Page 12 of Carnival Monster

I’ve always been a little off, too drawn to life’s perversions. What if this is another manifestation of that?

No, this feels too real to be in my head. The sensation of being watched, the prickling on the back of my neck, the way my heart races every time I step outside—that can’t all be in my imagination.

Despite trying to convince myself, the doubt lingers. I’ve always been good at lying to myself, at creating elaborate fantasies in my head.

I nod. “Let’s find out who this fucker is and make them regret ever messing with me.”

Charlotte grins, her eyes sparkling. “That’s my girl. We’ll show this creep what happens when they mess with Aurora fucking Montgomery.”

Whether this stalker is real or just a figment of my twisted imagination, I’ll find out which it is.

“I think I’ve got the perfect plan,” Charlotte announces.

I arch a brow. “What is it?”

Charlotte clears her throat. “Here’s what we’ll do.” She leans in close. “I’ll meet you after your shift, and you’ll walk me home to my place. I’ll pretend to go inside. Once you’re a good hundred meters away, I’ll follow you, keeping an eye out for anyone suspicious.”

I bite my lip. “And what if you see someone following me?”

Charlotte grins. “Then we confront the bastard. We’ll ensure he knows that messing with you is a big mistake.”

The thought of confronting my stalker is daunting. Part of me wants to run, hide, and pretend this isn’t happening. But another part of me that craves the thrill is eager to face this head-on.

“Okay,” I murmur. “It’s a plan.”

We continue eating our burritos in silence. Or at least, I do. Charlotte rambles on about something to do with work, but I’m too distracted to listen. Once finished, we say goodbye, and I return to work.

The rest of my shift drags, each minute feeling like an eternity. I can barely focus on my work, my mind consumed with thoughts of what might happen afterward. Will we really catch my stalker? Or will this all be for nothing?

Finally, six o’clock rolls around, and I clock out, my heart racing as I step outside. The sun is setting, casting long shadows across the parking lot. I scan the area, looking for any sign of Charlotte, but she’s nowhere to be seen.

I wait for a few minutes, my anxiety growing with each passing second. I pull out my phone, ready to call her, when I hear a familiar voice behind me.

“Hey!” Charlotte calls out, jogging toward me. “Sorry that I’m late. The boss kept me working later than usual.”

I sigh. “It’s okay. I’m glad you’re here.”

We set off toward Charlotte’s apartment, walking side by side. I act normal, chatting with her about work and our plans for the carnival on Halloween night. Still, my mind is elsewhere, constantly scanning our surroundings for any sign of danger.

Dread sinks in as we approach Charlotte’s building. This is it—the moment of truth. Charlotte walks up the steps to her door.

“Text me when you get home,” she says, giving me a look. “And be careful.”

I nod. “You too.” I watch as Charlotte disappears inside, the door closing behind her with a soft click. Then I turn and start walking, my heart pounding.

I make it about a hundred meters and hear footsteps behind me. My breath catches in my throat, and I force myself to keep walking, my pace steady and measured.

Suddenly, a man rushes past me, answering his phone as it rings. I jump, my heart leaping into my throat as I whirl around to face him. But he barely glances at me, too engrossed in his conversation to pay me any mind.

Get it together, Aurora.

It’s just some random guy, not a stalker.

Glancing over my shoulder, I hope to glimpse Charlotte behind me, but the street is empty, and there’s no sign of her.

Where is she? I slow my pace a little, allowing her to catch up. My fingers hover over her name on my phone.

Should I call her?

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