Scary True Stories Told In The Rain | Stories For Sleep

Hello everyone and welcome back to the horor Hut now I know a lot of you use these videos to sleep so before you drift off I thought it would be a nice idea if everyone can leave a comment and 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 it was a little after midnight when I got to the gym I had a long day at work and I wanted to blow off some steam the place

was mostly empty which wasn't unusual for that time there was one guy on a treadmill when I arrived but he left after about 20 minutes by then it was just me I liked the quiet I didn't have to wait for machines and I didn't have to deal with anyone taking up space by scrolling on their Phone the gym wasn't huge just a single floor with a weight section in one corner and cardio machines in another the locker rooms were in the back and there was a staff desk near the entrance I did my usual routine

some bench presses a bit of time on the rowing machine and a lot of focus on the free weights I lost track of time like I always do it was probably close to 2:00 a.m. when I decided to wrap up my arms Were sore and I figured I'd done enough for the night when I cracked my water bottle and towel I noticed the place was eily quiet more than usual I hadn't seen the staff member in a while but I didn't think much of it sometimes they'd step out for a small Court to grab something

from the back office I walked to the front door but when I pushed it didn't budge it was one of those heavy glass Doors with a magnetic lock that needed a key card to open I assumed my key card just hadn't skinned properly so I swiped it again the reader beeped but the door stayed shut I tried a few more times each swipe followed by the same beep but the lock didn't release I looked around for the staff member but the desk was empty I knocked on the door in case they were Outside no one

came my phone was in my chin bag so I pulled it out to call the number posted near the desk it rang a few times then went to voicemail I hung up and tried again same thing that's when I started feeling uneasy I told myself it was a glitch maybe the system was down and the staff had stepped out I tried to stay calm I figured I'd wait a bit and they come Back I sat on one of the benches near the free weights and scrolled through my phone to distract myself p that's when I

heard it it was faint at first almost like I imagined it a heavy breath slow and deliberate it came from somewhere near the back of the gym I froze straining my ears to listen for a moment there was nothing just the H of the air conditioning then it came again louder this Time I turned toward the sound staring into the dark corner near the locker rooms the lights in that area were dimmer than the rest of the gym I could just make out the shapes of the lockers and the doorway leading to the bathrooms hello

I called out my voice shaky no answer just silence I stood up every muscle in my Body tensed I told myself it was probably just the air vents or something falling over in the locker room but deep down I didn't believe that I took a few steps toward the back my sneaker squeaking on the polished floor is someone there I asked this time I heard movement footsteps slow and deliberate they echoed through the empty Gym coming from the direction of the locker rooms I packed up my arc pounding in my chest my eyes started around

looking for something to defend myself with the best I could find was one of the metal dumbbells I grabbed it the cult weight steadying my shaking hands who's there I shouted trying to sound more confident than I felt the footsteps Stopped the silence was worse my mind raced with possibilities maybe it was a staff member playing a prank maybe someone had snuck in and was messing with me or maybe it was something worse I stayed frozen staring at the dark corner then I heard a sound that made my blood run cold a laugh low and

quiet almost a Chuckle it didn't sound right there was no humor in it just something wrong I backed away keeping the dumbbell raised in front of me I'm calling the police I said my voice cracking I pulled out my phone and dialed 911 the call connected and I told the operator what was happening they said they'd send someone but it might take a while since I was in a more remote area of the City I kept the operator on the line as I moved toward the front of the gym I could still see the dark

corner out of the corner of my eye but whoever was there hadn't moved again the operator told me to stay on the line and try to find a safe place to work wait the staff desk had a small storage cabinet underneath I crouched down and wied myself inside trying to make as little noise as Possible I kept the phone pressed to my ear Whispering updates to the operator then the footsteps started again slow and steady moving closer to the front of the gym I clutched the dumbbell tighter my breath shallow and fast the operator was

saying something but I couldn't focus on the words all I could hear was the sound of those steps they stopped right in front of the desk I held my breath praying they wouldn't look down and see me my pulse Was so loud in my ears that I was sure they could hear it then after what felt like an eternity the footsteps moved away they headed toward the glass doors I peaked out from the cabinet just enough to see a figure standing there the light from the street lamps outside cast their Shadow across the floor they

stood there for a moment their back to me then they turned their heads slightly like they were listening for Something I duck back into the cabinet squeezing my eyes shut a loud bang echoed through the gym I jumped hitting my head on the top of the cabinet it was the front door the figure was slamming their shoulder against it trying to to break it open I told the operator what was happening my voice barely more than a whisper they assured me the police were on their way the banging stopped and the silence was worse than

the Noise I waited every muscle in my body tensed then I heard the footsteps again this time moving toward the weight section the sound of sirens in the distance broke the silence the figure froze then bolted toward the back of the gym I stayed in the cabinet until I heard the sound of voices calling out telling me it was safe to come out the police found no one in the gym whoever it was must have slipped out through an emergency exit Before they arrived they checked the security footage but the cameras in the back corner

had been tampered with I haven't been back to that gym since I canel my membership the next day now every time I hear footsteps behind me I feel that same icy fear like they're still there just waiting I was on the subway heading home late one evening after staying longer at work than I planned it was one of those Trains with the fluorescent lights that always seemed too bright making the the gray metal of the car feel colder somehow the ride wasn't crowded just a few people scattered along the seats most of them were staring

at their phones heads down not paying attention to anything around them I sat near the doors clutching my bag on my lap counting the stops until mine about three stops in I noticed him a man sitting across the aisle one row Down at first I didn't think much of it he was dressed pretty plainly dark jacket jeans nothing unusual but something about the way he sat caught my eye he wasn't looking at a phone or out the window like everyone else he was staring directly at me I tried to ignore it at first maybe he

wasn't staring maybe he was just looking in my direction but every time I glanced up his eyes were on me he didn't even Pretend to look away when I caught him just kept staring I shifted in my seat trying to shake off the unease creeping of my spine I told myself I was overthinking it maybe he was zoning out or tired I put my headphones in and stared at my phone trying to focus on the music it didn't help I could still feel his eyes on me by the time we were two stops away from

mine I decided decided to Move I stood up and walked toward the other end of the car taking a seat closer to the doors I didn't look back to see if he noticed but I could feel it that heavy prickling Sensation that someone's watching you when the train pulled into my stop I stood up quickly slipping out the doors as soon as they opened the station was almost empty just a few people heading toward the exits I glanced over my shoulder and my Stomach dropped the man had gotten off too he wasn't rushing but he

wasn't hanging back either just walking at a steady Pace his hands in his jacket pockets his eyes didn't leave me I tried to stay calm telling myself it was probably a coincidence maybe he lived nearby or was heading to the same area but as I walked toward the stairs leading to the street he Followed same Pace same distance I reached the top of the stairs and stepped out onto the sidewalk the street was quieter than I hoped a couple of cars passed but no one else was walking nearby I turned left heading toward my apartment

and quickened my Pace the sound of his footsteps matched mine just a few Paces behind Panic started to creep in my Heart was pounding and and my hands were shaking as I GED the strap of my bag I didn't want to look back again didn't want to confirm what I already knew but I couldn't help it I glanced over my shoulder and there he was closer now I turned down another Street hoping to lose him but he turned to my building wasn't far but there was no way I was leading him to where I lived

I reached for my phone and pretended to make a call hoping it would Deter him hey I'm almost there I said loudly trying to sound calm can you meet me outside there was no response from behind me just the steady sound of footsteps I decided to test something at the next corner I crossed the street abruptly without looking back the second I stepped onto the other side I glanced behind me he was crossing too I knew that and it wasn't a coincidence I ducked into the nearest Store I could find a small convenience store with

bright lights and a clerk behind the counter I stayed by the shelves near the window pretending to look at something but really watching the street the man walked past the store slowly his head turning slightly toward the glass his Pace didn't change but he didn't keep walking far he stopped a few feet down and leaned against a lamp poost his back to me my heart was racing So fast I thought I might pass out I debated asking the clerk for help but I didn't know what to say a man's following me what if he came

in while I was explaining what if he didn't leave at all I waited a few minutes hoping he would go away he didn't he just stayed there standing in the same spot like he was waiting for me to come out I couldn't stay in the store all night My apartment was only a few blocks away but I needed a plan I pulled out my phone and called a friend who lived nearby I didn't explain everything just that I needed them to meet me at the corner near my building they agreed sensing the urgency in my

voice when I hung up I took a deep breath and walked out of the store the man was still there he straightened up when he saw me falling into step a few Paces behind as I started walking again I didn't go straight to my apartment instead I headed toward the spot where I was meeting my friend I kept my Pace steady trying not to let the fear show even though my legs felt like they might give out when I reached the corner I saw my friend standing there relief washed over me like a wave I

hurried toward them and when they saw me they waved calling call out my name loudly enough for anyone nearby to Hear the man stopped a few feet away he stood there for a moment like he was deciding what to do then he turned and walked back the way we come I didn't go straight home that night my friend stayed with me until I felt safe again but the fear didn't leave for weeks after I kept looking over my shoulder whenever I walked anywhere even now I can't get his face out out of my head the

way he stared so calm like he had all the time in the World I always liked running early in the morning it was quiet the air felt fresh and the streets were mostly empty my usual route took me through a small Park about a mile from my apartment it wasn't big just a couple of winding paths some benches and a lot of trees but it was peaceful especially at that time of day I've been running there for months and never had any issues that morning felt like any other it was just past 5:30 a.m. and

the sun Was barely starting to rise I had my usual playlist going but one I always used to get into a rhythm the streets were still dark and the only people I saw were the occasional dog walkers or another Runner here and there when I reached the park I turned onto the main path letting my feet fall into their usual Pace I noticed him about halfway through the park he was standing near a bench just off the path at first I thought he Was waiting for someone he wasn't doing anything no phone no dog nothing

just standing there looking straight ahead I wouldn't have thought twice about it but something about the way he stood caught my attention too still too rigid I kept running telling myself not to overthink it plenty of people use the park and not everyone looks friendly first thing in the Morning as I got closer I glanced at him out of the corner of my eye he wasn't looking looking straight ahead anymore he was looking at me I felt my chest tighten but I kept going I didn't slow down didn't change my Pace just kept running my

music was still playing but I turned the volume down low so I could hear if he said or did anything he didn't move as I passed but I could feel his eyes on me the entire time about 20 Steps past him I looked over my shoulder trying to be casual about it he was still standing there but now he had turned around he was watching me I told myself to focus it was early and maybe he was just out for a walk and curious about someone running by I'd seen plenty of people in the park

who seemed out of place it didn't mean anything but then I Heard it footsteps at first I thought it might just be someone else entering to park from another Direction I told myself not to panic not to assume but when I glanced back again I saw him he was walking now heading in the same direction I was not running not rushing just walking he wasn't close maybe 50 ft behind me but he was there I sped up a little trying to create more distance Between us I told myself to stick to my route not to

change anything if he was just walking I'd be out of the park before he could get anywhere near me I reached the end of the path and took the usual left turn toward the exit when I glanced back again he had turned two my heart was pounding now harder than it should have been from just running I wasn't winded but I felt like I couldn't Breathe I told myself to stay calm to keep running to act like nothing was wrong but every time I looked back he was still there always just far enough that it

felt like I couldn't see anything or confront him but close enough that I couldn't shake him when I finally exited the park I felt a small wave of relief the street ahead was wider brighter a few cars passed by their headlights cutting through the early Morning Gloom I thought about stopping waiting for him to pass but something told me that would be worse I didn't want him to know I was scared I kept running heading toward the busier part of my route there was a gas station about a/4 mile up it was small but the

lights were always on and there was usually someone inside I decided I'd stop there if he was still following me I didn't have to Look back anymore I could hear his footsteps now they were steady matching my pace not speeding up not slowing down just following when I reached the gas station I didn't hesitate I turned sharply and went straight inside the man behind the counter looked up surprised to see someone this early I walked to the back pretending to grab a bottle of water but really just Trying to catch my breath my heart felt

like it was going to burst out of my chest I I stayed back there for a minute or two before glancing toward the door he was standing outside he wasn't looking in just standing by the edge of the parking lot like he was waiting for me to come out his hands were in his pockets and his head was tilted slightly like he was listening for Something I didn't know what to do I couldn't stay in the gas station forever but I didn't want to leave while he was still there The Man Behind the Counter asked

if I needed help and I almost told him what was going on but what could he do call the police because someone was walking behind me after a few minutes the man outside moved he didn't leave just shifted closer to the building standing by the corner where I couldn't see him unless I Walked out that's when I knew I couldn't stay silent anymore I walked to the counter and told the clerk there was a man outside who had been following me I tried to keep my voice steady but I could hear the fear in it

the clerk frowned looking toward the door then nodded he told me to stay inside while he went to check I watched as he stepped out looking Around the man was gone the clerk came back in and told me there was no one there but I could tell he believed me he asked if I needed him to call someone or if I wanted to wait for a ride I nodded pulling out my phone to call a friend I didn't care that it was early I just needed someone to pick me up while I waited I stayed

near the counter my eyes glued to the parking lot my friend showed up about 10 minutes later and I ran straight to their car Not looking back I told them everything on the right home and they insisted on staying with me for the rest of the day I didn't go running for a while after that when I finally did I chose a different route one with more people and fewer places to hide but even now I can't shake the feeling of those footsteps behind me Steady and deliberate like they were waiting for something like he

was waiting for something When I checked into the hotel it was already late I've been driving all day and all I wanted was to take a shower and sleep the hotel wasn't anything fancy just one of those chain places off the highway but it looked clean enough from the outside the woman at the front desk was polite she handed me my key card smiled and told me my room was on the third floor the elevator creeped freed a bit on the way up but I didn't think much of It when I got to my room

I slid the key card in and the little green light blinked I pushed the door open but it stopped short like something was blocking it at first I thought maybe the door was sticking while the latch hadn't fully disengaged I gave it another push harder this time and it opened enough for me to see inside there was a man standing in the middle of the room I Froze he didn't look surprised to see me and that was the first thing that set me on edge he just stood there calm like he'd been expecting me he

wasn't holding anything wasn't doing anything threatening but the way he stared it was cold detached this is my room I said trying to sound firm but my voice cracked a little he didn't respond just stood there watching me I glanced down the hallway half expecting Someone to jump out and say this was some kind of prank but it was empty did they give you the wrong room too I asked trying again even though I already knew something wasn't right the man tilted his head slightly like he was considering my question then finally he spoke this

room is occupied I felt a chill run through me it wasn't what he said it was was how he said it slow Deliberate like he wasn't telling me but warning me I just checked in I said stepping back into the hallway there must be some kind of mistake he didn't answer I slowly closed the door my heart pounding in my chest I stood there for a moment trying to process what had just happened then I turned and headed straight back to the elevator when I got back to the front desk the Woman looked up surprised

to see me I told her there was someone in my room at first she seemed confused but then she frowned and started typing on her computer that's not possible she said after a moment room 314 hasn't been checked out to anyone I stared at her waiting for her to say something else but she just looked back at me like she didn't believe me I'm telling you there's a man In there I said he said the room was occupied she hesitated then picked up the phone and called someone I couldn't hear much of the conversation but

she kept glancing at me her prow furrowed when she hung up she said she'd send someone up to check she offered me a new room in the meantime I wasn't sure I even wanted to stay there anymore a maintenance worker met me at the elevator a few minutes later her he had A key of his own and told me to stay in the hallway while he checked a room I watched as he opened the door and stepped inside he was in there for what felt like forever and when he finally came back out he looked

at me confused there's no one in there he said I didn't believe him I saw him I insisted he was standing right in the middle of the room the worker just Shrugged Maybe he left before I got here door's clear now though I didn't want to go back in but the thought of leaving without my things my suitcase my laptop kept me rooted there the worker handed me my key card and left and I hesitated before stepping inside the room was empty completely empty no sign of a man no sign anyone had been there my

suitcase was still where I'd lefted by the door Untouched the bed was made the bathroom light was off and nothing looked out of place I locked the door behind me double checked it and even dragged the desk chair in front of it just in case I didn't feel safe but I didn't know what else to do I tried to convince myself that maybe the worker was right that the man had just slipped out while I was downstairs but then I noticed something the room smelled faintly of Cigarettes it was subtle but definitely there the hotel

was non-smoking and I hadn't smelled it when I first walked in I checked the trash can the bathroom even under the bed but there was nothing no ashtray no butt nothing I tried to shake it off and focus on getting ready for bed I took the fastest shower of my life keeping the bathroom door locked and the curtain half open so I could see out when I finally crawled into bed I left the lamp On even though I knew it wouldn't really make a difference I didn't sleep well every little sound made me jump the

arm of the air conditioner the creek of the building settling even my own breathing at some point I must have dozed off because I woke up to a soft noise it took me a second to realize what it was the chair I'd wedged under the door handle was moving my heart felt like it Stopped I stayed perfectly still barely breathing listening as the chair scraped against the floor then I heard the lock click and the door creaked open an inch before catching on the Chain whoever was on the other side didn't try to force it

