MELISA

I hurried to bury the fingers in my backyard, making sure to plant some seeds and flowers over them. My hands trembled as I worked, my heart racing with every move. I had to act calm, make it seem normal. I couldn't let my neighbors get suspicious. After what I'd done, I couldn't afford to let anyone notice. Why I am so stupid for these things, it always gives me problems. When I finished, I rushed inside, trying to ignore the weight in my chest. I ate my dinner quickly, then grabbed my pen to try to focus on my assignment. But the thoughts wouldn't stop. Life had been so hard lately, and no matter how hard I tried, the loneliness settled deeper in my bones. Anxiety gnawed at me. Before I knew it, tears welled up in my eyes. I couldn't hold it in anymore. I cried, letting the emotions crash over me, feeling hopeless, feeling like everything I'd done didn't matter. But even through all the pain, I pushed myself to keep going. I had to make my grandmother proud, even though she wasn't here anymore. I wanted to feel her love, to make up for everything, even though she was gone. I felt so tired, so exhausted from all of it. My body felt heavy, and my mind just wanted to shut off. So, I took a nap at my desk, leaving the window open for the fresh air. It was peaceful, and I didn't need to worry about bugs for now. I let the cool breeze brush against my face as I closed my eyes, hoping to find a little comfort, even if just for a moment. The weight of loneliness presses on me, especially tonight. I remember them - the ones I lost when I was still so young. Dad. Mom. Grandma. They're all gone. Killed. I still don't know why, or who did it. My memories of that day are blurred, but I'll never forget the image of my father - his headshot in the car, blood staining the seat. Mom was beside him, lifeless too. The same horror I saw with my own eyes. And Grandma... She was robbed. I can still hear the screams echoing in my head. I hold her stuffed toy close to me, the one she gave me before everything shattered. The one I promised I would cherish. Tears fall down, and I can't stop them. "I wish you were here, Dad. Mom. Grandma..." I look up at the sky through the window, the moon shining brightly, as if it's the only thing left that can see me. The cold light feels like their presence, a faint comfort in the darkness of my room. I heard something, mumbled footsteps, and then a presence inside my house again. I didn't mind it not until I heard it again from someone in the kitchen. Panic surged as I slammed the window shut. Grabbing the bat, I prepared to defend myself from yet another robbery. Why does this keep happening to me? I'm terrified. I don't know what to do anymore. I crept downstairs, cautiously checking the scene. But there was no one. Relieved yet confused, I lowered the bat. That's when someone grabbed me from behind, clamping a hand over my mouth. I tried to scream, tried to fight back, but they were so strong. So terrifyingly strong. "No... No... Please, God, help me! Someone, please!" I was paralyzed with fear, my body trembling. My mind raced back to the people who hurt me before the ones who violated me in ways I can never forget. The memories came rushing back, chilling me to the core. I couldn't let this happen again. I kicked, aiming for his eyes. I grabbed the bat and swung it toward his head, hoping to knock him out. For a moment, I thought I'd succeeded. But I was wrong. He quickly caught my leg, twisting me into a position where I couldn't escape.

"Who are you? Please, just let me go!" I begged, desperation clawing at my throat. His voice came low and deep, a husky, manly whisper that sent a shiver down my spine. "I'm not here to hurt you," he said, his words cold, but there was an unsettling drawl to them, one that somehow felt... almost comforting. "I'm a good man, Melisa. You have nothing to fear from me. I won't hurt you." I shook my head, disbelieving, my breath quickening in panic. "No! Please, don't hurt me! Please, just let me go, I beg you!"

He didn't answer immediately. Instead, his grip tightened around me, pulling me closer. His mask hid his face, but his presence was overwhelming, almost suffocating. His jacket was meticulously chosen, every detail about him felt planned, like this was something he'd been waiting for. His words were carefully measured, and in the way he held me, I knew he was obsessed. "I've been watching you for so long, Melisa," his voice lowered to a dangerous whisper, sending a chill down my spine. "I won't hurt you. I'll protect you. You'll see. I just need you to trust me."

"Hurt me? What the fuck - you're in my house, you idiot!" she snapped. "You're the one who cleans the place, stocks the fridge, and makes me food? Are you stupid?!" God, she's so damn cute when she's mad. Even when she's chasing me like she wants to kill me. My stomach turned with fear, but there was something about the way he said it that made his words feel like a twisted promise. My instincts screamed to get away, but my body refused to move. Then, he pulled something from his jacket, a syringe. My heart slammed in my chest, panic rising with every passing second. I struggled, trying to break free, but he was too tall, too muscular, too strong. I couldn't get away. "I'm not doing this to hurt you," he said, his voice smooth and calm, but now with an edge to it - obsessive, possessive. "I'm doing this for you, Melisa. You'll understand soon." The syringe hovered in front of me as he slowly filled it with something, a liquid that sent a fresh wave of terror through my veins. I tried to scream, but his hand shoved into my mouth, silencing me. He pressed the needle into my neck, the cold sting sending a shiver down my spine. Everything went black. My body weakened. I felt the world spin, and then... darkness. The fear consumed me, until nothing was left but the void.