3
You walk out onto the balcony and the fall breeze immediately wraps itself around you like a comforting embrace. You always find yourself out here on autumn evenings, entranced by the sunset. One thing unsettles you, though: your lifelong neighbor that lives straight across from you. Your balcony faces her garden, a patch of overgrown plants that never seems to grow, no matter the season. You try to block out the sense of unease that creeps up your spine every time she steps outside. You try to ignore the chill that overtakes your body, even in the warmest of nights, when you see her face, somehow… soleless.
Tonight, you see her again. But this time, she isn't alone. You notice the unfamiliar man immediately and you can tell he is uncomfortable. He practically flinches when she gets close to him. You try to ignore them, wanting to enjoy the last bit of daylight. However, your eyes betray you, drawn back to the two as their conversation escalates.
"Let me leave," you hear him say from afar. You can't make out her words so you're left in the dark as you watch the scene unfold. She grabs his arm and you see him attempting to pull away. However, he is unsuccessful, stuck in her hold.
"Let go of me," he yells. You make a move to stand, wondering if you should run over and try to help him or simply call the police. However, you don't even have time to walk inside before you're completely stunned, stuck in place. He is completely still, too, no longer calling for freedom. You watch in confusion as she reaches out slowly, placing her fingers over his eyes. She gently presses his eyelids closed, one slow movement at a time. He doesn't try to stop her or try to escape. It's as if his soul escaped his body and left a hollow shell. Just like her.
You try to move, but you are stuck in place. You tell yourself it's because you're shocked, and not because of something much, much worse.
You watch silently as she takes his face in her hands, caressing his cheek. You begin to tear up, desperately trying to take a step, close your eyes, move an inch. And then, with the gentleness of love, she twists his head, her grip unwavering. The sound of his neck snapping fills the space between you and her, sharp and final.
Everything goes still. You feel the terror flood through you as you watch, motionless. Frozen. Stunned.
And then… she turns.
You try to look away. You try to scream, but your body betrays you. Even though you're fighting it with all of your strength, your eyes meet hers.