they just stood there silent I cracked my phone and dialed the front desk my hands were shaking so badly I could barely hold it when the woman Woman answered I whispered that someone was trying to get into my room she said she'd send security up immediately I didn't move until I heard Footsteps in the hallway and a man's voice calling out asking if everything was okay when I opened the door there were two security guards standing there I told them what happened and they checked the hallway but it was empty the only thing they found

was the chair still sitting in the middle of the Room I checked out first thing in the morning the woman at the desk apologized and said she didn't know how it could have happened she offered me a refund but I didn't care I just wanted to leave I still don't know who that man was or how he got into the room the door had been locked and the only key card should have been mine in the hotels but I know what I saw and I know someone tried to come back later that Night it started

out as a dumb idea my friends dared me to hide out in the department store after closing they said I wouldn't last an hour alone after the lights went off we've been hanging out at the mall all afternoon and by the time we came up with the plan it was almost closing time they left before the staff started their final rounds leaving me alone to figure out how to stay Unnoticed I found a spot behind a rack of winter coats in the men section it wasn't perfect but it was quiet and the coats hum low

enough to block me from sight I crouched there waiting listening as the last announcements played overhead and the store got quieter eventually I heard the sound of the security gates rolling down at the entrances when everything was silent I crawled out the store looked strange in the dark all shadows and empty Aisles it wasn't scary not yet mostly it felt like I'd stepped into another world I walked through the aisles trying not to make too much noise my plan was to stay for a couple of hours take a few pictures to prove I done it

and then sneak out when the gates reopen in the morning I headed to the electronic section first the TV displays were off but a few laptops were still on their screens casting th blue light I took out my phone to record a Video Whispering into the mic about how I was all alone that's when I heard the first noise a sharp metallic clink like a door handle being turned I froze holding my breath and looked around nothing moved the sound didn't come again so I told myself it was just part of the store settling I

kept walking heading toward the toy Section that's when I saw the flashlight it was fainted first a beam of light sweeping across the floor on the far side of the store my stomach dropped I hadn't thought about security I figured they'd just lock the doors and leave maybe check the cameras once in a while but someone was definitely inside moving through the aisles I ducked behind a sh and tried to think if they caught me I'd be in Trouble maybe not arrested but definitely banned from the mall and my parents would kill me I decided

to wait until the light passed and then find a better hiding spot until the person left but the light didn't pass it got closer I could hear footsteps now slow and deliberate like whoever it was wasn't in any hurry I crouched lower pressing myself against the back of the Shelf the footsteps stopped and I held my breath listening then I Heard a Voice I know you're in here it wasn't loud but it carried through the Silence of the store the tone was flat almost casual but there was something off about it something that made my

skin crawl I saw you on the cameras The Voice continued come out now and this will be easy I didn't move my heart was pounding so hard I was afraid he'd hear it I peeed through a gap in the shelves and saw the flashlight beam swinging back and forth the man holding it was wearing a uniform but it didn't look like the m security I'd seen before his shirt was too loose untucked and there was no badge just a dark shaped stitched over the Pocket he walked past my aisle the light sweeping dangerous L close

to where I was hiding I stayed frozen trying to keep my breathing as quiet as possible after a few seconds he moved on but I didn't feel safe something about him wasn't right when I couldn't hear his footsteps anymore I crept out and headed toward the back of the store where the employee only area was my new plan was to hied in The stock room until morning the store's cameras couldn't see back there and I figured the man wouldn't bother checking the stock room was cold and smelled like cardboard rows of shelves stretched out in

every direction filled with boxes and loose items I found a spot behind a stack of pallets and sat down trying to C myself my phone buzzed in my pocket and I pulled it out there was a message from One of my friends did you chicken out yet I started typing a reply when I heard the sound of a door opening nearby by the stock room door I shoved my phone into my pocket and scrambled deeper into the pallets crouching low the man's footsteps were heavier now echoing in the quiet space his flashlight being cut through

the gaps between the shelves searching he didn't see anything this time just walked slowly Methodically I realized then that he wasn't looking for a thief or someone breaking the rules he was was hunting I held my breath as the light passed over the pallets where I was hiding it lingered for a second then moved on the footsteps grew fainter and I thought he might be leaving but then they stopped do you think I won't find you he said his voice was closer than I expected this is my place my Rolls I felt a wave of

panic I couldn't stay there if he found me I didn't think he'd just kick me out there was something wrong with him something dangerous I waited until his light moved away then crawled out from my hiding spot and headed toward the exit I made it back to the saes floor without being seen the store was even darker now and I could barely see a few feet ahead of me I moved as quickly as I could trying to Stay quiet the front doors were just ahead and I could see the faint glow of the mall's lights

beyond the gates I thought I was going to make it then I heard the sound of tees jingling behind me I turned and saw the man standing at the edge of the aisle he wasn't shining his flashlight anymore but I could see him clearly enough his face was pale his eyes wide and unblinking he smiled and it wasn't a Friendly smile leaving already he asked I didn't answer I turned and ran toward the front doors my sneaker squeaking on the tile I heard him running behind me his footsteps faster now closing the distance when I

reached the gate I crapped the bars and shook them but they didn't budge the locks were solid and there was no way I could squeeze through I looked around desperate for Another way out and saw the fire exit sign glowing in the distance I sprinted for it my legs burning my lungs aching the man was still behind me but I didn't look back when I reached the fire exit I slammed into the bar and pushed it open the alarm blared deafy but I didn't care I ran outside into the cold night air my chest heaving

I didn't stop running until I was halfway across the parking lot when I finally turned around the man was standing in the doorway way just watching me he didn't chase me he just stood there the alarm blurring behind him until I was out of sight I never told anyone what happened not my friends not my parents I don't even know if they would have believed me I came home from work just after dark it had been one of those long days where your brain feels fried and all I wanted To do was get inside put

my stuff down and relax I didn't notice anything unusual until I pulled into my driveway that's when I saw them at first I thought it was a pile of trash or something there was a person sitting cross l on the pavement right in front of the garage door they didn't move when my headlights hit them they were holding a cardboard sign propped up against their knees and the words on it were Scrolled in big black marker I know what you did I froze for a second foot on the brake engine still running the words didn't

make sense to me I stared at them trying to figure out if I was reading it wrong the person didn't move they were sitting perfectly still like they were a mannequin I thought about backing out driving away but I told myself this was probably some weird joke or a mixup maybe they had the wrong House maybe it was some kind of prank I rolled down the window a crack and called out can I help you they didn't answer I couldn't even tell if they heard me their face was shadowed under a hood but I could

tell that were looking straight at me that much was clear I tried again a lot of this time you're on private property you need to leave Nothing just silence I turned off the engine but I didn't get out of the car my heart was racing and I wasn't sure why I told myself I was probably just some harmless person trying to make a statement about something maybe they were protesting maybe they thought this was someone else's house I cracked my phone and started to dial the non-emergency police line but then I Stopped what was I

even going to say that there was a person sitting in my driveway with a sign they weren't doing anything illegal at least not yet I hunt the horn short and sharp to see if that would startle them or get them to move it didn't they just sat there holding the sign steady not even flinching I decided to get out I figured it would be better to confront them face to face and tell them to Leave I kept my phone in my hand ready to call someone if things went South when I stepped out the cold

air hit me and everything fell quieter than usual like the world had pressed pause look I said trying to keep my voice steady I don't know what you're doing here but you need to go if you don't I'm calling the police the person didn't answer they didn't even look like they Were breathing I took a cautious Step Closer staying out of Arm's Reach did you hear me this is my property you can't just sit here still nothing I could feel my frustration Rising mixing with the unease that had been building since I first saw saw

them I wanted to grab the sign rip it out of their hands and see if that would snap them out of whatever weird game they were playing but I Didn't instead I tried a different approach I think you have the wrong house I said I don't know what you're talking about I didn't do anything that's when they moved not much just a small tilt of their head like they were considering what I said then they raised a gloved hand and pointed at the sign I know what you did a chill ran through me the words

look Different now heavier somehow I tried to remember if I'd done anything that could have been misinterpreted anything that might have upset someone nothing came to mind I was just an ordinary person living in ordinary life I stepped back and called out I'm calling the police you need to leave now I dialed and waited for the operator to pick up as I Explained the situation I kept my eyes on the person they didn't move the operator said an officer would be dispatched but it might take a while I thanked them and hung up my hands

trembling as I put the phone back in my pocket I leaned against my car trying to stay calm minutes passed and the person didn't budge I checked my watch it felt like forever but in reality only 5 minutes had gone By finally I heard the sound of a car approaching blue and red lights flashed as a patrol car pulled up behind mine two officers stepped out one of them shining a flashlight at the figure in my driveway the first officer called out hey you need to stand up and identify yourself the the person didn't respond

the Second Officer approached cautiously hand resting on their holster when they got closer they reached out and pulled the H back Revealing a man's face blank pale and expressionless sir we're going to need you to stand up the officer said firmly the man slowly Rose to his feet still holding the sign his movements were deliberate almost robotic the first officer took the a sign from him glancing at it before handing it to the other officer do you have any ID the officer asked the man shook his head he didn't speak didn't even try to explain

Himself they started asking him more questions but he didn't answer eventually they handcuffed him and put him in the back of the patrol car one of the officers stayed behind to talk to me he asked if I recognized a man or knew why he might have been there I told him I had no idea I asked if they found anything on him but the officer just shook his head he's not talking he said we'll take him in and see if we can figure out who he Is after they left I stood in my driveway staring

at the spot where the man had been sitting the sign was still there lying on the ground where the officer had dropped it I picked it up hesitated and and then carried it inside I didn't sleep that night I sat in my living room with all the lights on the sign propped up against the coffee table the words felt like they were staring at me accusing me of something I couldn't Remember the next morning I called the police station to ask if they'd learned anything about the man the person on the phone told me he

was released after a few hours no ID no criminal record no explanation for for what he was doing they couldn't hold him I hung up and stared out the window my driveway was empty but I couldn't shake the feeling that he'd be back even now every time I come home I Half expect to see him sitting there again waiting holding another sign it started as just another drive home from work the kind of uneventful commute you don't even think about I was merging under the highway when a black SUV cut me off I hit the

brakes hard my seat Bel digging into my chest and I leaned on the horn without even thinking about it I wasn't angry really just startled the driver threw up a hand like They were waving me off and I thought that was the end of it a couple of Miles later I noticed the SUV again they were hanging in my blind spot then speeding up to stay even with me I glanced over trying to get a look at them but the windows were tinted too dark to see anything I didn't think much of it until they

swerved closer like they were trying to nudge into my lane I moved over into the right lane just to get away from them but they followed Sticking right behind me this time at at that point I started to feel uneasy I checked the time 6:30 p.m. and figured maybe they were just in a hurry to get somewhere but my stomach was tight I decided to ignore them and keep driving if they were trying to mess with me I didn't want to give them the satisfaction but then they started following me off the highway my exit

wasn't busy just a small turnoff that led into a residential Area I didn't think it was strange until I glanced in the rearview mirror and saw them right there just a car length behind me there were no other cars around no reason for them to be on my tail like that I made a left at the light and so did they I made a right at the next street and they stayed with me my heart started pounding I told myself it was a coincidence maybe they lived in the same direction but then I took another

left This time into a random neighborhood I didn't even know and they followed I drove in circles for a while trying to convince myself I was being paranoid but no matter how many turns I made they were there close enough for me to see their headlights in my mirror when I sped up they sped up when I slowed down so did they I decided to test it at the next intersection I pulled into a gas station and parked right in front of the convenience store Where it was bright and busy the SUV passed by without

stopping and I let out a shaky breath laughing in myself for getting so worked up but then not even 2 minutes later they circled back and pulled into the lot parking just a few spaces away I couldn't see who was inside the windows were still too dark I stared at the car trying to figure out what to do my phone was in my lap and I thought about calling someone But I didn't even know what to say hey I think someone's following me sounded ridiculous instead I got out and went into the store my keys

clutched tight in my hand I lingered by the counter pretending to browse the candy display while I kept an eye on the door the SUV State parked outside nobody got out when I finally worked up the Nerf to leave I took a long route back to my car walking Through the rows of pumps to avoid getting too close to the SUV I climbed in and locked the doors immediately my hands were shaking as I started the engine I decided to head toward the main road where I was busier if they followed me again at least

there'd be Witnesses sure enough as soon as I pulled out the SUV did to I could feel my pulse in my throat as I merged into traffic trying to act like I didn't noticed them that's when they started speeding up I was doing 40 and a 35 and they were getting closer their headlights bright in my rearview mirror I pressed the gas pedal harder but they matched my speed staying just a few feet behind me I switched Lanes hoping they'd pass but instead they swered into the same Lane and hunt it felt like my chest

was caving in my mind was racing trying to figure out what I'd Done to make them so angry was it the horn was it because I cut them off earlier I couldn't remember doing anything wrong I spotted a police station up ahead and turned into the parking lot without thinking the SUV slowed down but didn't follow me in they rolled past and I caught a glimpse of the driver's silhouette a large figure maybe a man but I couldn't be sure I stayed in the lot for a while Waiting for my nurse to settle when I

finally felt calm enough to leave I didn't see the SUV anywhere I decided to take a longer ride home just to be safe I stuck to busy streets and wallet areas glancing in my mirrors every few seconds I thought I'd lost them I really did but when I turned onto my street there they were parked a few houses down from mine my stomach dropped I drove past my house not wanting them to know where I lived instead I went around the block and parked in someone else's driveway crouching low in my seat the SUV idle

for a minute before pulling away I waited until I couldn't see their tail lights anymore then backed out and drove straight to a friend's house I didn't go home that night I didn't even tell my friend what happened I just made up some excuse about meeting company and stayed on Their couch staring at the ceiling until morning the next day I filed a report with the police they took my statement but said there wasn't much they could do without a license plate or a clearer description of the driver I started noticing SUVs everywhere after that

at intersections in parking lots parked along my route to work each time my stomach would clench and I have to remind myself that it Probably wasn't them I never saw the black SUV again after that but I still think about it every time I get in my car every time I glance in the mirror and see headlights too close behind me I still wonder who they were what they wanted and why they stopped following me when they did I don't know if I'll ever get those answers the hike started out normal it was me and

my best friend Kevin on a weekend trip to a national park we've been talking about for months we planned a two night Trek through some of the quieter Trails it wasn't supposed to be a big deal just a way to get away from work and all the noise of daily life the first day went smooth we made it to the campsite early set up the tent and had plenty of time to relax by the fire the trail wasn't too crowded and we Only passed a few groups along the way it felt peaceful the kind of

quiet you don't really get in the city the second morning as we were packing up to move to the next site a group of four people came through two guys two women they looked about our age maybe a little older their tear was worn like they'd done this kind of thing before and they were friendly enough at first one of the guys tall with a shaved head called out a greeting and they stopped to chat Kev's always more social than me so he did most of the talking they asked where we were headed how long

we've been out all the usual stuff I thought it was fine but something about the way they kept glancing at our gear put me on edge like they were sizing it up I crushed it off telling myself I was overthinking after a few minutes they said goodbye and continue down the trail Kevin waved and we finished Packing it wasn't until we got moving that I realized they were going the same direction we were we catched glimpses of them ahead their voices carrying through the trees but we kept our distance when we reached our next site

they were already there it wasn't a design at a campsite just a clearing by a stream but it was big enough for multiple groups they waved when they saw us and Kevin wave back I wasn't thrilled about sharing the space but it's public Land and we didn't have much Choice as we set up our tent the group came over again they were still friendly offering us some of their trail mix and asking if we needed help with anything the tall guy he introduced himself as Jay even compliment at Kevin's tent saying it looked sturdy I

just nodded along keeping my answer short something about them felt off too nice Maybe like they were trying too hard that night we ate our dinner and sat by our own fire trying to keep to ourselves the other group set up a little farther away but they were loud laughing and talking like they were at a party it didn't bother Kevin but I couldn't shake the feeling that they were watching us when we woke up the next morning I found one of our water bottles was missing I thought maybe Kevin had moved It but he

swore he hadn't touched it it didn't make sense we packed everything up before bed I tried not to jump to conclusions but I couldn't help thinking about the other group we packed up and started the last leg of the ike the trail was harder that day with more steep climbs and locky paths about an hour in Kevin's bootle snapped it wasn't a huge deal but he swore it had been fine the night before we stopped so he could fix it and While we were sitting there the other crew caught up to us Jay crined and

asked if we needed help again his tone was casual but his eyes lingered on our packs and I felt my skin crawl one of the women short with curly hair offered Kevin some duct tap tape for his boot he thanked her and they moved on disappearing down the trail we started walking again and I kept replaying everything in my ad the missing water Bottle kev's boot lace little things but they didn't sit right I told Kevin but he Shrugged it off saying I was paranoid maybe he was right but I couldn't relax around midday we

stopped for break at a small clearing I opened my pack to grab a snack and found my Food Bag had been opened not all of it was gone but enough to Notice kev's bag was untouched and he looked at me like I was losing it when I pointed it out probably a raccoon he said brushing crumbs off his pants but my bag had been inside my pack zipped up tight there was no way an animal had got into it without making a mess we kept walking and the trail got narrower with thick trees on either

side I started to notice the sounds of footsteps behind us light like someone Trying to be quiet I stopped a few times pretending to adjust my pack but I didn't see anyone still the feeling of being watched grew stronger I laid afternoon we reached the last sight it was more isolated than the others surrounded by by Woods on three sides the stream was dry which made me even more nervous we were low on water thanks to the missing bottle and the next Source Was miles away as we set up camp I kept scanning the trees

expecting the other group to show up again they didn't but the uneasy feeling didn't go away I told Kevin we should leave but he laughed saying I was overreacting that night as we were falling sleep I heard voices outside the tent low murmuring voices too far away to make out but close enough to know they were there I shook kin awake but by The time he listened the voices had stopped he told me it was just the wind and rolled over I stayed awake for hours listening around midnight I heard footsteps again circling the tent

slow and deliberate my heart was pounding but I didn't move I didn't want whoever I was to know I was awake after what felt like forever the Steps faded and I finally dozed off when we woke up the tent Stakes were missing the whole thing had collapsed on one side Kevin cursed saying it must have been animals again but I knew better someone had pulled them out while we were sleeping we packed up in record time and started hiking back to toward the car I felt exposed like eyes were on us the whole way Kevin

tried to lighten the mood joking about my wild imagination But I could tell he was uneasy too about a mile from the parking lot we found one of our missing water bottles on the side of the trail it was empty the cap lying a few feet away Kevin stopped laughing after that we didn't see the other group again but I couldn't shake the feeling they were watch ing us just out of sight when we finally reached the car I felt like I could breathe again we threw our gear in the trunk and didn't stop driving

until we Were hours away from the park I don't know what they wanted or why they were messing with us but I haven't gone camping since every time I think about it I get this sinking feeling like we barely made it out like they were testing how far they could push us and I don't want to know what would have happened if we hadn't left when we did I've been debating whether or not to share this for Months I'm not the type to post stuff like this but the more I think about it the more

