As she stepped out of the coffee shop she noticed the rain had stopped, but the streets still glistened under the streetlights and there was the odd puddle here and there. Emma walked briskly, eager to put distance between herself and the café. The encounter with Simon had left her uneasy, but now that she was away, she felt relief beginning to creep in.
Halfway home, the sensation of being watched pricked at her senses. She glanced behind her. The street was quiet, with only a few late-night stragglers heading in different directions.
Shaking off the feeling, she turned into a department store. The bright lights and clusters of shoppers gave her a sense of safety. She wandered through the aisles, pretending to browse, but all the while, she kept checking the mirrors and reflections around her.
After a few minutes, she exited through a different door and onto a quieter street. The nagging sensation followed her, growing stronger with every step. Her heart raced as she neared her apartment building.
When she reached her door, her hands trembled as she unlocked it. She stepped inside, closed the door, and leaned against it, exhaling a shaky breath.
As she reached for the deadbolt, a hand shot out, stopping the door from closing.
Emma gasped and stumbled back as Simon stepped into her apartment, his face twisted with anger.
"You think you can just walk out on me?" he growled, his voice low and menacing.
Emma's heart pounded. Without thinking, she grabbed the umbrella from her coat rack and swung it with all her strength. The blunt end struck his shoulder, sending him reeling backward.
"Get out!" she shouted, her voice trembling but firm.
Simon hesitated, his eyes narrowing. Then, with a muttered curse, he stepped out, slamming the door behind him.
Emma locked the door and sank to the floor, her breath coming in shallow gasps. Her hands shook as she called the police, her mind racing. Tonight had shaken her, but she knew one thing for certain - she need to delete that app.