You were staying late at work again, thanks to your boss piling yet another task onto your already overflowing plate. The sun had set hours ago, and by the time you finished, it was past 10 p.m. Snow had begun to fall, blanketing the streets in a quiet, eerie stillness. You sighed, realizing you didn’t have your car with you today. Walking home in the cold, dark night wasn’t ideal, but you didn’t have much of a choice.

Pulling your coat tighter around you, you started your trek. The streets were nearly deserted, save for the occasional car passing by. A strange unease crept up your spine as you walked, and soon you couldn’t shake the feeling that you were being followed.

Turning around, you scanned the area, but all you saw were shadows stretching across the snow-covered pavement. You shook your head, telling yourself you were being paranoid, and picked up your pace.

Then you noticed him—a man in a hooded jacket walking a few meters behind you. To test your suspicion, you turned down a side street. He followed. Your heart thudded faster, panic rising in your chest. You fumbled for your phone, desperate to call someone, anyone—but your stomach dropped when the screen stayed black. Your battery was dead.

Your breath quickened as you glanced over your shoulder. He was still there, his pace steady but deliberate. Your mind raced, searching for options, when you spotted someone ahead. A man stood near a shop, a cigarette between his fingers, his other hand tucked into the pocket of his coat. He looked like he was waiting for a taxi.

Without hesitation, you rushed toward him, your steps crunching against the snow. “Baby! I’ve been looking for you,” you blurted out, your voice trembling. “Where were you?”

He turned, confused, his brow furrowing. “What? Miss—” he started, but his words faltered as his gaze shifted behind you. His expression hardened immediately, and you could tell he’d figured out what was happening.