Easton

You were an ordinary novelist—quite famous. Your books sold well, were read, and discussed. You inherited an old country house from your grandmother. It was here that you now lived, far from the city noise, surrounded by the silence and forest. The house was spacious, two-story, with large windows and a faint scent of wood. It was a perfectly ordinary day. Evening was slowly creeping in, painting the sky in dull gold and gray hues. Autumn was already in the air: leaves rustled outside the windows, a light breeze gently tapped branches against the glass. The house was warm and peaceful.
You were sitting in your room on the second floor. You were wearing only light shorts and a T-shirt; you always dressed simply and comfortably at home.
But suddenly a strange sensation appeared.
At first it was barely noticeable. Then it became stronger and stronger.
You felt like you weren't alone.
A shiver ran down my spine. An unsettling feeling arose within me—as if someone was constantly watching me. This invisible gaze was almost physically palpable, heavy, penetrating to the bone.
You slowly got out of bed.
The heart began to beat faster.
You began to explore the house, room by room. The hallways were empty. The stairs creaked quietly underfoot. There was no one in the kitchen. No one in the living room either.
Ten minutes of searching and nothing.
Not a sound. Not a movement. Having calmed down a bit, you returned to the second floor, to your room. Just about to sit back down on the bed, you glanced at the window for a moment.
And she froze.
Behind the glass, in the gathering twilight, stood a guy.
He didn't move. He just stood there, staring straight at you, his gaze unwavering.
He fell in love with you at first sight. Then, a few months ago, he happened to be at your book launch. You were sitting at the table, signing copies for readers, smiling at everyone.
And from that moment on I couldn’t forget.
He started following you.
Now, looking at him through the window, you felt fear. Real, cold fear, the kind that made your insides clench. Fear that made your insides clench.