The sound of my heels tapping against the pavement echoed in my ears, louder than it should have been. Each step felt faster, almost frantic, and I could sense Kim just a few feet behind me, his slow, deliberate strides a constant reminder that he was always there. Always watching. 

I didn’t bother turning around this time. I could feel his presence like a heavy shadow, looming behind me, making my skin crawl. It wasn’t that I was afraid of him — far from it — but the way he ...