Work Text:
It's been a few weeks since I moved to this little suburban town in Texas. To be honest, not much has happened since then. I've continued my job from home, explored the area, talked with my somehow off-putting neighbor.. what was his name again? Jacob?
But it's still hard to get used to this new lifestyle so far away from family and friends.
I can't help but feel lonely.
As I get home from shopping I sloppily close the door behind me and let my bags fall to the floor. As my back rests against the door, I can feel the strength in my legs slowly give in as I slide down. I'm so lonely it hurts. It hurts a lot. And who will I even turn to if there's no one here? I can feel tears slowly arise, my vision blurs.
There IS someone I suppose... I have a secret admirer, one who often sends me sweet letters. I can't help but chuckle. Right, those letters. They always have silly drawings of fish on them, I guess they really enjoy the ocean life, don't they?
Nonetheless, I don't even know this person, will I ever really meet them? I can feel the slight smile leave my lips once more as my heart starts feeling heavy. I moved all the way out here to get away from my problems but... they seem to haunt me. I am scared. I am so scared. Will I-
*ring* *ring*
Is my boss really calling me NOW of all times??
I sloppily get up and make my way over to the couch and take my phone. Huh. That's odd. The caller preferred not to show their number? ... What more can I lose? I decide to pick up. My voice is shaky.
"Hel-"
"Don't.."
...?
"Don't cry.."
My eyes widen and my heartrate quickens. There's an infinite amount of questions and thoughts welling up in my mind but... all I can do right now is... cry? The tears just seem to let loose, have I been this desperate for any kind of care and comfort? So, that the shady and breathy voice of some stranger, who I suppose is a man, shakes me up to this extent?
I can hear ruffling noises from the line.
"Oh-h.. no... please... you're too beautiful to cry.." The last few words were mumbled.
I can't help but chuckle at this absurd situation as I wipe off my tears.
"I'm sorry, it's just been a bit hard lately..."
"Mh... I felt... lonely too, when I first moved."
How does he... know that? I can feel a rush of anxiety wash over me.
"If you were with me, you'd never have to be alone..." The man muffles quietly.
I quickly stand up from the couch and look all around the room, it is getting dark, a few minutes until the sun completely sets.
"I would... make sure you never cry..."
The windows? Is he watching from the windows? I decide to check them and look outside. Did... something just move??
"I can hold you close... and... get rid of anything that hurts you..."
I take a few steps back into the room, unsure of what to do next. I feel like a deer in headlights. I decide to continue talking to him.
"Are you... my secret admirer?"
The line goes quiet. Once again, I hear quiet ruffling. What is that noise?
"...Did you... like the swordfish?"
My expression softens as I sit back down and look at the letter, there it is, the swordfish. I rest my head on my forehead. Soo... my stalker or... 'secret admirer' is probably somehow watching me right now but also likes to draw me cute little fish on love letters and calls me to check up on me. I'm... confused.
"I... can't say that I hate it. It's a well done swordfish." I chuckle softly.
I hear a sharp inhale from the other line followed by a short moment of silence.
"You're... so kind... and so... so beautiful..."
Maybe it's because I haven't received compliments in a while, but I can feel my cheeks burn up. I grow more curious.
"So... you've seen me? How do I know you?"
The line is silent. Until I hear a strong wind from outside whirl up, it's so noisy.
"When you go shopping... to the park... work from home..."
"When you..... sleep..."
He's been watching me.
"...protect you."
I get up slowly. Afraid to make too much noise, hopefully the storm outside dampens my footsteps. I try to make my way to the door. I can hear the breathing over the line get louder. Wait... it's... over the line right-
*thump thump THUMP*
Footsteps close in rapidly from behind until I feel strong arms wrap around me. It all happened so fast that I couldn't react. I drop my phone to the ground. My breath hitches and my heart races out of my chest. I hear his soft yet deep voice at the side of my ear, mumbling...
"I'll keep you safe... you don't have to cry... ever again..."