I feel like someone else needs to hear it maybe it'll help someone avoid where I went through it started on Wednesday evening I was on my way home from work driving down a quiet stretch of highway it had been a long day and I was looking forward to getting back to my apartment the sun had just set and the road was mostly Empty I had the radio on low kind of zoning out while I saw the lights behind me at first I didn't think much of it I was on a highway and there are a

lot of police around so it seemed normal but then I noticed something odd the lights weren't the usual red and blue I was used to seeing from real police cars they were a little dimmer almost orange and the car wasn't a patrol car at least not what I Recognized it was a plain dark sedan and the headlights were unusually bright almost blinding I checked my speed I wasn't speeding at least I didn't think I was but I decided to pull over anyway better to be safe than sorry I switched on my hazard lights and slowed

to a stop on the side of the road my mind was still racing trying to figure out why i' had been pulled over When I hadn't done anything wrong the car behind me stopped and I saw the figure in my rearview mirror the person walking up to my car was wearing a police uniform but something about him felt off it wasn't just the lights or the car it was his presence he was tall and Broad shouldered wearing a dark blue shirt and a bulletproof Fest the kind I've seen officers wear but he didn't have a

badge On his shirt which I thought was strange and the way he was walking kind of stiff like he was trying to appear more official than he really was he reached my window and I cracked it just enough to hear him license and registration please he said in a calm almost rehearsed voice he didn't sound rude just neutral like he was reading a script I asked him why I was being pulled over and he gave me a fake answer About routine checks and safety that didn't sit right with me I asked him again if I

had done something wrong and he just repeated the same thing barely looking at me I handed over my license and registration because I didn't want to argue but the whole situation felt off as he walked back to his car I sat there staring at the dashboard something in my gut told me this wasn't right the lights the car his Behavior it wasn't adding up I looked around there weren't any other cars on the road no other police vehicles no other signs of authority just me Park on the side of a dark Highway with a guy

who at this point could have been anyone I thought about driving off but I didn't want to escalate things I mean I wasn't exactly sure what I'd be dealing with so I stayed put I tapped my eyes on The rearview mirror watching as he stood by his car talking into a radio or something but his back was to me his posture was stiff and for a moment I thought I saw him glance at me I don't know why but that made me feel even more uneasy when he came back to my car he handed me

my registration and license and told me to stay put his tone had changed now it was sharper more commanding he asked me to step out of The car which struck me as odd I wasn't sure if I should but then he said something about standard procedure and I didn't want to seem uncooperative I got out of my car but as as soon as I stood up I felt the hairs on the back of my neck rise something in his eyes told me I was in danger I took a step back my mind running through every

possible scenario he wasn't acting like a normal Cop there was no Cruiser no real reason for me to get out of my car and my cut told me I shouldn't trust him he told me to turn around and face the car and I did but as I stood there I could hear his footsteps behind me slow and deliberate I was getting more anxious and I didn't know what to do should I run should I fight back my hands were shaking but I stayed still listening to every little sound around me then without warning I heard

him say you're Going to have to come with me his voice was low almost like a whisper but it carried a tone that I knew meant he wasn't giving me a choice I spun around facing him my heart was racing my mind screaming that something was wrong but I couldn't move he was standing there close too close and I could see the slight smirk on his face that's when I knew for sure this wasn't a real cop before I could react He reached for something under his vest pulling out what looked like a badge but

it was too shiny too new like something someone had bought at a costume store I don't even think it was a real badge but it didn't matter I could feel my pulse pounding in my ears and I took a step back hoping my instincts would save me he reached out and that's when I saw a second figure coming out from behind the sedan a woman tall and thin wearing a black Jacket she had no badge no uniform just a plain black hoodie and she was walking toward me with purpose get in the car the man

said again his voice now hard this is your last warning I don't know what made me do it but I turned around and ran I don't know how I moved so fast but I sprinted toward my car slamming the door open I was shaking my heart in my throat but I didn't think I just Reacted the engine L to life and I sped off before I even fully closed the door in the rear view mirror I saw them standing there watching me the man didn't move but the woman just stared and I knew in that

moment that I had narrowly escaped something terrible I didn't stop driving until I reached the nearest gas station I pulled into the lot my hands still shaking and I called the police when I explained what had Happened they told me that there had been no reported officer on the road in that area no one fitting the description of the person I encountered it's been weeks and I still can't shake the feeling of those eyes on me I don't know who they were or what they wanted but I know I was lucky to get away I've

thought about it every day since then and the more I think about it the more I feel like I barely made it Out alive it's taken me a long time to finally put this down and even now I'm not sure I can make sense of it it feels strange to even talk about I never thought something like this could happen but it did and I'm still not sure how to feel about it it all started a few months ago when a new guy started working at the office his name was Mark I didn't think much

of him at first Just another guy in the cubicles trying to settle in I noticed he seemed to be friendly always asking questions a little too eager to help he would chat with me more than with anyone else asking about my day asking if I wanted coffee offering to run small errands for me he was nice enough I guess but I started feeling uncomfortable after a while his attention was a little too much too often but I crushed it off figuring I was just being paranoid Then came the first strange thing one day I came

into the office and there was a small plant on my desk not just any plant either a little succulent in a ceramic pot with a handwritten note that said I thought this would make your day brighter I didn't recognize the handwriting and there was no name I stared at it for a moment unsure of what to do I didn't want to sound ungrateful but It felt odd especially com coming from someone I barely knew still I thought maybe it was just a nice gesture maybe someone was just being friendly maybe I was overthinking it the

next day another gift a coffee mug it wasn't the same as the plant at this time the mug was just a generic one but it had my favorite color on it I couldn't shake the feeling that it was too Specific but again I didn't want to to jump to conclusions so I put the mug in my cabinet and tried to forget about it but it didn't stop there over the next few weeks it became a pattern little notes small gifts always things that felt a little too personal a new set of pens with my initials

on them a box of chocolates with a message that said for your sweet smile it was always just the right amount of thoughtfulness to seem like a Nice gesture but at the same time time it always felt off it wasn't that I didn't appreciate kindness I did but the more these gifts piled up the more I felt trapped I never knew how to respond or even if I should I started to notice Mark more he'd be standing a little too close when he talked to me he'd give me this odd almost vacant smile whenever I

tried to step away from him there was something About his eyes that made me feel uneasy but he was always polite always professional so I tried not to make a big deal out of it after all I didn't want to seem rude or paranoid then came the first incident that really made me uncomfortable one evening I was sleeping work a little later than usual and as I was walking to my car I saw Mark standing in the parking lot I figured maybe he was just waiting for someone Else or having a smoke but then I

realized he was looking directly at me not just glancing over but really watching it was unnerving while I waved and said goodbye he didn't wave back he just stood there his gaze fixed on me I brushed it off as weird timing maybe he was waiting for his ride maybe he hadn't seen me leave but the next day when I got to work there was another note on my Desk I saw you leaving last night you looked like you needed some fresh air that was when my stomach dropped how could he have known that unless he

was watching me I tried to laugh it off but I couldn't I kept telling myself I was being ridiculous that I was just overreacting but something was wrong I didn't want to confront him didn't want to make it awkward or escalate things so I stayed quiet but The weirdness continued a few days later when I was out running errands after work I ran into an a coffee shop I hadn't told anyone where I was going so the coincidence felt off he smiled at me a little too eagerly I didn't know you came here he said

I love this place I felt my stomach twist yeah it's a nice spot I said forcing a Smile I didn't know what to do I was trying to be polite but my mind was racing why was he here how did he know this was where I like to go things only escalated from there over the next couple of weeks I started noticing him showing up in places I frequented cafes stores even the gym he never said anything when I saw him he would just smile wave and act like it was the most normal thing in

the world but I was Starting to get scared it wasn't just the gifts anymore it wasn't just the notes it was the fact that he seemed to be following me I tried to avoid him taking different routes home changing up my routine but it didn't seem to matter no matter where I went Mark always seemed to be there at first it was easy enough to brush off his coincidence but then I started noticing things things I Couldn't ignore I came into work one morning to find a picture of myself sitting on my desk it was

a photo of me walking into a store the day before he had taken it from a distance but it was definitely me there was a note attached I like the will you dress you always look so nice that was the breaking point for me I couldn't take it anymore I didn't feel Safe I didn't feel like I could trust anyone in anymore not even the people I worked with I'd spent weeks trying to figure out how to handle it but this was too much I couldn't ignore the signs anymore I went to my manager and

told her everything I showed her the pictures the notes the gifts she was surprised shocked even she had no idea anything was going on but I Knew something had to be done we decided to report it to HR who in turn contacted the security team and said they would look into it Mark was called into the office for a meeting the next day and after that he was never seen again no one ever said what happened there was no explanation no word about whether he was let go or if there were any consequences all I

know is that he was gone and the GI stopped the notes stopped but I still feel uneasy Sometimes I still wonder if he's out there watching me it's hard to shake that feeling I don't know what he wanted and I don't know why he chose me but I know I never want to go through something like that again I don't think anyone should ever have to it happened about a year ago but I still think about it all the time I had just turned 18 and was looking for extra cash I was babysitting a little

girl who Was six I think and her parents were nice enough it was a simple job they lived in a quiet neighborhood and it wasn't far from my own place I'd watched their daughter a few times before so I was comfortable the parents were going out to dinner and everything was going fine the little girl was watching some cartoons and I was sitting on the couch with my phone scrolling through some Stuff around 8:30 I heard a knock at the door I wasn't expecting anyone so I figured maybe it was a neighbor or someone on

the street who needed something when I opened the door there was a man standing there he was maybe in his late 40s a bit rough around the edge edges wearing a worn out jacket he didn't seem like a threat not at first he looked at me and said hey I'm a friend of the family I just need to talk to them for a Minute his voice was calm but something about it made me feel uneasy I don't know what it was maybe it was just his face it wasn't warm but it wasn't cold either just

flat I told him the parents weren't home he didn't really react to that he just stood there for a second then smiled slightly a little too wide are you sure he asked there was something about the way He said it that made me feel like he wasn't just asking if the parents were home it felt like he was asking if I was sure about something else something I couldn't quite put my finger on I told him again that they were out and that they'd be back soon he looked over my shoulder into the house but

I didn't open the door all the way just enough to talk through it I tried to stay calm but I could feel my pulse picking up it was a weird feeling like I was suddenly Aware that I was alone in the house with this guy standing there he looked at me again and said I'll just wait then I'll wait inside it's no trouble that's when something inside me clicked and I knew I didn't want him in the house I was supposed to be watching this little girl and I didn't know who this man was he

didn't belong here I didn't want to be rude but I was getting nervous sorry I can't let you in I said I'll call them for you if you'd like he Paused and I could see him thinking then he said I'm sure they won't mind I'm a friend I've known them for years his eyes mooved to the side like he was trying to look past me but I didn't let him I shook my head I'm really sorry I'm just going to call them I tried to sound as firm as I could but I could feel my

voice wavering before I could close the door he quickly said I'm sorry if I scared You I'll just wait here no need to be like that his tone was different now more insistent like I had done something wrong I immediately shut the door locked it and leaned back against it my heart was racing I didn't know what was wrong with him but I knew something was off I crabbed my phone and called the parents they were only supposed to be gone for another hour or so but I needed to check with them I called twice

but Neither of them answered I left a message saying I needed to talk to them about something I felt my stomach twist while I was waiting I peaked through the curtains to see if the man was still there he was standing on the porch just looking down at the ground I couldn't tell what he was doing but he wasn't leaving after a while he knocked again but I didn't answer I just stayed still hoping he Would go away finally the parents called me back I told them about the man at the door and they didn't

seem to know who he was I could hear the confusion in their voices are you sure the mama asked we don't have anyone visiting tonight I told her exactly what he said that he was a friend of the family and she didn't recognize the name he mentioned they told me to stay inside and lock all the Doors I didn't need to be told twice I moved quickly to double check the locks on all the windows and doors I don't think I've ever been more aware of how alone I felt in that house I stayed near

the little girl who was still on the couch watching TV I kept the volume low so I could hear anything that happened outside the man knocked again this time louder and then started calling out hey I just want to talk to them I'm not Going to hurt you I just need to talk to them but he wasn't speaking with any kindness anymore there was something in his voice something cold that made me Shiver I didn't respond I didn't know what he wanted and I didn't want to find out I stayed quiet hoping he'd give up

and leave after what felt like an eternity I heard him walking Away he didn't say anything else and I didn't hear any more knocks I waited for a few minutes making sure he was really gone before I dared to go to the door and check when I opened the door just to crack I saw him he was standing at the end of the driveway just looking back at me he didn't wave or anything he just stood there his back to me watching me from a distance I closed the door quickly I didn't know if he'd

come back I didn't know if he had any other reason for being there but he didn't return and when the parents got home I told them everything they said they didn't recognize him but they called the police just in case the police came and took a report but nothing ever came of it I don't know what he wanted or why he came to the house at night but I don't think I'll ever forget the way his eyes looked when he was standing on the porch and the way His voice changed when he insisted I let

him in I never babysat for that family again it's been over a year but I still get nervous When someone knocks at my door late at night I don't know what would have happened happened if I'd opened it again this happened last year and it's still hard to shake off I've never really told anyone about it but now I feel like it's finally time to Share it all started 1 afternoon when I came home from work I had a long day nothing unusual just the usual rush hour traffic and the stress of dealing with clients

when I pulled into my driveway I noticed a package sitting by my front door it was just a regular brown box nothing special I figured it was something I had ordered online I couldn't remember what it was But I was always getting small deliveries for different things so it wasn't that odd I didn't think twice about it I grabbed the box and brought it inside it was heavier than I expected but I thought it might just be a few books or something I sat it down on the kitchen counter and looked at the label it

was addressed to someone I didn't know the name was completely Unfamiliar and the return address didn't ring any bells either I was confused but I figured it was just a mistake from a delivery service I figured I'd call them explain to mix up and get it sorted but something made me hesitate I don't know why maybe it was because it was already in my house or maybe I was just curious about what was inside I tore off the tape opened the box and stared at what was Inside it wasn't what I expected at all there

was a large plastic bag filled with something wrapped in cloth at first I thought it was just a bunch of clothes maybe some sort of donation item but then I saw what was underneath the fabric there were photographs old faded ones stacked on top of each other some of them were of people I didn't recognize but others others were of me they were pictures Taken from the street outside my house from angles I knew were impossible unless someone had been watching me for a while I could feel my art start to race as I flipped

through more of the pictures there were shots of me walking my dog getting into my car even standing in my kitchen window it was like someone had been following me for Months but that wasn't the worst part beneath the photos there was something wrapped in more cloth I hesitated for a moment but curiosity got the better of me and I carefully unwrapped it it was a lock of hair long dark hair the kind that matched mine my stomach Twisted as I stared at it it felt like the air had gotten heavy suffocating it didn't make

sense why would someone send this to me I set the box down shaking trying to figure out what to do I was about to call the police when I heard a knock at the door I froze I didn't know what to think who would knock at this time of day especially after I just opened that box I Stood Still for a second wondering if maybe I was just being paranoid but then I heard the knock again more urgent this time it wasn't a gentle knock it Was forceful almost angry I walked cautiously to the door

trying to calm my breathing trying to make sense of what was happening through the people I saw a man standing there he looked normal enough mid-40s average spilled dressed in A Worn Out jacket and jeans but his expression his eyes were wide frantic like he was on the edge of something he knocked again lot of this time I felt a wave of tread wash over me something about this didn't sit right I Didn't open the door right away instead I stepped back trying to stay calm I was about to call the police when I heard

the man speak through the door I know you have it he said his voice low and urgent I need it back I didn't respond my mind was racing what the hell was he talking about what did he want from me I saw you Open it he said his voice trembling with panic now you have no idea what you're dealing with I couldn't breathe I knew it wasn't a coincidence that the package had come to my door this man had sent it and whatever was inside whatever was happening it was more than just a strange mistake

