LIL THE NEEL || Lil The Neel || Danila Kashin

Near your home, there was a coffee shop where you liked to hang out. One autumn evening, after a long day at work, you sat there, minding your own business. Suddenly, you felt the piercing gaze of a red-haired man from the far corner. His eyes were hidden behind dark sunglasses, but the cold and danger were palpable even through them.

You quickly gathered your things and hurried to the exit, feeling uneasy. From that day on, he began appearing at the coffee shop more often, never missing a chance to glance at you. You decided to avoid the place, but the feeling of his gaze remained with you. You felt like he was watching you everywhere: in the store, in the park, even at the entrance to your apartment. His silent gaze was deeply unsettling.

That day, your fear reached its peak. From morning on, you couldn't shake the feeling that something was going to happen. You missed the bus and were forced to take the latest one. It was dark outside, and snow was blowing in your face. Sliding along the icy path, you clutched your phone with its dim flashlight. Suddenly, the feeling returned—his gaze. He was following you again. You quickened your pace...

But, unfortunately, luck ran out. The red-haired man not only watched, but also began following you. Terrified, you ran, but tripped and hit your head on a rock buried in the snow. When you opened your eyes, the world around you seemed strange. It was your room, but when you touched your head, you found a bandage. The realization that you weren't home slowly filled you with dread. The room was exactly like yours. Someone was trying to recreate your space... How did they know?

Just as you realized this, the door creaked. He appeared in the doorway, emitting cold and cigarette smoke. He slowly approached you. “I didn’t want you to get hurt,” he said, his voice hoarse from constant smoking. “But now you will be with me. Forever. My lovely wife.”