Chapter 8|
I thought I still had time. I could still hide for a few more weeks, at least until the baby was born. But that morning, all my faith came crashing down.}
When I opened the door to the small balcony in my tiny apartment, the morning breeze immediately greeted my face and with it, a small piece of paper wedged between the door. My eyes stared at it for a few seconds before I reached out with trembling hands.
A familiar handwriting. Firm, neat, with the curves of the letters too recognizable to my memory.
“Wherever you go, I will always follow you. I won’t let your life be quiet!“}]
My heart jumped. It was like being thrown back into the dark hole I had been trying to leave behind. It wasn’t just a note. Samuel was testing how far I would run… or how quickly I would give up.”
I immediately retreated, closed the balcony door, triple–locked it, and sat down on the floor. My breathing was labored. My growing belly felt tight, as if it was tightening with me. My hand reflexively touched my stomach.
“We must be strong, yes…” I whispered softly. “We won’t lose.”
I didn’t go to the store that day. I didn’t dare go out. I just lay down, hugged my pillow, and stared at the ceiling that felt like it was holding me in fear. I almost called my lawyer, but my fingers always stopped at the last number. What for? I needed answers, not legal procedures. I needed a plan. And strength.
Later that night, as I was sitting at my desk with my diary open, a knock on the door made me tense up. I thought it was… him. But when I opened the door a crack with the safety chain still on, I saw him.}]
Leon.
I was instantly relieved but only for a second. Because when I opened the door fully and he stepped in, his expression was different. Tense. His gaze held something I had never seen before.}]
“I just met a weird guy outside the bookstore,” he said, matter–of–factly. “Tall, black suit, the way he spoke… creepy.” .”
My heart seemed to stop. “What… did he ask about me?“}
Leon looked at me for a long time, before finally answering, quietly, “He didn’t ask directly. But he knows I talk to you a lot.”
Silence. Silence for a moment.”
“Is that Samuel?“}
I paused. Then slowly nodded. “You talked to him?”
Leon sat up. His face turned darker. “Yes. And… I know him.“)
I felt my blood stop flowing. “What?”
Leon took a deep breath. “We used to be best friends. In college. But… after that, he changed. Really. We haven’t communicated in a long time. Do you know him?“>
“Oh, of course not,” I said briefly.
The world felt shaky. I clung to the back of the chair, trying to stay calm. But in my heart, I knew this was bad.
Leon knew Samuel. His best friend. The world was too small. And the universe seemed to be playing tricks on me.
I looked at Leon with questioning, suspicious, wounded eyes.
“Do you know who I am?” I whispered.
He looked back at me. “I don’t know who you are, and I won’t force you to tell me. But does Samuel have to do with you?“}
I couldn’t tell Leon the truth about who Samuel was.}
So I just replied in a soft voice, “I’ll tell you everything later.“}]
And at that moment, for the first time, I felt that my time to hide… was running out.”
Samuel was very close. And I had to decide to trust Leon, or run away again alone.
now I
you
to be honest. Who are you, and what
“So you really don’t know Samuel?” Leon asked for the umpteenth time while looking at me suspiciously.
I avoided his gaze, pretending to be busy with the hot tea in my hand. “No,” I replied quickly. “I’ve only ever seen him in this apartment. That’s all.”
He was still standing in the doorway, not leaving yet. His gaze was not satisfied with my answer; I knew he was still suspicious of me. But I couldn’t tell the truth. I would continue to hide my identity until my child was born.
Leon rubbed the back of his neck and said, “If there’s anything you’re afraid of, you can tell me. I won’t push you.”
I smiled a small, half–hearted smile. “There’s nothing to tell.”
He sighed. “Okay. But one thing I don’t like is feeling like a fool. If something is dangerous, tell me.“}
I’m silent. I wanted to tell him. But I’m not ready yet. It’s not time for him to know everything.
As he turned to leave, I held his sleeve gently. “And one more thing… don’t call me Agnes.””
Leon turned his head. “Why?”
“Because I’m not her anymore. My long name is Veronica. From now on, just call me that.”
He was silent for a few seconds, then smiled faintly. “Okay, Veronica.“}
As soon as he left, I leaned against the wall. My head was spinning with many thoughts. Samuel was still out there. And I knew he wasn’t
33
2014
10:08 AM
AS SUIT As he went, Theated against the wall. My nieau was spimy win many mounts. Samuel was so out there. Allu i knew he wasnt
done yet.”
That afternoon, when I went downstairs to buy mineral water at the convenience store downstairs, I stopped suddenly on the stairs. My heart skipped a beat.
Samuel.
He was standing in the lobby of the apartment, wearing a neat dark suit as usual. He looked colder than the last time I saw him. His eyes seemed to be searching for something. Or someone.
I hurriedly retreated, hiding behind the wall near the stairs, trying to stifle my suddenly heavy breathing.
He asked the lobby staff for something. They pointed upstairs. In the direction of Leon’s room.
Oh no.
My hand immediately went to my phone, typing a quick message to Leon.
I wanted to say that I didn’t go to the bookstore today. However, Leon didn’t need to know my reason. I didn’t want to meet Samuel.}
But before I could send it, my phone vibrated. A message from Leon.
“Where are you? I’m hungry. Let’s eat. Do you want to, Veronica?“}
I held my breath. He didn’t know anything yet. He thought everything was normal. But in this apartment, there was a ticking time bomb on its way to his room.§
I quickly replied.
“Can’t. I’m outside. Don’t come out yet. I’m serious.“}}
But Leon retorted:
“I want to talk. I’ll pick you up.“}
“No, Leon,” I muttered, half panicked.§
And from the top of the stairs, I saw Samuel’s shadow begin to rise. His steps were quiet, but sure. He knew he would find something tonight. Or… someone.
! immediately turned around, sneaking through the fire escape so he wouldn’t see me.§
And that night, two people who were not supposed to meet would soon face each other. While I, the only person who knew the truth, had to choose: stay hidden, or open all the wounds that I had been harboring.
“Shit! How can I hide? Samuel is already in front of my room!” I said in panic.
