29 True Scary Stories To Help You To SLEEP

Hello everyone and welcome back to the horror Hut now I know a lot of you use these videos to sleep so before you drift off I thought it would be a fun idea if everyone can leave a comment to 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 quiet Tuesday night just me and the hum of the engine as I drove around waiting for my next ride request I liked working the late

shifts the roads were quieter and the tips were usually better when people were coming back from late nights out that night had been slow though and I was thinking about calling it quits when a request popped up a pickup just a few blocks away the profile didn't have a picture Just a named Tom and the destination was across town I accepted the ride and made my way over over the street was poorly lit and as I pulled up to the curb I saw someone step out of the Shadows he was a tall man wearing a

dark hoodie with the hood pulled up he had his hands in his pockets and his movements were slow almost deliberate something about him made me uneasy but I told myself I was being Paranoid he opened the back door and slid in without a word the car filled with the faint smell of cigarettes I glanced at him in the rearview mirror he had the hood pulled low and I couldn't make out much of his face except his mouth which was set in a tight line evening I said trying to break the silence yeah he mumbled barely

audible I cleared my throat and started driving the GPS directed me toward an Area I didn't know well suburbs that were mostly new developments still half buil in some Parts the roads were empty and the street lights were spaced far apart it felt isolated as I drove I noticed he was shifting around in the back seat almost fidgeting I tried to ignore it but it was hard not to notice every time I glanced in the mirror he was staring out the window but There was something about the way he sat prach it like he was

coiled up and ready to spring you heading home I asked just to fill the silence no he said that was it no explanation the air felt heavier after that I focused on the road but my hands were cripping the whe tighter than usual a few minutes later I heard the sound of fabric rustling and I looked in the mirror again he had taken something out of his pocket it was small hard to See in the dim light but he was holding it tightly in his hand I swallowed hard and kept driving my mind was racing

but I didn't want to overreact people fidget it with things all the time cheese phones whatever it didn't mean anything but the way he held it it felt deliberate we were getting closer to the destination now but something didn't feel right the GPS have were headed to a Dead end Street surrounded by construction SES I glanced back at him again and this time he was staring straight at me his foood had slipped back a bit and I could see his eyes they were cold calculating like he was sizing me up are you sure this is

the right address I asked my voice steady even though my heart was pounding he didn't answer right away then he leaned forward slightly resting His elbow CL on his knees just keep driving he said his voice low and flat I felt a chill run down my spine something was very wrong my instincts were screaming at me to get out of the situation but I didn't know how we were in the middle of nowhere and there wasn't another car or person in sight I decided to take a chance I slowed the car down pretending to check

the GPS it looks like the apps Glitching I said mind if I pull over for a second to fix it he didn't say anything but his crep tightened on whatever he was holding don't stop he said his tone sharp now my pulse was racing I glanced at the gas gauge and realized I was getting low I needed to think fast I spotted a gas station up ahead its neon sign flickering in the distance I'm almost out of gas I said trying to sound calm I'll just stop here Real quick no he said firmly keep going

I ignored him and pulled into the gas station anyway the place was deserted but it was well it and I figured it was my best shot at getting help I parked near the pump and turned off the engine stay in the car he said leaning forward now I could feel the tension radiating off him I nodded but didn't make any move to get Out instead I reached for my phone pretending to check something my hands were shaking and I accidentally dropped it between the seats I cursed under my breath and reached down to grab it

using the moment to think I'll be quick I said opening the door and stepping out before he could say anything else as soon as I was outside I walked toward the gas station entrance hoping someone might be Inside the door was locked and the lights were off my heart sank I turned back to the car and that's when I saw him step out he was holding a knife the blade catching the light from the gas pump I froze my mind racing he started walking toward me slow and deliberate like he had all the time in

the world I backed away keeping my eyes on him get back in the car he said his voice Calm but menacing I didn't respond instead I bolted toward the back of the station hoping to put some distance between us my chest was tight and my legs felt like they were moving through water I could hear his footsteps behind me Steady and unhurried I rounded the corner and spotted a payone attached to the side of the Building I crapped it and dialed 91 1 my hands trembling so badly I could barely press the buttons 911 what's

your emergency the operator's voice crackled for the receiver there's a man he's trying to kill me I gasped glancing over my shoulder he was still coming the knife glinting in his hand stay on the line the operator said officers are on their way I dropped the phone and kept running I didn't know Where I was going but I needed to stay ahead of him I heard the sound of tires screeching in the distance and I prayed it was the police a minute later I saw the flashing lights the man turned and started running the other

way but the officers were faster they tackled him to the ground the knife clattering to the pavement I collapsed against the wall shaking and trying to catch my Breath the police asked me questions but I could barely answer all I could think about was how close i' come to not making it out they told me later that he had a record mostly for theft and assault I didn't care about the details I was just glad it was over that night changed the way I looked at people had my job had everything I didn't drive nights

after that I couldn't It started because one of the tenants complained about a smell I manag a handful of properties and this one was a small singl story house I've been ranting out for years nothing fancy but it was in a quiet neighborhood and the tenants never gave me much trouble the current renters I a young couple had been there for about 6 months they called one afternoon and said they'd been noticing a strange Smell in the house like something damp and rotten I figured it might be a plumbing issue or maybe something had gotten

into the walls mice or a raccoon that kind of thing isn't uncommon in older homes I told them I'd swing by the next day to take a look when I got there they greeted me at the door looking a bit uneasy they said the smell was stronger in the back bedroom so I went straight There as soon as I stepped inside I could tell they weren't exaggerating the air felt heavy like it had soaked in whatever was causing the smell it wasn't just damp it was Sour like cold food left out too long I started

looking around checked under the bed in the closet behind the furniture nothing obvious then I noticed a faint trap near the baseboard along one wall the air was colder than it should have been that's When I remembered the crawl space this house didn't have a basement just a narrow crawl space running under the floors I asked the tenants if they'd noticed anything odd like animal scratching or anything like that they said no but they looked nervous now standing in the doorway I told them i' check it out and went outside to find the access panel

the panel was in the backyard near the Foundation it was old painted the same dark gray as the house and stuck tight I had to use a crowbar to pry it open when I finally got it loose the smell hit me like a punch to the face it was worse than inside thicker more rotten I hesitated I didn't want to crawl into whatever was causing that stench but I couldn't just leave it I crapped a flashlight from my truck and crouched down shining the beam Inside the crawl space was low just a few feet high

with exposed pipes and insulation hanging in places at first all I saw was dirt and cobwebs then my light caught something something that shouldn't have been there it was a pile of blankets shoved into one corner like a makeshift bed next to it was a small stack of empty food wrappers and cans my stomach tightened someone had been living down Here I backed out quickly heart racing I looked around the yard half expecting to see someone watching me but it was empty I went back inside and told the tenants what I'd found they looked horrified

I asked if they'd ever heard noises at night or seen anything strange they shook their heads but they were pale like they were starting to connect dots they hadn't noticed before for I called the Police while we waited for them to arrive I couldn't stop thinking about how someone could have been living down there for so long without anyone noticing the food wrappers looked old like they'd been collecting for years but the blankets didn't they looked relatively clean like someone had been using them recently the officers showed up about 20 minutes later I showed them

the crawl space and One of them climbed inside with a brighter light he came back out after a few minutes holding something small in his hand it was a wallet inside were a few crumpled bills an ID and a handful of receipts the ID belonged to a man I didn't recognize the address on it was from out of state the officer asked if I knew him or if he was a former tenant I told them no but the name naged At me it felt familiar though I couldn't place it the officers decided to search the

crawl space more thoroughly they brought out more blankets an old camping lantern and a backpack filled with clothes and toiletries whoever had been living down there had made themselves comfortable but they didn't find the person which made me even more uneasy after the police left I went back home but I couldn't shake the feeling That something was off that night I dug through old rental records trying to figure out why the name on the ID felt familiar and then I found it the man had applied to rent the house years ago before the previous tenants

moved in I turned him down because of a poor credit check I sat there staring at his name chills running down my spine had he been living under the ow all this time I thought about the tenants before this Couple an older man who tapped to himself he'd never mentioned anything about smells or noises maybe he hadn't noticed or maybe he had but didn't want to deal with it the next day I went back to the house the tenants had decided to stay with family until everything was resolved so the place was empty I walked

through every room checking every closet every Corner I don't know what I was expecting to find but the house felt different like it wasn't just to house anymore it felt like it had been invaded tainted by someone who wasn't supposed to be there I checked the crawl space again this time with a stronger flashlight the police had cleared out most of the belongings but the smell still lingered I craw further in following the narrow space until I reached the back Wall that's when I saw it a small hole had been cut into the wood just

big enough for someone to squeeze through on the other side was a hidden compartment barely large enough to sit up in inside was a mattress stained in sagging and more trash old newspapers empty bottles and something that made my stomach turn a small pile of photos they were photos of the tenants the couple the older man before them even a few of me taken from Outside some were recent others looked years old whoever had been living here had been walking watching us all along I backed out of the crawl space heart pounding I called the

police again and showed them what I'd found they took the photos as evidence and promised to investigate further that was the last I heard about it they never found the man and I ended up selling the house a few months Later I couldn't keep managing it knowing what had happened there to this day I double check every crawl space every attic every corner of the properties I manage I can't shake the feeling that he's still out there living in someone else's Shadow watching I decided to go hiking on my own that weekend I'd done it

plenty of times before so it didn't seem seemed like a Big deal I picked a trail that wasn't too remote but still far enough from the city to feel quiet it was a warm day and I wanted to clear my head the trail looped through a forest winding uphill for a few miles before curving back down I figured I'd be out for 3 hours maybe 4 I parked at the trail head just afternoon there were only two other cars in the lot which didn't seem unusual I likeed the quiet Anyway I cracked my pack double

checked my water and snacks and headed up The Path the first mile was uneventful just trees and the sound of birds the air was fresh and the trail was dry easy to follow I saw the first person around the Second Mile he was coming downhill dressed in a faded blue hoodie and Caro pants his face was partially shadowed by his hood but I noticed he was tall and lean moving with an awkward sort of stiffness when we passed each other I Nodded and said hello like you do on the trail he didn't respond just glanced

at me with this strange blank expression I Shrugged it off not everyone is friendly and it wasn't the first time I come across someone like that after he disappeared around the bend I forgot about him and kept going the trail grew steeper as I climbed and the trees got denser I stopped for wire around the halfway point leaning against a boulder To catch my breath that's when I noticed it the faint sound of footsteps behind me at first I thought it was just someone else coming up the trail I glanced back but the path was

empty I told myself it was probably the echo of my own steps or maybe an animal still it made me uneasy I capped my my bottle and started walking again picking up my Pace a little the sound of footsteps faded and I convinced myself I'd imagined it I reached the top of the loop an hour later the view was beautiful stretching out over the valley below I took a few photos and sat down to eat a granola bar that's when I saw him again the guy in the blue hoodi he was standing at the edge

of the clearing maybe 50 ft away half hidden by the tree bre my stomach dropped he wasn't hiking he wasn't Walking he was just standing there facing me it felt wrong like he was waiting for something I tried to play a Cole telling myself he was probably just taking a break I packed up my things and started back down the trail keeping an eye on him he didn't move the downhill stretch should have been easier but I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being followed every so often I hear a twig snap or leaves

rustle behind me I turn Around but no one was there my heart was racing now and I found myself walking fast to than usual almost joogy the sun was starting to dip lower and the Shadows between the trees grew longer about a mile from the trail head I stopped to catch my breath that's when I heard it again the unmistakable sound of footsteps heavy and deliberate coming down the trail I whipped around and there he was less than 20 ft away the same blank Expression on his face he wasn't pretending anymore he was following me

I shouted at him what do you want why are you following me my voice came out louder than I expected echoing through the trees he didn't answer just Ed his head slightly like he was trying to figure something out then he started walking toward me panic took over I turned and ran my back bouncing against my shoulders the trail was narrow and Uneven and I nearly tripped more than once my legs burned but I didn't stop I could hear him behind me his footsteps heavier faster now he wasn't trying to hide it anymore I rounded

a band and saw a side Trail barely visible for the undergrowth without thinking I dove into it hoping to lose him the path was overgrown branches scratching in my arms and face I duck behind a large tree trying To catch my breath as quietly as possible my ears were straining for any sound but all I could hear was the pounding of my own heartart then I heard him again closer this time he was walking slowly his footsteps crunching on the leaves I pressed myself against a tree barely daring to breathe he passed within 10 ft

of me his head turning side to side like he was looking for something or Someone my chest felt like it was going to explode but I stayed frozen until his footsteps faded when I was sure he was gone I crept back to the main trail staying low and moving as quietly as I could my legs were shaking and my hands felt numb I knew I had to get back to my car but the trail had felt impossibly far away I made it another half mile before I saw him again he was standing in the middle

of the trail facing me I don't know how he got ahead of me my Mind was racing trying to figure out what to do I looked around for something anything I could use as a weapon my eyes landed on a thick branch lying near the the trail I grabbed it and held it in front of me like a bat stay back I shouted my voice cracked but I didn't care he didn't move at first just stood There watching me then he took a step forward and something snapped in me I swam the branch as hard

as I could catching him in the side he stumbled but his expression didn't change it was like he didn't feel pain I swung again this time aiming for his head he ducked and lunged At Me Knocking me to the ground the branch flew out of my hands and I scrambled to get away kicking and clawing his was strong and I could Feel his fingers ticking into my arm somehow I managed to grab a rock from the ground and smashed it against his Temple he let out a crunt and fell back giving me just enough time

to get to my feet I didn't look back I ran as fast as I could the trail blurring around me when I finally reached the parking lot it was empty my car was the only one left I jumped in locked the doors and started The engine with shaking hands as I sped away I glanced in the rearview mirror the trail head was empty but I couldn't shake the feeling that he was still there watching the building was nearly empty when I stepped into the elevator I'd stayed late at work again finishing up reports that couldn't

wait the office lights were dim for the night and the air felt colder than it should have I pressed the button for the ground flooor and leaned against the wall staring at the numbers as they started to tick down around the fifth floor the elevator jolted hard enough to make me stumble it shuttered for a second and then stopped the lights flickering once before steadying I hit the button for the ground floor again but nothing happened I pressed the emergency button but there was no sound no Response just silence I took a deep breath and

told myself I was fine elevators get stuck sometimes I had my phone and I'd call for help I reached into my bag and pulled it out but there was no signal I waited around trying to find a bar but it was useless I was trapped then I Heard a Voice hello it was a man's voice muffled and Coming from above I looked up and saw a shadow through the small crate on the elevator ceiling are you stuck in there he asked yes I said my voice shaking the elevator stopped the buttons aren't working don't worry

he said I'm the repair man I was already working on another issue in the building but at least see if I can get you out of there relief washed over me for a moment but then something didn't Sit right it was late too late for anyone to be working on the elevators and I hadn't seen any maintenance equipment or signs when I came in that morning okay I said cautiously do you need me to do anything no he said just stay calm I'll get you out soon I waited listening to the sound of metal scraping

above me my hes grew with every s Second I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off I called out again what's your name there was a pause just long enough to make my stomach twist John he said I work for the maintenance company the name felt generic rehearsed do you have an Ida or something can you show me through the crate there was another pause longer this time Look lady he said his tone sharper now do you want me to kick you out or not I didn't respond my hand tightened around my phone even