I'm not going to ask again he said give it back Now I didn't know what to do I was paralyzed with fear my hands were shaking and my mind was trying to think to make sense of the situation but there was no way I was going to let this man in not after what I'd just seen I backed away from the door my mind racing I knew I needed to call the police but I didn't want to take my eyes off the door the man was still standing there his silhouette barely visible Through the glass

I couldn't hear him anymore but I knew he was still there I called 911 my voice was shaky and I couldn't get the words out fast enough I told the dispatcher everything the p package the photos the hair and the man at the door they assured me help was on the way but I still couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to happen it felt like hours but it was probably only minutes before I Heard the sirens the man was still there when the police arrived standing just outside my door pacing the officers asked

me to stay back and they quickly got the situation under control the man didn't try to run he just stood there almost like he was waiting to be arrested they took him into custody but I didn't hear much about what happened After that the police didn't give me many details they took the Box the photos and everything else and said they would handle it they assured me I was safe but I didn't feel safe I couldn't shake the feeling that someone had been watching me for so long and the idea that he knew so much

about me was horrifying I never found out who the man was or why he'd sent the Package the police said it was part of an ongoing investigation but I don't think I'll ever know the full truth I've never had a delivery mistake like that again but I'm always looking over my shoulder now I never open a package without checking who it's for and sometimes when I'm alone at night I hear a noise outside my window I always wonder if it's him I don't know if I'll ever be able to fully explain This I still think

about it sometimes especially when I'm driving through empty stretches of Road it happened a little over a year ago but I can't shape the feeling that something wasn't right I've traveled alone a lot before but this time well let me just tell you what happened it was late at night I was driving across the country headed to a small town in the middle of nowhere it was the kind of drive for your miles away from any real Civilization just long stretches of dark roads and occasional small towns I had been on the road for hours

and my gas gauge was starting to dip into the red so I pulled off the main road to stop at a gas station I saw in the distance I didn't think anything of it the place looked normal enough from the outside a small rundown gas station with one of those old flickering lights above the door the only car at the pumps was a Beat up pickup truck with a thick layer of dirt on it I parked near the pump and got out stretching my legs and trying to shake off the exhaustion I noticed the gas

station attendant almost immediately he was standing behind the counter inside watching me as I walked up to the door he was older maybe in his 50s with a scruffy beard and a baseball cap he had the look of someone who'd been doing this job for years probably in the Middle of nowhere for most of his life his eyes were wide a little too wide and he seemed chittery like he was on edge I couldn't help but feel a little off just from looking at him I opened the door and walked inside he was still watching

me but didn't say anything at first I crapped a bottle of water and some chips then walked up to the counter he didn't even ask how I was Doing or if I needed anything else instead he just looked at me and said you need to leave you need to go now I froze I thought I heard him wrong I gled around expecting maybe a big storm or something outside but everything seemed fine it was just dark quiet and nothing seemed out of place I chuckled nervously thinking he Was joking and asked what's wrong his voice

dropped low almost like a whisper just leave you don't want to be here when they come through I didn't know what to make of it I figured he was just just some paranoid guy maybe he had a rough night or something but the urgency in his voice the way he kept looking at the window like he was expecting someone it didn't feel right I paid for my stuff quickly Thinking I should just get going but when I turned to leave I saw a truck pull up outside it wasn't the beat up pickup anymore it was

a black SUV one of those big ones that look intimidating like the kind of car you'd see in a movie when someone's trying to make a dramatic entrance it rolled up slowly stopping just a little too close to my car I stepped outside trying to stay calm my first instinct was to just get In my car and leave I wasn't looking to get into any weird situation in the middle of nowhere but as I approached my car the door of the SUV opened a man got out tall and Broad shouldered wearing a dark jacket he

didn't say anything just watched me I could feel my stomach tighten a weird uneasy feeling creeping up on me I walked faster trying not to look directly at him but I couldn't shake the feeling that he was staring Right at me my hand was on the door handle when I heard a voice behind me hey I turned around it was the gas station attendant standing in the doorway now you need to leave get in your car car and don't stop go his face was pale almost gray and he was sweating I could tell he was

genuinely scared I didn't know what to do the man from the SUV was still watching me not Moving not saying a word I could see that he was just standing there like he was waiting for something or maybe someone I got in my car quickly locking the door behind me I started the engine and just as I was about to put it in reverse the man from the SUV stepped in front of my car I slammed my foot on the brake the tire screeching a little as I stopped just inches from him he didn't move

he didn't even Blink I could feel my heart pounding in my chest my Palms starting to sweat as I stared at him trying to figure out what to do the attendant was still standing in the doorway of the gas station watching as both he didn't seem like he was going to intervene he just stood there his hands trembling I didn't know if this guy was going to hurt me or what I considered just driving off even if I had to run him over but something told me it wasn't A good idea I was in the

middle of nowhere in a place I didn't know the gas station attendance warning was still ringing in my head and I wasn't sure I wanted to take any chances finally the man moved slowly deliberately he took a step back and gesture toward the road he didn't say anything but I could tell from the look on his face that he wanted me to Go I didn't need any more encouragement I didn't wait for him to move completely out of the way I just threw the car in reverse and sped off not looking back I didn't stop

until I was miles down the road my hands still shaking on the Wheel I don't know who those people were or what they were planning but I've never felt so unsafe in my life the gas station attendant's face kept flashing in my mind his fear so palpable like he Knew something I didn't like he knew I had to leave before it was too late I didn't stop anywhere else that night and I didn't trust any more gas stations on that trip I didn't feel safe and I didn't want to find out what would have happened

if I had stayed any longer I still don't know what they were up to and I don't think I want to sometimes when I drive alone now I wonder if I'll ever run into them again it was supposed to be a simple Harmless Adventure a group of friends bored with the usual weekend plans decided to explore an abandoned construction site on the edge of town we heard stories about it mostly rumors nothing solid about it being haunted or dangerous but to us it was just another place to check off our list of things to do

none of us thought anything serious would happen we didn't expect to run into anyone let alone someone who had been living there for Who knows how long the place had been deserted for years no work being done on it the concrete walls were half finished the skeleton of the building rising up in Jagged shapes where workers had clearly stopped broken windows rusted metal and piles of debris filled the area making it feel like a ghost town we thought it would be fun to just roam around maybe snap some photos for the gram and see what

was left behind it was only supposed to be a quick trip it was Me Chris Danny and Liam we'd all been friends for a long time and none of us had any about sneaking into abandoned places but this was different we climbed over the gate at the edge of the site which was easy enough since the lock was broken and the fence barely stood upright the place felt off immediately but none of us said anything the sun was starting to set casting Long Shadows over the site but we figured we'd be in and out before

it got too dark as we Wandered deeper into the site we choked and laughed the silence was unsettling though in a way that didn't feel normal it wasn't like other places we'd explored there was something heavy in the air like the kind of Silence you get when you know someone is watching you even though you can't see them it should have been a clue but we didn't listen to our instincts we were near the farth this corner of the site when we heard the noise it was faint at first just the Sound of something dragging

like fabric scraping across concrete I froze turning to look at the others Danny had already stopped and Chris was squinting into the Shadows trying to see what it was we didn't move at first the sound came again closer this time and then we saw it a figure stepped into view it wasn't anyone we knew he looked like he had just crawled out from one of the ruins dirty ragged clothes his face covered in a thick Beard his eyes wide and unblinking he was tracking something behind him no not something someone a bag or maybe a

tarp but it looked like it was full of something heavy we all stood still unsure of what to do my heart was hammering in my chest Danny was the first to speak who are you she asked her voice wavering but she tried to sound confident the man didn't answer at first he just stared at us his eyes cold and calculating as if he was trying To figure us out you shouldn't be here he finally said his voice low almost too calm there was a strange Edge to it like he was on the verge of something

we didn't move none of us knew how to react was he a squatter was he living here hiding out from something or someone the air felt thick now heavy with tension it was clear that he wasn't happy to see us I said you shouldn't be here he repeated stepping forward his eyes didn't leave ours his hand reached down toward the Bag of his side but he didn't pull anything out he just kept staring at us like he was waiting for someone to make the first move I wanted to say something to explain that we were

just exploring that we meant no harm but my mouth was dry I couldn't find the words it was like the atmosphere had thickened around us and I was suddenly too scared to speak Chris took a step back looking at the rest of us his face was pale and I could see him searching for an Escape Route in his mind I could feel it too it wasn't safe anymore the Man's eyes narrowed as he saw Chris move no one's leaving he said his voice was much colder now much more serious before any of us could react

he moved quickly too quickly he crapped Liam by the arm pulling in toward him with terrifying strength Liam yelled stumbling as the man yanked him forward his hand tightening around his wrist like a vice let him go Danny shouted but the man didn't Flinch he dragged Liam with him to the nearby wall slamming him against it with enough force that I heard a thud echo through the air Liam was gasping for breath clearly shocked but still fighting back his hands were free now but the man was still holding him by the collar pressing him against

the crumbling concrete you don't belong here the man said again his voice cold and final it all happened so fast my mind was raised Ing I wanted to help Liam but I didn't know what to do Danny was frozen in place her eyes wide with fear I could feel my body shaking and I couldn't seem to move the man let go of Liam's collar and pushed him back shoving him away like he was nothing more than an annoyance Liam stumbled but didn't fall the man looked at all of us sizing us up he took a

slow deliberate step back still watching us his hands slowly came up to his mouth as if he were Considering something for a moment there was silence then he spoke again his voice almost casual this time get out now before I changed my mind we didn't wait around we didn't argue without another word we all turned and ran sprinting back the way we had come my heart was racing and I could hear the others behind me their footsteps heavy on the concrete we didn't look back we made it to the Edge of the site where the

gate was I don't think any of us stopped her breathe until we were out of the fence and onto the road we didn't even slow down until we were far away standing by the side of the road trying to catch our breath when I finally looked at the others I saw how pale they were we all knew we had barely made it out of that place and none of us were going back the man hadn't chased us he hadn't shouted anything after us but I could still feel His eyes on my back even now I

don't know what his intentions were but I don't want to find out it wasn't just a coincidence he didn't want us there and he made it clear I don't know if he was living there or just hiding out but whatever it was it was not a place for anyone else it's been over a year now but sometimes when I think about it I wonder what would have happened if we hadn't left when we did would he have let us go or would he have done Something worse I'm glad I don't have to find out it

happened a few months ago but I still can't shake the feeling of what happened that night I've told a few people about it but I don't think anyone really gets how scary it was I still don't fully understand how I ended up in that situation it all started when I finished my work late one evening I'm in marketing and sometimes I'm stuck in the Office for hours after everyone else leaves it was around 11:00 p.m. and I just wanted to get home normally I take the subway but it was a Friday and the trains always

feel a little sketchy that late so I decided to order a ride share instead I opened the app booked a ride and went outside to wait I stood by the curb scrolling through my phone not really paying much attention to what was going on around me I was tired and ready to get home a few Minutes later I saw the car pull up the app said the name in the car model so I walked over to it and opened the door without thinking much about it the driver a man looked a little older than me

maybe in his late 30s or early 40s he didn't seem unusual he smiled at me when I got in which I returned with a tired nod he didn't say anything at first so I just buckled my seat belt and settled in expecting to hear the usual small talk But instead he started driving without asking for confirmation or anything it wasn't until we had driven for a few minutes that I noticed something was off the route didn't feel familiar I live in a part of the city that's pretty straightforward to get to from downtown but we

seem to be heading in the opposite direction I thought maybe he was taking an alternate route or something but the streets were getting emptier and less Familiar at first I didn't say anything I figured maybe I had just misjudged the route in my tired state but after about 10 minutes of driving down roads I didn't recognize I started to get anxious excuse me I said my voice a little shaky this isn't the way to my place the driver didn't respond at first just tapped His Hands on the Wheel his eyes on the road I try

Again hey I think you missed my turn can you turn around that's when he finally spoke his voice was calm almost too calm no we're going the right way I could hear a slight accent in his voice but it was hard to place his eyes stayed locked on the road I felt a knot in my stomach but I tried to reason with myself maybe he was just tired maybe he wasn't paying Attention still something about the way he said it didn't sit right with me listen I'm not sure where we're going but I need to

get home I said trying to keep my tone polite but firm could you please turn around he glanced at me quickly just a quick flick of his eyes before looking back at the road you don't need to worry about it I'll take care of it I couldn't make sense of what was happening at this point I started to feel a little Panicked my phone was on the passenger seat beside me and I considered texting a friend or calling someone but something in my gut told me not to I didn't want to give him any reason

to give more defensive or angry we kept driving for what felt like an eternity passing familiar street lights that grew more sparse the farther we went the streets turned darker and the buildings started to look less like the city and more like empty industrial Areas where are we going I asked trying to keep my voice steady this is getting too far out I need to go home the driver didn't answer right away the silence felt suffocating I thought maybe he hadn't heard me but then he said something so quiet I almost didn't catch it you'll

be fine just relax that's when I started to really Panic the rational part of me wanted to get out but I didn't know where we were And I had no idea if I'd even be able to get another ride back there was nothing around us but dark roads I tried the door handle but it was lock locked I pulled harder but it wouldn't budge please let me out I said trying to keep my voice come even though my heart was racing I need to get out of the car now the driver's on the wheel tightened

he didn't look at me but I Could tell he was aware of what I had said he didn't speak for a long time and I started to feel like I was suffocating in the small space don't make this difficult he finally said his voice colder now it was like a switch had flipped you'll get how I say so I couldn't believe it this wasn't happening I was in a car with a stranger headed somewhere I didn't know with no way to get out the Panic hid me hard and I started to think about what my

options were I could try to jump out when we stopped but what if we were somewhere with no one around what if he came after me I wasn't strong enough to fight him off the car slowed down and I immediately braced myself my heart felt like it was going to explode I didn't know if he was going to stop and let me go or if he was going to Hurt me stop the car I demanded my voice trembling let me out right now he glanced over at me again but his expression hadn't changed it was

like he he was enjoying my fear we're almost there he said as if I should just trust him that's when I couldn't take it anymore I reached for my phone and started tapping furiously I knew I had to make a call Even if it was just to alert someone to what was happening I dialed 911 trying to keep my hands steady as the car turned onto an even darker road before I could say anything to the dispatcher the driver jerked the wheel making the car were slightly he looked at me then finally meeting my eyes

with a menacing glare hang up he ordered Now I didn't even think I hit the red button to end the call my heart was thundering in my chest I had no idea if I had just made things worse or save myself I took a deep breath and tried to gather myself I needed to act quickly listen I said my voice much more firm now I'm going to call the police you can't do this he didn't say anything for a moment then nodded it was Almost like he had made up his mind about something finally he

slowed the car and pulled over to the side of the road get out he said flatly I didn't ask questions I opened the door ran out of the car and didn't stop until while I was far enough away that I could barely see the car's headlights in the distance my legs felt like jelly and I was breathing so fast I thought I might Pass out I don't know what would have happened if I hadn't gotten out when I did I don't know if I'd be here writing this but I never took a ride share again

after that night and I don't plant anytime soon I've been debating whether or not I should post this it feels too weird to even talk about but it's something that's been haunting me since it happened I don't even know if I can make Anyone understand just how strange and unsettling it was but I have to get it off my chest my boyfriend Ben and I were looking for a quiet weekend get away we've been dating for a little over a year and we both needed a break from work something peaceful somewhere remote away from the

