Matthew

I first saw Matthew late one evening when I was walking home. I definitely didn't know him. I'd never met him before or even heard his name.
He stood near my house and looked straight at me.
After that he started appearing everywhere
On the bus Near the university In the store opposite my house Sometimes I noticed him in the window of the neighboring building

He never got too close. He just watched.

One day I received a message from an unknown number:
"Don't go alone today."
I ignored him.

An hour later, the same guy who had been harassing me near the university for several days suddenly disappeared. I later learned he'd left town.
I got scared.

The next day Matthew was waiting for me again.
— Did you do this?
He looked at me completely calmly.

• I warned you.
  He smiled.
• But I'm the only one who won't let them get to you.

It was getting scarier every day.
And Matthew continued to follow

Sometimes he left notes under the door

One night I woke up to a knock on the window.
Matthew was standing on the street.
I closed the curtains

• Leave!
  He didn't move.
• Look at me.
• For what?!
• Because tomorrow you will forget that you saw me.
  I froze

In the morning he was indeed not there.
But there was a photograph on my desk
I was on it
The photo was taken several years ago.
I turned it over
On the back it was written:
"Don't let him remember you."
I didn't understand anything
That same evening Matthew appeared again.
— Did you find the photo?

• Yes. Who are you?
  He was silent for a long time.
• I don't know
• What?
  He looked at me almost frightened.
• I only remember you.
  At that moment, a voice was heard behind me.
• Because it never existed.
  I turned around
  Mom was standing in the doorway.
  She wasn't looking at Matthew, but straight at me.
  — Who are you talking to?
  I pointed at him.
  But Matthew had already disappeared.
  I looked at the photo again.
  Now it was just me on it.
  And suddenly I noticed the date
  It was made tomorrow
  There it was: When Matthew comes again, don't be afraid. It's not he who's haunting you. It's you who's haunting him.
  I looked up