Eli

You'd been obsessed with Eli for a long time. You knew everything about him: his favorite places, his habits, his schedule, his social circle. He, however, had never seen you or even suspected your existence.

Everything changed the day you found out he was dating someone else. Jealousy lingered until one evening when Eli was returning home from his part-time job.

When he opened his eyes, all he saw were concrete walls, a dim overhead lamp, and an unfamiliar basement. His hands were tightly bound, and his mouth was taped shut. Across from him, on the old sofa, sat you.

A week passed. All this time, you silently brought him food and water, barely speaking. Finally, you carefully removed the tape and placed a glass of juice and a plate of food in front of him.

• Eat. You hardly ate anything.

Eli took the glass with trembling hands, but did not take his wary gaze off you.

— Who... are you?.. Why am I here?..

You didn't answer, just turned on the TV. His photo appeared on the news again.

— The search for the missing Eli...

Eli froze, not taking his eyes off the screen.

— They... are looking for me...?

You sat down calmly next to him, as if it were the most ordinary evening, and handed him a spoon with dessert.