noise of the city we found this Airbnb listing in the middle of nowhere an isolated cabin in a small rural town with nothing around it but Woods perfect for getting away from everything or so we thought the place looked Charming in the photos rustic and cozy with wooden beams a St stone fireplace and big Windows the host's profile was friendly enough and the reviews were good though there weren't many the ones that were there seemed fine nothing that stood out as unusual so we booked it it was about a 4-Hour drive and we didn't mind

the Isolation it felt like a perfect Escape we arrived in the late afternoon the cabin Sat by itself on a dirt road surrounded by dense trees the kind of place you wouldn't want to be caught in after dark but it looked charming and the air smelled fresh the first impression was good the host a man named Earl greeted us he was older maybe in his mid-60s with craying hair and a warm smile he gave us a brief tour of the Place showing us the main living area the kitchen the bedroom and a couple of other

rooms the cabin was small but nice with just enough room for us to settle in and relax Earl told us that if we needed anything to just let him know and that he'd leave us to enjoy the place it was all very normal until he mentioned something about a crawl space just be careful up there he said pointing to a small door in the ceiling Of the hallway it's a little tight I've kept it locked up for years you don't need to worry about it I didn't think much of it at the time we were

just looking forward to a quiet weekend and the mention of a locked crawl space didn't seem all that strange Earl left after showing us everything and we were left to ourselves that evening we settled in Ben and I had some drinks cooked a simple Dinner and enjoyed the peace and quiet it was nice we went to bed early both of us glad to have a break but around 3:00 a.m. I woke up for no particular reason I didn't hear anything but I just couldn't fall back to sleep I tossed and turned for a while then

decided to go to the bathroom when I walked down the hallway toward the bathroom I saw just a small faint light coming from the edge of the Crawl space door it was cracked open barely noticeable unless you were looking closely at first I figured I had imagined it maybe I was just half asleep but curiosity got the better of me I approached it slowly leaning in close I could hear faint rustling almost like something shifting inside maybe it was just an animal or the ow settling but it was enough to make me Hesitate I didn't

want to wake Ben up but my curiosity wenton out I reached up to open the door and peered inside the crawl space was small barely tall enough to crouch in it was dark but the dim light from the hallway tasked just enough glow for me to make out the edges of the space there was a small Dusty box in the far corner I couldn't Resist I crapped a flashlight from the kitchen climbed up onto the ladder and opened it the box was filled with photographs old ones I could tell they were from different decades ranging

from the '90s to maybe the early 2000s at first I didn't think much of it they were just regular pictures people standing in front of the cabin smiling but then I looked closer at the backs of the Photos each photo I had notes written on it in small me handwriting stayed here July 15th 2003 nice couple December 12th 1998 great guests quiet the more I flipped through the worse it got there were newer photos two people I didn't recognize but they were all taken at the cabin smiling in front of the porch or by the

fireplace or sitting on the couch but as I went through them Something started to feel off the notes began to change the writing got darker stayed here November 3rd 2011 he was nervous the whole time June 6th 2005 she kept looking out the window all night night and then I found one that made my stomach drop it was a picture of a woman smiling like the others but the note on the back was chilling she never came back I Froze my heart was pounding in my chest there were several more like that people who never

came back or left early without explanation I don't know why I kept reading but I did I heard a sound behind me it was soft but I could tell it wasn't just the ow settling I turned around feeling that Panic rise in my chest there standing in the hallway was Earl his face was pale almost sickly and He was staring at me without saying a word herl I asked my voice barely above a whisper what is this he didn't respond at first he just walked toward me slowly his eyes never leaving Mine The Silence was

deafening those people he finally said his voice called they didn't leave not all of them I didn't know what to say I backed away from the crawl space the Box still in my Hands what are you talking about Earl's face Twisted in a way I'll never forget he looked almost sad like he was a apologizing for something but his eyes were calculating you weren't supposed to find that you should have stayed away I could barely breathe I took another step back but he was already standing too close I didn't know what he was capable of

you need to leave he said his voice Lowering to a whisper now I didn't wait for another second I ran I didn't even bother waking Ben I cracked my bag slammed the front door open and sprinted into the woods I heard him calling after me but I didn't stop I never looked back the next morning I drove back home Ben was confused when he woke up and saw I was gone but I didn't tell him Everything I don't think he'd believe me if I did but I can't shake what I found in that crawl space

the photos the notes Earl's face the people who didn't leave I haven't been back to that cabin and I won't I don't know what would have happened if I'd stayed another night I don't ever want to find out It started a week ago but I still can't get the images out of my head I don't know if I'll ever be able to forget what happened I had surgery nothing too serious just a routine procedure but it left me needing a few days of recovery at the hospital my doctor assured me that everything would be fine

it wasn't a big hospital not the kind you see in the city but one of those smaller ones that's out in the country more Isolated the kind of place where everyone knows each other and the staff are familiar with every patient that walks through the door I wasn't worried after the surgery I was groggy mostly asleep and I didn't notice much but I woke up in the middle of the night disoriented and I realized something was off my room felt different the lights were dim but the place felt too quiet too Still at first I

thought maybe it was just the after effects of the anesthesia but as I looked around I realized something wasn't right there was someone sitting at the far side of the room near the window just staring at me I couldn't make out the details but I could see the shape of a person hunched over their face in Shadows my heart raced and I tried to sit up but the pain from the surgery shot through my Chest hello I whispered my voice horse I wasn't sure what to expect but the person didn't answer they just sat there

motionless my throat was dry and I wanted to scream but I didn't I thought maybe it was a nurse or someone from the hospital just checking in on me but the silence was unnerving after a few moments the person shifted Slightly I could make up the faint outline of handcuffs on their wrists that's when the Panic set in I was alone with someone who had been restrained that's when I heard a faint Shuffle and the jangle of metal I tried to call it again but nothing came out my throat was too dry I could barely

move still recovering from the surgery and now my mind was racing with questions why was someone in handcuffs here why hadn't anyone told me About this the person moved slightly I could feel my heartart and my throat as I watched the Shadows I tried to stay calm but I could hear the faint clink of metal every time they shifted in their seat I needed help I needed to get out of there my instinct was to press the nurse call button but when I reached for it I realized the cord had been cut that's when I

started to panic I tried to look around the room my Vision still blurry from the meds but the silence was suffocating then out of the corner of my eye I saw it the door to my room which was supposed to be locked for safety was a jar and that's when I heard it the faint sound of footsteps approaching my blood ran cold I tried to force myself to stand but the pain from my stitches was too much every movement felt like my body Was on fire I Rose every muscle tense straining to hear any sound

that would indicate help was near the footsteps stopped the person at the window was still but I could sense their attention shifting I could feel the weight of their eyes on me but I couldn't make myself look directly at them my breath was shallow now and I realized the situation was far worse than I had initially thought whoever this was this Person locked up and sitting in my hospital room wasn't supposed to to be here that's when I heard the voice low and grally it was like a whisper but it carried enough to send a

chill down my spine stay quiet the voice said barely above a whisper I froze my instinct screamed at me to call for help but I knew it would be useless there was no one Coming I was alone I don't know how long we stayed like that the silence was unbearable my only focus was the handcuffs the metallic sound the person in my room my thoughts raced through possibilities none of them good then it happened the Lights Went Out the whole Hospital went dark and all I could hear was the sound of my heartbeat and the

distant hum of the emergency generator kicking in the power Failure was brief just long enough to leave the entire building in pitch black darkness it was enough to make everything seem even more Sinister I could hear the person standing up now moving in the dark footsteps coming closer I felt my entire body freeze in Terror then the unmistakable sound of metal scraping against the floor reached my ears and the person moved Closer stay down it whispered again this time with a little more Force I barely had time to react before the door to my room

slammed open with a force that ril the walls someone entered loud deliberate footsteps it was one of the police officers and I couldn't tell whether they were here to help or if they were part of what was going on is everything okay in here the officer asked voice heavy with suspicion but he didn't come Into the room the person in the shadows the one in handcuffs spoke again their voice shaking slightly now get me out of here they demanded not in a whisper this time their voice was more commanding urgent I can't do that the

officer responded his tone firm but unsure you're not going anywhere for a moment the room was still then without warning the figure lunged forward there was a Scuffle the sound of metal clanging followed by a scream I couldn't see anything I I was paralyzed trapped in the bed too terrified to move I heard the officer shout then a gunshot the crack of it echoed through the room but the silence that followed was worse than anything I could feel something was wrong but I couldn't see anything my mind couldn't comprehend what had just Happened the officer

came in finally his flash light cutting through the darkness and I saw him kneeling beside me he was saying something but I couldn't hear it over the ringing in my ears I was moved quickly after that taken to another room the doctor came in to check on me but I was still too disoriented to make sense of it all later I learned the full story the person who had been in my room wasn't just any Criminal they were violent dangerous and had been caught in charges I didn't want to know the officer had been keeping

them in my room by mistake they'd been placed in the wrong Ward the power outage had been the perfect opportunity for them to escape except they didn't expect the officer to intervene but by then it was too late for me I couldn't erase the memory of that night the feeling of being trapped in a room with someone who should never Have been there it took weeks for me to feel safe again and I still don't trust hospitals the whole thing still feels unreal but it happened and I don't think I'll ever be able to forget

it I didn't think much of it when the company announced a mandatory team building retreat in the middle of nowhere it seemed harmless enough just an overnight trip in the woods with some silly exercises to boost morale and all That everyone in my office had been grumbling about it for weeks there were rumors that some of the activities were a little too intense for some people but honestly I didn't care much I was just there to get it over with and hopefully make it back home without too much hassle the first day was mostly the

usual stuff trust Falls obstacle courses things that made everyone roll their eyes but also made us laugh a little but There was a tension in the air the whole time something I couldn't quite place maybe it was just a fact that most of us didn't really like each other or maybe it was just being stuck in the middle of nowhere with no cell surface for hours whatever it was it was there by the time the sun started setting we wrapped up for the day and we were all gathering around the campfire roasting marshmallows and talking

but then the air Changed the woods went quiet the chirping of the cricket stopped even the wind seemed to hold its breath I looked around confused it was too quiet and I realized that everyone else had noticed it too one of the team leaders Dan was trying to keep the conversation going talking about some ridiculous inside joke from a meeting we had weeks ago but his voice didn't quite mask the nervous tension in the group everyone kept looking around As if waiting for something that's when I saw him a man standing just at the edge

of the camp hidden between the trees his eyes glowing faintly in the Dying Light I didn't recognize him at first but then my stomach dropped it was Craig Craig was a former employee who had left the company 6 months ago under bad circumstances he'd been fired for being a bit too much of a Loose Cannon and After that we heard that he'd become pretty angry with the company I hadn't seen him since then and I never expected to see him again especially not here before anyone could react Craig stepped forward holding something in his hand

a gun it was aimed at the ground but the sight of it was enough to send a cold wave of fear through the group don't move he said his voice low and R I froze unable to process what was Happening I thought maybe it was some kind of sick joke but the way his eyes were wild it was clear this was no prank Craig's gaze shifted and suddenly he pointed the gun at Dan the leader who had been talking just a second ago Dan didn't even get a chance to raise his hands before Craig's voice

rang out again get away from the fire all of you get away we all stumbled to our feet instinctively backing away from the Fire I could feel my heart pounding in my chest the fear making my hand shake I looked around for anyone who could do something anything to stop this but no one seemed to be moving we were all Paralyzed by the shock of it Craig paced in front of us his eyes darting between each of us like a predator deciding which of its prey to go after first I noticed that his hand which

had been gripping the gun was shaking but the anchor in his eyes made Me feel even more terrified he didn't look like a man who was scared he looked like someone who had nothing to lose why are you doing this I asked my voice trembling it was all I could muster Craig's head snapped toward me because you all think you can just forget about what you did to me fired me treated me like I was nothing his words were Jagged full of Venom it was like he'd rehearsed them a thousand times but hearing them out

loud made made the air feel even heavier Craig just put the gun down Dan said his voice shaky but firm let's talk about this but Craig wasn't listening he was too far gone his rage taking control of him and then just like that he lunged toward Dan the gun went off the shot rang in my ears and for a second I couldn't hear anything else Dan dropped to the CR His face pale his body crumpling like a rag doll screams felt the air the rest of a scattered I don't even know how I moved but

I found myself sprinting into the woods my heart hammering in my chest my legs burning from the effort I didn't dare look back the sound of footsteps fast heavy was right behind me he was following I knew I couldn't outrun him the woods were dense and the terrain was Unfamiliar my breath came in ragged gasps but I kept running hoping that maybe just maybe I could find some kind of shelter a building a car anything I stumbled upon a small Creek its water gurgling quietly without thinking I crouched down and splash my face trying to

steady myself I couldn't hear Craig anymore but I knew he was close I could feel it just as I started to catch my breath I saw him his face was twisted his eyes wide with rage his gun hanging Loosely in his hand he was looking around searching for me I didn't know what to do I was too scared to think too scared to move all I could do was hope he wouldn't find me but he did his voice rang out from behind me you can't hide I'll find You I scrambled to my feet but before

I could run Craig lunged at me grabbing my arm and yanking me backwards I gasped trying to break free but his was too strong please Craig I begged just let me go no one has to get hurt but he wasn't listening the rage in his eyes was was all consuming he pulled me back toward the camp draging me like I was nothing I don't know how long I was out There fighting to escape but eventually Sirens blurred in the distance the sound of approaching police cars flashing lights Illuminating the trees Craig froze his loosening in

that moment I don't know what made him snap out of it but I didn't wait to find out I broke free running as fast as I could until I reached the police officers who had arrived on the scene they took Craig away I don't know where he went after That but I never saw him again the retreat was cancelled the company offered no apology and Dan he didn't make it but I made it out barely I never wanted to go camping again never wanted to trust that things would be okay and in a away I

think I'll always hear those footsteps behind me it was supposed to be a fun road trip my wife Rachel and I had been planning this for months we were taking the kids Olivia who's nine and Ethan who's 12 on a week-long trip across the state the plan was simple drive through a few small towns hit some parks and just enjoy the time away everything was going smoothly until it wasn't we were about 4 hours into the trip when Rachel who was driving suggested we take a scenic route off the highway the GPS was showing a

back road that cut through some woods and farmland I thought it sounded nice it Would give us a break from the monotonous Highway and might make for some good photos besides we had plenty of time we took the turn and started down the narrow road it felt like we were in the middle of nowhere there were no other cars no houses just endless stretches of trees as we drove on I started to feel uneasy there was something off about the place but I couldn't put with my finger On it the trees grew thick on either

side of the road and there was a Stillness in the air like the whole world was holding its breath it didn't help that the sun was starting to set the road twisted and turned getting narrower the farther we went my daughter Olivia started to complain that it was getting dark and even Ethan seemed to be getting restless in the back seat I figured it would just be a few more miles so I told Rachel to keep Going but my told me something wasn't right there was a nagging feeling that maybe we had gone too far

hey do you think we should turn back I asked Rachel trying to sound casual I think we're fine she said but I could hear the hesitation in her voice we'll just check the map again I'll find us a spot to turn around soon that's when we saw it a small town it wasn't on the GPS and I didn't remember passing any Signs but there it was right at the end of the road a place that looked like it belonged in the past the buildings were all rundown some with broken windows and boarded up doors the

street lights flickered as we drove through the empty Main Street there wasn't a soul in sight Rachel slowed the car to a crawl I noticed an old gas station on the corner the kind you see in movies and a diner with its lights still on but There was no one around no cars no people just the Eerie quiet this doesn't feel right I said more to myself than to Rachel maybe we should ask someone for directions Rachel suggested she sounded just as uncomfortable as I felt we pulled into the gas station the place was was

small Dusty And the pumps looked ancient I got out and walked over to the attendant a middle-aged man who was sitting behind the counter staring at a small TV he didn't even look up as I approached hey we're a little lost we took a wrong turn and we were wondering how to get back to the main road the man slowly lifted his eyes to meet mine his face was expressionless and his eyes were dull almost like Lifeless you shouldn't be here he said flatly I laughed nervously I'm sorry I didn't catch that you shouldn't be

here he repeated his voice low almost threatening I glanced back at the car or Rachel and the kids were waiting we're just passing through I said trying to keep the situation light don't stay long the man said he finally stood up walking slowly towards the back of the station without another Word I watched him disappear into the Shadows of the building I was starting to get a bad feeling about this place something about the way he looked at me the way he spoke it wasn't right I went back to the car quickly Rachel we need

to go now Rachel frowned what happened just get us out of here I said trying to keep my voice calm This place is off we didn't drive more than a couple hundred yards before we saw the first person a man standing on the side of the road he was tall thin and wearing an old tattered jacket his face was pale with Hollow cheeks and he was staring directly at us as we passed I didn't make a contact but I couldn't shake the feeling that he was watching us that was weird Rachel muttered under her Breath

what do you think that guy was about I don't know but I don't want to find out I said looking back at the man in the rearview mirror I think we should just turn around we turned around but by the time we reached the spot where we entered the town there was another man standing in the road blocking our path he wasn't moving just standing there staring at us with a cold calculating look Rachel slammed on the brakes and we came to a Stop a few feet from him the man didn't Flinch he just stood

there staring at the car get out of the way I shouted through the windshield my pulse quickening we need to leave the man didn't move my heart was pounding now I didn't know what these people were doing here but they weren't making any effort to help us us they were just watching us like we were prey Rachel backed the car Up turning in the opposite direction but before we could go far another man appeared this one much closer he was leaning against a lamp poost casually smoking a cigarette do you have a problem I yelled

at him my voice shaking we don't want any trouble we just need to leave the man took a long drag of his cigarette and threw it on the ground he slowly straightened up and took a step toward the car you're not Going anywhere he said quietly but there was something in his tone that made it clear this was not a conversation Rachel go now I shouted Rachel hit the gas pedal and we sped away tires screeching as we turned down the narrow road I kept my eyes on the rearview mirror half expecting to see the

men follow following us we didn't stop until we were back on the main Highway far Away from that strange town my hands were shaking my heart still racing the rest of the trip was quiet too quiet we never talked about what happened but we all knew we were lucky to get out of there in one piece and I swear to this day I can still see those faces in the rearview mirror watching us as we drove away way it started as just a way to clear my head I had a long day and the rain

was Light enough to make running feel refreshing I like the sound of it the way it drowned out everything else the trail I usually took was Qui in weather like this and I thought I'd have it all to myself the park was mostly empty when I arrived I remember seeing only one other car in the lot an old sedan with Muddy tires I didn't think much of it people came and went and it wasn't unusual for someone to leave their car there Overnight the path was slick but I didn't mind it was one of those

nights where everything felt calm even with the rain picking up the trees bent low heavy with water and the lights along the trail barely cut through the dark I ran slower than usual careful on the wet pavement I gone about a mile in when it happened my foot slipped on a patch of mud that had washed onto the path and I went down hard my ankle Twisted under me And the pain was sharp and immediate I sat there clutching it feeling the cold seep through my leggings Terrain wasn't refreshing anymore it was soaking through my

jacket and making me Shiver I tried to stand but my ankle buckled it wasn't broken but I couldn't put weight on it my phone was back in the car I hadn't thought I'd need it for a short run I felt stupid and helpless sitting there in the rain that's when I Heard footsteps at first I thought I'd imagine them but they got louder closer a man came around the bend wearing a dark jacket with the hood pulled up he slowed when he saw me stopping a few feet away you okay he asked his voice low

