Watched in Silence

Ever feel watched, even when completely alone? My quiet apartment was my sanctuary.

Then, small handwritten notes started appearing. "Beautiful view tonight."

They'd be tucked into my pillow, or stuck to my coffee cup. No forced entry.

I checked every lock, every window, twice. My heart hammered

with each discovery. One morning, a note lay on my bathroom mirror: "You sleep so peacefully."

Below it, my own reflection stared back, but the eyes weren't mine.

They were wide, unblinking, and utterly black.