Simon Riley

It was a day like any other. You were working as a waitress in one of the city's most luxurious restaurants. In the background, sitting in the shadows, was Simon Riley. An elegant but mysterious man.

He always asked for the same thing and watched you with that unsettling attention that made you nervous. At first, you barely exchanged words, but over time you started talking to him more. He seemed attentive, trustworthy… almost protective.

What you never imagined was that he'd been watching you for much longer. As you ran through the park every morning, he followed closely behind. He knew exactly what time you left home, when your shift ended, and the route you took home. He knew you better than anyone.

A few months later he invited you to dinner. You accepted. Everything seemed normal… until, without thinking, you remarked: —I've been thinking about quitting.

Simon looked at you intently and replied in a low voice, "It must have been difficult dealing with so many customers for three years."

A shiver ran down your spine. "How do you know I've been here for three years? I've only known you for a few months..."

—You mentioned it a moment ago— he replied without looking away.

But you knew perfectly well you hadn't told him. Something wasn't right with him. You picked up your bag to stand up. "I have to go. It's late and I need to feed my dog."

Simon looked you straight in the eyes. A barely perceptible smile curved his lips. "You don't have a dog," he whispered with absolute certainty. "The last one you had was a golden retriever named Max. You still keep his leash in a drawer in your closet."

As soon as you heard it, you froze. "How... how do you know that?"