Heart Stalked

Who is it?

It’s me, Steph. Allen. I...I brought you something.

Allen? What the hell are you doing at my door?

It’s Valentine’s Day. I thought you’d appreciate a gift.

A gift? You shouldn’t be here. How did you even find my address?

That doesn’t matter. I just...I wanted to show you how much I care. I know how much you love roses, so I got you a dozen. And there’s a necklace inside the box. A heart shaped locket. It has our picture in it.

Our picture? Allen, we've never taken a picture together.

Well…I made one. I edited it so we could be together, at least in a small way. But that’s just for now. One day, we won’t need pictures. We’ll be together for real.

You need to leave. Right now!

Steph, please. Just take the gift.

No. I don’t want anything from you. I’ve told you before; this needs to stop. You showing up at my work, following me home, calling me from blocked numbers. Telling my mom that you're my boyfriend…it’s terrifying.

I’m not trying to scare you! I’m trying to show you how much I love you. No one will ever love you like I do.

Love? This isn’t love. This is obsession, Allen. You don’t even know me.

I do know you! I know you always get a caramel latte before work, I know you hum
Shake your groove thing   when you’re focusing on something difficult. I know your favorite story to read is "The Fall of Santa"  because of your love for Krampus.

Stop. Just stop. This is exactly what I’m talking about. You’re watching me. Learning things about me like I’m some kind of puzzle to solve. It’s not sweet, it’s not romantic, it’s...disturbing.

I’m only trying to show you that I do know you.

If you don’t leave right now, I’m calling the cops because you won't stop stalking me.

You wouldn’t do that. Not to me.

Watch me!

Steph, please...

I said leave!

See? This is nice. Just us. No distractions, no interruptions. Things are going to be better now.

Shh, shh. No need for that. I know it’s a lot to take in, but you’ll understand soon. I had to do this, Steph. You left me no choice.

I hate seeing you like this. That’s why I made your favorite chicken alfredo. Just the way you like it. I even used that special seasoning you always buy. You see? I listen to you. I care about you.

Here, open up. Come on, sweetheart, you have to eat.

No, no, no… don’t shake your head. That’s just the fear talking. It’s okay. You’ll see soon enough. This is how it was always meant to be. Just us. Together.

Hold still now, this will only take a moment. See? There we go.

Perfect. Our first real picture together. The first of many.


Notes ▼

FEBUARY PROMPT/ You send your love a Valentine's gift and she threatens to call the police on you for stalking her. "The Dialogue 500"