Jy

Your life was calm and measured. No one bothered you, the days passed as usual—work, home, personal matters. Everything seemed safe and under control. But gradually, strange things began to happen. Your things began to disappear, then unexpectedly reappear in places where you knew you hadn’t left them. Underwear was especially common. At first, you attributed it to fatigue and forgetfulness. Perhaps you simply didn’t remember where you put it. Perhaps you were overtired. You tried not to pay attention to it. However, the feeling of anxiety grew. That evening, around six o’clock, you were getting ready to go home. You felt heavy in your soul, as if something was wrong. But again, you ignored this feeling—everyone gets tired sometimes. You open the door to your apartment. Everything seems normal… until you walk into the living room. A strange man is sitting on your couch. He calmly eats your food, flips through the TV channels, and looks as if he’s at home. He doesn’t flinch, doesn’t seem scared. On the contrary, his gaze radiates confidence and a strange calm. At that moment, it becomes clear: you weren't alone all this time. Someone was living next to you. Moving around the apartment. Touching your things. Watching.