though it was useless the air in the elevator felt heavier like it was closing in around me I glanced at the emergency button again pressing it over and over but there was still no response the scraping above me stopped and I heard a thud my eyes shot up to The crate the shadow was gone John I called out there was no answer suddenly the emergency hatch on the ceiling rattled my heart jumped into my throat as I saw fingers curl around the edge the hatch creaked as it started to open and a face appeared dirty

unshaven and definitely not wearing anything that looked like a uniform almost got it he said smiling in A way that made my skin crawl what are you doing I demanded backing into the corner I need to get in there to reset the system he said it's the only way to fix it no I shouted stay out his smile faded replaced by something colder I'm trying to help you he said why are you making this harder I said stay out I screamed grabbing my bag and holding it in front of me like a shield he ignored

me pushing the hatch open further his head and shoulders were through now and he was lowering himself into the elevator I swung my back at him hitting his arm he flinched but kept coming stop I yelled swinging again this time I Hit him in the face and he lost his grip he fell back with a loud thud and I heard him cursing my hands were shaking so badly I almost dropped my bag I could hear him moving above me muttering under his breath then the elevator jolted again and the lights flickered for a second I

thought it was going to start moving but it stayed still I try to be nice he said his voice low and angry now you shouldn't have done that the hatch slammed shut and I Heard him climbing down the side of the Elevator Shaft my mind raised he was coming for me I didn't know how but he was I cracked my phone again praying for a signal but there was nothing I started pressing all the buttons on the panel hoping one of them would do something the elevator jerked suddenly and the lights went out completely I

was plunged Into Darkness the only sound my own ragged breathing then I heard it the sound of the elevator doors being Pride open from the outside leave me alone I screamed my voice echoing in the confined space the doors opened just to crack and I saw his face peering through his eyes were wide and wild and his mouth Twisted into a crin there's nowhere to go he said I SC scrambled Back pressing myself against the far wall my hand brushed against something cold and metal the emergency fire extinguisher I crapped it holding it tightly the

doors open wider and he started to climb in I didn't think I swung the extinguisher as hard as I could hitting him Square in the head he let out a grunt and fell back but I didn't stop I hit him again and again until he stopped moving the elevator door slid shut trapping me inside with The silence my chest Heap as I tried to catch my breath a few minutes later the elevator jolted again and the lights came back on the car started moving descending slowly until it reached the ground floor when the doors opened

a security guard was standing there his eyes widening when he saw me are you okay he asked I nodded too shaken to speak he helped me out of the elevator and I saw a Maintenance worker running toward us they found the man in the Elevator Shaft later he wasn't dead just unconscious he wasn't our repair man he didn't even work in the building no one knew how he got in I never rode that elevator again it wasn't supposed to be anything serious just a dumb prank Jason had been hyping it up all week saying how

we needed to do something big before summer ended he kept talking about how epicate Would be sneaking into Matt's house and scaring him while he was gaming Matt's parents were out of town and he'd been bragging all day about having the house to himself it felt harmless stupid sure but harmless the plan was simple Wait Until Dark go through the back door Jason swore Matt never locked it and jump out at him Matt would freak out we'd laugh about it and that would be the end of it But everything went wrong from the start we

got there just after 10: the neighborhood was quiet the kind of quiet that feels heavy like it's pressing down on you Jason led the way his flashlight bouncing as we cut through the side yard Sarah and I followed trying not to step on anything that would make noise the back door was there just like Jason said slightly a jar see told you Jason whispered grinning he pushed the door open and we Slipped inside t was dark except for a faint glow coming from upstairs it matched what we expected Matt's room was upstairs and he was

probably playing something on his computer Jason motioned for us to be quiet as we moved through the kitchen it smelled weird like something burnt but I didn't think much of it at the time houses have smells right the stairs creaked as we went up each sound making My heart pound harder I couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right the layout didn't look like I remembered I'd only been to Matt's house a couple of times but I was pretty sure his living room wasn't this small and the furniture wasn't so old still I didn't say

anything I figured it was just my nerves messing with me we reached the top of the stairs and Jason pointed toward the Door with the light leaking out from underneath he mouthed that's him and gave us a a thumbs up I didn't feel like giving one back Jason crept forward his hand on the door knob he counted down silently 3 2 1 and then threw the door open yelling at the top of his lungs but the room wasn't what we expected it wasn't a bedroom it was a small office cluttered with papers and old furniture

a desk lamp cast a dim light Over the mess there was no computer no mat nothing that made sense what the hell Jason said his voice breaking the silence that's when we heard it a low steady Creek coming from downstairs like someone shifting their weight on the floorboards Sarah crapped my arm her nails digging into my skin we need to leave she Whispered Jason didn't argue he backed out of the room and we started down the hallway moving as quickly and quietly as we could the creaking stopped but the air felt heavier now like something

was waiting when we got to the stairs we froze a man was standing at the bottom his face hidden in Shadow he was tall Broad shouldered and holding something in his hand a bat or a pipe I couldn't tell what are you doing In my house he said his voice was low even but but there was something in it that made my stomach drop Jason raised his hands sorry man we thought this was someone else's place it's a mistake the man didn't move you think breaking into someone's home is funny no sir Sarah said her

voice shaking we're leaving now we're really Sorry the man stepped forward and the life from the hallway caught his face his eyes were wide unblinking and his mouth Twisted into something that wasn't quite a smile you're not going anywhere he said Jason launched for the stairs but the man moved faster than I thought possible he swung the bat catching Jason in the ribs Jason crumpled gasping for air and the sound of it sent a wave of panic Through me Sarah screamed grabbing my arm and P calling me back down the hallway we ran but we

didn't know where to go the house was a maze of unfamiliar rooms each one darker than the last I could hear the man's heavy footsteps behind us slow and deliberate like he knew we had nowhere to hide we ducked into a bedroom and slammed the door Sarah locked it her hand shaking so badly she could barely turn the knob Jason was somewhere up there and I Couldn't stop thinking about the way he'd Fallen the sound of the bat hitting him we need to find a window I said my voice barely above a whisper Sarah nodded

and we started looking the curtains were thick blocking out any light but I found one and yanked it open the window was there but it was nailed shot I muttered trying to pry it open the door knob rattled behind us Sarah backed away her hands covering her Mouth to stifle a sob I know you're in there the man said his voice muffled through the door you think you can just walk into my house and leave I crapped a lamp from the nightstand holding it like a weapon Sarah grabbed a chair though I wasn't sure either

of us had the strength to use them the door shook as the man ran into it the lock held the first time but I knew it wouldn't last please Sarah wimp Please just leave us alone the man didn't answer he rammed the door again and the wood splintered in that moment I don't know what came over me maybe it was adrenaline or maybe it was just pure fear but I ran toward the window and slammed the lamp against the glass it shattered and cool night air rushed in go I yelled grabbing Sarah and pushing Her

toward the opening she climbed out cutting her hands on the broken glass but she didn't stop I followed ignoring the pain as I scrambled onto the roof the man burst into the room just as I slid through the window he reached for me his fingers brushing my ankle but I kicked out and caught him in the face he stumbled back cursing Sarah and I climbed down the side of the house our hands raw from the Brick when we hit the ground we ran we didn't stop until we were halfway down the street panting and bleeding

but alive we found Jason outside leaning against a car and holding his side he was pale but he managed a weak smile when he saw us we didn't call the police we didn't tell anyone we just got in the car and drove leaving the house and the man behind but I still see his face in my nightmares and I can still hear his voice low and calm promising we Wouldn't leave I had been searching for a job for months by then it was getting to the point where I was willing to take anything just to

stop the endless cycle of applications rejections or Worse no response at all when I got the email inviting me for an interview I jumped at it the company was called Clearview Enterprises I didn't remember applying but I had sent out so many resumes it wasn't Surprising the email was short with an address and a time it didn't even list a position title but I convinced myself that was normal I was desperate the address was for an office building on the edge of town far from the main business district it wasn't exactly remote but it wasn't

busy either the kind of area where you might find warehouses or small businesses that no one really Notices when I pulled into the parking lot there were only a couple of cars and no signs on the building except for the address number the door was unlocked and inside was a small lobby with beige walls and old carpet our receptionist desk sat empty With No Name plate or papers on it there was no sound except for a faint hum maybe from the overhead lights it felt like I had walked into a place that wasn't fully Alive

I almost turned around and left right there but I told myself to stop being paranoid the economy was bad maybe they downsized a man stepped out from a hallway as I was looking around he was tall in his 40s maybe with a clean shaven face and short hair he wore a plain button-up shirt in slacks nothing that screamed interviewer but not totally casual either he smiled and held out a hand you must be here for the Interview he said his voice was steady almost too steady like he had practiced every word in advance I shook

his hand and nodded yes I'm uh thank you for having me of course right this way he led me down the hallway it was narrow with doors on either side all of them closed the carpet was the same as the lobby and the walls were the same beige it felt endless like we were Walking deeper into a place that didn't want us there finally he stopped at a door on the left and opened it gesturing for me to enter the room was small just a desk and two chairs no DEC corations no windows no company

logo the desk was empty except for a notebook and a pen the air felt heavy like it hadn't been touched by fresh air in years he motioned for me to sit and I did he sat across from me opening The Notebook but not writing anything so he said smiling again tell me about yourself I launched into the usual Spiel upon my background my previous job and why I was interested in the role though I still didn't know what the role was he nodded along but something about his expression didn't sit right he wasn't listening not

really his eyes stayed locked on mine the entire time unblinking like he was watching Something other than me what is the position exactly I asked after a while hoping to shift the focus he tilted his head as if the question confused him we'll get to that first I want to understand you better what motivates you the question was generic but the way he asked it wasn't his tone was too smooth too rehearsed like he asked it aund times and still didn't care about the Answer I answered anyway stumbling through something about personal growth and challenges

he didn't react just stared my chest felt tight and I realized the room was warmer than it had been the air was stale almost suffocating do you live alone he asked suddenly the question hid me like a slap it was out of nowhere and completely inappropriate I froze for a second then Forced to laugh ah why does that matter he didn't laugh his smile whitened but it didn't reach his eyes just just trying to get a sense of your situation it's important to know who we're working with I didn't answer my Palms were sweating now

and I started to feel lightheaded something about this wasn't right I glanced at the door calculating How quickly I could get to it if I needed to he leaned forward resting his elbows on the desk are you nervous you seem nervous now I'm fine I lied my voice shaking good he said sitting back again that's good the silence stretched between us thick and unbearable he tapped the pen on the notebook not writing just tapping the sound was Maddening I think I should go I said finally standing up he didn't move just watched me why the

rush we're not done I don't think this is the right fit I said edging toward the door he stood then faster than I expected he was blocking the door before I could reach it his smile was gone replaced by something darker something colder sit down he said his voice flat now I said trying to sound firm but failing I'm leaving he didn't move move Didn't even blink you're not going anywhere my heart was racing now every Instinct screaming at me to run but he was too close I turned back toward the desk looking for anything

I could use the chair was too heavy but the pen I grabbed it and turned back to him holding it like a weapon move I said my voice breaking he laughed low and quiet like I had just told a joke you're not going to Hurt me I lunged anyway aiming for his shoulder and the pen sank into his shirt he yelled staggering back and I bolted past him throwing the door open the hallway felt endless as I ran the air growing thicker with every step I could hear him behind me his footsteps heavy and Relentless

the lobby came into view and I sprinted for the door slamming into it and bursting outside the cold night air hit me like a wave But I didn't stop I ran to my car fumbling with the keys as I glanced over my shoulder he was standing in the doorway watching me his shirt was stained with blood but he didn't seem to care he didn't follow me just stood there smiling that same empty smile I got in the car locked the doors and sped out of the parking lot my hands were shaking so badly I could

barely keep the wheel steady when I looked in The rear view mirror the building was dark again as if no one had ever been there I didn't report it I didn't even tell anyone I just went home locked every door and window and sat in the corner of my living room shaking until the sun came up I was driving back home late one evening after visiting my brother and the next state over the highway had turned into a smaller Road and then that road had Thinned out to just a two Lan stretch cutting through miles

of nothing trees lined both sides their dark shapes pressing in and the only light came from my headlights carving a path in front of me the sky was Pitch Black no moon no star cars just an endless void I saw the car about a mile ahead just sitting there on the shoulder with its hazard lights blinking it was an older Sedan blue or black I couldn't tell there weren't any Other cars around not for miles at first I thought it was abandoned but as I got closer I saw a figure standing beside it waving I

slowed down my hand hovering over the high beam switch debating whether to stop something about it didn't feel right I told myself it was just the late hour the isolation messing with my head people broke down all the time maybe they didn't have self service out here I Pulled over a few yards in front of the car and rolled down the passenger side window everything okay I called out the man jogged up to my car he looked to be in his late 30s or early 40s with men messy hair and a scruffy beard he wore

a jacket that seemed too thin for the chill in the air and his hands were shoved deep into his pockets his face was pale shiny with sweat despite the Cold yeah yeah he said his voice shaky car won't start think the battery's dead do you have jumper cables I kept my engine running my hands still cripping the wheel I think so let me check I got out and went to the trunk popping it open while keeping an eye on him he didn't come closer just stood there by the front of his car shifting his weight

like he couldn't stand still The hairs on the back of my neck stood up something was off about him but I couldn't figure out what I found the cables and helded him up caught him his face lit up but it wasn't reliefed it was something else something that made my stomach turn thanks just pull up closer so we can hook it up I hesitated papure at first he didn't move his hands stayed buried in his Pockets and his eyes darted toward the trees for just a split second it was quick but I caught it my

pulse quickened sure yeah I'll do that he said but instead of going to his car he started walking toward me stay back I said stepping to the side of my car I held up the cables like they were a weapon even though I knew they wouldn't do much good he froze his smile fading for a moment we just stared at Each other the only sound the ticking of his hazards and the distant hum of my engine then I heard it a rustling in the trees behind me I whipped around but I didn't see anything nothing

just darkness when I turned back he was grinning again Wier this time his teeth catching the faint light from my headlights you really shouldn't have stopped he said before I could respond a second man emerged from the woods he was bigger stocky wearing a HED sweatshirt Pulled tight around his face he moved fast too fast heading straight for me I dropped the cables and bolted for my driver for side door the first man lunged grabbing in my jacket but I twisted away slaming into the side of my car my keys were still in the ignition

the door still open I dove in slamming the door behind me as the stocky guy reached the car the first man pounded on the window yelling something I couldn't make out over the Roar of my own Heartbeat the stocky one yanked at the handle but I had locked it I threw the car into drive and stomped on the gas the tires screeched as I pulled back onto the road in the rearview mirror I saw both men standing there one of them shouting and kicking at the ground then the sedan's trunk popped open and I saw

movement a third man climbing out my stomach dropped they had planned this waited for someone like me to come Along I could barely keep the car straight As I sped down the road my hand shaking on the Wheel I glanced in the mirror again and saw headlights the sedan wasn't dead after all they were chasing me I flirted the engine whining in protest as the car surged forward the road twisted and turned and I prayed I wouldn't miss a curve and end up in a ditch the headlights behind me were getting closer brighter they weren't

just following They were gaining on me up ahead I saw a turn up off a narrow dirt path leading into the woods I didn't think just yanked the wheel and turned onto it the TIR skitted on the loose gravel but I managed to keep control the car bouncing over ruts and locks I KT the lights plunging Into Darkness I pulled over and cut the engine my breath coming in gasps the only sound was the ticking of The cooling engine and the blood rushing in my ears I waited gripping the ster ing will so hard my

