LAYLA
"It seems he's taken quite a liking to you. He's usually quite wary of strangers. Have you considered adopting him?" Mrs. Brown shared with astonishment.
"I would have loved to, but I'm not sure if I'm ready for that kind of commitment yet." I smiled and continued to pet the dog.
"Why is that, dear?" She asked, with a mixture of concern and curiosity.
"I had a dog when I was younger, it was really hard on me, when he passed away. I became so attached to him that I couldn't bear the thought of losing him. I don't think I'm ready to go through that again." And that wasn't even the worst part of my childhood. I pushed the memories aside and focused on the dog.
"Aw dear, I understand. It's never easy losing a pet, especially one you've grown so close to. Take your time, and when you feel ready, you'll know." Mrs. Brown patted my shoulder and gave me a motherly smile.
I gently petted the shelter dog, and a wave of peace washed over me. His fur was soft beneath my fingertips, and his eyes held a gentle trust that warmed my heart. With each stroke, I felt a bond forming between us, a silent exchange of comfort and companionship.
I've been coming to this animal shelter for a few weeks now, and surprisingly, it's been a great stress reliever, especially with everything going on with the stalker. I'm still a bit shaken from the last gift he sent me a few days ago.
But I'm hopeful that spending time with these adorable animals will provide comfort, unlike that sick stalker human.
"Oh, by the way, we're hosting an event for animal shelters next month. It's to raise awareness about the importance of animal protection and to thank our generous donors, like yourself. You should come."
Mrs. Brown and her husband are highly successful businesspeople. However, upon her retirement, driven by her love for animals, Mrs. Brown founded several animal shelters across the city and now leads a simple life—a path I also aspire to follow after my retirement.
Woman, you're still twenty three.
"I wouldn't miss it. Thank you for the invitation. By the way, who all are you inviting?" I enquired.
"All of our donaters and a few close friends and partners. That's it." She informed.
"I see. Um, I am already late to my work, I think I should get going." I stood up and waved the dog goodbye.
"Alright dear, you will recieve an official invitation within a few days."
"Thank you Mrs. Brown. I'll see you next Wednesday."
As I stepped out of the chamber, Amelia's text popped up on my phone.
Amelia:
"Enough petting the animals, come back already."
Me:
"On the way."
I was texting Amy and suddenly bumped into a man, dropping my phone. He quickly picked it up and handed it back to me. I checked my phone for any damage and was relieved to find none.
"Thank you so much-
He disappeared. Weird.
I went back to the office. Thursdays were half days for me. I spent my mornings in the animal shelter and I worked till six thirty pm in the clinic.
My day at work does not begin without a cup of herbal tea so I went to the cafeteria and made myself one.
"Hello Layla!" Dr. Claremont greeted me excitedly.
"Good afternoon Mr. Claremont. Seems like you're happy about something." I don't have the energy for small talk right now, yet I maintained my signature smile.
"How many times have I told you, just call me Ethan, I am literally just in my early thirties. And to answer your question, yes I am happy because I have a good news for you." Ethan held out and envelope and beamed with joy.
"Well, what is the good news?" I took a sip of tea and patiently waited for the 'news'.
"This, is the invitation of Nova Rain's art exhibition this Saturday. I know how big fan you are of art. So I got it for you." Ethan said with pride.
"Are you serious?" I snatched away the envelope from him and opened the card. I couldn't believe it.
"Ethan, this is honestly the best thing I heard this week. You...you seriously didn't have to do this. Thank you so much. I am really grateful-
"Come on Layla, this is nothing. Who else will I do this for." Ethan conveyed with a sheer commitment.
"No, I cannot simply accept this. I'll repay you in some way." My self respect could never.
"In that case, you can have dinner with me some day." He suggested.
I gave him a perplexed look. Purposely.
"Ah, just like friends. Nothing else." He cleared it out, almost displaying the disappointment.
I simply replied with a smile.
"Alright then, I, uh have an appointment now. I'll see you again. Enjoy your day on Saturday and tell me how it was." Ethan smiled shyly.
"Sure, I will." That was actually very nice of him.
I went back to my cabin, got some work done and left for home earlier than I thought.
I simply relaxed after getting home.
I ordered some food, tended to some work-related matters, and then called it an early night.
I love Thursdays.
...
I heard a doorbell at seven in the morning. My mouth was stuffed with peanut butter and bread. I wiped the crumbs off my mouth and answered the door, still chewing on my bread.
Empty corridor.
I didn't even bother searching here and there. I simply looked down, picked up the box and shut the door.
I hastily flipped over the peice of paper first,
"Watch your step, darling. You bumped into me today, but let's not make it a habit, shall we? We wouldn't want any more accidental encounters, now would we?" -Unknown.
I opened the box and found a brand new mobile phone.
But that didn't matter now.
My heart pounded with a mix of relief and anticipation.
A man. It was a man. My stalker. I remember bumping into a man in the animal shelter yesterday, he wore the same uniform as the other workers. I wasn't that dumb to think it is one of the workers. No. It was someone, disguised as a worker. After two long years, I finally found a clue. The animal shelter. Yes.
I will find you.
Mr. Stalker.