Emily had been solo hiking for weeks now. She had found a means to relieve stress while exercising. She also enjoyed getting out of the city, away from all the noise and people. She had packed a bag full of snacks, water, and a few other essentials for the day.
The sun was just beginning to set as she made her way up the winding trail. Emily was so immersed in the beauty of the landscape, it reminded her of the good old days when she was so happy. She stared so much that she didn't notice the noise of a nearby bear. Suddenly, the bear came crashing through the trees, startling Emily and sending her tumbling to the ground.
Emily scrambled to her feet and began to run, but the bear was too fast. It was just a few steps behind her as she raced down the trail. She was so panicked that she didn't know what to do. Just then, she remembered the bear spray she had packed. She quickly pulled it out and sprayed it in the bear's direction.
The bear stopped and retreated into the trees. Emily quickly gathered her things and ran back down the trail. She kept running until she was safely back in her car. She took a few deep breaths and tried to calm down but she noticed something. She saw a figure standing in the shadows, watching her. Emily's breath caught in her throat and she froze, unable to move.
The figure stepped forward and Emily could make out a face. It was a young man, and he was staring at her intently. She felt a wave of fear wash over her and she started her car.
The man stepped closer and Emily could feel her heart pounding in her chest. She wanted to scream, but no sound came out. Finally, the man spoke.
"Emily, it's me," he said softly.
Emily's fear instantly melted away as she realized it was Jake, her friend from school. She let out a sigh of relief and smiled.
"You scared me," she said, laughing.
"I'm sorry," he said, looking sheepish. "I was just curious to see what you were doing out here all alone."
Emily smiled again. "It's okay," she said. "I'm glad you're here."
She unlocked the car and he got in. She wondered if he was stalking her or something but she couldn't ask.
'Alright, let's head home'. Emily said as she started driving. The car was filled with a peaceful silence, but then Taylor Swift's Delicate started to play softly on the radio. Emily and Jake looked at each other, both of them unable to suppress a smile.
She turned to look at Jake. He seemed to be enjoying the music. Nice!. Occasionally, she stole glances at him. She had never really seen how handsome Jake had been because they were good friends and you aren't supposed to look at your friend as 'handsome'.
Emily had known Jake was handsome, but today she was close enough to take in all of his features. His deep blue eyes were framed by long eyelashes, his nose was slightly crooked in a way that made him even more attractive, and his full lips were drawn into a gentle smile.
Emily felt her heart flutter as she looked into his eyes, realizing he was even more handsome than she had imagined. She quickly looked away, feeling embarrassed by the intensity of her thoughts.
She decided to focus on her driving. Better to focus than get distracted and get into an accident. They finally got into town.
'Where do you live, I'll drop you off'. Emily asked.
'121 Castle street'. Jake replied with a smile.
Emily's eyes widened. "What do you mean?"
"I'm your neighbor," Jake said. "I live right next door."
Emily gasped in shock. "You're kidding me! I had no idea!"
Jake laughed. "It's a small world, isn't it?"
Emily smiled. "It sure is. It's nice to have you as my neighbor, Jake."
She got out of the car and together they took the elevator. The elevator had never felt this warm or nice before. Wait. She thought to herself. Why is the elevator feeling nice and warm? She looked around and noticed Jake staring at her. She finally understood why. It was Jake. He was giving her butterflies.
She tried to get out and quickly waved goodbye to Jake, but before she could do that, Jake held her arm, she tried to fight it but he pulled tighter and she ended up falling into his arms.
She held her breath, feeling her heart swell in her chest, she felt the warmth of his body and the strength of his arms. She closed her eyes, feeling a wave of emotion wash over her and she smiled.
Realizing what had just happened, she pushed him away and ran.
She did not know why she was so excited around Jake but it had to stop. No one was to be trusted. No one at all. Not. Even. Jake.
Jake had gotten to see Emily again. He saw her leave her apartment earlier and decided to follow her. She got into her car and he jumped on his bike.
She went hiking and Jake trudged through the woods, keeping his eyes on Emily who was a few yards ahead of him. The woods were beautiful and peaceful, and the sound of chirping birds and rustling leaves filled the air.
However, the peacefulness was broken by a sudden deep growl that echoed through the woods. Jake froze in his tracks, his heart pounding. Emily continued walking, seemingly unaware of the danger.
Before Jake had the chance to call out to her, a large bear emerged from the trees and charged at Emily. He felt charged up and as he ran towards the bear, he noticed that Emily had already taken care of it. She faced a bear with bear spray. He giggled remembering it.
She was brave. He liked that about her.
Now, she knew they stayed in the same building and he hoped that would make them closer.
He climbs onto his bed. While tucking himself in, he remembers the figurine with the letter in it. Who could be watching him? Why? What was his crime?