Knuckles ACH the sound of an engine approached growing louder their car sped past the turn off the tail lights disappearing down the road I stayed where I was too scared to move too scared to even breathe minutes passed then what felt like hours when I finally felt safe enough to Start the car again I drove back to the main road keeping my headlights off until I was certain they were gone I didn't stop again until I reached the nearest town pulling into a brightly lit gas station I sat there for a long time shaking trying

to process what had happened I thought about calling the police but didn't even know where to begin I didn't have a plate number just fate descriptions of a men in their car What would I even say I never found out who they were what they wanted all I know is that I didn't go back to help anyone after that no matter how stranded they looked I work at a clothing store in one of those smaller outdated malls you know the type faded carpets flickering lights and barely anyone walking around except for the same few regulars

most of the stores had shut down years ago but a hand full of places Were still Clinging On I'd been at the job for a while mostly closing shifts because I was one of the younger workers I didn't mind it too much the evenings were quiet and I like being able to take my time with cleaning up this happened a few weeks ago I was scheduled to close on a Friday night normally I'd be out by 9:30 but that night the manager had asked me to finish up some extra tasks stocking shelves in the back

and vacuuming the Carpet near the fitting rooms by the time I finished it was almost 10:15 the mall had been closed for a while and the other stores were dark I could hear the faint hum of the fluorescent lights but that was it everything else was silent I locked up the front of the store and started walking toward the employee exit at the back of the mall it's a long hallway with scuffed up Tiles and cracked walls lined with storage doors for the different stores at night the place feels like a maze the overhead lights

are dimmer in that part of the building and every footstep Echoes I'd walked at hallway dozens of times before but that night it felt different I couldn't put my finger on why halfway down the hall I heard a noise behind me it sounded like something scraping against the tile Floor I stopped and turned expecting to see one of the cleaning crew pushing their cart there was nothing there the hallway stretched back in the direction I'd come empty I brushed it off old buildings make weird noises and the mall was definitely old I kept walking but

now my ears were tuned in listening for anything out of place my footsteps echoed louder than usual or maybe I was just paying more Attention to them when I reached the exit I went to push the door but it didn't budge the maintenance guy had told me before that the lock sometimes jammed if it wasn't lined up right so I leaned into it harder still nothing that's when I noticed the heavy metal bar across the door it wasn't locked exactly but someone had pushed the emergency bar down and wiched a Piece of broken mood into

the mechanism it wasn't like that earlier in the day I was sure of it I felt a tightness in my chest my first thought was to call all security but my phone was still on my bag back in the store I cursed under my breath and turned back down the hallway the other exits were farther away but there was one closer to the food court if I could get there I could Call someone the always seemed launder on the way back the dim lights casting weird shadows on the floor I heard the scraping sound again

this time ahead of me near one of the storage doors my heart was pounding but I kept walking trying to keep calm it wasn't until I passed the second door on my left that I saw it move just a little like someone pulling it shut I Froze every instinct told me to run but my legs wouldn't move I stared at the door my breathing shallow waiting for something else to happen a few seconds passed fast than a minute nothing I forced myself to keep walking picking up the pace as I moved past the door my

shoes squeaked on the tile the sound too loud in the silence I didn't look back I Couldn't my whole body was stiff like I was trying to hold myself together with sheer willpower when I got back to the store I unlocked the gate and slipped inside pulling it down behind me the space felt safer even with the dim lighting and the mannequins casting creepy shapes against the walls I cracked my bag from behind the counter and fumbled for my phone my hands were shaking so bad it took me Three tries to unlock it no signal

I stared at the screen willing the bars to appear nothing the mall must have been too deep in the building for a connection my stomach dropped I thought about trying to use the store phone but it only connected to other phones in the mall system and I didn't even know the number for security the scraping sound came again This time from outside the gate it was louder closer my breath caught in my throat I packed up gripping my phone like it was a weapon even though I knew it wasn't I moved behind the counter crouching

low trying to keep out of sight I heard footsteps now slow and deliberate moving past the gate whoever it was didn't speak didn't make any sound other than their shoes against the Tile I held my breath praying they wouldn't come inside they paused near the entrance the shadow of their feet visible under the gate I clutched my phone tighter my pulse hammering in my ears then they moved on the footsteps fading down the hallway I didn't dare move move until I was sure they were gone when I finally stood my legs were shaky and my

whole body felt weak I peaked out from behind the counter scanning the area the Hallway was empty again but I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched I knew I couldn't stay there all night if they came back I'd be trapped I decided to make a run for the food court exit hoping it hadn't been tampered with like the first one I slipped out of the gate as quietly as I could keeping my steps light every noise felt Amplified in the Stillness the food court was at the far end of the hallway past

the storage Doors and a few other shops as I approached I saw the faint glow of the exit sign above the door relief washed over me then I saw the figure they were standing in front of the exit their back to me it was the same person I had seen earlier the one who had been outside the storage door they were tall and Broad shouldered wearing dark clothes that blended into the Shadows I froze my breath catching in my Throat I stepped back but my shoe scuffed the tile the figure turned I didn't wait to

see their face I bolted my feet pounding against the floor as I ran back the way I come I heard them behind me their footsteps heavier faster they were chasing me I ducked into one of the side hallways my eyes darting around for a hiding spot I spotted at Janitor's Closet and yanked the door open slipping inside and Shutting it behind me my chest heaped as I tried to quiet my breathing pressing my back against the shelves the footsteps slowed then stopped outside the door I could see the shadow of their feet under the gap

my heart felt like it was going to explode I clutched my phone trying to all a signal to appear after what felt like an eternity the shadow moved on I waited until I Couldn't hear the footsteps anymore then slipped out of the closet and made a break for the food court exit this time I didn't stop I Barrel through the door feeling the cold night air head my face I didn't stop running until I reached my car in the empty parking lot my hands were shaking so bad I could barely get the keys and the

ignition I didn't look back I drove straight to the police Station and told them everything they checked them all but didn't find anyone the only evidence was the broken would jammed into the emergency exit door I quit my job the next day I haven't been back since the drive was long and I'd been on the road for hours by the time I pulled into the parking lot of the hotel my eyes were heavy and my neck was stiff it was one of those smaller places Two stories with beige walls and a neon sign flickering in

the corner of the lot there weren't many cars and the lobby lights looked dim but I didn't care I just needed a bed for the night inside the desk clerk was a middle-aged guy with glasses and a tired look he handed me a key card without much small talk just told me my room number 112 first floor at the end of the hallway I was grateful for that I didn't want to Lug my suitcase up any Stairs the hallway smelled faintly of bleach and stale carpet a couple of Lights buzzed overhead but most of them

worked fine the numbers on the doors were peeling a little but it was clean enough my room was at the far end right by the exit door leading to the parking lot when I slid the key card in the lock clicked and the handle turned I pushed the door open dragging my suitcase behind me that's when I noticed it the light was already on it Wasn't bright just the lamp by the bed casting a warm yellow glow across the room for a second I thought maybe housekeeping had left it on by accident I stepped in

further letting the door swing shut behind me then I saw the bag it was sitting on the chair in the corner a small duffel bag the kind you take for an overnight trip next to it on the table was a half empty water bottle and a pack of gum my chest Tightened someone was already in here I froze my hands still on the handle of my suitcase the room was silent except for the arm of the air conditioner I scanned the space quickly the bed was unmade the blankets pulled back on one side the bathroom

door was half open and I couldn't see inside from Where I Stood I thought about backing out going straight to the front desk to tell them they'd given me the wrong room but Something stopped me what if whoever was in here was still inside what if they were in the bathroom right now my heart was pounding but I couldn't move I stood there listening for any sound breathing shuffling anything but the room was quiet I took a step back trying to be as quiet as possible and reached for the door handle just as my fingers

touched it I Heard the faintest noise it wasn't loud just the soft Creek of something shifting it came from the bathroom I stared at the half openen door my breath caught in my throat the light in the bathroom was off but there was just enough glow from the bedside lamp to cast Shadows on the tiled floor one of those Shadows moved Panic Hit me hard I yanked the door open my suitcase forgotten behind Me and stumbled back into the hallway I didn't look back I just rined straight to the front desk the clerk looked up

startled when I burst in I must have looked insane out of breath and white eyed but I didn't care there's someone in my room I said my voice shaking the clerk frowned that's not possible he said you're the only guest in 112 I Insisted there's a bag and the light was on someone's in there he crapped a key from under the counter and motioned for me to follow him I didn't want to go back but I also didn't want to stay in the lobby alone so I followed him my hand shaking as we walked down

the hallway together when we got to the door the clerk knocked Hotel staff he called out no answer he knocked again harder this time still nothing he clamed gled at me then Slid his master key into the lock and pushed the door open the room was dark now the lamp by the bed was off and the duffel bag was gone the bed was still unmade and the water bottle and gum were missing too the clerk stepped inside flipping the bathroom light on it was empty I swear I stammered it was Al there the bag the

light some one was in here the clerk gave me a skeptical look but didn't Argue maybe housekeeping left the light on and forgot to finish making the bed he said I'll get you another room he left me standing there while he went back to the front desk to grab a new key I didn't want to be in that hallway alone so I followed him my stomach churning I kept glancing over my shoulder half expecting to see someone step out of one of the other rooms the new room was on the second floor and the clerk

walked me there Himself he opened the door turned on the light and waited while I checked inside this one was clean empty no signs of anyone else he handed me the key and left I locked the door behind him and slid the chain across the latch still I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off I checked the closet the bathroom even under the bed nothing I tried to settle in but every little sound made me jump I left the TV on for noise but it didn't help much Around midnight I finally turned the lights

off and got into bed though I didn't expect to sleep I must have drifted off at some point because I woke up to a sound it was faint just a soft click like a door unlocking my eyes snapped open and my heart started racing I stayed completely still straining to hear then I heard it again the soft Creek of the door someone was in my Room I didn't move I kept my breathing shallow pretending to be asleep I could feel my pulse pounding in my ears the footsteps were light careful moving closer to the bed

I wanted to scream to jump up and fight but I was frozen the footstep steps stopped right next to me and I could feel the presence of someone standing there I kept my eyes shut hoping they think I was asleep and leave after what felt like an eternity The footsteps moved away I heard the door click shut again I stayed in bed too terrified to move until the first light of dawn crept through the curtains when I finally got up my hands were shaking so badly I could barely pack my things the chain on the

door was still latched but I knew what i' had hurt someone had been inside I didn't bother checking out at the Desk I just left the key on the counter and drove away as fast as I could I don't know who it was or what they wanted but I haven't stayed in a hotel since I had been looking for a used couch for weeks and when I saw Craigslist at for one being given away for free I thought it was my lucky day the ad was simple free couch you haul it first come first served

no pictures but I wasn't picky it was the kind of thing I could throw a Blanket over and make it work in my living room I didn't expect much just something to give me by until I could afford a nicer one I messaged the poster and the reply came back within a few minutes the man whose name was Greg said the couch was in good condition and that I could come pick it up anytime after work he seemed friendly enough and there were no red flags I was eager to get the couch and figured I

would just loaded into my Truck and be on my way the address he gave was in an older part of town on a quiet street that wasn't far from where I lived I didn't think much of it the house was a big rundown the kind of place you'd expect someone who was giving away Furniture to live in the lawn was overgrown with weeds and the paint on the house was chipped but there were no cars parked out front which seemed odd I rang the doorbell and a man opened the door after a moment he looked

A little older than I expected maybe in his mid-50s with messy hair and a scruffy beard he wore a faded t-shirt and sweatpants not the most put together guy but that wasn't unusual for someone giving away free furniture hey you hear for the couch he asked his voice rough but not unfriendly yeah that's me I said giving him a small wave I'm here to pick it up crate crate Craig said stepping aside to Let me in it's in the living room just follow me I walked past him and into the house it was a little

darker inside than I had expected the only light coming from a small window in the living room the place smelled like old wooden stale air but again nothing too alarming the couch was against the far wall just like in the picture he'd sent me as I looked at the couch Craig started talking I wasn't sure anyone would want it he said his voice almost to himself you know It's just been sitting there for a while but it's a good couch real sturdy I nodded not really knowing what to say the couch looked fine though I

could tell it had been used there were some stains on the fabric but nothing that would stop me from taking it I'll just go grab my truck I said turning to head back to the door Craig didn't answer right away instead he stepped in front of me blocking my path he wasn't tall but he was stocky and he Had an odd look on his face like he was thinking about something hey you mind if I ask you something he said his voice suddenly quieter almost nervous ah sure what's up I replied starting to feel a

little uncomfortable you live around here he asked is I studying me closely yeah just down the street I said not far H Craig muttered looking away for a second you got a good job I blinked uh yeah I work at a local Warehouse why just curious he said giving me a strange smile it didn't quite reach his eyes you're not like all the others are you you know the ones who just want to take and never give I didn't know what he meant by that and I didn't want to stick around to find out something

about him was off listen I'll just grab the couch and get going all right I started to move again but Craig stepped forward blocking me again this time his posture was more forceful like He was trying to make make sure I couldn't leave you in a hurry he asked his tone turning more demanding I think we should talk we should sit down you know talk about things I felt a knot in my stomach something was definitely wrong I wasn't sure if he was high or just mentally unstable but either way I didn't want to be

there anymore no really I've got to go I said backing up toward the door Craig eyes narrowed you think I'm just Going to let you leave with the couch you think I'm some kind of idiot I froze my heart skipped a beat his voice had changed sharper angrier this wasn't the same person who' answered the door I whated I stammered Craig stepped closer to me his expression hardening you think you're just going to take something from me and leave like on some charity case he took a step forward and I instinctively took a step back

my body tensing in Response I'm not taking anything man I said trying to stay calm I just came for the couch you said it was free Craig laughed but there was nothing funny about it you think I don't know what's going on you think I don't know what people like you are really after I didn't know what he meant but the look in his eyes made me nervous I don't know what you're talking talking about all right I don't want any trouble just let me leave Craig was standing right in Front of me now his

face inches from mine I could feel his breath on my face and I could smell alcohol on his breath he reached from my arm his fingers sticking into my skin and I instinctively jerked away Panic starting to rise you're not going anywhere he said his voice low and almost a growl I didn't invite you in here for nothing you're going to stay and talk to me I backed up my hands reaching for the door handle but Craig was quicker he slammed The door shut and locked it the click echoed in my head and my stomach

