That night the house felt different.
Too quiet.
Every sound made me nervous.
The wind outside.
A car passing.
Footsteps from the security guard.
Amara stayed with me in the living room.
Neither of us wanted to sleep.
"You think he's nearby?" she asked.
"I don't know."
But my instincts said yes.
Suddenly the lights flickered.
Both of us froze.
Then my phone buzzed again.
A photo appeared.
My stomach dropped.
It was my house.
Taken from outside.
Just minutes ago.
Amara whispered, "He's here."
My chest tightened.
Another message arrived.
"Look outside."
Slowly, I walked toward the window.
My heart pounding louder with every step.
Then I saw something that made my blood run cold.
Across the street.
A car.
Engine running.
Headlights off.
And someone sitting inside.
Watching the house.
Watching me.