Honey.

Today was nice.

It was the kind of day that makes one feel happy. The atmosphere was cool and the wind blew gently along the street. If you were calm enough, you could feel it brushing your skin.

It was early May. The exotic scent of the Jacaranda tree welcomed me as we drove on the road. Its bright purple leaves beautified the road. I leaned on my car seat and stared at its beautiful branches.

I was a singer. I started my singing career after I finished high school. My father had been my biggest fan, so I composed songs for his upcoming birthday. I loved seeing his expression as he listened to the songs. Lately, things have been hard on him and that precious smile I cherished a lot wasn't reaching his eyes.

He seemed to be trying to convince us that he was alright, but I knew he wasn't. His business wasn’t going well.

I had just finished a photoshoot session for my newest album and was on my way back to the Music studio when I noticed a fancy store for men's footwear.

I sat up in my seat, staring at the store. My father's birthday is just a few months from now. I wanted to get him a fancy pair of shoes as a present. I glanced at my chauffeur. "Please stop the car."

Amelia looked at me, confused. "Why? Do you forget something?"

Amelia was my manager and a family friend. She was actually the person who encouraged me to be a singer. She heard my voice when I was singing a solo song at one of my high school events and she got me signed to a record label.

"No, I want to check out something over there," I said and pointed at the shoe store.

Amelia leaned forward and looked at the store. "Should I follow you?"

I shook my head and got out of the car. "No, I will meet you at the studio."

Amelia looked bothered. "What about your car, How will you get to the studio?"

I smiled at her. "Don't worry about me. I will be fine."

"Are you sure?”

I nodded. "Yes, I will meet you at the studio."

She tightened her lips as she considered whether she should leave me or not. After a moment of hesitation, she told the chauffeur to start the car.

I sighed and walked into the colorful store. There was a big signboard on the glass door bearing the store name. Gowell store. It dangled as I opened the shop. The pleasant fragrance of lovely flowers wafted through my nostrils. The temperature of the store was cool. There were different varieties of men's footwear displayed around the shop.

I went to the counter when an attendant sat. I told her I wanted to buy a designated shoe for my father and she showed me their collection of special edition shoes. I picked Salvatore Ferragamo. I loved the quality of its leather and its pointed edge. It was for my Dad so I wanted it to be very unique. After I filled in the details for the shoe, I excused myself and went to the restroom.

As I turned to the other corner leading to the restroom, I noticed a masked man stalking me from behind. He wore a black shirt and trousers with black leather shoes. His face was hidden behind a black cap and mask which had a skeleton figure on it. He also wore black gloves. He slowed his pace whenever I turned to look at him.

I tensed up. I bent my head and acted oblivious to his stalking. I quickened my steps as I walked. I couldn’t leave the shop without turning back so I rushed to the restroom. I was going to lock the door once I entered.

I was about to open the door of the restroom when I bumped into something hard and rigid. I looked up and noticed a chiseled face looking down at me, confused.

I didn't know him, but I hugged him tightly and whispered into his ear. "Just act like you know me."