Twisted with fear now he said his eyes wild we talk or else you don't leave I was desperate now I wasn't sure what he was capable of but I knew I couldn't stay there with him I had to think fast I looked around the room for anything I could use as a weapon my phone was in my pocket but there was no way I could call for help without him noticing in that moment I made a snap decision I rushed Toward the back door hoping it wasn't locked when I reached it my hand fumbled for

the handle and by some miracle it was open without thinking I bolted outside running as fast as I could toward my truck I didn't dare look back to see if he was following me I jumped in my truck slam the door and locked it my hands were shaking as I started the engine and sped off down the street the house disappearing in my rearview mirror I never went back to that house I didn't Even think about picking up anything else off Craigslist after that I don't know what Craig's intentions were but I'm pretty sure I

got out just in time I've been cycling for hours when I came across the dirt path that led deeper into the woods it wasn't marked on any of the maps but I was feeling adventurous the weather had been perfect for a long ride sunny but not too hot the kind of day you don't waste I've been exploring the area for a While now having taken some smaller winding trails and each one seemed to lead me f further away from civilization it was a peaceful ride the kind where you forget about time and just enjoy the

surroundings I didn't think much of it when the trail started to narrow the trees were getting thicker and the air fell cooler it wasn't unusual but as the path curved around a Bend I saw something up Ahead that made me stop there were three people standing in the clearing at first I thought they were just a group of hikers or campers Maybe be resting for a bit but as I got closer I realized they weren't just standing around they were digging the CR was uneven and they were working hard their shovels sinking into the dirt

as they pulled out clumps of soil they weren't talking they weren't looking up at me Either it was like they didn't even notice I was there or maybe they didn't care I slowed down my heart starting to pound in my chest something about it didn't sit right with me but I couldn't figure out why my instincts were telling me to turn around and leave but curiosity got the better of me I told myself they were probably just burying a pet or something nothing to worry about I was almost past them when I Heard one of

them speak their voice slow but clear TI the Rope the words made me stop I wasn't sure why but the tone in his voice set off a warning Bell in my head my eyes flicked to the ground and that's when I saw it a shape under the dirt it wasn't an animal it was too big for that my pulse quickened and my throat tightened I started to backpaddle but before I could turn around completely I heard a rustling behind me I wasn't Alone anymore one of them a tall man with a scruffy beard had stepped

out from the trees blocking my path he looked calm too calm and his expression was unreadable he was holding something in his hand something heavy and my stomach dropped when I realized it was a large thick rope you lost he asked his voice casual but there was a sharpness to it I didn't know what to say my mouth went dry and I could feel My legs start to shake there was no way I was going to ride past them now I was too far out in the woods and they were too close I could already

feel the knot of panic rising in my chest I uh I started trying to come up with some excuse anything that would make them let me go but I couldn't form a sentence I'm Just the man stepped forward cutting me off you don't need to be here he said still calm but there was an edge to his words now you should turn around and go back the way you tame my brain was screaming at me to move to run but I couldn't I was frozen my eyes started to the other two they hadn't stopped digging

but I could hear their footsteps behind me there was no way out the clearing was too small and my bike was too far to Reach in time we've got to finish this the man with the Rope said it'll be quick don't worry wor I knew then what they were doing and I understood the horror of it they weren't burying a pat they weren't burying anything that belonged to them it was a body it had to be I didn't know who it was but it didn't matter my chest felt tight and I struggled to breathe I

knew that I was in Danger I had to get out without thinking I turned sharply and pushed my bike into the thick brush on the side of the path I didn't look back I just pedal hard but we spinning as fast as I could make them go crashing through the underbrush I could hear the sound of footsteps behind me running chasing but I couldn't stop my heart was pounding in my ears and the world around me seemed To blur as I tore through the woods I knew I couldn't keep this up forever they were faster

than me and I could feel my legs burning I had to find somewhere to hide somewhere to lose them but the trees were closing in around me the path was getting more difficult to navigate rocks and branches kept getting in the way and I nearly lost control of the bike a couple of times I heard one of them shout but I Didn't dare look back I didn't even slow down I just kept writing the trees ahead opened up and I saw a small Creek I knew the water could slow them down so I feared off

the path making a sharp turn toward the bank I wasn't thinking clearly my mind was clouded with fear but I hoped the creek would give me the few seconds I needed to get away the moment I hit the water I lost my balance the bike slid up from under me And I crashed into the muddy Bank my hands hit the cold water and I scrambled to get back on my feet feet I could hear them now not far behind I had no time to give my bike up I just ran stumbling over the rocks and

into the woods again I didn't know how long I ran the trees seemed endless the path impossible to find I just kept moving my leg shaking my breath ragged it felt like ours but eventually I saw a break in the Trees a Road it was distant but I could see it in the distance just beyond a stretch of open field my hungs were burning and my body was Heavy with exhaustion but I pushed forward I knew that if I could just make it to the road I might have a chance maybe someone would be there

maybe a car would drive by I reached the field my heart pounding in my chest and saw the road just up ahead but then I Heard it again the footsteps close too close I didn't dare look back I ran and I ran as fast as my legs were tearing me the sound of pursuit right behind me I burst under the road my heart thotting in my ears and there just ahead was a car coming I flaged it down waving my arms wildly and the driver stopped a middle-aged man with a Confused look on on his

face I didn't say anything just jumped in the moment the door opened the man didn't question me just slammed the door shut and sped off I didn't look back I didn't speak a word the entire ride too terrified to do anything but breathe and try to process what had just happened the man dropped me off at the nearest town and I didn't stick around to thank him I don't know who they were or what they wanted but I'm never going Back to that part the woods again I never thought much about personal trainers before I'd

always been someone who liked to work out on my own but after a few months of feeling like I wasn't getting anywhere I decided to give it a shot the gym I went to wasn't huge just a small local spot but it had a good reputation so I signed up for a few sessions with one of their trainers Matt he seemed nice at first just your average guy in His late 20s a little too chatty for my taste but harmless enough I was mostly focused on getting stronger so I didn't pay much attention to the

details he'd send me a few texts between sessions nothing weird just reminders about my next workout or diet tips I didn't think anything of it he seemed professional and I was just trying to give my body in shape but over time things started to feel off it started With the compliments at first they were small you know you're really improving you're looking great stuff like that but after a while they started getting more personal your legs look amazing in those shorts you've got this great body it's going to look even better when you keep pushing

like this I didn't think much of it at first maybe he was just trying to keep Me motivated but then it started feeling like he was looking at me a little too much I noticed how he keep glancing at me when I do certain exercises it wasn't a quick look he'd stare and when I catch him doing it he'd just smile and go back to the workout but it was that smile that stuck with me it wasn't a friendly smile it felt forced I decided to talk to one of the Other trainers just to fent

a little I wasn't sure if I was overreacting but I didn't feel comfortable anymore she said Matt was fine that he was a good guy that he been working there for a while and had great reviews she mentioned that sometimes trainers got overly focused on their client's progress that maybe he just wanted to see me succeed I didn't feel reassured but I let it go then the text started coming More frequently not just about workouts but personal messages what are you up to today you should come by the gym after hours sometime we could work

out one-on-one no distractions it felt strange it felt like he was trying to take the training outside of the gym and I didn't like that I'd been ignoring most of his messages but one evening When I saw a text that red I was just thinking about you we should hang out sometime outside the gym I couldn't ignore it anymore my stomach sank I replied with a simple I'm not really looking to hang out outside of training Matt that should have been enough but it wasn't the next day at the gym he was at acting different

he was overly friendly trying to engage in small talk even While I was in the middle of my routine I was focused on my set but he wouldn't stop you look great today that shirt really shows off your arms I didn't know how to respond I just nodded and kept working after that day I noticed he started positioning himself closer to me while I worked out he'd stand beside me while I was lifting weights sometimes standing so close I could feel his breath it wasn't Natural he wasn't offering advice he was just standing there watching

the worst part was when I finish a set and he'd say something like you're so strong I could feel it from here you really push yourself don't you it started to get under my skin i' purposely tried to avoid a contact but it didn't help then one evening I came in for my usual workout and Matt was waiting for me by the door it was late and the gym was almost Empty hey he said his voice almost too cheerful I was hoping we could talk I know we've been training a lot but I've been thinking

we could maybe do something else together I mean you seem like the kind of person who' wanted to take things to the next level right his words made my heart race I wanted to say something to tell him to stop but I didn't know how to respond I Froze he saw my hesitation and for a moment I saw something in his eyes a kind of desperation it sent a chill down my spine I've been really focused on you he said stepping closer you're the kind of person who deserves someone who sees you for who you

really are I knew then I had to get out I had no idea what he was talking about but whatever it was it was not okay I backed away and said Matt I think We need to stop the sessions for a while this is making me uncomfortable his expression faltered but he quickly recovered forcing a smile of course I get it no hard feelings but his voice sounded off off like he wasn't really agreeing he looked almost disappointed but there was something else behind his eyes it was like I had just done something to upset

him that night I felt Uneasy I had a good feeling I wasn't done with him yet the next few days felt like a blur I didn't respond to his texts but they kept coming you're too beautiful to be alone I think you and I could really be something you don't understand I can't stop thinking about you I deleted every message as soon as I read it but it didn't stop it was like he couldn't take the hint I started seeing him more often Around the gym even though I tried to avoid coming in when he

was working he'd find me he'd always find me it got worse when I started staying after hours to work out trying to get away from the Gin during busier times one evening I was finishing my set when I noticed he was sitting in a corner watching me his phone was in his hand and he was staring at it like he was waiting for something I couldn't take it Anymore I told the front desk staff that I wanted to cancel my membership they were surprised but they said they process it I walked out of the gym

with my heart pounding but when I turned the corner outside there he was Matt standing by his car staring at me his eyes were wide and there was a strange smile on his face like he'd been waiting for me I felt sick to my stomach I didn't stop to say anything I didn't even make a Contact I just ran straight to my car I drove home as fast as I could trying to keep my hands from shaking the whole time I felt like like he was following me it wasn't rational I knew it wasn't rational

but I couldn't shake the feeling that I wasn't done with him that was 2 weeks ago I haven't been back to the gym since I blocked him on every platform but sometimes I'll still get random Numbers texting me asking if I'm okay telling me he misses me I know it's him I haven't told anyone about the message or what happened but I can't shake the feeling that I'm being watched it's like he's always just around the corner I live in a quiet little neighborhood it's the kind of place where people keep to themselves don't bother

one another I've always liked it that way I work From home so I don't see much of anyone most days my house is a modest one not too big not too small and I like it that way it's on A Street full of families and older couples mostly quiet folks who've been living here for years my neighbor though was different her name was Margaret I'd see her sometimes but never really interact with her she kept to herself never really left Her house unless it was for groceries or some other errand she was older maybe in

her late 60s or early 7s I don't know exactly but that was about the time I guessed she didn't have a lot of visitors and she didn't tend to socialize much with the other neighbors at first I didn't think much of it some people are just like that right introverted I didn't really notice anything strange About her behavior until a few months ago I'm not sure what made me start noticing her more maybe it was the way she started looking at me when she saw me outside at first I thought it was just a glance

but it happened again and again every time I stepped outside I'd catch her watching me from behind her curtain she'd never wave or acknowledge me just stand there peeking through the blinds her eyes never leaving me the first Couple of times I told myself I was just being paranoid maybe she was just looking at the window at something else but it started happening so often that I couldn't ignore it one day I went out to CP the mail and I saw her standing in her front yard just staring at me from across the street I

tried to make a contact to say something friendly but she turned and quickly went back Inside it felt strange almost like she was deliberately avoiding me over the next couple of weeks I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched I tried not to let it get to me but it was impossible not to notice her house was always dark except for one light in the upstairs window that seemed to stay on late into the night but more than that it was her presence always lurking in the Background whenever I went outside sometimes I'd

feel like someone was watching watching me from behind her window or through her blinds I'd look up and see the flicker of movement but by the time I tried to see who it was she already disappeared it started to get to me I found myself watching her house more and more at first I told myself I was just paranoid but I started noticing little Things small details that felt off the same car parked outside her house at different times of day but never moving the way she always seemed to be home even on days when

there shouldn't have been any reason for her to be home I started getting a strange feeling in my gut every time I walked past her house the more I noticed the more it felt like something wasn't right it wasn't until one evening when I went outside to take the trash out that I finally noticed Something that made my skin crawl I was walking back toward my house when I heard a noise a rustling sound like someone moving in the bushes near our yard I paused my heart beating a little faster and I glanced toward Margaret's

house I saw the flicker of movement behind a bush near the corner of her yard I couldn't tell what it was but it was enough to make me feel uncomfortable I quickly went inside and Locked the door the next day I was getting ready to head out for work and I saw something else I had left my car parked in the dve driveway and when I went to get in I noticed a small piece of paper wied underneath the windshield wiper it looked like a note I wasn't sure why but I felt an odd sense

of dread as I pulled it off and unfolded it there were no words just a crude drawing of a House my house and at the bottom a simple Jagged line cutting across the paper almost like a symbol of something being watched I felt a chill run down on my spine as I stared at the paper in my hands that night I decided to take a closer look at Margaret's house I wasn't sure what I expected to find but my curiosity had gotten the better of me I went out into my backyard which bordered hers and

I tried to be as Quiet as I could moving along the edge of the fence I kept my eyes on her house trying to see if I could spot anything that seemed out of place I didn't see her by I noticed something that made my stomach drop there was a Tamara a small black Tamara mounted on the corner of her house pointed directly toward my backyard I hadn't seen it before and I Hadn't heard any noise indicating she was installing it the more I looked the more I realized just how long it had probably been

there how long it had been watching me I felt sick the camera wasn't just some random thing it was a directly in my house my yard every time I stepped outside I'd been under her watch I felt like I had been living under a constant surveillance for months and I had never known it made my skin Crawl I didn't know what to do part of me wanted to confront her but I was terrified of what I might find out I thought about going to the police but what could I even say a neighbor was watching

me I didn't have proof I had nothing but a feeling and I couldn't bring myself to take it any further without concrete evidence but I couldn't just ignore it anymore the next day I went to a hardware store and bought a set of tools To cut down the camera when I got back home I waited until it was late I wasn't sure if marker would be around but I needed to take that camera down it felt like the only thing I could do to regain some control over my own life I carefully snuck into my

backyard and moved along the edge of the fence again staying as quiet as possible I didn't know where she was but I felt her eyes on me my pulse raised when I reached the spot I took up The tools and cut the camera off the house I didn't make a sound but I could feel the weight of the moment like something was about to happen I was too scared to stay longer so I quickly went back back inside closing the door behind me the next morning Margaret's house was dark again like always but something was

different I saw her standing in her window staring out at my house she didn't move didn't wave didn't do Anything she just stood there her eyes fixed on me watching it was clear now she had been watching me for months and she wasn't going to stop whatever this was it wasn't going to end on its own I knew I had to leave had to get out of that neighborhood because I didn't know what she was capable of but I also knew that if I didn't leave I would always be looking over my shoulder waiting for

the next time I'd see her Peeking out from behind her curtains I don't know what happened to her after that I left the neighborhood as soon as I could but I still feel like she's out there watching it started small at first I didn't even notice I live in a little apartment just me and my cat on the third floor of a building with thin walls and a lot of noise you hear everything arguments kids running around someone's music too loud At 2 a.m. it's annoying but you get used to it after a while te

