Not About Him:Part Four

Maybe she walked too fast… or looked back too often— Maybe that’s what made him notice her. Or maybe he had already been there, watching her so intently that she could feel his eyes before she ever saw him. But why was she so scared? Sure, it was past midnight, and the street did seem empty— but that couldn’t be the only reason. And it didn’t even seem like she was scared of him. Maybe there was another reason. But I couldn’t grasp it. Maybe… you’d have to go back in time to really understand why she was afraid. Maybe it started days ago. Maybe even years. Fear like that doesn’t just show up out of nowhere. She just walks a little faster now. Keeps her keys between her fingers. Smiles less. Or the way she flinches—barely, but enough—when someone says "accident" like it’s just another word. She gives a tired smile— as if knowing, but never showing. You could look at her and think she’s fine. But that’s the thing about fear. It h