I think I twisted my ankle I said I can't walk on it he didn't respond right away just stood there looking at me his hood shadowed most of his face but I Could see his mouth a fin line not smiling need help he asked after a long pause pause yeah I said relief flooding through me if you could help me back to the parking lot I'd really appreciate it he didn't move no one else out here he said more to himself than to me bad night to be running I didn't like the way he said

it there was no warmth in his tone no concern just an observation flat and Detached I didn't think it to get this bad I said trying to keep the conversation normal the rain I mean he stepped closer and I instinctively leaned back he crouched down his face level with mine now his eyes were dark and there was something in them that made my stomach twist he wasn't looking at my ankle he was looking at me you're hurt pretty bad he said his voice quieter now can't go anywhere like that I just need To get to

my car I said my voice a little unsteady it's not far he reached out suddenly grabbing my ankle I flinched the pain shooting of my leg doesn't look broken he said as if I hadn't already figured that out his was too tight and his fingers felt cold even through my wet clothes I'm fine I said pulling my leg away I just need help Walking he stood up towering over me now I could te you he said like it was the most logical thing in the world no that's okay I said quickly if you could just

let me lean on you that' be enough he didn't move he was staring at me again and I realized he hadn't blinked the whole time the rain tripped from his hood sliding down his face you shouldn't be out here alone he said Not safe something about the way he said It felt wrong like he wasn't talking about the weather or the trail my heart was pounding now the cold and the rain forgotten I tried to push myself up but my ankle gave out again and I fell back with a gasp stay still he said sharply

you'll hurt yourself more I didn't like the way he said it Like he was scolding me I didn't like anything about him I forced a smile trying to keep things calm thanks for stopping I said my voice shaking but I think I'll just wait here until someone else comes by no one else is coming he said almost casually not this late my stomach dropped I hadn't even thought about the time it was past night and the Park closed at 10:00 he was probably right no One else would be out here in this weather he crouched

down again closer this time let me help you he said his tone softer now you'll catch your death sitting here something in me snapped I couldn't just sit there waiting for whatever he had planned I crapped a branch that had fallen nearby and held it up the bar cruff against my hand hands stay back I said my voice firm he didn't Flinch if anything he seemed Amused what are you going to do with that he asked tilting his head I didn't answer my hands were trembling but I kept the branch between us the rain was

coming down harder now the wind cutting through my wet clothes he didn't seem to notice or maybe he didn't care you're making this harder than it needs to be he said standing up again I'm just trying to help I don't need your help I said edging back toward the Trees just leave me alone he took a step forward and I swung the branch missing by inches hey he snapped his voice angry now what's your problem I didn't wait for him to close the distance I pushed myself up leaning on the trees for support and started

limping away as fast as I could my ankle screamed with every step but I didn't care I could hear him behind me his Footsteps faster than mine come back he shouted you're going to get yourself killed out here I didn't look back the parking lot wasn't far if I could just make it there maybe someone would be pulling in or leaving the p path curved and I lost sight of him for a moment I pushed myself harder my breath coming in gasps when I reached the lot it was empty except for my car in the

old sedan I'd seen earlier my car was too far to make it but the sedan was close I ran to it banging on the window help please the door opened and an older woman leaned out her eyes wi with concern what's wrong she asked there's a man I said barely able to get the words out he's following me she didn't Hesitate she opened the passenger door and helped me inside locking it behind me we watched the path together but he never came out I don't know if he gave up or if he was hiding waiting

for the next person to come along the woman drove me to a nearby gas station where I call for help the police searched the park but didn't find anyone they said it was probably just a misunderstanding but I knew better it all started when we won that Free weekend getaway at the remote Resort I know it sounds too good to be true right we didn't think much of it at the time and the email seemed legitimate the resort was supposed to be this exclusive private place tucked away in the mountains and the offer said it

was a special promotion for a lucky couple my girlfriend and I were both working long hours and the idea of getting away for a few days in a Peaceful place sounded perfect when we arrived the place looked just like in the pictures impressive with wooden cabins a Scenic Lake and mountains in the distance everything was beautiful but there was something off about it from the beginning the place was completely isolated no other cars around no other guests not even any staff that we could see but there was a sign at the entrance that said welcome

our names with a big Bold arrow pointing toward the main cabin I felt a little uneasy but I brushed it off I assumed it was part of the ch remote private exclusive the kind of place you'd only see in movies where everything seems a bit too perfect we followed the path up to the main cabin and that's when we met them Brian and Lisa the couple who ran the resort they were waiting outside the Door smiling like they had been expecting us Brian was tall with dark hair and a friendly face Lisa was shorter with

short blonde hair and a warm smile they looked like they were in their early 40s maybe late 30s they created us like we were long lost friends introducing themselves and telling us they were the owners Brian told us how they've been running the resort for years and how They'd likeed to keep things private and personal for their guests Lisa was all smiles offering his drinks and snacks as soon as we stepped inside it felt off but I couldn't put my finger on lie they showed us to our cabin just a short walk from the main

one the cabin was nice but again a little too perfect everything was pristine as if no one had ever stayed there before the bed was made up the towels Were folded perfectly and the windows had an almost unnatural shine to them it wasn't the kind of place you'd expect to see if you were on a relaxing Retreat it felt more like a showroom we decided to take a walk around get some fresh air the surroundings were beautiful no doubt about that but it felt eerily quiet there were no sounds of wildlife no birds no rustling

leaves just Silence we spent a good hour walking around exploring the lake and some trails that led into the woods it was peaceful but not in the comfortable way I had hoped for it was almost as if the silence was too loud suffocating by the time we got back to the cabin it was nearing evening we were supposed to have dinner with Brian and Lisa at the main cabin but I started to feel uneasy there was something about the way They looked at us they were too welcoming too eager to please it felt staged rehearsed

like they had done this before with other couples except there weren't any other guests here we walked back to the main cabin for dinner when we arrived Brian and Lisa were already seated at the dining table they had set out a beautiful spread steaks vegetables mashed potatoes wine it was enough food to feed six People but there were only the four of us the conversation during dinner was awkward Brian and Lisa kept talking about how they loved having guests how they were so lucky to have us there but every time I looked at them I

could see a hint of something behind their smiles their eyes especially Brian's seemed too intense like he was studying us trying to figure us out Lisa kept laughing almost too much at every little joke we made I started to wonder if they were Trying to keep us entertained like they were afraid of something happening if we stopped talking after dinner they suggested we go for a night tap in the lounge area I agreed though I wasn't sure why my cut was telling me to leave but I didn't want to be rude I just hoped that

once the night was over I could go back to our cabin and forget about the weirdness as we sat in the lounge Lisa Started talking more about the resort she mentioned how it was a special place and that they had a very small group of guests every year that was when I noticed that neither of them had mentioned any other guests or staff when I asked about it Brian smiled and said we prefer to keep the private it's just you to this weekend we like to give our guests an experience they can't get anywhere else

at that moment I realized that they Were the only people here that's when the feeling of unease turned into something more solid something wasn't right I started to wonder if we were the only ones to ever win this freak getaway and if that was even true in the first place the idea that we might be the only people they had in no long long time made me feel trapped like we were in a place where nobody could help us if something went wrong the conversation Turned dark when Brian began talking about the history of the

area he mentioned how the resort had been passed down through generations and how not everyone makes it out of here at first I thought he was just joking but there was no humor in his voice his eyes were fixed on mine unblinking waiting for a reaction Lisa didn't say anything thing she just stared at her wine glass swirling it Slowly I tried to laugh it off but the air in the room suddenly fell thick I wanted to leave but it wasn't as easy as just walking out I didn't trust the way Brian was looking at

us or the way Lisa's smile had turned into something too wide too calculated I realized that we hadn't even been shown the resorts other cabins or the amenities it was almost as if they didn't want us to see anything beyond This one place this one Lo the night dragged on but I couldn't shake the feeling that something terrible was about to happen the longer we stayed the more I felt like they were watching us waiting for us to slip up to do something they expected I don't know exactly when it happened but at some point

Brian and Lisa stood up and without saying a word walked toward the door it was as if they had planned this for weeks like they had Been waiting for us to make the first move as soon as they left I turned to my girlfriend and whispered we need to get out of here now we crapped our things and ran for the door but when we reached the cabin entrance it wouldn't open the lock had been changed we were trapped I banged on the door shouted for help but the silence outside was deafening there was no

answer suddenly the light lights went Out and everything went pitch black we could hear Footsteps in the distance echoing in the hall I don't know how we managed it but somehow we got out we found a hidden side door and ran into the woods not stopping until we found the main road hours later I don't remember much after that I was too scared to think straight we called the police once we got back to the city but by the time They arrived the resort was gone completely empty like it had never been there Brian and

liso were never found the authorities said there had been no records of the resort even existing to this day I don't know what they planned but I'm just glad we got out when we did it was a Saturday morning when my fiance and I decided to go check out this house we found online the listing looked great spacious Affordable and in a decent area we had been looking for a while and everything about this house seemed perfect the listing photos were all bright Airy rooms and the backyard was exactly what we wanted I was excited

and my fiance Sarah was two we were getting serious about settling down and this place could be the one we arrived at the address a little early parked and waited in the car for a few minutes it wasn't a very Busy area just a quiet street with houses spaced out a little too quiet for my taste but it didn't bother me we went up to the front door and I rang the bell I looked around while we waited for the realtor the house itself was nice from the outside big with a porch a two-car garage

a couple of bushes near the front door a few trees around the yard the kind of house you could see yourself living in the door open after a few Moments but no one was there I thought maybe the realtor had just been in the back getting ready or something I stepped forward and looked inside the house was dark inside there were no lights on but the door was open just wide enough for me to see the hallway I called out hello no answer I looked at Sarah who was standing next to me maybe we're early

she Suggested I Shrugged could be I'll wait a couple minutes we both stood there in the silence waiting for someone to come to the door but after another minute or or so I started to get the feeling something wasn't quite right it wasn't like the place was abandoned the door was unlocked but the house still had Furniture in it like it was ready for Showings I was about to turn around and call the real estate agency when I heard a noise inside faint footsteps like someone moving in the other room hello I called again a

little louder this time nothing I pushed the door door opened slightly and peaked inside the house was old but clean wellmaintained there were a few pieces of furniture scattered around a couch here a coffee Table there but it looked like it had been staged for a showing nothing too personal or too lived in just the Bare Essentials to make it look Hy but still it felt off I stepped inside and looked around the air smelled faintly of something sweet like cinnamon but it felt stale almost like no one had been in the house for a

while I glanced over at Sarah who was still standing by the door looking Hesitant we should go back to the car and call the agency Sarah said looking uneasy maybe they forgot about the appointment before I could respond I heard it again the soft sound of footsteps coming from upstairs this time did you hear that I asked turning to Sarah she nodded white eyed I'm not going upstairs alone she said voice trembling neither am I I replied but I wasn't sure what to do next we could leave but something about The situation had me Frozen

like I couldn't quite put my finger on why it felt wrong but it did we both stood there not moving until I heard the footsteps again this time they were louder more deliberate and then they stopped I swallowed hard I think we should check it out what Sarah said staring at me like I had lost my mind I don't know I said my voice Shaky I just I feel like we should see what's going on Sarah looked at me for a long moment then nodded slowly all right but I'm not going first we cautiously made

our way toward the stairs I didn't know what I was expecting but I kept waiting for someone to step out for a realtor to greet us or for someone to explain the Situation when we reached the top of the stairs we were hit by a strong smell something metallic almost like blood I gagged at the scent but tried to ignore it at the top of the stairs there were two doors one was closed but the other was slightly a jar I pushed it open slowly holding my breath why saww made my stomach drop the room

was set up like a normal bedroom Except it wasn't there were strange marks on the floor like something heavy had been dragged across it a large rug was pulled to the side revealing a section of the floor that had been scratched up my heart was racing now and I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand up I heard a noise from behind me and turned Sarah was still standing in the hallway but she looked pale I took a step back toward her we need to leave now I said but as I turned

To go my foot caught on something I looked down and that's when I saw it a small piece of rope it was thin but strong the kind of rope he'd used to tie something up up I pulled on it and the floorboard beneath me creaked like something was being dragged under it I felt like I was suffocating this is all wrong I muttered I backed away from the room and turned to Sarah we need to call the police this place is it's a Trap as I started toward the stairs I noticed something that made my

blood run cold the door to the master bedroom was open and the the closet door was hanging half off its hinges inside I could see the faint outline of a bag but it wasn't just any bag it was a large heavyduty duffel bag my heart pounded and my instinct screamed at me to run we need to get out of here now I whispered to Sarah grabbing her by the arm and pulling her Toward the stairs as we rushed toward the front door I glanced back at the living room the house was eily silent no sign

of anyone but the feeling that we weren't alone lingered we got to the front door but just as I reached for the handle the door slammed shut I turned to Sarah Panic setting in what the hell the sound of footsteps echoed from Upstairs heavy deliberate someone was coming I didn't wait I crapped a handle again and yanked as hard as I could throwing open the door we ran out of the house and didn't look back we didn't stop until we were in the car and I drove as fast as I could not saying a word

when we got to the nearest police station we told them everything they sent a team to check the house but by the time they arrived the Place was completely empty no sign of anyone they told us there were no records of the house being on the market at all the agency we contacted they said they had no idea who the realtor was it was as if everything about the house had been fabricated I don't know who set that trap or what they were planning to do but I know one thing for sure we were lucky

to get out of there alive I was driving home that night from a late meeting it had been raining hard for hours the kind of rain that makes it feel like you're driving through a sheet of water the road was slick and visibility was getting worse by the minute I wasn't far from the exit to my neighborhood just a quiet stretch of highway I knew well not much happened out there at night it was mostly empty except for the occasional car but tonight it seemed quieter than Usual I had just passed the old gas station

when I saw it at first I thought it was just another car pulled over to the side waiting for the rain to pass but then I saw the hazard lights flashing no one was around and the car was in a weird position almost like it had been abandoned I couldn't tell from a distance whether it was just someone waiting for help but something about the situation made me Uneasy there was no reason for a car to be stopped in the middle of nowhere in the rain especially with those hazard lights on blinking in the storm

