John & Katie

Shadows That FollowMe

KATIE.

With Sara in my arms as I left Susan’s apartment and headed toward the elevator. My mind was still racing, and I couldn’t shake the strange feeling that something was about to happen.

My chest felt tight, and a sickening knot had settled in my stomach. I couldn’t ignore the uneasiness that had taken hold of me.

At the elevator, I pressed the button and waited, my thoughts spiraling over everything that had happened.

As I stood there waiting for the elevator, I adjusted Sara in my arms and tried to make sense of everything swirling through my head.

“Excuse me... Katie.”

I froze.

Fear and confusion washed over me as my body locked in place. My heart lurched, and whatever little calm I had left shattered in an instant.

Did he just call my name?

Slowly, I turned around.

I stared at him, unable to move.

“My name is Wilson,” he continued. “I’m Steven’s brother.”

“May I have a few moments of your time?”

“What do you want?”

“I would like to speak to you about Steven.”

The mention of his name sent another wave of fear through me.

“I don’t want any trouble,” I whispered.

Wilson took a small step back, giving me more space. “And I’m not trying to cause any.”

Still unsure whether I could trust him, my eyes remained fixed on his face.

I know what Steven is doing to you.”

My breath caught.

Wilson’s expression softened.

“And I think I can help you.”

Just then the elevator opened and he gestured, “shall we?”

I hesitated for a moment and then stepped in.

“Once inside I managed to stumble out, “I—I don’t understand.”

“You don’t have to understand everything right now.” He paused. “Just give me a chance to explain.”

I glanced nervously down at my feet.

“Just listen to what I have to say.”

I hesitated, swallowing hard as I drew in a shaky breath.

“Not here,” I whispered. “After work.”

“Meet me downstairs at five o’clock.”

“Five o’clock,” he repeated.

I nodded.

“Okay.”

Just then, the elevator doors parted, and I stepped out. I hurried down the hallway with Sara still in my arms and reached my apartment door.

I pulled it shut behind me, locked it, and stood there with my back pressed against it.

Only then did I let out the breath I’d been holding.

The only thing on my mind was getting through the rest of the day. I needed to know what Wilson had to tell me.

After placing Sara in her walker, I headed into the kitchen to prepare dinner.

Afterward, I cleaned up after myself, did our evening routine for my little girl, and sat with her while we read a book together.

A few minutes later, Sara’s dad walked in.

I kissed Sara goodbye, gathered my things, and said my farewells.

Then I hurried out of the apartment and rushed toward the elevator. I pressed the button repeatedly, impatiently waiting for it to arrive.

It suddenly dawned on me that Susan didn’t know about my meeting with Wilson.

I quickly pulled out my phone and called her while I waited.

After briefly explaining what happened and where I was meeting him, I asked her to come find me there as soon as she left work.

The elevator finally arrived, and I stepped inside. I pressed the button for the lobby, but the ride down felt as though it took forever.

When the doors finally parted, I hurried out.

As I approached the exit, I waved to Tony and spotted Wilson sitting outside, waiting for me.

I walked toward him cautiously, keeping a safe distance between us.

“We’re going to Starbucks,” I said.

Without waiting for a response, I turned and walked away. Wilson followed behind me.

We crossed the street and entered the Starbucks on the corner.

I found a table in the middle of the coffee shop, away from prying ears but close enough to the other customers to feel safe.

Wilson approached the table and glanced at me.

“Would you like something to drink while we talk?”

“Um, yeah. A chai latte, please.”

“Okay, I’ll be right back.”

He walked over to the counter and placed our order. A few minutes later, he returned carrying our drinks and set mine in front of me.

I wrapped my hands around the warm cup and stared at the steam rising from it, my knee bouncing nervously beneath the table.

The silence between us felt heavy.

For a moment, neither of us spoke.

“I’m sorry,” he said softly. “I truly am.”

His apology caught me off guard. My eyebrows drew together as I looked up at him.

“Why are you apologizing?”

“I feel like I’m obligated to make things right.”

For a moment, I was speechless. Then I finally found my voice.

“How did you find out?”