Sakai across the hall middle-aged thinning hair always polite when we ran into each other we'd say hi now and then in passing he never seemed odd or anything just another neighbor a few months ago I started feeling watched it's hard to explain because nothing was actually wrong at first it's like that feeling when Someone's staring at you on a crowded room and you just know even though you can't see them it felt like that in my own apartment sometimes I'd glance out the window or check the people but there was never anything there then little

things started going missing a pair of socks a hairbrush a necklace I liked stupid stuff Right I thought I was just being forgetful but one day I noticed my toothbrush was what even though I hadn't used it yet that really freaked me out I tried condensing myself I'd forgotten but it stuck in my head around that time the guy across the hall Mark he introduced himself once started talking to me more always just when I'd leave for work or come back he'd say things like late night or busy day at work stuff that didn't seem

weird until I realized I hadn't told him anything about my job or schedule I thought maybe he overheard me on the phone through the walls it's not like I talk quietly I stopped feeling comfortable at home I keep my blinds closed all the time I started locking my bedroom door when I slept I even put a chair under the door knob sometimes which felt stupid but it helped me relax enough to fall Asleep one night around midnight I heard a noise outside my door it wasn't loud but it was the kind of sound you notice

when everything else is quiet a faint scrape like metal on metal my heart was pounding so hard I couldn't think straight I cracked my phone and tiptoed to the peep hole there was no one there the next day Mark asked me if I'd been okay the night before said he thought he heard something outside my door that's when I started Ed putting Things together how would he know unless he was the one out there I didn't say anything to him I just nodded and went inside I called my mom that evening trying to calm down

she told me to install cameras so I bought a couple cheap ones online and set them up in my living room and kitchen I didn't think I'd catch anything I just wanted peace of mind the first night nothing happened The second night though the living room camera caught movement at 3:14 a.m. my heart dropped when I watched the footage someone was in my apartment it was Mark he had a key I saw him walking like he belonged there he didn't even hesitate he went straight to the kitchen opened the fridge and drank from a bottle

of orange juice I just bought then he wandered into the living room And stared at my couch for a while like he was thinking about something after a few minutes he left I didn't sleep that night the next morning I went straight to the building manager I showed him the footage and demanded to know why Mark had a Tey to my place the manager looked embarrassed and said Mark used to be the maintenance guy years ago he must have kept the keys they changed the locks immediately I thought that was the end of it but

it wasn't that same evening I came home to find my door unlocked the new lock I was terrified but I forced myself to go inside everything looked normal until I checked my bedroom my closet door was open and I'd always keep it shut inside I found a small camera hidden on a shelf pointing at my bed I Couldn't breathe my hands were shaking so bad I dropped the camera I called the police right away they came and took a report but they said without proof Mark put the camera there they couldn't do much I showed

them the footage of him entering my apartment but they said it wasn't enough to prove intent I felt sick that night I packed a bag and went To stay at a friend's place I didn't care about anything else in my apartment I just needed to get out the next morning my friend convinced me to check the footage from my cameras again just in case I found more Clips Mark had been in my apartment multiple times the footage showed him moving things around my hairbrush my toothbrush Even my clothes he'd sit on my couch and look

around like he was imagining living there the worst clip was from the night before I left he'd been in my bed bedroom standing over my bed while I slept I don't know how long he was there but at one point he reached out like he was going to touch my face and then stopped I showed the police everything and that finally got them to act they arrested Mark the next day they found More cameras and a notebook in his apartment with detailed notes about me what I wore when I left why I did at home

he'd been watching me for months planning something they wouldn't tell me what I moved out of that building the same week I still feel like someone's watching me sometimes but at least I know I'm safe now Mark's in jail I don't know for how long but I Hope it's enough I don't think I'll ever feel completely okay again but at least I got out that night was colder than usual for that time of year I remember because my breath fogged up the air while I loaded the last bag into the trunk of my car I

was parked in the far corner of the lot the only space left when I arrived Earlier the shopping center had emptied out as the stores closed and now the parking lot was nearly deserted except for a few scattered cars under dim yellow lights it felt open and exposed like being on a stage with no audience I had just shut the trunk when I noticed him he was standing about two cars away leaning against the passenger side of a beat up sedan I didn't see him there before and I'd been back and forth to the car

a few Times already he wasn't doing anything at first just standing there arms crossed staring in my direction I AF Ed looking directly at him maybe he was waiting for someone I thought I opened the driver's side door trying not to look like I was rushing but my hands fumbled with the keys I dropped them and the sound of them hitting the ground felt too loud in the Stillness when I bent to pick them up I glanced in his direction again he had moved closer he wasn't leaning anymore he was standing straight hands in his

pockets still staring the hairs on my neck stood up and I climbed into the car as quickly as I could locking the doors the moment I was inside I sat there for a second Pretending to check my phone hoping he'd move on he didn't he stood there not directly in front of my car but close enough that I couldn't ignore him I started the engine the sound breaking the silence he still didn't move I I glanced in the rearview mirror then over my shoulder as I backed out of the space careful to keep my distance

from where he stood as I turned toward the exit I saw him out of the corner of My eye walking briskly toward the car he'd been leaning on it wasn't until I was out on the main road that I let myself relax a little I figured he was probably leaving too and it was just bad time me I told myself not to overthink it but I kept checking the rearview mirror the headlights of a car appeared a few seconds later pulling out of the lot behind me at first it didn't seem unusual it was a

busy area and people Were always coming and going even late at night but when I made my first turn the car followed I turned again onto a quieter residential street and so did they it wasn't just the same direction it was the same exact moves every turn I made the thoughts settled in my stomach like a stone I tried to stay calm telling myself it could still be a coincidence I kept driving taking Another turn then another until I was looping through streets I didn't normally use the car stayed with me always at the same

distance when I reached a four-way stop I decided to test it I signaled right but turned left at the last second the car hesitated then turned left too my chest tightened and my hands gripped the steering wheel so hard they hurt I didn't know what to Do I couldn't go home not with him following me I didn't want him to know where I lived I thought about calling someone but who the police I didn't even have proof yet just a sinking feeling that this wasn't normal I drove toward the main road again hoping the traffic

and lights would gave me some kind of Advantage the car stayed close its headlights bright in my Mirror I started weaving through Lanes taking random turns anything to shake them off it didn't work then I noticed something the car wasn't just following it was closing the distance when I slowed down they slowed down when I sped up they sped up too it felt deliberate like they wanted me to know they were there I turned onto a long stretch of road with no street lights just empty fields on either side my heart was pounding now and

my Breathing felt shallow I pressed harder on the gas hoping I could put some space between us the car behind me did the same suddenly their headlight started flashing on and off like they were signaling me it made my stomach churn I didn't know what they wanted but it felt like a gain to them they swered slightly their car edging closer to mine and I realized they weren't trying to follow they were trying to scare me I Spotted a gas station up ahead its Bright Lights like a beacon in the darkness I didn't think twice

I turned sharply into the lot my tires screeching against the pavement I pulled right up to the front where the lights were brightest and a security camera was mounted on the building building the car didn't follow me in it slowed down just enough for me to see it clearly a dark sedan windows tinted so I couldn't make out the Driver it lingered at the entrance for a moment then sped off into the night I sat there in my car shaking trying to catch my breath I didn't get out right away I kept my eyes on

the road half expecting the car to Circle back but it didn't eventually I went inside the gas station the bright fluorescent lights feeling like a shield I told the clerk what had happened and he let me stay there while I called someone to come pick me up I left my car in the lot that night it was safer there than anywhere else I never found out who was in that car or what they wanted the thought still creeps into my mind sometimes especially when I'm out late I don't park in empty lots anymore and I

always check my mirrors when I drive you never know I might be watching it had been a long day the library was quieter than usual as most People had left by the time I began my closing routine I'm the only one who works The Late Shift the library was small so it didn't require much to close it up just a few last minute tidying a quick sweep of the aisles to make sure no one was lingering and I could lock up and head home I usually did everything in a set order first I turned off

the computers then I straightened up the front desk and finally I walked through the aisles To make sure no one was still hiding out in the back I was almost finished ready to turn off the lights and locked the doors while I noticed him he was standing near the History Section just a little too still it wasn't the first time I'd seen someone lingering after hours people sometimes get caught up in books and lose track of time but there was something about him that felt different I wasn't far away when I first Noticed him maybe

20 ft or so and when he saw me looking he didn't move he just stood there staring at the shelves like he was dead deepen thought for a moment I thought about ignoring it but then I realized it was well past closing time and we had to lock up I walked toward him trying to look as professional as possible though I was starting to feel a little uneasy excuse me sir I said as I got closer my voice calm but firm the Libraries closing now you'll need to finish up and head out he turned slowly

to face me he wasn't very tall but his presence made him seem bigger he had a thick jacket on even though it wasn't that cold outside and a baseball cap pulled low over his face his eyes were hard to make out if I could see his jaw tightening he didn't say anything right away I'm just looking for a book he finally said his voice low and almost Hushed I glanced around trying to figure out what he was talking about the History Section was pretty well stocked but it wasn't that big and I couldn't see what

he could be looking for we didn't get many people coming in at this hour so it struck me as odd that he'd still be looking for a book when it was clearly time to leave I nodded slowly all right well I need to get the place locked up if you want to find it quickly I can help you just let me know What you're looking for he didn't respond right away instead he took a step back looking past me almost like he was weighing whether or not he wanted to leave I noticed the way he

stood a little too rigid like he was keeping himself from moving too much he was either trying to seem casual or he was waiting for something I just need a minute he said his voice colder this time I didn't like The tone my cut was telling me to be careful it was rare for someone to act like this especially when they knew the library was about to close the hairs on the back of my neck started to prickle and I took a mental step back considering my options look I said taking a small step back

myself I'm going to have to call security if you're not leaving we're Closing and you can't be here after hours at that he looked up at me for the first time his eyes narrowing slightly I could see his face better now he had a scruffy beard and his features were sharp his cheekbones high he looked older than I had first assumed maybe in his 40s though he looked worn out like he hadn't slept in days the expression on his face was unreadable like he was debating something in his mind before I could Move toward the

desk to pick up the phone he stepped closer to me blocking my path I I froze he was too close now please he said and there was a slight Edge to his voice something darker than before just let me stay I won't be any trouble his voice dropped even lower almost as if he was trying to convince himself as much as me but his body was tense like he was preparing to do Something and I knew it wasn't just about a book anymore my mind raised and and I took a slow deliberate step back keeping

my eyes on him I had to keep it together there was no way I was going to let him trap me in the back of the library I need to call security now I said again but this time my voice wavered just a bit I reached for the phone but he stepped forward and grabbed my arm pulling it back just Slightly not hard enough to hurt but enough to stop me from giving away I looked up at him and I could see it now the desperation in his eyes it wasn't just about a book it

wasn't about anything that made sense something in him had snapped or maybe it was always there you don't understand he whispered his tightening just enough to make me uneasy I just need to finish where I started I had no idea what he meant by That but I didn't have time to figure it out my my pulse was racing and I could feel Panic starting to rise he was getting closer his breath now out on my face I couldn't move I couldn't breathe I knew I had to get away but I couldn't just push him he

was too close if I made him move I wasn't sure what he'd do but I wasn't about to wait around to find out my eyes started to The door and I realized there was a step gra exit near the back of the library not far from where we were standing it was usually locked but the emergency key was in my pocket if I could just make a break for it before I could act he stepped back breaking the tension for a moment it was just long enough for me to feel a small Rush of relief

but then he did something that made my stomach drop he pulled out a small object from His jacket pocket I couldn't tell exactly what it was but it was metallic and my first thought was that it might be a knife I don't know why but in that instant my body went into autopilot I crapped my phone out of my pocket with Trembling Hands hit the emergency button and shove the phone into my pocket as I bolted for the staff door I could hear him behind me shouting something but I didn't turn Around I didn't stop

I got to the door fumbled with the key KN and forced it open I slammed it behind me and ran down the hall to the back exit I didn't look back once I could still hear his voice but I didn't dare slow down when I got outside I was out of breath my heart pounding in my chest but I didn't stop I ran around the back of the building and out to the parking lot where I saw a security guard Approaching I didn't know if the man followed me out but I wasn't waiting around to

find out I ran straight to the guard gasping for air and told him everything he immediately called for backup and they swept the library but by the time they arrived the man was gone there was no sign of him anywhere afterward I sat in my car my hands still shaking I knew I wasn't going to work another late shift again anytime Soon I haven't been back since not after everything that happened it was supposed to be a quick ski trip something to clear my head the slopes were crowded at weekend more than I liked so

I decided to take a detour off the main Trails it wasn't anything Reckless i' done this kind of thing before and knew the area well enough to navigate back without much trouble the snow was untouched and crisp And for a while it felt perfect just the sound of my skis cutting through the powder and the occasional cust of wind I was about an hour and when I saw the campsite it was tucked into a small clearing surrounded by trees and the first thing I noticed was the tent it was old and sagging under the weight

of the snow like it hadn't been touched in weeks a fire pit sat in front of it black and But cold there were no tracks no skis or snowshoes nothing that suggested someone was staying there recently the whole scene felt wrong out of place this wasn't a popular area and the weather had been bad for days as I stood there trying to decide if I should move on I heard a voice behind me hey you lost I turned startled a man was standing just a few Yards away holding a pair of ski poles he wasn't

dressed like most skiers I'd seen no bright jackets or Sleek gear he wore a thick patched coat heavy snow pants and a wool hat that looked soaked from the snow his face was pale his cheeks red from the cold his eyes were sharp almost too sharp like he'd been watching me for longer than I realized now I'm fine I said just passing through he smiled but it didn't reach His eyes not many people come this way dangerous you know easy to get turned around I'm not far from the trail I said but now I wasn't

so sure the trees all looked the same in every direction you should stay he said the weather's turning safer to stick together I glanced at the sky it was cray and heavy but nothing suggested a storm was coming even so there was something about the way he said it that made me uneasy like it Wasn't really a suggestion I appreciate it but I'm heading back soon I said he didn't respond right away just kept staring at me then without another word he walked past me toward the campsite sight he crouched by the fire pit and

started poking at it with a stick like he was trying to get a fire going I stood there unsure of what to do the clearing suddenly felt smaller like the trees were pressing in you don't Have to be stubborn about it he said not looking out I've got plenty of room it's not smart to be out here alone I'm fine I said again trying to keep my voice steady I turned my skis slightly ready to leave but then he stood up you're not fine he said lot of this time you think you know this place

you don't you'll get yourself Killed his tone had shifted sharper almost angry my heart was racing now and I felt trapped the snow was deep the trees thick and this man there was something off about him he took a step toward me his boots crunching loudly in the snow look I said raising my hands I didn't mean to bother you I'm just going to head back bother me he said laughing but it didn't sound Natural you can't leave now not in this weather you'll freeze out there I glanced behind me trying to gauge the best

direction to go my tracks were still visible leading back to where I'd come from but the snow was falling lightly now and I knew they wouldn't last long you're staying he said firmly for safety that was it something in his voice flipped a switch in me I pushed off hard with my Pulse turning sharply and heading back the way I came my skis cut through the snow and for a moment I thought I was clear but then then I heard him behind me shouting hey stop I didn't stop I didn't even look back the terrain

was uneven and my skis wobbled as I dodged trees and small dips in the ground my breath was loud in my ears my Chest burning with effort I could hear him crashing through the snow his boots slower but heavy he was following me the forest fell endless I kept looking for landmarks something familiar to guide me back to the trail but everything looked the same I was panicking and I knew it the snow was picking up now thicker and the light was fading fast at some point the sounds behind me faded I slowed down listening

but all I Could hear was the wind in my own breathing my legs were shaking my hands numb even inside my gloves I stopped leaning against a tree and scanned the area nothing no movement no sign of him I waited unsure of what to do my tracks were faint now barely visible under the fresh layer of snow if I didn't find the main trail soon I'd be stuck out here and the Temperature was already dropping then I saw him he was standing a few dozen yards away partially HD hidden behind a tree he wasn't moving

just watching me I don't know how long he'd been there but the sight of him send a jolt through me I pushed off again my skis clumsy as I tried to pick up speed the forest seemed to close and around me the trees tighter the snow deeper I couldn't hear him anymore but I Didn't dare stop when I finally saw the trail head marker it felt like a miracle I stumbled onto the the main path my skis catching on the edge of the pack snow there were people here other skiers moving in groups talking and

laughing I must have looked insane barreling down the trail breathing hard my face pale I didn't stop until I reached the lodge my hands were shaking so badly I Could barely get my boots off I didn't tell anyone what happened I didn't know how to explain it without sounding crazy the next day I reported the campsite to the park staff they said they'd send someone to check it out but I never heard anything more about it I don't know who that man was or what he wanted but I can still hear his voice sometimes the

