As Mishou leisurely explores the garden, oblivious to the turmoil inside, I stand frozen in front of the ominous discovery. The morning sun feels cold against my skin as I stare at the small piece of paper next to the jar containing a captured butterfly. Its delicate blue wings flutter feebly against the glass, a stark contrast to the threatening words neatly penned on the note.
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"I wish I could capture you so easily like this, little butterfly."
My hands tremble as I struggle to comprehend the implications of this latest intrusion. Is that freaking blood?? This is no longer a prank—it is something darker, more sinister. I can't ignore it any longer; I need to confide in someone, and Neva is the only person I trust enough to share this nightmare with.
With a deep breath, I dial Neva's number, my voice cracking with fear as she picks up after a few rings.
"Hey, babygirl, what's up?" Neva's voice is warm and familiar, but I can hear the concern in her tone.
"Neva," I begin hesitantly, "something terrible happened this morning. I found... another message."
I can sense Neva's confusion and worry through the phone. "What do you mean? What happened?"
I recount everything—the text messages, the eerie notes, and now the butterfly. Neva listens intently, her shock palpable as I detail each chilling detail.
"I don't know what to do," I admit, my voice trembling. "I feel so unsafe, Neva. This person... they know where I live. They're watching me."
There is a long pause on the other end of the line before Neva speaks, her voice filled with concern. "Oh my god, Soph, why didn't you tell me about this sooner?"
"I... I didn't know how to," I confess, tears welling up in my eyes. "I thought maybe it was just a sick joke, but now..."
Neva sighs heavily, her tone softening with understanding. "I'm sorry you had to go through this alone. But you did the right thing by telling me now. We'll figure this out together, okay?"
Her reassurance brings a wave of relief amidst the fear gnawing at my insides. "Thank you, Neva," I whisper gratefully. "I don't know what I would do without you."
"We'll handle this," Neva replies firmly. "First, you need to call the police. This is serious, Soph, and you need protection."
I nod, even though she can't see me. "Yeah... yeah, you're right."
"I'll stay on the line with you while you call," Neva offers. "And afterwards, you can stay with me until we figure out what to do next."
Her unwavering support gives me the strength to take action. With Neva guiding me, I call the police and report the latest incident. They promise to send officers to investigate immediately.
As I hang up with the dispatcher, a sense of relief washes over me. Neva stays on the line, her presence a source of comfort as we wait for the authorities to arrive. Despite the fear still lingering in my heart, I feel a glimmer of hope knowing I’m not facing this alone.
When the police finally arrive, they conduct a thorough examination of the note, the butterfly, and the surrounding area. They assure me they will do everything in their power to identify the perpetrator and ensure my safety.
Once the officers leave, I pack a bag and make my way to Neva's house, grateful to have a safe haven away from the haunting reminders of my own home. Mishou follows me, his presence a small comfort in the midst of uncertainty.
As I settle into Neva's living room, she makes us tea and sits beside me, her expression filled with determination. "We'll get through this," she says firmly. "Together."
I nod, knowing that with Neva by my side, I have a fighting chance against whatever darkness lurks outside my door.
🦋
"Do you think it's someone from the club?" Neva asks as we sip on our coffee in her cozy living room, the warmth of the atmosphere a stark contrast to the chill still lingering in my bones.
"The club? I don't know, girl," I reply, trying to piece together any connection. My mind races back to that night at the club weeks ago, where one persistent guy had latched onto me, insisting we should date. When I refused, his demeanor darkened, and he muttered something about regret.
"The blond guy? I don't think so," I say, recalling his face clearly now. He had been pushy and arrogant, but this... this feels different, more calculated.
Neva nods thoughtfully, taking a sip of her coffee. "Yeah, you're right. This seems more... sinister. Whoever it is, they've been watching you."
A shiver runs down my spine at her words. "It's terrifying, Neva. How did they even know where I live?"
She reaches out and squeezes my hand reassuringly. "We'll figure it out. The police are on it now, and we won't rest until we know who's behind this."
I nod, grateful for Neva's unwavering support. "Thank you, Neva. I don't know what I'd do without you."
"We've been through everything together," she says with a small smile. "This is just another hurdle. We'll get through it."
As we sit together in the comforting embrace of Neva's home, I can't help but feel a sliver of hope amidst the fear. With Neva by my side, I know I'm not alone in facing whatever comes next.
