It's been a week since my conversation with Mr. Vincent. I left my job out of fear that he might come back to harm me. *So much for my rudeness and foolishness.* I've stayed indoors the whole time, only stepping out for supplies.
Honestly, I've found some enjoyment in this lifestyle, but if I keep it up, I'm heading towards a downward spiral. In just a few days, I was on the brink of becoming a full-blown NEET. *Or at least that's what I thought.*
"I have to take action! It's been several days, which should mean he's not pursuing me, right? Who am I kidding? He's just biding his time until I venture out of my safe haven. What if he's already aware of my hideout?" I muttered to myself.
It's a habit of mine, talking to myself-I've been doing it for a while, especially when I'm feeling stressed. *Ugh! I really need a breather.*
I moved to Canada seeking a better future, yet here I am, still grappling with challenges.
Happiness is such a trickster! It flashes by in an instant, and suddenly you find yourself back at the starting line, searching for your next shot at joy. You toil away for years to grasp it, and when it finally arrives, you can't savor it, consumed by worries and the knowledge that it's fleeting, leaving a trail of stress in its wake. *Sigh. I really need to stop overthinking.*
I got up and made a beeline for the fridge; I needed something cold.
I opened the door and scanned the contents, but nothing looked particularly appealing right now.
*Cooking is the last thing I want to do.*
I settled at the dining table and shot a text to Samantha.
"Hey, I'm feeling anxious being alone. Mind if I crash at your place tomorrow morning?" I just really hope she says yes; I'm certain I'd lose my sanity if I spend another day here alone.
*Ding.*
I quickly grabbed my phone.
Lisa: Of course, girl! I'd love to have you.🥰
Bloom: Thank you so much! 💖 Can't wait to see you tomorrow morning.😘
Lisa: Sounds good!
Something feels off. Lisa never uses emojis and dislikes it when others do, especially during conversations with her. She's never this quick to respond!
I need to stop overanalyzing; people change, and it's likely that guy she's mentioned has had an impact on her.
*I seriously have a craving for iced coffee and donuts.*
I quickly slipped into some shorts and a hoodie.
It was a bit chilly outside, but the view of the sky made it worthwhile. I took out my phone, snapped a picture, and sent it to Mom. At least that will ease her worries about me for a bit.
I placed my headphones around my neck and headed to the coffee shop, listening to *The devil doesn't bargain, Alec Benjamin.*
♪～♪～♪～♪～♪
"This is your sixth visit this week." I looked up from my phone. The café staff, who'd been watching me for a while, finally worked up the nerve to speak.
"Yeah, caffeine's my only way to cope with stress," I replied with a shrug.
"Well, I have something that might brighten your day. This weekend, there's a music competition where my band will be performing, and if you're free, I'd love for you to come. It's clear you're passionate about music." He grinned broadly, handing me the flyer.
"Sounds good, I'll try to be there." I returned his smile. I couldn't help but feel a bit sorry for him-he seems great, but it's likely he'll be disappointed. I'm just not in a place to date anyone, and I never feel ready for that. He looks a few years younger than me, maybe two or three.
*Why is it always the nice ones that tug at my heartstrings? Thank goodness I didn't give him false hope.*
He passed me a paper bag with my purchases, and I waved goodbye.
When I stepped out of the café, night had already fallen. It's been ages since I've truly appreciated the evening; it reminded me of how vibrant the streets of London become after dark. I long for home.
As I hurried along, a gust of wind brushed past me.
I was just a few blocks from home. 'Atlas, I'm nearly at my sanctuary.'
Since childhood, I've always been the quiet type. My dad kept a tight leash on me, allowing outings only for school, which suited me just fine since I never enjoyed mingling with others. I preferred the comfort of home whenever possible. Even as I grew older, my need for solitude remained strong-if it weren't for Rion and the girls, I might have turned into a complete recluse...
Suddenly, I felt someone rush past me in the darkness-it was definitely a man, though the night obscured my view.
Without my glasses, I was unprepared for how late I'd be returning home. The streetlights were too bright, making my vision blurry, so I shaded my eyes with my hands and quickened my pace to see better.
Then, out of nowhere, two strong hands grabbed my head. I instinctively bit one of them and tried to push away to escape, but it turned out he was faster than I was.
Just as I was about to take a step, I felt a handkerchief covering my nose. *Oh great! I've seen this in countless films.* I instinctively held my breath and struggled, trying to wriggle free from my captor's hold. As I began to lose my breath while shaking in panic, I decided to stop resisting and feign unconsciousness.
The individual quickly removed the handkerchief from my face and stood up to make a phone call.
"Sir! I've got her."
*Oh my gosh! It's that devil Vincent, isn't it? What does he want with me? Kami Sama!, Can't I just live in peace like any other person?*
In that moment, a car pulled up and Vincent stepped out.
"Why would you drop her on the ground, you fool?" he yelled at the man who had attempted to subdue me.
"I'm sorry, boss. She was too heavy."
*Excuse me? Who just called me heavy?! If I weren't pretending to faint in a life-or-death situation, I would have definitely punched him in the nose.*
I heard footsteps coming closer, but it wasn't mine; it was his.
"I'm letting you off the hook this time simply because of the blood that flows through my veins. But let me be clear: the next time I catch you talking like that, you'll know what comes next!"
*Impressive! I'd definitely be enjoying this if my situation were different.*
I sensed someone lingering nearby.
*This is it! My final opportunity for freedom; I have to make a run for it. Sure, it might lead to my immediate demise, but what do I have to lose at this point? I'm destined to meet the end, anyway.*
I cracked my eyes open just enough to assess my escape options.
As soon as I finished weighing my chances, I leaped to my feet and sprinted as fast as I could. Just six strides into my dash, a powerful grip seized me. As if anticipating my next move, he clamped a hand over my mouth.
Screaming was pointless; the streets felt eerily deserted, as if they were aware of the sinister figures that lurked at night.
He yanked me against him, a smirk spreading across his face, and at that moment, I felt completely powerless.
"I warned you, little de-there's no way out now," he stated, tightening his hold.
I felt as if I might crumple in his embrace. The man, presumably the one who tried to subdue me, had brought over another piece of fabric. This time, I got a good look at him-he seemed quite lean compared to the one restraining me.
Before I could react, the cloth was pressed against my nose, and there was no escaping it.
*I can't let it end like this!*
I straightened my fingers and opted for my next course of action.
I scratched at his large hands with my nails, but it didn't faze him, so I reached for his neck and then his chest.
All he did was smirk.
At that moment, I realized I was running out of air and, before I knew it, I inhaled the cloth.
*Well, this must be it for me. Farewell, everyone.*
He glanced back at the person who had given him the cloth and said, "You never do anything..."
A wave of dizziness washed over me, and soon enough, everything went black.