I locked the door. Checked the rooms. Turned the lights off.

Still didn’t see him until I felt a hand around my throat from behind.

The mask should’ve terrified me. It probably would terrify anyone else.

But standing there with my pulse racing while he held me still against him, all I could think about was how long he’d been watching… how long he’d been planning it.

“Don’t scream,” he said quietly.

Like I wanted anyone to save me. 🔪