way he said you're Staying I haven't gone SK since when I first moved into the house it was quiet that's what I liked about it the quiet I'd been in the city for years and I wanted something different somewhere out of the way the house was old but it had a big yard and a good amount of space the realtor had warned me that old houses had quirks and I figured I could handle a creaky floor or drafty Windows the noises started maybe 2 weeks after I moved in it was subtle at first Like a

faint scratching sound in the walls I assumed it was mice the house sat on a lot of land surrounded by trees so it made sense I set a few traps and forgot about it but the scratching didn't stop if anything it got worse at night I'd lie in bed and hear it moving faint but deliberate almost like something or someone was crawling through the walls I told myself it was my Imagination it had to be I worked long hours and I was tired but one night I heard something different it wasn't scratching this time it

was more like a thud a single heavy thud that came from somewhere below me I shot up in bed and listened heart pounding nothing just silence the next morning I went down to the basement to check things out the basement was unfinished mostly dirt and Old stone walls it always felt damp and I didn't like going down there but I figured if there was some kind of animal problem I needed to deal with it I didn't find anything no droppings no holes nothing that pointed to mice or anything else but that night the noises came

back this time it wasn't just scratching or thuds it was movement shuffling like something or someone was dragging themselves through The walls it sounded like it was coming from the far end of the house near the basement I sat up in bed listening trying to convince myself it was just the house settling but it didn't stop it kept going slow and steady like it was getting closer I I crapped a flashlight and went down to the basement again my hands were shaking so bad I could barely hold the Light steady the air felt colder than

usual and The Damp smell was stronger I swept the flashlight across the walls looking for anything out of place then I saw a patch of dirt near the back wall that looked like it had been Disturbed the rest of the floor was packed hard but this spot was loose like someone had been digging I did didn't know what to Do I didn't want to start taking up my basement in the middle of the night so I went back upstairs and tried to sleep I couldn't of course every little noise made me jump and I spent

the whole night staring at the ceiling waiting for the sounds to start again the next day I went back down to the basement with a shovel I started digging where the Turk was loose and it didn't take long to hit something a piece of wood rotted in Saw I dug around it and realized it was a hatch it had rusted hinges and a metal ring for a handle I stared at it for a long time trying to decide if I should open it I told myself it was just an old root Celler or something but

deep down I knew it wasn't I pred the hatch open and a cold draft hit me in the face below was a tunnel just big enough for someone to crawl through the walls were made of packed dirt and it stretched off into The darkness my flashlight barely penetrated the cloom but I could see faint marks on the walls scratches like something had been clawing its way through I wanted to close the hatch and forget I'd ever found it but I couldn't I had to know what was down there I crapped a heavier flashlight and climbed

down into the tunnel it was tight and the air smelt damp and Rotten I moved slowly keeping the beam of light ahead of me the tunnel twisted and turned and I realized it wasn't just one tunnel it was a network whoever had duck it knew what they were doing then I found something that made my blood run cold in one of the side tunnels there was a pile of old dirty blankets next to it was a plastic bag filled with empty food wrappers and cans someone had been living down here My mind raced who were

they how long had they been here and why I backed out of the tunnel as fast as I could and slam the Hat shut I called the police and when they came I showed them what I'd found they searched the tunnels but didn't find anyone the blankets and food wrappers were still there but whoever had been living down there was gone they said they'd keep an eye on the property but I could tell they didn't think it was a Big deal probably just a homeless person they said but the noises didn't stop that night I

heard them again a lot of this time it wasn't just scratching or shuffling it was banging like someone was trying to get out I grabbed a chair and wedged it under the basement door I didn't sleep at all the next morning I went down to the basement to check the hatch it was open I swear I had closed it and locked it but now it was open and the dirt around it looked freshly Disturbed my heart was pounding so hard I thought I might pass out I called the police again and this time they took

it more seriously they searched the tunnels again and this time they found something a set of footprints leading away from the house they said whoever it was had probably left but I didn't feel Safe I couldn't every time I closed my eyes I saw that hatch and I imagined someone crawling up through it into my house I packed up my things and left that same day I didn't even bother selling the house I just left I don't know who was living in those tunnels or what they wanted and I don't care all I know is

there never living in a house with a basement again It was late almost midnight when I finally locked the doors terrain had started earlier in the evening and by the time the last customers were gone it was coming down in thick sheets the diner was silent except for the steady patter against the windows and the hum of the overhead lights I finished wiping down the counters and was about to turn up the neon open sign when I saw him he was Standing outside soaked to the bone his dark coat clinging to him like a second

skin his hair was plastered to his forehead and the rain stram down his face he didn't knock didn't gesture just stood there staring at me through the glass I hesitated the diner was in the middle of nowhere just off the highway and I was the only one here it wasn't un ual to get late night sters but something about him made me Uneasy still it was cold and he looked miserable I opened the door a crack careful to keep the chain on we're closed I said please he said his voice low but steady I need

to come inside I glanced out at the parking lot his car wasn't there just mine sitting under the lone street light the storm's bad he added I won't stay long against my better judgment I unlatched the chain and stepped back he stepped Inside without thanking me dripping water onto the lolium up close he looked worse his cheeks were Hollow and his eyes were sharp and glassy darting around the room like he was scanning it for something I started to ask if he wanted coffee but he interrupted me do you work here alone his tone was

flat but there was something unsettling about the way he asked like it wasn't really a Question ah yeah I said gripping the edge of the counter but we're closed so must be quiet out here at night he said cutting me off again just you and the I way look if you need to wait out the storm fine I said trying to sound firm but I'm closing up he didn't respond instead he walked to one of the booths and sat down water pooling under him his head turned slowly taking in the Room it felt like he

wasn't looking at the diner but searching for something specific or someone I stayed behind the counter my heart pounding you've worked here long he asked after a minute his voice breaking the silence couple of years I said why he leaned forward resting his elbows on the table you like it it's a job he smiled but it didn't reach his eyes do they Know about you he asked my stomach tightened what are you talking about your boss your customers do they know what you've done the words hit me like a punch to the the cut I

think you've got the wrong person I said trying to keep my voice steady he shook his head slowly like he didn't believe me no he said I Don't I wanted to tell him to leave but the words caught in my throat he wasn't shouting wasn't threatening me but there was something about the way he spoke that made me feel trapped like he already decided how this night was going to go I don't know you I said finally you need to leave he leaned back folding his arms across his chest you don't remember me no I

Said I don't his smile faded for a moment he just stared at me his eyes unblinking then he reached into his coat pocket my hand shot to the phone on the counter ready to call 911 but he didn't pull out weapon instead he placed something small and metallic on the table a tea you drop this he said I frowned that's not mine isn't it he Asked tilting his head you sure I've never seen it before he pushed it toward the edge of the table his fingers lingering on it you'd say that wouldn't you I took

a step back back my heart racing look I don't know what your problem is but my problem he snapped his voice Rising for the first time my problem is people like you people who think they can do whatever they want and get away with it I Froze I don't know what you're talking about yes you do he said standing up the movement was sudden Jerky like he was barely holding himself together you think I didn't see you you think I don't know my mouth was dry see me do what he didn't answer instead he started

pacing his wood shoes squeaking against the floor I've been watching you he said I've seen how you look at people how you smile at them like Nothing's wrong like you're normal I cbed the phone my fingers trembling as I dialed I'm calling the police no you're not he said his voice C in he stopped pacing and turned to face me because they won't believe you I hit call anyway pressing the phone to my ear it rang once twice and then the line went dead I stared at the screen my breath catching in my throat no

signal D signal earlier I'd used my Phone to check the weather I told you he said they won't help you I backed toward the door my mind racing get out I said trying to sound braver than I felt now he didn't move you can run he said but it won't change anything I didn't wait to hear what else he had to say I bolted for the door fumbling with a Lock the rain hit me like a wall as I stumbled outside the cold air stealing my breath my car was only a few feet away but

it felt like miles I duck into my pocket for the keys my hand shaking so badly I nearly dropped them behind me the door to the diner slammed open I didn't look back I threw myself into the driver's seat locking the doors and starting the engine the headlights cut through the Darkness Illuminating the parking lot he was standing in the doorway his face expressionless I didn't wait I hit the gas steing onto the highway the rain made it hard to see but I didn't care I just wanted to get as far away as possible my

heart didn't stop racing until I saw the lights of a town up ahead I never went back back to that Diner the manager called the next day asking why I'd left without locking up I Told him the truth but he didn't believe me said the camera showed the place was empty when he arrived said there was no sign of anyone breaking in but I know what happened I know he was there and I know he'll be back I had parked my car in this small lot just off a Wooded Trail Head it wasn't a big

hiking spot or anything just one of those places locals used to get some quiet it was late maybe around 9: at Night and I'd stayed out a bit longer than I planned I was heading back to my car the gravel crunching under my boob I saw a car sitting at the far end of the lot the car's headlights were off but the engine was idling it wasn't there when I parked earlier I could see two people inside but it was dark enough that I couldn't make out their faces something about it felt off right Away

there weren't many cars out here especially this late and the nearest main road was a good 5 minutes away I told myself they were probably just waiting for some one maybe a couple who had gone for a walk I tried not to overthink it but my Pace slowed as I got closer to my car the other car was positioned so that it faced the trail entrance and I had to pass it to get to mine as I got closer the driver's window rolled down a few Inches hey the driver called out his voice was calm

casual I stopped trying not to seem startled yeah you just come off the trail he asked I nodded glancing at my car which was only a few steps away yeah just heading out now the passenger leaned forward and I could see him a little better he was younger than the driver maybe mid 20s with a hoodie pulled up over his head the driver Looked older maybe mid-30s clean shaven with a baseball cap not many people out here this late the driver said like he was making conversation yeah it's quiet I replied keeping my answer short

you come out here often the passenger asked tilting his head slightly I shook my head first time in a while there was a pause and I could feel both of them watching me I stepped toward my car reaching into my pocket For my keys you you from around here the driver asked his tone had shifted slightly like he was sizing me up not really I said just passing through I reached my car and unlocked it but before I could open the door the passenger spoke again where you headed he asked that question froze me for

a second it was the way he said it like he wasn't just curious like he wanted to Know so something more specific home I said keeping my voice steady the driver chuckled softly but there wasn't any humor in it long drive I didn't answer right away I was trying to figure out if they were just messing with me or if this was something more serious I pulled open my car door and climbed in locking the doors behind me the driver leaned out of his window his face still mostly in Shadow We were just asking he

said no need to be rude I didn't respond I started the engine and glanced in my rearview mirror the car behind me hadn't moved but I could see their brake lights flicker on for a moment before going dark again as I backed out of the parking spot the driver's voice cut through the quiet Dy safe out there it wasn't what he said but the way he said It like it was a warning I pulled out of the lot my hands gripping the steering wheel tightly I checked my mirrors as I turned onto the narrow road

leading back to the main Highway at first I didn't see their car but then about a minute later their headlights came on they followed me at first I tried to tell myself it was a coincidence maybe they were just leaving too but they stayed close too close There headlights glaring in my rearview mirror the road was winding with no street lights and the Darkness made it hard to see much else I drove at a steady speed trying not to let them know I was nervous after a few minutes I saw a turn off up ahead

a dirt road that led to another trail head I decided to take it hoping theyd keep going I turned onto the dirt road my tires kicking up gravel for a second I thought it worked their car didn't turn right away but then as I glanced in my mirror I saw their headlight swing around the corner I felt my chest tighten this wasn't a coincidence the Dirk Road was narrow barely wide enough for two cars and it wound deeper into the woods I didn't know where it ended but I didn't have much choice I sped up

slightly hoping to put Some distance between them us the other car sped up too I reached a point where the road opened up into a small clearing I slammed on the brakes my car skidding slightly and threw it into reverse I spun the wheel and backed up aiming to turn around and head back to the main road the other car stopped at the edge of the clearing blocking the way out I sat there my heart pounding their Headlights were blinding making it impossible to see who was inside I could feel the Panic rising in my

chest but I forced myself to stay calm I shifted into drive and hit the gas aiming for the narrow gap between their car and the edge of the clearing my tires skitted on the loose gravel but I managed to squeeze past them as I sped back down the dirt road I glanced in my mirror and saw their car turning around to follow me I hit the Main road and floored my car roaring as I pushed it as fast fast as it would go the other car was right behind me their headlights flashing now like they

were trying to mess with me I knew I had to get to somewhere safe the highway wasn't far and I figured if I could make it there I have a better chance of losing them the next few minutes felt like hours the road was dark and empty and their car stayed right on my Tail I could see their Silhouettes now moving in the car but I couldn't make out their faces finally I saw the Glo of the highway up ahead I turned onto the ramp my tires screeching as I merged onto the empty road the

other car followed but they didn't stay long after about a mile they suddenly slowed down and turned off onto a side road I didn't stop driving until I was Miles Away the adrenaline still coursing through me I pulled into A gas station parked under the bright lights and sat there for a while trying to calm down I didn't see their car again that night but I couldn't shake the feeling that they've been waiting for someone like me in that parking lot I was out fishing alone that night it was a spot i' gone to a

few times before off a small Creek that runs deep into the woods the water there is smooth quiet and the fish are plenty if you know where to look there was nothing Around just trees and the sound of the water moving I like that no people no lights just me in the dark and the feeling of being cut off from everything it was peaceful around midnight I'd settled into a good spot pull set up and was just sitting there waiting not thinking about much just watching the water ripple now and then I'd started to doze

off half in and out when I heard a branch snap behind me I jerked my head Up startled and there was this guy standing maybe 20 ft away I hadn't heard him come up he must have moved quietly because I'm usually good at picking up on sounds out there he was holding a fishing rod smiling at me got any bites he asked his voice was soft almost casual but something about it made my skin crawl I nodded trying to keep things normal a few I said though I hadn't caught anything all night I wasn't about