“I followed him to work and saw him speaking with you. The expression on your face told me everything. I don’t know the full details of what’s happening, but I know you’re scared. And I know you’re going through something you shouldn’t have to.”

His words left me quiet as I listened carefully.

“This isn’t the first time my brother has become fixated on a girl,” Wilson continued. “He’s done this several times before, and I’ve always brushed it under the rug. I kept hoping he would eventually change.”

He paused, regret filling his expression.

“But this time, it’s different.”

My stomach tightened.

“He’s completely obsessed with you.”

I stared at him.

“Your pictures are all over his room,” Wilson swallowed. “I hear him call your name in his sleep. And now he watches videos of you.”

My heart seemed to stop.

“What?” My voice came out barely above a whisper. “Videos?”

He sighed, “yeah.”

I stared at him in disbelief.

A chill ran through me.

Wilson reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper.

“Here’s the number for the park administration office. Ask for Cynthia. Explain everything that’s been happening, and she’ll take care of the rest.”

I took the paper from him, my fingers trembling.

“What will happen to him?”

“He’ll most likely be removed from the park and won’t be allowed to return.” Wilson glanced down. “I’m also going to get him the help he needs.”

Guilt was written across his face.

“I should have done this a long time ago.”

My eyes dropped to the piece of paper in my hand.

A shaky breath escaped me as I looked up at him, a single tear slipping down my cheek.

“Thank you.”

Wilson shook his head.

“No. Don’t thank me. I’m embarrassed and ashamed that this situation was allowed to continue for so long.”

He pushed back his chair and stood.

“I have to go now. Here’s my number. If he finds you again, please don’t hesitate to call me.”

The piece of paper felt almost weightless between my fingers, yet I held it tightly in my hand.

After carefully tucking Wilson’s number into my purse, I looked up and gave him a small, grateful smile.

He nodded before turning and walking away.

Just as Wilson reached the door, Susan walked into Starbucks.

I waved her over, and she slid into the seat he had just vacated.

She glanced toward the door. “Was that him?”

“Yep, that was him.”

Susan’s expression changed. “What did he want?”

I let out a slow breath. “He came to help me.”

Susan’s eyebrows lifted. ” Help you with what?”

“Apparently, I’m not the first woman Steven has done this to.”

Susan’s mouth fell open. “What?”

We sat in silence for a moment.

“So, what happens now?” she asked.

“Wilson gave me the number for the administration office and told me to ask for Cynthia. Tomorrow, I’m going to call her and explain everything.”

“What do you think will happen to Steven?” Susan asked curiously.

“According to Wilson, he’ll most likely be kicked out of the park.”

Susan smiled. “Well, it looks like all our problems will be solved tomorrow.”

“It sure looks that way,” I said, exhaustion creeping into my voice.

“So, what are you going to do about John?” Susan asked, giving me an amused look.

I sighed. “What about John?”

Susan gave me a pointed look. “You need to tell him what’s been going on.”

“I know. And I will.”

“Katie, you need to call this man and put him out of his misery.”

A chuckle escapes me. “Stop exaggerating.”

I pulled out my phone and stared at the screen.

“I’m anxious. I’d been avoiding him for days, and now I can’t stop wondering if I’d pushed him too far. What if he doesn’t want anything to do with me anymore?”

“Don’t overthink it too much. Just do it.”

I took a shaky breath and opened my messages.

Me:Hey! Are you busy?

His response came almost immediately.

John:No. Never too busy for you.

My heart fluttered at his words.

Me:“Can you meet me at Café Joyeux after work?

A few seconds passed before his reply appeared.

John:I’ll be there.

A few minutes later, Susan and I left Starbucks and headed toward the train station.

The moment we reached the station, I pulled her into a tight hug. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

“See you tomorrow, and be careful,” She said before running down the stairs.

I watched as Susan disappeared toward the train platform.

Once she was out of sight, I turned and headed toward the café.

As I walked along the sidewalk, I passed an alley between two buildings.

The street was quiet, and I barely gave the dark passageway a second thought.

Then, without warning, a hand clamped over my mouth.

Someone grabbed me from behind.