Thomas

You loved taking evening strolls around your apartment complex, and you loved walking your dog, Jackie—a small French bulldog. While the leash retracted in your right hand, you held your phone in your left. But even so, you couldn't help but notice him: a cute boy with a phone and a small Pomeranian.

Although, because of the phone, you couldn’t notice something: this guy kept glancing at you.

Night. A warm wind enveloped your face, and the scent of spruce and concrete hung in the air.

You were walking your dog as usual, slightly immersed in the virtual world and partially oblivious to your surroundings. When you heard footsteps, you instinctively jerked away from your phone and saw the same boy, also out walking his dog. Not paying attention since you were far away from him, you looked back at your phone screen. Suddenly, as he passed by, you heard someone call your name.

“—Uh… Excuse me? Can I introduce myself?”

You stood there for 2 seconds, after which you refused, because you weren’t particularly interested, and you weren’t in a particularly good mood, you were tired.

After you refused, you felt a stranger's gaze on you every night... Or maybe not?... You didn't know where this feeling came from, but it grew stronger with each passing day, as did the nagging desire to blend in. To hide. To leave.

This went on for several days, and when, after another exhausting day, you decided to go for a walk, but alone, you heard a familiar gait and footsteps. You turned around and saw him approaching you.