I slowed down rolling the window down a little trying to get a better look no other cars were in sight and the road was so empty that the side of a single car with its lights flashing stood out like a sore thumb I couldn't just keep driving by without checking the rational part of me told me I should call the police but I figured if someone needed help I should at least see what was going on I pulled over a few feet behind the car the tires skitting slightly on the wood asphalt it was a

midsize sedan an older model its rear bumper dented I couldn't see any signs of what might have happened but it was just too odd sitting there lights on engine off like someone had left it in a hurry I got out of my car keeping an eye on the Road no cars in sight just the rain pouring down down the car I was walking toward had its driver's side door wide open I hesitated for a moment then stepped closer listening to the soft Dr of the rain against the pavement the rain was so heavy that I

barely heard anything else but there was something about the scene that felt wrong too quiet the door was still a jar when I reached it I leaned in and looked inside that's when I saw it the seat was Soaked but not from the rain the car was a mess paper scattered on the floor and the driver's seat was turned awkwardly to the side the first thing I noticed was the blood it wasn't a lot but there were smears on the seat on the steering wheel and on the door it looked like someone had been dragged

out of the car or maybe forced into it the blood wasn't fresh but it was still visible enough that I could tell something violent had happened my stomach turned and I took a Step back unsure of what I should do next I looked around the rain was coming down in sheets and it felt like I was the only one around no one else had stopped and the road was empty I glansed back into the car trying to make sense of what I was seeing there was a bag on the passenger seat just sitting there like

the owner had dropped it in a hurry I don't know why but I reached Inside the car and pulled the bag out out it felt wrong touching someone else's stuff like that but I couldn't help myself maybe I thought there was something inside that would explain what had happened some sign that could make sense of all this I unzipped it slowly my hands shaking more than I expected and found a wallet a few personal items and a phone the phone had a cracked screen but when I turned it over the First thing I noticed was

a message on the screen one of those text notifications that didn't require unlocking the message was simple get to the car now it was sent about 15 minutes ago my blood ran cold the phone wasn't recent it had been sitting there for a while but the message was fresh who was it for I stood there for a second trying to make sense of it someone had been here Recently but where were they now and what had happened to them I glanced around my mind racing suddenly I heard a noise soft at first but then louder

footsteps I froze turning my head slowly my heart hammered in my chest and I knew I wasn't alone anymore someone else was out there I didn't wait around to find out who I shoved the bag back inside the car my Racing I started to back away my eyes darting around the dark W landscape the rain fell colder now as if the air had suddenly dropped several degrees I rushed to my car almost slipping in the rain as I got back inside I locked the door before I even turned the engine on my hands still shaking

from the adrenaline I looked through the rearview mirror I wasn't sure what I was expecting to see but I didn't see Anything at first no one was following me but I didn't feel safe my heart was still racing my mind kept going back to the blood the message on the phone the odd feeling of being watched I drove off quickly my tires skidding slightly as I accelerated trying to leave the scene behind me but I couldn't stop thinking about it the blood in the car the phone the message I drove for what felt like forever

before I finally pulled over at a gas station my hands still trembling on the steering wheel I tried to catch my breath but my mind wouldn't stop racing I kept thinking about the car the blood the message what had really happened there who was hurt and where were they now I thought about calling the police But what could I tell them I hadn't seen anything that could help them no one else was around there was no sign of a struggle outside the car just a blood inside I didn't have answers and that scared me even

more I didn't know what was happening and the longer I stayed in that spot the more I felt like I was part of something I didn't understand the only thing I knew for sure was that whatever happened It wasn't over I wasn't sure if it would be for me or someone else next but the whole experience experience left me with a deep sense of unease something bad had happened out there and I was far from the only one affected it was one of those nights where the rain never really stops the kind of storm that

makes the streets look like rivers and the wind house loud enough to drown out Everything else I had been walking home from my shift at work soaked through despite the umbrella and I was so ready to be inside away from the weather I pulled out my phone and ordered a ride share not bothering to check which car it was I just wanted to get home I watched the little map on my phone waiting for the car to pull up I wasn't far from the usual spot where I get picked up and I saw the pin

slowly moved closer the car Approaching as it got near I stepped to the curb and looked up a plaque sedan was coming down the road slowing down I stepped forward glad the weight was almost over when the car stopped in front of me the window rolled down and the driver looked out he was older maybe in his 50s with dark hair and a beard his face was tired like he hadn't slept in a while I didn't think much of it I got in the back seat thanked him and told him where I was headed I

just Wanted to get home have some tea and relax the last thing on my mind was that something was wrong the driver didn't respond immediately he just nodded and then he started driving to her on my app didn't seem right though we weren't heading in the direction I expected I had been in this part of town enough to know the main roads and I could tell we were heading south when I should have been going North excuse me I said trying to keep my voice steady I think you're going the wrong way he didn't say

anything at first just kept driving I thought maybe he hadn't heard me or maybe he was new to the area I try again I need to go to Maple Street not South Boulevard you've missed the turn he glanced at me through the rearview mirror and I caught the briefest glimpse of something Strange in his eyes it wasn't anger or annoyance it was something else something colder but then he spoke it's a shortcut he said his voice flat like he was explaining something simple don't worry you'll get there I didn't believe him I checked my phone

again the little pen on the map was still moving in the wrong direction we weren't heading toward Maple Street the more I stared at the Screen the more I realized we were going farther away from where I needed to be are you sure about this I said trying to keep the fear from my voice I really need to go that way I pointed to the north trying to be calm but I felt a rising sense of of panic the driver didn't reply instead he just turned the corner and accelerated the streets were empty and The

rain continued to fall hammering against the car's roof I tried not to think too much about the fact that we were now on streets I didn't recognize hey can you stop the car I asked my heart's starting to beat faster I need to get out he still didn't res respond he didn't even glance at me in the mirror this time I began to feel the weight of the silence in the car it felt Oppressive like the air itself was thickening I could hear the sound of the rain hitting the windshield and the H of the

engine but it all felt distant I was alone in this car with him and it was getting harder to ignore the sinking feeling in my stomach I wasn't sure what was happening this wasn't just a mistake anymore this felt deliberate I needed to get Out I needed to get home stop the car I demanded louder this time my voice trembling I'm not going any farther with you stop the car now finally he glanced at me in the mirror he didn't smile he didn't look worried he just looked tired as if he had been waiting for

me to say something for a long time you're going to be fine he said his voice low and calm like he was trying to reassure me But I could hear something in it that made my skin crawl it wasn't reassuring it was C and it didn't sound like he was trying to comfort me it sounded like a command I'm serious I said my voice shaking pull over let me out but he didn't the car kept moving the streets around us were getting more Desolate the houses were spaced farther apart and I couldn't even see street

lights now just a dim glow of his headlights cutting through the rain soaked night my mind was racing I reached for my phone again hand shaking and I tried to send a message to a friend my hands were so wet that I could barely tie but I managed to send the message something's wrong the driver is going the wrong way please call the cops If I don't respond it felt like forever before I saw him glance in the mirror again this time his eyes lingered longer and I knew without a doubt that something was wrong

he wasn't taking me to my destination he was taking me somewhere else where are we going I asked trying to stay calm but my voice betrayed me breaking as I spoke relax he said again his voice like a slow Draw you're going to be fine we're almost there I had no idea where there was but I wasn't about to find out I shoved my phone back into my pocket and tried the door it was locked I tried to press the button to open the door from the inside but but it didn't work he had locked

it my heart pounded in my chest as I looked around the car desperate for something anything to help I had to get out I reached for the handle again this Time pulling with everything I had the door clicked and I didn't hesitate I opened the door yanked it wide and as the car slowed for a turn I threw myself out of it I hit the wet pavement hard my knees scraped raping against the ground as I scrambled to my feet the car didn't stop it didn't even slow down I didn't look back I just ran

my shoes were soaked my legs Screaming but I didn't care I ran and ran not stopping until I found a house with lights on I knocked frantically and someone finally answered a woman in her pajamas clearly startled I couldn't even explain myself properly I was so shaken but she took one look at me and called the police the cops came I don't know what they did with the Driver but I know I never saw him again they didn't find him that night not in the places I thought he might have gone they said it was

likely he just picked someone up for whatever reason and got scared when I tried to leave maybe he was trying to get away with something I I don't know the ride was supposed to be the end of my shift the end of a tiring night but it turned into something else something I won't Forget that driver he wasn't just lost he knew exactly where he was going and I'm just glad I got out when I did I don't take ride sharing anymore not after that night it was supposed to be a simple overnight hike I'd

been planning it for weeks carefully picking a trailing it wasn't too crowded but still had enough markers that I wouldn't get lost I packed everything I needed food gear and my water reservoir which I Triple check before leaving the hike out to the campsite was perfect the weather was clear the air crisp I didn't see another person the whole way and for once I didn't mind it was peaceful just me and the sounds of the forest I reached the spot I picked out a little before Sunset a flag clearing near a small stream I set

up my tent cooked a quick meal and sat outside watching the stars Come out when the temperature dropped I crawled into my sleeping bag and fell as sleep almost immediately the next morning I felt ready to tackle the hike back I packed up Tamp quickly not wanting to waste daylight I took a sip from my wire Reservoir before zipping it into my pack and everything seemed fine the stream nearby was clear so I refilled my backup bottle just in case and started on the trail it wasn't until late morning that I noticed something was wrong

I stopped to take a drink and realized the water tasted off at first I thought maybe it was the plastic from the reservoir but I'd never had that problem before I took another Sip and this time the taste was Stronger almost metallic I stopped walking and took the reservoir out of my pack to inspect it the water looked fine but the smell hit me as soon as I opened it it was Chemical sharp like something you'd use to clean a bathroom I dumped it out immediately my heart pounding I didn't understand I'd filled the reservoir

that morning from the same stream I'd used the night before and I'd used to filter both times I checked my backup bottle and that's when the Panic really set in the water in the bottle had the same smell I didn't know what to do I was miles from the trail head and The sun was getting higher it was hot and and I'd already been hiking for a couple of hours I planned my water carefully and now I didn't have any that was safe to drink I thought about turning back to the stream near the campsite

but the idea made me nervous what if there was something in the water there or Worse what if someone was there the thought came out of nowhere but once I had it I couldn't Shake it I tried to push it away who would do something like this but the reservoir inod bottle werein the night before I was sure of it I decided to keep going the trail was supposed to follow another stream a few miles ahead and I figured I'd try again there the hike felt different now every sound in the forest made me jump

I kept looking over my shoulder half expecting to see someone behind me but the trail stayed Empty still I couldn't shake the feeling that I wasn't alone by the time I reached the second stream I was sweating in laded I crouched by the water my filter in hand but I hesitated the water looked fine but what if it wasn't what if the problem wasn't the water at all I forced myself to filter some and took a small sip it tasted normal but I couldn't bring myself to drink more the Memory of the smell from my

reservoir was still too strong I filled my backup bottle and packed it away deciding I'd only drink if I absolutely had to I kept walking trying to focus on the trail ahead and not the growing sense of dread in my chest the trail started to climb winding up a steep hill I was struggling by then my leg shaking from dehydration I had to stop every few minutes to catch my Breath that's when I saw it at the top of the hill where the trail curved there was a pile of rocks stacked in a way that

wasn't natural it was small maybe a foot tall but it stood out I froze staring at it I didn't remember seeing it on the way in slowly I walked closer my mouth was dry and not just from the lack of water when I reached the Rocks I saw something sticking out From between them a piece of paper folded and tucked into to the pile I hesitated my heart pounding before pulling it out the paper was damp and smudged but I could still read the writing not safe that was all it said I dropped the paper

and stumbled back looking around wildly the forest was silent the trees swaying gently in the breeze I felt exposed like whoever had left the note was watching me my mind Raced did they mean the water wasn't safe or was it something else I didn't wait to find out I started moving faster now even though my legs felt like they were going to give out I don't know how long I walked like that my head spinning and my throat burning at some point I thought I heard footsteps behind me but when I turned around there was

no one there by the time I reached the trail head I was Barely holding it together my car was the only one in the parking lot just as it had been when I arrived I climbed in and locked the doors my hand shaking so badly I could barely get the key into the ignition as I drove away I couldn't stop thinking about the note or the water I still don't know what happened out there or who tampered with my supplies all I know is that I've never felt safe in the woods since It's hard to

know where to begin with this I think it's taken me so long to write this because it still feels like a bad dream even now when I think about it I can't shake the feeling that something went horribly wrong that day something that could have been avoided if we just made different choices we were all experienced hikers at least a little and we planned this trip for Months the idea was to camp in the mountains for a weekend just to disconnect from everything it was supposed to be simple we' done this kind of thing before

just not in this particular area the weather had been fine the whole trip and the first couple of days went off without a hitch we had our laughs we cooked our meals over a fire and everything felt normal almost to normal by the third day we were packing up to Head back it was late afternoon and we had been moving slowly through the trails not wanting to rush but when we reached a certain point one of the guys Mark suggested taking a shortcut he'd been to this area a few times before and apparently this Canyon

was a faster way back to our camp we all thought it was a good idea we had a little time to spare and the weather was holding on it seemed like a quick detour that would Save us some hours none of us thought twice when Mark led the way the canyon was narrow with sheer rock walls on either side but it didn't look dangerous in fact it looked beautiful in a way like something out of a postcard we walked through chatting and laughing taking in the view oblivious tow quickly the time was slipping away it

wasn't until we' gotten about halfway through that we know notic something Wasn't right at first it was just a small sound like gravel shifting behind us then it happened again and again it was almost like something was moving behind us but when we turned around there was nothing there I remember feeling uneasy but brushing it off as nothing maybe just a rock shifting or the wind who knows but as we kept walking the sound grew louder it was like it was getting closer and I could tell by the looks on everyone Else's faces that they

were starting to feel it too but Mark he didn't seem concerned he kept saying it was nothing and urged us to keep going we trusted him that was our first mistake I'm not sure what exactly happened after that maybe the sound was the beginning of it or maybe it was just bad luck but all of a sudden the CR beneath us started to shake it wasn't just a small Tremor the Rocks above us began to shift and before any of us could react the entire side of the canyon gave way I remember the sound first

the Screech of stone scraping against Stone the crashing and rumbling as the Rocks began to Tumble down and then the dust it was like the world when cray all at once I couldn't breathe couldn't see and I remember were feeling the ground jerk beneath me the next thing I knew I was On the ground trying to cover my face from the dirt and rocks I could hear the others yelling but everything was muffled the chaos was overwhelming like the world was collapsing in on itself when the dust finally started to settle I opened my eyes

the canyon walls had changed what had once been a clear path was now a mess of rocks and debris completely L blocking our way Mark was The closest to me his face covered in dirt but he was alive I could see he was trying to stand his leg shaky we all helped each other up but the reality of the situation hit hard we were trapped the narrow Canyon we've been walking through was now impassible and there was no way to climb out I remember looking up and realizing that the canyon walls were too steep too

