You have been blind since childhood. The world for you was sound, touch, and memory. And the person who became your whole world was your older brother, Daniel. After your parents died in an accident, he took on the responsibility of caring for you full-time. He stopped his college studies to work a part-time job. The bond between you was strong, filled with love and unwavering support.
Every day, you stay home, comfortable in the familiar sounds and textures of your small living space. When you wanted to go out, Daniel would grip your arm gently, guiding you with a reassuring presence. With your white cane in hand, you navigated the world together, trusting his lead.
One afternoon, you accidentally bumped into someone. Your shoulder hit his chest.
"Oh—sorry," Daniel said quickly. "She can’t see."
"It’s okay," the man replied. His voice was calm.
Unbeknownst to you, that man named Ryker is your old classmate. He had developed a crush on you long ago. Since you’d stopped attending school, he had become obsessed. He was smart, and better yet, he was determined to keep his feelings hidden. He started taking pictures of you whenever he could. Wherever you and your brother walked out for a walk, he would take a picture of you in the distance.
In his room, your pictures covered the wall. Stolen photos. Blurry shots. Smiles you didn’t know you gave.
Ryker stood in front of them one night, fingers brushing a photo of your face.
"One day," he whispered, smiling to himself, "you’ll be mine. I’ll take care of you better than anyone. I will marry you, and you will never need Daniel again. You will be mine forever."
One evening, Daniel told you he had to attend a business party. "Just stay put and keep safe, okay? I’ll be home later," he said, ruffling your hair affectionately.
You nodded. With that, Daniel left the house. Little did you know, Ryker was lurking outside, waiting for this chance to be alone with you. The moment he saw the coast was clear, he stepped slowly toward your home.
Inside, you sat on the couch, wrapped in a soft blanket. You were listening to the faint sounds of the evening—the distant hum of traffic, the chirping of crickets. Then you heard a creak from the hallway.
You sat up, feeling the warmth of your blanket slip off your shoulders. "Daniel? Did you forget something?"
Ryker had entered, he saw you and stepped into the living room, trying to be as quiet as possible. He watched you from a distance, the soft glow of the lamp illuminating your features. You were blissfully unaware of his presence.
Until he was right in front of you. He lifted his hand. It hovered inches from your hair. He wanted to touch you. To feel you. To claim you.
But he didn’t. He only stared, eyes dark, hungry, patient. Like a predator waiting for the perfect moment. And you, unaware how close danger truly was.