Annabelle didn't sleep well that night. Every creak of the house, every rustle of the wind, sent her nerves into overdrive. She had locked all the windows and double-checked the doors, but the unease lingered. The shadow outside her window haunted her thoughts, and by morning, she felt as though she hadn't slept at all.
Determined to shake off the anxiety, Annabelle decided to explore the town. A walk through Willow Creek would give her a chance to clear her head—and maybe learn more about its people, including John.
The streets were busier in the daylight, with shopkeepers sweeping their storefronts and children riding bikes along the cobblestone paths. Annabelle's spirits lifted slightly as she wandered past a quaint bookstore, a bakery with the smell of fresh bread wafting through the air, and a small antiques shop.
She stopped at the general store, needing a few supplies for the cottage. Inside, the shelves were packed with everything from canned goods to handmade crafts. A friendly woman behind the counter greeted her warmly.
"You must be the new girl," she said. "Annabelle, right? I'm Beth."
Annabelle smiled. "That's me. It's nice to meet you, Beth."
As they chatted, Beth's cheerful demeanor reminded Annabelle of Maggie. The people in Willow Creek seemed genuinely kind—except for one, of course.
"Do you know much about John Matthews?" Annabelle asked, trying to sound casual.
Beth's smile faltered, and she leaned in slightly. "Why do you ask?"
"I ran into him at the diner last night," Annabelle said. "He seemed…interesting."
Beth hesitated, glancing around to make sure no one else was listening. "John's a good man, but he's had a rough life. Folks around here are quick to judge, but he keeps to himself for a reason."
"What reason?" Annabelle pressed.
Beth opened her mouth to respond but stopped when the bell above the door jingled. Annabelle turned, and there he was—John.
He stepped inside, his presence as commanding as it had been the night before. His eyes immediately found Annabelle, and for a moment, the air between them seemed to crackle.
"Beth," he said, his deep voice cutting through the silence. "Just picking up my order."
Beth nodded quickly, her cheerful demeanor replaced by something more cautious. "Of course, John. I'll grab it for you."
As Beth disappeared into the back, Annabelle couldn't help but stare at him. John glanced at her, his expression unreadable, and walked over to the counter.
"You're the new girl," he said, his tone flat but curious.
Annabelle nodded, her voice caught in her throat.
"Annabelle, right?"
"Yes," she managed, her palms suddenly clammy.
John studied her for a moment, his gaze intense. "Word of advice: people in this town like to talk. Be careful who you listen to."
Before she could respond, Beth returned with a small paper bag. John took it, gave Annabelle one last look, and left the store without another word.
Annabelle stood frozen, her heart racing. There was something undeniably captivating about him, but his warning replayed in her mind.