Smooth to climb and no matter how many times we shouted no one came we were completely alone there were no other hikers no signs of life just the sound of the wind and our Panic breathing I looked around at the others we had a few supplies of water some food our basic camping gear but nothing that could help us get out of there the worst part was the silence it felt like we were miles from Help and in that moment moment it hit me that no one knew where we were we hadn't checked in with

anyone and I wasn't sure anyone even knew which way we'd gone we hadn't planned for something like this the first few hours were spent trying to move the Rocks trying to dig our way out but it was useless every time we thought we'd found a way through more rocks would shift making it harder to get through we had enough water to last us a while but that Didn't make the fear go away it was becoming clear that our time was running out we couldn't stay here we needed to get out by Nightfall things got worse

it was already getting cold and the air was thick with dust we huddled together for warmth but I could tell we were all exhausted Mark was the one trying to keep everyone calm but even he seemed rattled no one said it out loud but we All knew it we were stuck no one was coming to help and the Rocks above us could still fall we rationed the food in water but with the days dragging on it didn't seem like it would be enough the next morning we made a decision there wasn't much we could do

at that point but we had to try something we needed to get to IR CR to see if we could find a way out but even that felt like a Stretch as we moved toward the top of the canyon trying to find a way through the Rocks one of the guys Sam tripped and twisted his ankle it wasn't just a sprain the way he screamed when he fell I knew it was bad we had to stop and tend to him and that delayed us even further but in the back of my mind I knew that

we were running out of time the reality was starting to sink in after a few days when it seemed like we might not make it out something Changed we had all been silent ly wondering if it was possible that we weren't alone in this Canyon the silence around us was so complete that it felt unnatural and then one afternoon Mark disappeared I don't know how he did it I don't know if he was trying to find help or if he'd just gone crazy but he was gone he'd left without a word we searched for hours

but there was no sign of him it felt like he just vanished that's when I knew we weren't going to Make it out without help it was too dangerous to keep going alone finally after what felt like a lifetime I managed to climb up to the top of the canyon to a small ledge where I could get a better view from there I could see the main trail that we had taken days earlier I could see the small stream where we had camped just a few miles away I knew we had to make it it

wasn't much but it was the only chance we had Left we made it back to Camp just in time it was a hard climb down and Sam was still hurt but we made it I don't know how we survived that Canyon but we did we were lucky I guess I still don't know what happened to Mark I don't even know where to begin I've been trying to tell myself it was nothing just some weird misunderstanding but I can't shake it not after what Happened it started out so normal we were camping just the two of

us my girlfriend Emma and me we had picked out a spot deep in the woods far away from the crowds we wanted peace quiet and the chance to disconnect from everything for a few days the first day went well we set up our tent by a small Creek started a fire and just relaxed it was a beautiful spot nothing out of the Ordinary no strange feelings no weird Vibes just the two of us talking and laughing enjoying the evening it wasn't until the second night that things got strange it started with them a group of

campers we hadn't seen them before but around dusk they appeared by the fire they seemed friendly enough two guys and a woman walking along the trail not far from our site at first we barely noticed them but one of them called out Asking if we wanted to join them for a drink we had nothing planned for the evening so we figured why not we walked over to their camp and they were sitting around a fire the Flames casting lawn shadows in the trees they had a couple of beers a bottle of whiskey and a few

snacks it seemed normal enough we introduced ourselves and they were nice not overly friendly but polite we all started talking mostly About where we were from and how we ended up here I'll admit the conversation was a little awkward at first but after a few drinks it loosened up it was just casual chatter at first nothing strange they told us they had been camping in the area for a while moving from place to place exploring different parts of the woods they said they like the Solitude and I could see that it wasn't a surprise that

they come up here To get away from it all the woman her name was Claire was nice enough but there was something about her smile that felt a little too sharp a little too knowing I couldn't explain it maybe it was nothing but I kept getting this feeling that she was watching me just a bit too closely every time I glance over at her she'd be looking right at me and when her eyes met she'd smile it didn't feel threatening not Exactly but there was something unsettling about it as the night wore on the mood

seemed to shift it wasn't overt but it was there the guy started making more jokes laughing a bit too loud and Claire seemed to get quieter just watching I remember trying to keep the conversation going but it felt like I was the only one still trying Emma had already finish her drink and looked a little tired like she was Ready to head back to our camp I felt the same honestly the night had stretched on longer than we planned so we told them we were going to have back that's when things started to get weird

at first it was subtle one of the guy Dave I think his name was stood up and clapped me on the shoulder laughing you guys aren't going anywhere he said too loudly the night's Still young come on stay for a bit I chuckled awkwardly not really feeling like staying we're pretty tired I said trying to keep it light maybe another time but then CLA spoke you don't want to go yet she said and her voice had changed it wasn't threatening but it had a kind of cold Edge to it like she wasn't asking anymore the

night's Beautiful you won't find peace like this anywhere else just stay a little longer I felt this sudden pressure like they were all looking at us waiting for an answer Emma looked at me and I could tell she was uncomfortable too but she didn't want to make a scene she nodded giving a forced smile maybe just a little longer she said I wasn't sure why but something about it didn't sit right the way they Were staring at us made me feel like we didn't really have a choice I tried to shake it off but I

could feel the tension building it was like they were waiting for us to stay to make us stay I didn't want to be rude but I knew we needed to get back Emma had already started to gather her things I stood up ready to go but Dave was standing just a little too close blocking the path you don't need to go He said and his voice was quieter now almost too calm we've got a few more drinks just relax I felt the hair on the back of my neck stand up there was something in his

eyes something that wasn't right I tried to step around him but he didn't move it was like he was deliberately keeping me there like they were all trying to keep us from leaving we really have to go I said my voice a little more Firm now we've got stuff to do tomorrow Claire stood up and took a step closer you'll be fine she said her smile not reaching her eyes it's not safe to walk back through the woods at night stay here we'll keep you safe it wasn't the words themselves it was the way she

said it like there was no other option I felt trapped like if I didn't go along with it something worse might happen I tried to stay calm but it was Getting harder to eye how uneasy I felt I looked over at Emma who seemed equally uncomfortable but didn't say anything I could see her trying to make up her mind her eyes darting around the camp looking for an excuse and out look we really appreciated Emma said standing up and reaching for my hand but we're just going to go back it's getting late there was a

long pause I could feel their eyes on us like they were waiting for us to say the Right thing then suddenly Dave stepped aside giving us just enough space to walk by but as I passed him he cracked my arm just a quick tight enough to make me stop in my tracks you know he said his voice low if you really wanted to go you wouldn't have said that you be gone already it was like a switch flipped I didn't think I just yanked my arm away and pulled ammo with me we're Leaving I said

my voice shaky but firm we didn't look look back as we hurried down the trail the light of their tampire flickering behind us but I could feel them watching us we didn't say anything to each other until we were safely back at our tent we just sat there breathing hard staring at the darkness outside not knowing if they were still out there I still don't know what exactly happened but I know that they didn't want us to leave there was Something about that whole interaction that felt wrong like they were pushing us to stay for

some reason I haven't camped since then and I don't know if I ever will again I don't think I could handle it every time I close my eyes I remember the way they looked at us those Smiles that never reached their eyes and I can't shake the feeling that they weren't just trying to be friendly they were trying to keep us there and for what I don't think I'll Ever know I still can't believe it happened it feels like a nightmare that I somehow managed to wake up from but it wasn't a dream it was

real the storm that night was one of the worst I've seen in years the rain wasn't just falling it was pouring coming down in sheets battering ing everything it touched the wind was howling rattling the windows making the house creek and grown it felt like the world outside had Been swallowed by the storm it was around 10 p.m. when I realized I had a problem I'd noticed a small leak in the roof the day before but with everything going on I kept putting it off that night after a few hours of rain I saw a

small puddle forming on the kitchen floor under the window it wasn't much but I knew if I didn't take care of it it would get worse I couldn't afford to have more water damage so I decided to climb up Into the attic and Patch the leak myself I grabed my ladder from the garage and set it up outside the back door directly under the small overhang of the roof I knew it wasn't ideal the rain was making the ground slippery but I figured it wouldn't take long just enough time to fix the leak and get

back inside before the storm got any horse the ladder creeped a little when I climbed up but it held Steady I could barely hear the wind over the pounding rain but I focused on the task at hand I remember thinking how strange it was that I was the only one out in the storm the street was quiet no lights on anywhere else in the neighborhood just the rain the wind and the occasional flash of lightning I had just started to loosen the shingles when the first thing went wrong my foot slipped I didn't even have

time to react I felt my whole body pitch sideways and before I knew it I was hitting the ground my back slammed hard into the wet grass knocking the wind out of me and I let out a gasp trying to push myself up the impact left me dazed and I could barely cat my breath I lay there for a second trying to get my bearings and that's when I heard something that made my heart stop a footstep it was faint just a soft sound But it was definitely there it wasn't the wind it wasn't the

storm someone was outside my heart raced and I slowly lifted my head looking around in the dark terrain was so heavy I could barely see anything beyond a few feet in front of me I scrambled to my feet my light shaky I was too disoriented to think clearly but the feeling of someone being out there watching gripped me hard I couldn't make out anything Through the rain but the sound of the footsteps wasn't getting any further away I held my breath hoping I was imagining it but then I heard a low voice hello The Voice

called I froze it wasn't loud just quiet enough to be unsettling it sounded like a man but I couldn't tell if he was close or far away my body Tensed the last thing I wanted to do was confront whoever was out there but I also didn't want to stay outside alone exposed while there was someone lurking around my property in the middle of a storm is someone out there I asked my voice shaking there was no answer for a moment the wind held again and the rain pounded the crown so loudly it almost drowned out

my own voice but then I heard it again The Voice a little closer this time yeah I'm just trying to find some shelter you all right I didn't know what to make of it I should have been scared but there was something in the tone that didn't quite sit right it wasn't the voice of someone lost or seeking help it sounded almost casual I'm fine I said trying to sound braver than I felt just had a little accident my ladder Slipped there was another pause and then the voice spoke again this time sounding almost too

calm can I help you I felt a chill run down my spine I should have gone inside locked the door and call for help but I was standing in the rain what an eing and I felt an irrational need to make sure this person wasn't just going to walk away who are you I asked trying to sound more assertive a few seconds passed before The voice replied and it was so close now that I could feel my pulse Quicken just someone looking for a little shelter the voice said and this time it sounded almost like

a smirk in his tone I turned around quickly scanning the yard for any sign of movement but the rain was blurring everything the more I tried to focus the harder it became to see anything clearly I was standing there exposed my back back to the house and I had no idea Where this person was I need to go inside I said my voice wavering it's dangerous out here I backed toward the ow slowly not turning my back on the sound of the voice you sure you're all right the man asked stepping closer now just on

the edge of my hearing I could come help you up you don't look so good I felt something shift inside of me this wasn't just a stranger asking if I Needed help this was something else his tone his words they felt wrong like he was toying with me testing how far he could push I reached for the door my hand trembling as I fumbled for the key my heart was pounding now and I could hear the unmistakable sound of footsteps getting closer slow and deliberate before I could turn the key in the lock the man

spoke again and this time louder his voice just a few feet Away let me help you in he said his voice too soft too knowing the door finally opened and I didn't hesitate I rushed inside slamming the door behind me and locking it as quickly as I could I stood there for a moment my back against the door breathing hard trying to calm myself the rain still hammered against the windows the wind howling outside I didn't dare look outside again my head Was spinning but the one thought that kept repeating in my mind was that

he had been so close too close I still don't know who that man was or what his intentions were but I know one thing for sure something was off and I was never going to forget the feeling of being watched in the middle of that storm I had been living in my house for a couple of years when I decided it was time for a Change the kitchen was outdated and the bathroom needed work I'd heard about a contractor from a friend who had done some remodeling in her home and recommended him he seemed professional

when we met and his references checked out I felt comfortable hiring him to do the job I work long hours so so I figured it would be easier for him to come by during the day while I was at work he was going to handle everything the demo the construction and all the Finishing touches I trusted him to do a good job but I didn't think much of it when I left for work every day I was busy and I had other things on my mind the first few days went smoothly he showed up early

worked long hours and left when I got home the house looked like a mess with all the construction but I figured that was just part of the process after a week or so the kitchen Cabinets were out the counters were being replaced and the walls had been stripped down it was messy but it was clear he was making progress but then things started to feel off I had a feeling that something wasn't right when I came home one evening and found my bedroom door slightly open I had never left it open and it wasn't like

I had forgotten I'm not someone who leaves doors open unless I'm in and out of a room the rest Of the house was just as I had lefted so I didn't think much of it at the time the next day I came home and found the same thing my bedroom door was a jar and I could have sworn I had closed it I started to feel uneasy but told myself I was just being paranoid maybe I was forgetful maybe the door didn't latch properly or or maybe I had left it open without thinking I tried

to dismiss it but it Kept happening every day I'd come home to find my bedroom door open and sometimes other rooms felt slightly different the couch cushions were arranged differently or a picture frame that I hadn't touched was crooked little things that didn't make sense I wasn't sure if I was imagining it or if something strange was really going on but every time I walked into the house I felt a chill in the air like Someone else had been there then one evening I had an idea I had started working from home occasionally so I

decided to stay in the house and keep an eye on things I made sure to close my bedroom door before I left for work I wanted to see if anything changed while I was gone that evening when I came home I opened the door slowly and my stomach dropped it was open wide Open I stood there frozen trying to figure out what was going on I had clearly locked it before leaving and now it was wide open just like the other times I went inside checking for anything else that was out of place that's when

I noticed the camera it was Small hidden on the corner of the room nearly impossible to see unless you were specifically looking for it I felt sick my hands were Shaking my first thought was to call the police but I didn't want to jump to conclusions maybe it was a misunderstanding maybe it wasn't what I thought it was but I knew I had to get confirmation before doing anything drastic the next morning I made sure to leave the camera exactly where it was I left for work as usual but this time I went to the

local store and bought a few things I I wasn't sure what I was planning to do but I had to Know I wanted to see if there were more cameras in the house I came back that evening pretending everything was normal I went straight to my bedroom and checked the camera again sure enough it had been moved the angle was slightly different as though someone had been adjusting it while I was gone I felt like I couldn't breathe I was being Watched I I was sure of it now I didn't know what to do I

didn't know who to trust I knew I couldn't confront him just yet what if he denied it what if it escalated I had to be careful but I had no idea how deep this had gone or how long it had been going on I knew he'd been in my house when I wasn't there but I couldn't figure out how long this had been happening the next day I took the camera to a friend Who worked in Tech I told her what had been happening and showed her the footage it was unmistakable he had been recording

me he had been watching my every move while I was at home while I was alone my worst fears were coming true he had been in my personal space invading my privacy for God knows how long I called the police that night I told them everything they came to the house and we Looked through the footage together there were hours of recordings me walking around my house sitting on the couch making dinner even moments when I was changing clothes I felt disgusted violated like everything I had was no longer mine the worst part was not

knowing how long he'd been doing this how many times had he watched me when I was completely inware the police didn't waste any time they went to his office and they found More cameras more hidden equipment apparently he had been doing this to other clients as well I couldn't believe it I felt like I had been living in a nightmare someone I had trusted to do work in my house had turned out to be someone I should have never let through my door I never saw him again after that day I don't know what happened

to him but I know he was arrested and charged with multiple Offenses it's been months now and I still don't feel safe in my own house I've had all the locks changed and the security system upgraded but no matter what I do I can't stop feeling like I'm being watched like I'm never really alone I've been trying to move on but some days it's harder than others I still check my bedroom door even though I know it's locked and sometimes I wonder how many People out there are doing the same thing he did to me

hiding in PL sight it happened on a Friday evening I had just put my son to bed and I was sitting on the couch scrolling through my phone when the doorbell rang I wasn't expecting anyone but I had ordered some things online earlier that week maybe it was a late delivery I got up and looked through the peep Hall a man stood there in a brown jacket holding a small Box he had a baseball cap pulled low over his face but he smiled when I opened the door keeping the chain latched delivery 4 ah he

glanced at a piece of paper in his hand Mrs Taylor the name was wrong but I figured maybe it was a mixup with the Del delivery company I think you've got the wrong house I said he chuckled nervously sorry about that could you just confirm the Address that's when I started to feel uneasy the Box didn't have a label on it and he wasn't wearing any kind of uniform I asked him which delivery service he was with but he avoided the question mumbling something about working with a third party company I don't think that's for

me I said starting to close the door his hand shot out and grabbed the edge of the door before I could shut it wait he said his tone Changing I think this might actually be for you I froze his smile was gone and his on the door was firm my heart started pounding but I tried to stay calm let go of the door I said trying to sound confident instead of listening he pushed against the door hard enough to rile the chain I leaned my weight against it but I could feel him testing it trying

to force it open I just need to come in for A second he said his voice was steady almost too calm and it scared me more than if he'd been yelling I'm calling the police I said backing away from the door and grabbing my phone off the table he stopped pushing and looked straight through the gap you won't he said his voice low and even something about the way he said it made my stomach drop I dialed 911 anyway but before I Could hit call he slammed his shoulder into the door the chain held but

it cred under the pressure I screamed dropping my phone and ran to crap the baseball bat I tapped in the corner of the living room stop it I yelled holding the bat in front of me like a shield he didn't respond the chain snapped with a loud crack and the door flew open he stepped inside shutting it behind him and for a Second we just stared at each other he wasn't tall or particularly muscular but there was something in his eyes that made my blood run cold he looked determined I don't want to hurt you

he said raising his hands like he was trying to calm me down just stay quiet and this will be over soon get out of my house I screamed raising the bat he lunged at me before I could swing it grabbing my wrists and forcing the bat out of my Hands I struggled against him kicking and clawing but he was stronger than he looked he shoved me against the wall pinning me there where's the kid he asked his breath hot against my face I froze leave him alone I said my voice shaking his CP tightened and

he smiled this slow deliberate crin that made my skin crawl that's up to you I knew I couldn't let him near my Son I die before I let that happen Gathering every ounce of strength I had I need him in the groin as hard as I could he let out a grunt and stumbled back giving me just enough time to grab the bat from the floor this time I didn't hesitate I swung it with everything I had hitting him Square in the side he yelped and fell to his knees clutching his ribs I didn't Stop

I swung again this time catching him on the shoulder he cursed and tried to grab the bat but I pulled it back and hit him once more this time in the head he collapsed onto the floor groaning but I didn't wait to see if he was down for good I ran to the door unlocked it and bolted outside screaming for help a neighbor heard me and came running I told him what happened and he Called the police while I stayed on the porch shaking and trying not to cry the man didn't come out of the

house by the time the cops arrived he was unconscious on the floor blood dripping from a gash on his forehead they took him away in handcuffs and I later found out he listened to delivery driver at all he'd been scoping out houses in the neighborhood for weeks pretending to deliver packages as a cover he had a record breaking and Entering assault that night I slept in my son's room with the door locked and the bat by my side I don't think I've ever felt so scared in my life but I'm just grateful we made it

out okay for