-lit supermarket. The automatic doors hissed ajar, and the cool air leaked out, bringing with it the aroma of warm bread and juicy fruit. I halted, gazing at the store's vibrant arrangement of snacks and vegetables. My stomach rumbled gently, reminding me of how empty my fridge at home is.

Noah typically managed the groceries, consistently delivering bags of necessities with his typical effectiveness. However, we weren't truly in a position to talk.

*I can handle this,* I reassured myself. *It's merely shopping for food.*

Summoning my determination, I shifted Chloe's stance in my embrace and strode indoors.

Sure! Please provide the text you'd like me to paraphrase.

The fluorescent lighting indoors was intense, causing everything to appear excessively bright and somewhat overpowering. Chloe squinted at the brightness, then nestled back into my shoulder, thankfully remaining composed. I took a basket and went to the produce aisle, resolved to get this right.

"Alright, Chloe," I whispered, maintaining a cheerful tone. "We require apples, bananas, and perhaps a few carrots." Simple, isn't it?

I began sifting through the fruit, thoughtfully selecting the ripest ones available. Chloe occasionally extended her hand, her small fingers lightly touching the apples with joyful curiosity.

"Great decision," I remarked with a grin, adding a few of her "selections" into the basket.

However, as I approached the dairy aisle, I experienced it once more—that tingling feeling on the back of my neck. I looked back over my shoulder. Nothing. Simply other customers looking at products or conversing softly.

I gulped deeply, clutching the basket more firmly. *You're just imagining it,* I reminded myself. *Calm down.*

Nevertheless, I couldn't rid myself of the sensation. I hurried, picking up milk, bread, and a package of Chloe's preferred crackers. As I arrived at the snack section, a voice surprised me.

"Adorable infant."

I spun around, my heart racing up into my throat. A man was positioned a short distance away, grasping a cereal box and grinning at Chloe.

"Thank you," I replied curtly, putting on a polite smile and moving back.

"There's no urgency," he remarked, his voice laid-back yet oddly unsettling. "There's a genuine spark in her eyes." "What's her age?"

I became motionless. His words weren't fundamentally flawed, yet the manner in which he lingered sent chills down my spine. I held onto Chloe more firmly, and although she wriggled a bit, she didn't weep.

"She's okay," I replied, my tone more cutting now. I pivoted and strode quickly to the checkout, my heart pounding.

Certainly! Please provide the text you'd like me to paraphrase.

When I got to the cashier, my hands trembled, and my nerves were on edge. Chloe sensed my anxiety, emitting a gentle whimper as I struggled with my wallet.

"Are you alright, ma'am?" the cashier inquired, worry crossing her expression.

I compelled a grin. "Sure, just a tiring day."

She nodded, swiftly reviewing my items and placing them in bags. I paid and departed, gripping the bags in one hand while securely holding Chloe in the other.

As soon as I went outside, I inhaled the evening air deeply, allowing it to calm me. I looked around, partly anticipating that the man from the shop would be there, observing. However, the parking lot was vacant, except for a handful of other customers walking to their vehicles.

*You're fine. You accomplished it.*

I rearranged Chloe and the bags, the burden of the day at last beginning to lessen. While heading home, I experienced an unusual feeling of achievement. It was simply groceries—an errand that many wouldn't think twice about. However, for me, it was a win. A reminder that I could manage situations, even when they seemed unmanageable.

Noah may believe I can't achieve it, but I will show him he is mistaken. For Chloe. For me.