Passionate Love Every Day

11

Life carried on smoothly, day in and day out.

What surprised me most was that even Brandon worked a regular 9-to-5 schedule.

Talk about setting the bar high for the rest of us.

We'd chat occasionally on WhatsApp, but it was always work-related. I figured he was just keeping an eye on his interns.

After work, I headed back to my apartment.

I slid my key into the lock, turned it one and a half times, and the door opened.

My gut immediately tightened.

I tend to have mild OCD when it comes to locking the door—I always double-lock it before I leave.

But this time, only one lock was set.

Standing at the threshold, I held the door ajar and called out, "I see you!"

I didn't dare close the door, scared that if someone was inside, I wouldn't be able to scream for help in time.

There was no response. Grabbing a broomstick nearby, I cautiously stepped in to check every room.

It's a small apartment, just one bedroom, one living room, and a kitchen.

I searched every corner.

When I bent down to check under the bed, my heartbeat thudded in my ears, loud and frantic.

Only after I confirmed there was no one there did I let out a breath of relief.

I double-checked everything before finally locking the door behind me.

I must be losing it lately, getting all paranoid like this.

12

Since it was the weekend, I allowed myself to stay up late, gaming until almost 1 a.m.

Before going to bed, I got up to do my usual door check.

But just as I was about to put my hand on the handle, I heard the unmistakable sound of a key turning in the lock.

I froze and slipped into the kitchen, hiding in the corner.

Please let them have the wrong apartment, I prayed.

But then the first lock clicked open.

My breath hitched as I hit my phone's power button five times in a row, trying to calm my racing heart.

The intruder was deliberate, heading straight for my bedroom.

That gave me just enough time to dash out the door, pulling it shut behind me as I ran down the hallway, screaming, "Help! There's a burglar!"

My voice echoed through the quiet alley, sharp and sudden.

When I finally reached the main road, I gasped for air, my heart pounding from both fear and exertion.

Even though the apartment was in a quiet part of town, it was still a big city, and there were people around.

Seeing the pedestrians pass by, their concerned faces turning toward me, I felt my icy hands start to thaw.

Several passersby stopped to check if I was okay. I told them what happened and called the police.

While I waited for the cops to arrive, I noticed a string of missed calls on my phone—some from familiar numbers, others from strangers.

I quickly texted my brother to let him know I was safe, then sat on the curb, waiting.

Another unknown number flashed on the screen, and I hesitated before answering.

13

A familiar voice came through the phone, soft but laced with concern.

"Emily, are you okay?"

It was Brandon.

"I'm fine. How did you know?" I asked, surprised.

"You sent out an emergency call and then went silent. Your brother got worried and contacted me."

"Sorry about that. I didn't mean to drag you into this. I'm okay now."

"Wait there."

I let out a confused hum. "Huh?"

"I'm on my way. Don't worry."

That single phrase, "Don't worry," felt like an anchor in a storm, instantly calming the chaos inside me.

"Okay," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Don't hang up."

His tone left no room for argument.

"Alright," I said softly.

I kept the phone in my hand, the screen glowing as the call timer slowly ticked away.

14

Once I finished giving my statement to the police, they went upstairs to check things out. A breeze rustled the trees, sending my hair into disarray as I stood under the dim glow of the streetlight, accompanied only by my shadow.

Was I scared?

Of course, I was.

I'd heard plenty of stories about girls living alone being targeted, but I never thought I'd be one of them. Not this soon after stepping into the adult world.

I looked down at my feet and saw two shadows overlapping. Glancing up, I caught sight of Brandon. His gaze scanned me from head to toe, making sure I was okay before he let out a breath of relief.

The police told us they hadn't found the intruder yet. They suggested I stay somewhere else for the night for my own safety.

Brandon mentioned that his sister had an empty apartment nearby, and I could stay there for now.

With no better option, I agreed. He walked me to the apartment and prepared to leave.

I thanked him repeatedly. "Take care on your way back."

But to my surprise, he turned and opened the door across the hall from mine.

Seeing my shocked expression, he chuckled and shrugged. "Well, what can I say? I live right across the hall."