SHADOWS OF THE PAST

CHAPTER 3: LONDON EYES.

The city lights outside flickered softly against the dorm window as Anastasia finally closed her eyes. Mia had already fallen asleep on the bed across from her, soft snores blending with the distant hum of London traffic. Her laughter from earlier still echoed in Anastasia’s mind, filling the quiet room with warmth but the message from the unknown number still glowed faintly on her phone.

“Enjoying the city?”

She had turned it face down, but the chill it carried remained. Whoever it was, they knew exactly where she was. London, new life, and… someone watching her.

Morning came quickly. Sunlight streamed through the thin curtains, painting golden stripes across the room. Anastasia blinked awake, stretching lazily and letting her gaze linger on the bustling city outside. For a moment, the hum of traffic, the chatter from the street below, even the smell of freshly baked bread drifting from a nearby bakery, felt completely unreal. Then she remembered: London. Mia. New beginnings.

“Morning, sleeping beauty!”

Anastasia jumped at Mia’s cheerful voice. Towels wrapped like a crown around her head, Mia grinned, the glow of a fresh shower on her cheeks.

“You’re way too energetic,” Anastasia muttered, voice thick with sleep.

“Not early! London’s buzzing,” Mia replied, holding up two outfits. “Pick your weapon.”

Anastasia chose the practical sweater and jeans, while Mia opted for a colorful jacket, layered jewelry, and sunglasses she clearly didn’t need indoors. They shared a quick laugh at each other’s style before heading out.

The streets were alive. Cyclists weaved between pedestrians, the aroma of coffee and pastries mingled with exhaust fumes, and distant music drifted from alleyways. Mia tugged Anastasia gently, laughing as she navigated a bustling corner. “Rule one: never wander London without caffeine and a good playlist.”

They ducked into a small café tucked between two old bookstores. The scent of espresso and baked bread wrapped around them like a warm hug. Locals chatted, students tapped on laptops, and soft indie music hummed in the background. Anastasia felt a rare spark of belonging.

Mia ordered confidently, leaving Anastasia to take in the scene. Sunlight hit the glass just right, painting golden patterns across her notebook as she scribbled a quick note: First full day. Surviving London… barely.

Her first sip of coffee made her cough violently. “What is this?”

“Double espresso with a splash of insanity,” Mia laughed.

“Tastes like heartbreak and regrets,” Anastasia muttered.

“You’ll get used to it,” Mia teased.

After finishing their drinks, it was time to get ready for their first class. Anastasia’s nerves returned with full force. She smoothed her sweater and adjusted her bag straps, feeling like everyone in London could spot her insecurity from a mile away.

“Relax,” Mia said, noticing Anastasia’s fidgeting. “First class is just students like us, not some royal court.”

Anastasia took a deep breath. “I know, but… what if I get lost? Or say something stupid?”

“You’ll be fine,” Mia reassured her. “Besides, worst case, I’ve got your back.”

Walking to their classroom, they passed students on bikes, musicians tuning their instruments, and the occasional street performer. Anastasia couldn’t help but marvel at how different London felt from anything she had known. Every corner had life, every sound a story.

The class itself passed in a blur. Anastasia struggled to follow the professor’s brisk explanations at first, but she gradually found her footing. She met a few friendly faces, exchanged nervous smiles, and scribbled notes furiously. Mia’s presence beside her, whispering small jokes or reassuring glances helped calm her nerves.

By the time class ended, Anastasia felt a mix of relief and exhilaration. Her first class in a prestigious London university she had done it.

Stepping out into the streets, the city seemed to open up around them. Mia pulled her down narrow alleys and past bustling cafés, through markets brimming with colorful fruits, vintage records, and handmade jewelry. Anastasia followed, feeling the energy of the city pulse through her.

They stopped at a small bakery to sample freshly baked pastries, fed pigeons by a fountain, and even posed for a few photos by a canal reflecting the late afternoon sun. The city, once overwhelming, now felt like a place she could explore, one corner at a time.

Her phone buzzed again. Unknown number.

“Not lost, I hope”

Her stomach tightened. Mia was distracted, chatting with a street performer who juggled flaming torches. Anastasia forced a smile and tucked the phone away, telling herself it was nothing… but her gut told her otherwise. This message felt deliberate. Watching. Personal.

By sunset, they sat on a bench by the Thames, golden-orange light shimmering across the water. Mia leaned back. “See? Worth it, right?”

Anastasia nodded, letting herself soak it in. “Yeah. Beautiful.”

“Tomorrow,” Mia said, “market, then my favorite rooftop. You’ll love it.”

Anastasia laughed. “Am I supposed to feel honored?”

“Extremely,” Mia said, grinning.

Back in the dorm, the city outside hummed endlessly. Mia had already fallen asleep, her soft snores blending with the distant sounds of London. Anastasia stared at her phone once more. The unknown message glowed faintly:

“how was your first class in university, Ana?”

No number. No name.

Her fingers hovered over the screen. Curiosity battled caution. Finally, she turned it face down and whispered into the dark: “Who are you?”

Somewhere in London, someone was watching closer than she realized. And Anastasia had no idea what the city had in store for her next.

As the night settled over London, Anastasia lay awake staring at the ceiling, her phone clutched in her hand. The glow from the screen flickered faintly, the last message still visible, a message that had no name, no trace, just words that crawled under her skin. Mia was fast asleep, breathing softly across the room, but Anastasia couldn’t shake the unease wrapping around her chest. She had dreamed of a new beginning, of freedom, of finally feeling safe. Yet now, miles away from home, it felt as though something or someone had followed her into this new life.