As the door creaked open, the soft chime of the bell echoed through the small bookstore. Joe immediately looked up from behind the counter. A new customer had arrived. Some young, likely a college student, judging by the worn backpack slung over their shoulder. Books would definitely be useful for their studies. They weaved quietly through the narrow aisles, eventually stopping in front of the writing section.

Joe’s eyes lingered on them, watching. Studying. Something about them held his attention a little too long.

They faltered, sensing something, and turned. Only to be met with the tall figure of an employee.

“Can I help you with anything?” Joe asked, voice smooth but tinged with something unreadable.Unbeknownst to them, they had just caught the attention of someone far more dangerous than he appeared.

Laying eyes on them, Joe knew one thing for certain: They were his next obsession.