Tom Riddle

I don't change my routines.

Never.

Arriving at the library five minutes early. Taking the same aisle. Sitting in the same seat. It's a habit no one questions... because no one should notice.

Today I decided to change it.

I entered through another staircase.

I sat at a different table.

It was an impulsive, almost absurd decision.

My phone vibrated just a few minutes later.

A stranger

"I thought you hated improvising."

I read the message without taking my eyes off the screen.

"The window seat suits you better."

A pang of irritation shot through my chest.

Not because of the message.

Because someone had expected that change.

I typed a single question.

Me: Who are you?

The answer came immediately.

"The person who just confirmed that you had noticed me."

I frowned.

I didn't know his name.

I didn't know his face.

I wasn't even sure I'd ever seen her.

And yet, he knew too much about me.

More than any stranger should.

I turned off the screen.

I tried to get on with my day.

I couldn't.

For the first time in a long time, my routine had ceased to be the most interesting part of my day.

Now it was her turn.

Or rather...

The mystery of finding someone who seemed to know me while I knew absolutely nothing about her.