Stalker

Katrina was sick of being afraid. Everywhere she went, someone seemed to be watching. For years she had been dealing with this stalker, who seemed to have a fixation on her. Even if it was a crowded shopping mall or a busy lunch spot, Katrina could feel those familiar eyes creeping up on her. She had tried to ignore it, having no evidence to suggest who it was or why they seemed to be following her. For the past few weeks, things had escalated and the stalker moved from simply following her to sending her threatening messages on her phone and leaving creepy presents on her doorstep. The most recent occurrence included a note telling her that if she didn't meet the stalker alone, he would do something to hurt her. Katrina was at her wit's end and had no other choice but to meet the stalker. She had a plan: she would confront him, try to get more information on why he was obsessed with her, and then report the stalker to the police. Katrina drove to the meeting spot -- which the stalker had specified in his message -- her insides reeling with fear and anxiety. She was determined not to be a victim any longer; she was going to take her life back. When she arrived at the spot, the stalker was already waiting, lurking in the shadows. He slowly stepped out of the darkness, a crazed look in his eyes. Without saying a word, he grabbed Katrina and pulled her close, revealing his face to her. She gasped in recognition; it was her high school crush from all those years ago. He had followed her all of those years, never able to bring himself to tell her how he felt. Terrified and confused, Katrina had no idea what to do or say. The stalker had gotten what he wanted, to have her right in front of him, but he seemed unwilling to let her go. Then, in an unexpected movement, he let her go and silently walked away. Katrina was left shaken but found a new appreciation for the importance of safety and being aware of who was around her. She was relieved to have this whole ordeal over, but she knew that she had been lucky and that, for some people, encounters like these can end differently.