The banging continued for a few more seconds—then suddenly, silence.
I stayed frozen, hand pressed to my chest, trying to slow the violent rhythm of my heartbeat.
"Breathe… just breathe…" I whispered to myself.
"Please. Open the door. I won't hurt you…"
Emir's voice came again—quieter this time, almost gentle.
I didn't answer.
I couldn't.
Just hearing him made my skin crawl. My breath hitched, and panic swelled in my chest again.
"Woof! Woof!"
Candy barked loudly at the door, her stance protective, as if she understood exactly what was happening.
"At least talk to me," he pleaded. "I just need to hear your voice, love…"
My hands shook as I clenched them into fists.
No.
Not again.
I took a deep breath and forced the words out.
"Go away… or I'll call the police!" I yelled, my voice cracking despite how hard I tried to sound strong.
Silence.
Then a low, humorless chuckle.
"You think I'm scared of the police?" Emir scoffed.
"They can't stop me from loving you. No one can."
My knees buckled, and I slid to the floor. "Please…" I whispered, voice barely audible, tears streaming down my cheeks. "Just leave… I'm begging you…"
Something shifted in his tone. Maybe he finally heard the fear in my voice.
He went quiet for a moment.
"..."
"Alright. I'll go. But don't think this is over." He muttered quietly.
His footsteps faded.
I stayed there, silent and tense, until the hallway was completely still. Then I crawled to the window and peeked through the curtains. No one in sight.
He was gone.
A shaky sigh left my lips as I wiped my face with trembling hands. I slumped against the wall, exhausted and numb.
I should've seen this coming.
After the breakup, Emir had spiraled. The obsessive texts. The calls. The 34 fake accounts flooding my family's phones. But I never thought he'd… actually follow me home and try to barge in…
I didn't think he'd go this far.
Candy padded over to me, licking my tear-streaked cheek, whimpering softly. I let out a weak laugh and stroked her head, scratching behind her ears.
"Good girl…" I murmured.
But I couldn't just sit here anymore.
Not while he could come back.
With Candy by my side, I would go to the police station. File a complaint. Do something.
That had to be enough… right?