To start a conversation I just wanted him to move along but he didn't he just stood there staring at me with that smile his eyes half hidden under his cap good spot you got here he said after a while stepping closer I could feel myself tensing up but I kept calm pretending I was fine with him being there I didn't like how he was watching me though it felt wrong like he was sizing me up or something I Shrugged looking away hoping He'd get the hint and leave but instead he came closer moving slow taking

his time I could see he was a bit older probably 50s wiry but strongl looking and his clothes were a little dirty like he been out here a while he finally sat down on a log across from me facing me directly you come here a lot he asked that smile fading a little his tone was strange almost accusing once in a while I mumbled not wanting to say too much he nodded Tapping his fishing rod on the ground long enough to know the Place well then know which fish to go for when they're biting he

said his gaze sharp like he was expecting me to agree or ignit something I gave a short nod staring down at the water trying to pretend I wasn't bothered but he didn't stop you usually bring that blue cooler with you he asked pointing at the small cooler by my side I seen it before you know I felt my Blood go cold that I looked up at him trying to keep my expression blank maybe I said keeping my voice even though inside I was starting to panic a little how would he know that he leaned forward

resting his elbows on his knees watching me closely you sit on that same lock every time too same one right there on that bank I didn't Answer I just stared at him my mind racing I hadn't seen anyone else out here not in all the times I've been to this spot it was quiet private that was the whole reason I came but this guy it was like he been keeping track like he'd been out there watching me for who knows how long you're out here last Tuesday weren't you he said tilting his head his smile

fading into something darker and the Thursday before that my My heart was pounding now I hadn't told anyone I was out here on those days it was my spot my time to get away from everything I looked around the woods seeming a lot darker a lot closer than they had before how do you know that I asked trying to keep my voice steady he Shrugged his eyes still on me just happened to see you figured you'd notice but I guess not he crined like he told some joke only he Understood I didn't know what to

say I felt trapped the guy wasn't just some stranger he'd been watching me following me keeping track of when I came out here what I brought with me every little detail I wanted to stand up walk away but I was afraid he'd follow me or worse he kept going talking about little things bits and pieces is that only someone who'd been watching me could know he mentioned how I'd swatted a Mosquito the last time I was out how I'd hummed a song while setting up my poles stuff that seemed meaningless but now felt chilling I

hadn't even realized anyone was there after a while he stopped talking and just looked at me that strange grin back on his face feels strange doesn't it he asked knowing someone's been watching you all this time time I didn't answer didn't move I felt like a deer caught in Headlights I couldn't look away couldn't leave just sat there Frozen feeling more and more trapped my mind was racing trying to figure out a way to get out of there without cing his scene without making him angry then he stood up slowly stretching like he was getting

ready to leave I felt a surge of relief thinking maybe he was finally done finally going but he didn't Leave he took a few steps toward me real slow his eyes never leaving mine I'm not the only one who's noticed you out here he said Voice Low you keep showing up sitting in the same spot doing the same things people remember things like that I wanted to ask him what he meant but my throat felt tight I could barely get a word out he Le leaned in close almost Whispering next time you're out here you

might find someone else sitting in that Spot you might not like who you meet then just like that he turned and walked away disappearing into the woods without another word I sat there my heart still pounding staring after him too stun to move I didn't know what to think didn't know what to do part of me wanted to pack up and run but part of me felt like he was still out there watching from the trees waiting to see what I'd do I stayed there a few more minutes Barely breathing listening to every little sound

around me half expecting him to come back but he didn't it was like he just melted into the darkness leaving me there alone eventually I crabbed my gear and started back toward my car keeping my head down glancing around every few steps the whole way back I couldn't shake the feeling that I wasn't alone that he was still there watching me from somewhere in the Shadows I haven't gone back to that spot since haven't gone out fishing alone at night at all every time I think about it I remember his words that look in his

eyes I'll never forget it I was out in the woods late later than I planned but I tracked a buck that looked too good to pass up the sun had already gone down but the moon was enough to keep me from tripping over roots and branches so I pressed on there's a quiet out there in the woods at night almost a Kind of peace and I was used to it it's what I liked about hunting alone actually just me and the night and whatever's out there I was crouched near a tree listening trying to pick

up any sounds that's when I heard it the faint sound of voices not too far off I figured it was some other Hunters though it seemed odd anyone would be out here this late but I thought maybe they were camping or maybe they'd had the same Idea as me and stayed up past dark I was going to ignore it and keep moving but something about the tone of the voices caught my attention they weren't talking normally it sounded tense almost like they were fighting I got curious and decided to take a closer look I knew

these Woods well enough to be quiet to move without making much noise so I crept over getting close enough to hear what they were saying there were two Men I couldn't see them yet just hear them one ofan sounded angry frustrated and the other was talking low trying to calm him down you didn't have to do that the calmer one said his voice barely above a whisper I told you I didn't have a choice the angry one shot back we wouldn't be in this mess if you just kept your mouth shut I froze every Instinct

telling me to get out of there but something made Me stay crouched down behind a thick bush listening I didn't know what they were talking about but it was clear it wasn't something I was meant to hear you think anyone saw the first guy asked his voice low but I could still hear the Anor in it no one was there all right let's just let's just get it done then we can move on the second guy sounded calmer like he was trying to take control of the situation there was silence for a moment And then

I heard a sound that made my blood go cold the snap of a twig way too close my first thought was to run but then I realized the sound hadn't come from me it was the two men they were moving and they were coming closer I tried to back up moving slow careful not to make any noise but just as I took a step my foot landed on a dead branch and it cracked it wasn't loud but in the quiet Of the woods it sounded like a gunshot there was a sudden Silence from the two

men and then the angry one spoke up lot of this time did you hear that I stopped breathing hoping they'd brush it off hoping they keep moving but then the other guy said someone's out here panic hit me like a punch to the gut I was crouched down in the dark trying to make myself as small as possible but I could hear them moving now their footsteps crunching through The leaves they were getting closer moving in my direction and I I knew they'd find me if I didn't do something I thought about standing up about

making a run for it but I didn't know how fast they were didn't know if they'd have a gun so I stayed put trying to make myself blend in with the Shadows hoping they'd walk right past me but they didn't they stopped just a few feet from Where I was hiding close enough that I could hear their breathing I could see their shapes in the dark now just barely two figures standing there listening whoair the angry one called out he was trying to sound tough but I could hear the fear in his voice come out

now and we won't hurt you I knew it was a lie I could hear it in the way he said it like he was trying to convince Himself as much as he was trying to convince me I didn't move didn't breathe just stayed still hoping they'd get tired and leave but then the other guy spoke up up his voice low and cold we know you're here if you come out now we won't have to make this worse for you that was all I needed to hear I knew they weren't going to leave until they found

me and if they found me I had no idea what they' do I shifted trying to inch away but the Angry one must have hurt me there he shouted and before I knew it he was charging toward me crashing through the underbrush like he didn't care care about making noise anymore I bolted taking off through the trees my heart pounding so loud I could barely hear anything else I didn't know where I was going just knew I had to get away from them I could hear their footsteps behind me the angry one cursing the other

one telling Him to keep quiet but they didn't stop I don't know how long I ran my legs were burning my lungs felt like they were on fire but I didn't stop I couldn't stop not with them right behind me crashing through the trees getting closer every second finally I saw a break in the trees up ahead a clearing Moonlight spilling over the grass I knew it was risky stepping out into the open but I didn't have a Choice I sprinted toward it hoping they'd lose me in the dark hoping they'd give up but as

soon as I stepped into the clearing I realized my mistake there was no cover nowhere to hide I was out in the open exposed and I could hear them closing in behind me I turned saw their shapes emerging from the trees and I knew I had seconds maybe less I spotted a fallen log near the edge of the clearing and through myself behind it pressing myself flat against The ground trying to blend in with the Shadows they stumbled into the clearing a moment later the angry one breathing hard his eyes scanning the area the other

guy was quieter his gaze sharp like he was taking in every detail where' he go the angry one demanded his voice panicked you said you saw him I did the other one replied his voice cold he's close just keep looking they started moving around the clearing their Flashlights cutting through the dark the beams sweeping over the grass getting closer to where I was hiding I held my breath pressing myself as flat as I could hoping they wouldn't see me then the flashlight being swept over the log and for a second I thought they'd missed me

but then the light swung back and I knew they'd spotted me there the angry one shouted and he lunged toward me I scrambled to my feet stumbling as I tried to run but he was faster his hand Grabbing my arm yanking me back I twisted trying to break free but his was like iron let go I shouted Panic making my voice shake the other guy stepped forward his expression calm almost bored we told you to come out he said his tone cold now we have to make sure you don't talk I didn't know what he

meant by that but I knew it wasn't good I struggled kicking and thrashing and somehow Managed to pull free stumbling backward the angry one lunged at me again but I ducked dodging him and took off running not looking back I don't know how I made it out of those woods I just ran pushing through branches tripping over Roots my lungs burning my heart pounding I didn't stop until I could see the lights of a road up ahead until I knew I was far enough away that they couldn't catch me I finally made it back To

my truck I didn't waste a second I jumped in locked the doors and drove not stopping until I was Miles Away safe I don't know who they were or what they were doing out there but I know one thing I'm never going back to those woods again I was passing through this small town somewhere out in the countryside just trying to make it to my next destination before Midnight I'd been driving a long time and my eyes were starting to feel heavy so when I spotted the lights from an old looking Pub on the side

of the road I figured I'd stop in for a quick drink maybe something to wake me up a bit the place looked like it had been there for years crumbling brick a wooden sign that SED with every gust of wind the windows were fogged up but there was a Glo coming from inside I could hear faint laughter and The arm of conversation so it felt safe enough just a little cozy spot tucked out of the way I pushed the door open and every sound stopped it was like someone hadd mute on a TV every single

person in that place turned to look at me I felt this weird jol go through me like I was some animal caught in headlights but then one by one they all started Smiling it wasn't unfriendly more like they knew me or thought they did the bartender a tall older guy with gray hair slick back waved me over like he'd been expecting me I wanted to turn around and leave but it felt root somehow so I nodded a bit stiffly and walked over to the bar evening stranger he said grinning wide almost too wide we've been

waiting for you sorry I think you might have me mixed up with someone else I said trying to laugh It off I'm just passing throw the bartender chuckled shaking his head no mistake you're right on time it was unsettling but I figured he was just being friendly so I ordered a drink as I waited I noticed a few people were still looking at me from their tables they all wore these little smiles watching me with this strange intensity I looked down in my glass and took a sip trying to ignore them but Their eyes never

left me I felt trapped under all that attention when I nearly finished my drink I nodded to the bartender and tried to stand but before I could a hand landed on my shoulder I glanced up and there was this woman older maybe in her 50s with this dark red lipstick that was just a little smoted don't be in such a hurry tiar she said her voice soft but firm stay a while yeah another voice chimed in I Looked over and saw a man a few stools down smiling at me with these eyes that looked far

too excited you just got here no need to leave so soon something about the way he said it made my skin crawl I Shrugged her hands off forcing a smile I really should get going I have a long drive ahead the bartender set another drink in front of me though I hadn't ordered it on the House he said giving me that same grm just stay a bit longer no harm in that is there I looked around the room every person was staring at me now I tried to stand again but the older woman leaned over

and whispered we don't get visitors here often especially not ones like you the way she said that last part made my stomach twist ones like me I repeated my voice Barely above a whisper she nodded slowly ones who fit I didn't know what she meant and I didn't want to know I pulled out a few bills and set them on the bar keeping my movements slow and calm thanks for the trink but I really have to go the bartender's smile faded just a little his eyes narrowed like he was calculating something leaving Already that's a

shame I backed toward the door every Instinct in me screaming that I needed to get out of there just as my hand reached the handle the door swung shut locking itself my pulse spiked what what's going on just relax the bartender said his voice smooth and calm no need to get worked up you're safe here the people around the tables began to stand up slowly almost in Unison they didn't say a word just watched me like they were waiting for something I said I have to go I managed trying to keep my voice steady a

man near the door shook his head smiling that same awful smile you can't leave yet we've been waiting a long time for you that was when it hit me they weren't joking they were serious every one of them seemed to think I was meant to be here like I'd been part of some plan they'd been Hatching the air fell thick heavy like it was pressing down on me trapping me in that room look I don't know what this is but I'm leaving I said lot of this time my voice echoed in the quiet the bartender

sighed almost like he was disappointed it's not safe out there for someone like you especially not tonight the words were chilling the way he said them I felt a bead of sweat run down my neck I'll take my chances I tried to pull the door open Again but it wouldn't budge then I heard the lock click I turned and saw the bartender holding a set of keys twirling them around his finger with that smunk look on his face you're not going anywhere he said the people were getting closer now moving in around me blocking every

possible way out my mind raised searching for some excuse some way to get them to let me go please I just stopped in for a drink I didn't mean to Intrude oh you're not intruding the older woman said her voice almost sweet this is exactly where you're supposed to be I took a step back feeling my heartbeat hammer in my ears why are you doing this like we said the bartender replied his smile never wavering we've been waiting I could feel the walls closing in every face watching me with that unblinking stare as if they'd

already made up their minds about something my Pulse was racing my breathing shallow I didn't care if they thought I was crazy or rude anymore I had to get out of there I turned pushing through the small crowd shoving anyone in my way I didn't care about the looks the gasps The disapproving Whispers I just needed to get to that door I could hear them behind me their footsteps closing in but I pushed harder slamming my shoulder into the door with all the strength I had somehow it gave Way just enough for me to slip

out I stumbled into the night nearly tripping over my own feet as I sprinted to my car I didn't look back I didn't want to see if they were following I fumbled with the keys hand shaking so badly it took me three tries to unlock the door I threw myself inside and locked it jamming the key into the ignition as the engine Roar to life I Finally looked up at the pub they were all standing there in the doorway watching me those same blank expectant Smiles on every face the bartender raised his hand giving me

this slow almost friendly wave like he was saying goodbye to an old friend I hit the gas and tore out of that parking lot my art still pounding even as I got back on the highway I didn't look back I kept driving even when the headlights of the pub faded in the Distance every so often though I thought I could see that place out of the corner of my eye still standing there waiting I don't know what they wanted from me and I don't think I ever will but I know one thing I'll never stop

at another small town bar again I had been working a stressful job for the last few months so when I finally got a weekend off I decided to get away for a bit I booked a small remote Cabin in the Woods about 2 hours Away from the city the kind of place where there's no phone service no internet just peace and quiet perfect for getting my head straight I got there late on a Friday evening just as the sun was setting and I could already feel the tension from work start to melt away the cabin

was rustic a little older than I expected but it was cozy it had one of those old wood burning stoves and a fireplace that Crackled when I lit it there was no one else around for miles and I made a point not to mention this trip to anyone not even on social media I didn't want anyone to know where I was I was just there to relax and clear my mind the first few hours were calm I unpacked made a simple dinner and sat by the fire I didn't have any plans for the weekend just

wanted to enjoy the Silence I spent the night watching a movie on my laptop the kind of thing you do when you're alone in a cabin listening to the crackling of the fire and the occasional sound of wind moving through the trees outside around midnight I decided to go to bed the cabin was dark but the Moonlight outside provided enough FL for me to make my way to the bedroom I locked all the doors and windows checked the stove to make sure It was off and got into bed the Sheets Were soft and for the

first time in weeks I felt like I could actually get some sleep I don't know exactly when I fell asleep but I woke up suddenly maybe around 2:00 a.m. I wasn't sure what had woken me but there was a feeling in the air something wasn't right I lay there wide awake listening to The Silence of the cabin for a moment I thought maybe I had just been imagining things but then I heard a faint sound a soft shuffling noise like something scraping against the wood floor I sat up in bed straining my ears trying to

figure out what it was the house was completely still no animals no wind it was dead quiet but then I heard it again the sound of something moving just outside my door my heart started pounding in my chest I didn't want to be paranoid but I Couldn't shake the feeling that someone was there I told myself it was probably just a wind or maybe an animal outside but then the sound came again this time much closer like something was right outside my door I didn't move I just lay there listening then came a faint tap

on the door I froze I didn't know what to do I wasn't expecting Anyone no one knew I was here the tap was soft almost like someone was trying to be quiet but I could still hear it clearly I wasn't sure if I should check or not part of me thought I should just ignore it that maybe I was just hearing things but the other part of me the part that was suddenly scared wanted to know who it was I got out of bed slowly making sure not to make any noise my feet hit the

coldw of the floor as I tiptoed toward the Door I didn't dare open it but I stood close to the edge trying to listen I could feel my heartbeat in my throat and I held my breath for what felt like forever there was no sound then out of nowhere there was a soft slide under the door I jumped back almost falling over my heart was racing now something had been slipped under the door I didn't know what it was but the thought of someone being out there so Close sent a chill through me I felt

trapped like I couldn't get away from whatever it was I walked carefully to the door my legs weak with nerves I didn't want to open it but I had to know I bent down slowly reaching for the paper that had been left there when I looked at it my stomach dropped the letter was handwritten written in neat careful Handwriting it said I saw you take a walk this afternoon the forest was quiet too quiet I wonder what you did out there my head spun I hadn't seen anyone I hadn't heard anything the idea that someone

was out there watching me made my skin crawl I stood there for a moment the letter in my hand trying to think it did make sense how could someone know where i' Been I had stayed on the path all day far away from the cabin I hadn't seen a soul I hadn't even thought to lock the door when I went out but there was no way someone had followed me that day right I started to panic I looked around the room like I might spot something someone but there was nothing just a normal empty cabin

