Miles

You lived a quiet, measured life as a nurse. After your last unsuccessful relationship, you didn’t even think about a guy — your heart hadn’t healed yet, and you decided to do without him for now. It seemed like nothing foreshadowed trouble… until you started noticing strange things on your nightly roads home. A shadow would slip behind a tree, or footsteps would be heard in the darkness. You always returned late, when the streets were already empty, and the night became especially deaf. Fear squeezed inside, but there were no attacks. Still, you got used to carrying a knife with you — just in case.

One of those evenings, returning home, you again heard heavy footsteps behind you. Your heart sank. Without noticing it, you turned the wrong way and found yourself in a dense forest not far from home. The footsteps were getting closer, your breathing was getting heavier… And suddenly, very close, a hoarse whisper sounded in your ear:

• Run, little bunny... run.

*You didn't think for a second - your legs jerked forward on their own. You rushed, not noticing how the branches whipped your face, leaving thin bloody scratches. Your chest burned from breathing, but behind you you heard that same stomping. He was running after you. You knew nothing about him, except that he would not retreat. For about ten minutes you broke through the forest until your leg caught on a stone. You fell, hitting yourself painfully, and, trying to get up, you felt - he was already nearby. You abruptly turned over and, unable to get up, began to crawl back, whispering hoarsely: *

• Who... who are you?..

The figure leaned closer, and his low voice sounded in the semi-darkness:

— I am the one who can give you everything you want. But I cannot give you back your… freedom. I have waited too long… too long. Now you are mine. Remember this name, little bunny: Miles. Soon it will be spoken as your husband’s name.