Page 32 of Texting Dr. Stalker

Stupid,idioticcuriosity had me clicking on it even while common sense screamed not to be a statistic.

The message was to you. It’s not a mistake. You’re the rightful owner.

My pulse skyrocketed.

My fingers flew over the keys.

Who are you and why did you give me a phone?

The stranger replied:So you have someone to talk to.

My heart rate grew faster and faster.Why would I need someone to talk to?

A reply appeared instantly.Just a feeling I have.

Who the hell is this? Milton? Is that you?

The phone vibrated in my hand.

Names don’t matter. But if you need to call me something, X will do.

My entire body turned to Jell-O.

X? That’s not at all terrifying or weird.Who the hell are you? Is Milton putting you up to this? What do you want?

Tears burned my eyes as I waited for a reply.

The phone chirped.Just like names don’t matter, it doesn’t matter who I am. All you need to know is, I will never hurt you. I will never threaten you or put you in danger. And no, this isn’t Milton, and no, he didn’t put me up to this. (Whoever he is.)

Oh my God, I was going to be sick. This was a prank. A sick, evil prank by a sick, evil man who thought he could torment me.

I shivered as I replied:I don’t believe you.

X:I don’t know what I can offer to give you peace of mind.Tell me what you need, and I’ll give it.

Me:Tell me why you put this phone in my mailbox. How do you know me? What else do you know? Why are you doing this?

The soft chime of a new message had me holding my breath.

X:This isn’t going like I planned. I didn’t want to be so frank, but I think…I think that might be best. Ready?

I could barely type, I shuddered so much.

Me:Tell me.

X:I saw you that night. Being hurt.

The tears burning my eyes finally broke the seal and tumbled down my cheeks. I sat down heavily.How did you see? Why do you even care?

I grabbed a tissue from the crocheted holder in the centre of the table and blew my nose. By the time I’d soaked up my tears, the phone buzzed.

X:I heard the sirens and saw you being loaded into the ambulance. I felt sorry for you. And I care because I don’t like seeing good people in pain.

Me:You don’t even know me.

X:You’re right. I don’t. And that’s what makes me perfect.

I sniffed back fresh tears.Perfect for what?

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