That night, though, something had felt off. She couldn't explain it. She was driving home from her routine dinner date with Ronald-he was always so attentive, so careful with her, like he knew how fragile the world she lived in could be. The sky had been a brilliant shade of indigo, the air still and cool, a perfect evening for a drive.
But as the headlights of her car sliced through the mist rising along the road that led to their neighborhood, Celestine noticed a black SUV trailing her too closely. It didn't feel like coincidence. She pressed the accelerator, her heart picking up its pace. The car behind her matched her speed exactly, its shadowy figure a constant presence in the rearview mirror.
Her breath quickened. Who would be following her at this hour? She gripped the wheel, trying to steady her nerves. She knew this road well. The towering trees on either side blurred as she pushed faster, but the SUV didn't waver. It stuck to her, closer now than ever
And then, the worst part: the eerie feeling that whoever was driving that car knew exactly who she was. She could feel it. Her hands tightened on the steering wheel as if willing the world to stop, to give her an answer, to make the night less menacing.
Before she had time to react, the SUV swerved and pulled alongside her, cutting her off. Celestine's breath caught in her throat as the window on the passenger side rolled down, revealing a man she recognized-John, the neighbor who always seemed a little too familiar with her family.
"Get in the car, Celestine," he said, his voice low, urgent.
Her pulse hammered in her chest. "What the hell are you doing? Leave me alone!"
But John didn't retreat. He leaned forward, eyes narrowing in a way that made her stomach twist with unease.
It happened too quickly. Another figure appeared from the shadows-Ronald. His hand was steady, holding a gun, its barrel gleaming in the dim light. Before Celestine could process what was happening, the loud crack of gunfire shattered the silence of the night. John staggered back, falling to the ground, clutching his side.
Get in the car, Celestine. We need to go." Ronald's voice was calm, but there was something about the way his eyes flickered-like he was as shaken as she was.
"Ronald!" Celestine gasped, unable to grasp what was happening. "What... what is this? What is going on?"
Ronald glanced at her, his face pale, strained. "I didn't want this, Celestine. I never wanted you to find out, but it's too late now. Too much has already happened." He motioned for her to get in, and despite every instinct screaming to run, she followed him.
The car sped off, the haunting image of John on the ground still burned into her mind.