I couldn't even bring myself to check Outside what if someone was watching me now I locked the door again double check the windows and tried to go back to bed but sleep was impossible the feeling of being watched kept me awake the letter burning in my mind I kept imagining someone out there in the woods hiding just waiting for me to make a mistake the next day I spent most of the time inside the cabin looking up the windows paranoid I didn't go outside much I didn't want to risk being seen the whole day felt

off like something was lingering in the air it wasn't until I finally decided to leave that I realized the door had been unlocked the handle had been moved just enough for me to see they' had been tampered with but I was sure I'd locked it before I went out that night I didn't know what to expect I was too scared to sleep too scared to stay in the cabin I waited for Hours my mind racing and then just as the night before there was another tap on the door quiet deliberate I didn't even bother checking

the door this time I just grabbed my things and without a second thought I ran I didn't even know where I was going at first but I just needed to get away I didn't care if it was dark or if I had no PL I had to leave the cabin as I've walked Through the woods I kept looking over my shoulder half expecting to see someone following me I don't know why I didn't call the police maybe I was just too scared or maybe it didn't feel real but the farther I got from the cabin

the more I felt like I was finally free when I finally reached the nearest road and found a car to get me back into town I felt like I could breathe again I didn't go back for my things and I didn't think I ever would I'm not sure who was Watching me or why they were doing it but after that night I never went back to that cabin and I never will I used to do my laundry at the 24-hour laundr at a couple blocks from my apartment it was old small and pretty rundown but

it was the only place close by that didn't charge a fortune I always went late at nights since I didn't like the crowds and honestly I thought it would be Safer I didn't expect anyone to be around at that hour maybe just the occasional person passing through that night was quiet the only sounds were the lwh of the machines and the clinking of points as I loaded them in the fluorescent lights buzzed above casting this dim Cold Light across the whole place I kept my head down folding close while I waited for the dryer to

finish I didn't pay much attention to Anything around me at first then I noticed him I glanced up and there he was standing outside just beyond the glass doors he was just staring right through the class watching me like he was studying something his eyes didn't move his gaze was fixed straight on me not looking at anything else it was unsettling but I tried to tell myself he was just waiting for someone or maybe taking a break if he worked Nearby I tried to ignore it I went back to folding keeping my head down focusing

on the shirts in front of me but I could feel him watching every time I looked up he hadn't moved he was still there just standing with this strange blank look on his face I tried to brush it off told myself there was nothing a few minutes went by and I thought he might have left but then I looked up and he was Gone I felt a wave of relief maybe I was just making a big deal out of nothing I let myself relax focusing on the warmth coming from the tri as I took out

my clothes close but then just as I was about to finish I heard the sound of the door creaking open I looked up and there he was stepping inside the laundr mat he didn't say anything he just stood near the door Looking around almost like he was pretending to be interested in the machines he didn't have any laundry with him didn't look like he was here for that at all I kept my head down telling myself to just ignore him that he'd leave once he saw it wasn't paying attention but he started walking over slow

taking these soft steps that barely made any noise my heart was pounding but I tried to act normal pretending I was focused On my laundry then he stopped just a few feet away from me close enough that I could feel his presence you here alone he asked his voice slow almost like a whisper I didn't answer right away I thought maybe if I ignored him he'd get the hint but he didn't move he just stood there waiting his eyes fixed on me like he could see right through me I finally forced myself to Look up

trying to keep my voice steady as I replied I'm just finishing up he nodded but he didn't leave instead he took a step closer still staring he looked so calm almost like he was waiting for something some signal to move I felt this deep sense of unease settle in like I needed to get out of there right then I glanced at the clock hoping it would be a decent time to call someone but it was past Midnight no one would be awake you come here often he asked his tone casual like we were just two

people chatting I forced a nod keeping my eyes on my laundry folding each piece as quickly as I could he moved closer again stepping right into my space I felt trapped cornered between him and a row of washers I could feel his eyes on me every move I made like he was studying me waiting for a Reaction he didn't say anything after that just kept standing there so close I could smell his stale breath the faint smell of smoke clinging to him I was just focused on my hands trying to stay calm telling myself he

get bored and leave but he didn't you know I forgot something here last time he said finally breaking the silence thought I'd come back and look for it I just nodded again not wanting to Engage I was scared the way he was looking at me felt wrong like he was enjoying how uncomfortable I was I started to Edge toward my laundry bag hoping he wouldn't notice that I could just grab my stuff and leave but he noticed he moved his arm blocking my way forcing me to look up at him his eyes were dark empty

almost like there was nothing behind them you in a hurry he Asked a slight smile forming on his face I swallowed hard trying to keep my voice steady yeah I I've got to go he just stood there that creepy smile not moving I started to feel my pulse Quicken the air around me suddenly feeling thick like it was hard to breathe I took a deep breath stealing myself I just needed to get past him get to the door I didn't care about leaving the laundry Behind I took a step back and he took a step

forward my heart was pounding so loud I could barely hear anything else I felt my throat tighten I took another step back and he nurd me each of us moving in this strange silent dance like he was taunting me finally I managed to break away moving around him keeping my eyes on the door but just as I was about to reach it he crabbed my arm his was tight almost Painful I looked up at him my stomach twisting you're leaving already he asked his voice barely above a whisper I tried to pull my arm free

but he held on his hand was cold and his was firm I could feel the Panic rising in me my mind racing with all the worst case scenarios I've got to go I said barely managing to get the words out for a moment he didn't move didn't let go he just looked at me that same empty stare like he was trying to decide Something I thought about screaming but I didn't know if anyone would hear me the landr map was isolated with no one around at this time of night then finally he released me I

stumbled back grabbing my things as fast as I could my hand shaking so badly I could barely hold on to them I didn't look back didn't say anything else I just bolted for the door my heart racing as I stepped out into the cold night air as I walked home I felt his eyes on me Even though I didn't look back to check if he was watching I just kept walking my mind replaying everything that had just happened my stomach twisting with fear I didn't stop until I was safely inside my apartment locking the door

behind me my hands still trembling after that night I couldn't go back to that laundromat I started going to one across town no matter how inconvenient it was I Didn't care I never wanted to see that man again never wanted to feel that kind of fear sometimes late at night I still feel like he's watching me I was sitting there waiting for the train in the cold empty station it was late past midnight and there wasn't another Soul around except for this one guy across from me I didn't pay him much attention at first I

was tired nodding off a bit just Wanting the train to show up so I could get home but I started to feel something like someone's eyes on me I looked up and there he was staring right at me at first I thought he was just some hired guy zoning out maybe looking in my direction by accident I looked away shifted in my seat tried to ignore it but every time I looked up he was staring not moving just looking at me his eyes were wide intense and it felt Like they were cutting right through me

he didn't blink didn't shift his weight just stared like he knew me or something like he was waiting for me to do something I felt uneasy it's hard to explain but there was something wrong about his stair like it was too focused too personal I decided to get up put a little space between Us so I walked over to a different bench closer to where the train was supposed to come I sat down took out my phone tried to look busy but I could still feel it the feeling of being watched and sure enough a

few moments later I see him out of the corner of my eye he'd gotten up too he walked over to my new bench real slow like he was taking his time enjoying it or something he sat down right next to me not across not a couple Of seats away right next to me close enough that I could feel him breathing smell the faint scent of something stale on him like old cigarettes and sweat he didn't say anything at first just sat there looking forward I could see him from the corner of my eye that same

intense unblinking stare finally he leaned over real close to my ear and he whispered why did you move it sent a chill down my spine his Voice was raspy quiet like he didn't want anyone else to hear even though it was just the two of us I didn't know what to say so I just mumbled something about wanting to be closer to the tracks he smiled a slow strange smile that didn't reach his eyes and then he said you shouldn't have moved I felt my skin prickle like he was trying to get a reaction out

of me I thought maybe he was drunk or just looking to mess with Someone I turned slightly trying to look away hoping he'd take the hint but he didn't he leaned closer like he had something to share like he knew a secret he whispered again again barely a breath this time you shouldn't be out here alone it was such a strange thing to say and it felt like a threat like he knew something I didn't I didn't know how to respond so I just muttered something about how I was fine how the train was coming

Soon I was trying to keep calm but I could feel my pulse quickening he didn't say anything else for a while just kept sitting there too close too still then out of nowhere he started talking again and this time he was talking about me you live over on Oak Street don't you he said like it was the most casual thing in the world I froze Oak Street was where I lived but I'd never seen this guy before never even talked to him my mind raised trying to figure out how he could know that I managed

to stammer how do you know where I live but he just laughed the slow scratchy laugh that didn't sound right he looked at me that smile creeping back onto his face and said I know more than that I know you get home around this time most nights I know you stop at that little coffee shop on the way I know you don't Like the dark I felt my heart pound harder my chest tightening I didn't know how he knew these things I hadn't seen him before hadn't told anyone where I lived or what my routine

was it was like he'd been watching me keeping track but why and for how long I tried to get up tried to put some distance between us but he crapped my wrist tight his fingers Digging in my claws I could feel the roughness of his skin and his was stronger than I expected where are you going he asked his voice low his eyes wide and unblinking like he was enjoying the fear he could see in me I just I need to get something from my bag I lied trying to stay calm he didn't let go

not right away he stared at me searching my face and then finally he let go but he didn't Move he just sat there watching as I stood up his head tilted slightly like he was waiting for something I packed away slowly keeping my eyes on him and moved to another bench further down the platform but he didn't stay put for long a minute later he was on his feet walking toward me that slow deliberate Pace again he didn't break a contact didn't blink it was like he was trying to make me feel as uncomfortable as

possible Like he was enjoying it he sat down next to me again close enough that our knees almost touched and he leaned in that grin back on his face I knew you'd move again he whispered I knew you couldn't stay still I didn't say anything I was too scared my mouth felt dry and I could feel my hand shaking I tried to look away to pretend he wasn't there but he reached out Grabbing my chin turning my face toward him his was firm his fingers cold he looked into my eyes and there was something in

his gaze something dark something wrong you know I could follow you he said softly his voice almost gentle but his eyes were full of something sharp something that felt like it was slicing into me I could follow you all the way home and no one would know no one would see I felt a surge of Panic I yanked my face away scrambling to my feet my heart pounding so hard I thought it might burst I didn't care about being polite anymore didn't care if I looked crazy I just wanted to get away from him I

backed up moving toward the edge of the platform closer to where the security cameras were hoping they catch whatever was happening he didn't follow me this time he just sat there smiling watching me His head tilted his eyes never leaving me I stayed near the cameras my hand shaking waiting for the train praying it would come soon he didn't move didn't come any closer but he kept watching his smile never fading finally I heard the rumble of the train in the distance relief washed over me and I stepped closer to the edge ready to get

on ready to put as much distance between me and this man as Possible but just as the train pulled up he stood up took a few steps toward me and said one last thing I'll see you soon the train doors opened and I practically jumped inside side my heart racing I didn't look back as the doors closed didn't look to see if he was still standing there watching I just sat down my hands still shaking my mind racing I didn't know who he was didn't know how he knew so much about me but I Knew

I never wanted to see him again but that night as I lay in bed I couldn't shake the feeling that he'd been serious that he'd find me again somehow I kept the lights on kept the doors locked and tried to tell myself it was over but deep down I knew he wasn't done with me not yet the train station was almost empty snow was coming down a art the kind of storm that makes it impossible to see more than a few few feet ahead I Had been waiting for hours already hoping the delayed train would

finally show up the wind cut through every layer of clothing I had on and even in the small waiting room the cold seeped in through the walls there were a few other people around just enough to feel like I wasn't completely alone but not enough to make it any less Eerie one woman with a suitcase sat in the corner staring at her Phone a couple of guys were slouched on the benches near the door door talking quietly and then there was the man on the far end of the platform at first I didn't think much

about him he was standing by himself bundled up in a long coat and scarf his had pulled low over his face he looked like anyone else waiting for the train but something about the way he stood there bothered me he wasn't pacing or checking his phone like Everyone else he was completely still just standing there with his hands in his pockets when I looked over at him again I realized he was staring at me I turned away quickly pretending I hadn't noticed but it unsettled me I kept telling myself there was nothing people stare sometimes

without realizing it maybe he wasn't even looking at me but every time I glanced back his head was still turned in my Direction he didn't move didn't shift his weight didn't look away after a while I couldn't take it anymore and decided to go back inside the waiting room it wasn't much warmer but at least it felt less exposed I found a seat where I could still see the platform through the window the man was still out there still staring the snow was piling up around him but he didn't seem to notice everyone else had

either gone Inside or left I tried to distract myself by scrolling through my phone but I kept glancing up at the window he was still there he hadn't moved an inch finally The train pulled into the station the sound of it was almost a relief breaking the silence that had been pressing down on me all night I crapped my bag and joined the small group of passengers heading for the Doors when I stepped outside the cult hit me like a wall and I hurried to get on board as I climbed the steps I looked back

over my shoulder the man was walking toward the train now his Pace steady and deliberate I didn't see him carry a bag or a ticket but I told myself not to overthink it maybe he just didn't have much luggage I found a seat near the middle Of the car next to a window the train was quiet with only a handful of people scattered throughout I sat down trying to shake off the unease that had been built building all night the man walked into the car a few moments later he didn't sit down right away instead

he stood near the entrance looking around like he was deciding where to go then he started walking down the aisle his footsteps slow and heavy On the floor he passed by several empty seats before stopping a few rows behind me I couldn't see him without turning around but I could feel his presence the way you can tell when someone's watching you even if you can't see them I tried to ignore it staring out the window at the snow covered landscape rushing by the train moved steadily through the storm the rhythmic Sound Of The Wheels On

The Tracks almost soothing but every so Often I caught a glimpse of his reflection in the glass he was still sitting there still watching The Ride felt endless I kept telling myself that as long as I stayed in my seat and didn't react everything would be fine maybe he wasn't even watching me maybe I was just being paranoid but then out of the corner of my eye I saw him get up he walked slowly down the aisle his footsteps louder than They should have been in the quiet car I tensed up gripping the armrests of

my seat but he didn't stop he walked right past me and into the next car I let out a shaky breath trying to to convince myself that it was over he was gone but something told me not to relax just yet I kept my B close and stayed alert watching the door to the next car minutes passed and he didn't come back I started to think maybe I had overreacted when the train pulled into The next station a few people got off I thought about leaving too but it was late and I didn't want to

get stranded in another another unfamiliar place I stayed in my seat hoping the rest of the ride would be uneventful but then I saw him again he was standing on the platform just outside the window I don't know how he got off the train without me noticing but there he was staring up at me through the Glass his hood was still pulled low and his face was shadowed but I could see enough to know it was him he didn't move didn't try to get back on the train he just stood there watching as the doors

closed and the train pulled away I didn't see him again after that the rest of the ride was quiet but I couldn't shake the feeling that he was still out there somewhere watching while I finally got to my stop I practically ran off the train and into The station it wasn't until I was in a cab heading home that I started to feel safe again even now I can't explain what happened I don't know who he was or what he wanted but every time I think about that night I can still feel his eyes on

me unblinking in the middle of that snowstorm