Page 41 of Texting Dr. Stalker

But normal sucks right now.

Gritting my teeth, I changed direction.

I stepped over the carpet where Milton had almost raped me.

The thought of going to bed—even if it was in a newly painted bedroom on a mattress on the floor instead of the room I’d shared with him—wasn’t inviting.

I knew I wouldn’t sleep.

Milton’s whispers teased on the edges of my mind. The scratchiness of my throat still tickled, and I didn’t want another nightmare so soon after the last one.

Instead of wasting the evening, I stepped through the back door, off the deck, and onto the grass.

There, I sank into a cross-legged position and stared at the stars. The glowing fairy lights in the foliage acted like earthbound celestial balls, glimmering on leaves and petals. The yin-yang fountain in the corner for the blackbirds splashed lazily, and a dog a few houses down whined to be let back in after a late-night pee.

I’m safe.

I’m fine.

So why did my eyes suddenly ache and tears start pouring against my control?

Why did they drip off my chin as I stared at the stars, begging them to unravel and fix the mess inside me? For most of the day, I could pretend I was healing. But at this time of night, in this much honesty…I couldn’t.

Burying my face in my hands, I gave in and cried for things I had no words for.

I didn’t know how much time passed, but I started to shiver in my Sailor Moon t-shirt and night shorts. I needed to go inside and crawl beneath warm cozy blankets, but…I didn’t want to move.

Perhaps I should sleep out here amongst the flowers and the insects. Maybe they’d watch over me and—

My phone buzzed quietly.

No, not my phone.

His.

X:I hate it when you cry in the moonlight.

For a second, all I could do was gawk at the words.

My head tipped up, my eyes darting in all the shadows.

H-He’s watching me right now.

Another message vibrated.

X:Whoever made you cry will never touch you again. You have my word.

My fear switched to terror. Scooting onto my knees, I went to leap to my feet, but a third message buzzed.

X:I’m only watching to keep you safe. I will never approach you. Never hurt you. You will never see me or have to pretend with me. I’m just here…with you.

Fresh tears glassed my eyesight.

I sagged back onto the lawn, cradling the phone. All the tangled mess inside me suddenly,crazilymelted into…relief. It was the sweetest, sharpest relief that made no sense and made me fear for my sanity.

My thumbs stroked the screen. I wanted to reply but had no idea what to say. I wanted to know why he chose to protect me but didn’t know if I’d like the answer.

My chin tipped down as exhaustion fell over me.

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