I experienced a flat tire. While struggling to fix it, a man in a pickup truck stopped beside me. Quickly, he managed to replace it. As he removed his sunglasses, my heart sank—it was my new neighbor, who had been secretly watching me for a month. I hastily started my car and left.
I’ve lived alone for years in a quaint house on the outskirts, maintaining my garden and selling produce locally.
After a painful betrayal by my fiancé long ago, I’ve kept a cautious distance from forming close relationships, especially with men. My garden became my sanctuary, a place of peace and control.
One afternoon, I noticed a moving truck next door and spotted a tall, dark-haired man overseeing the move. Our eyes met briefly, and I quickly diverted my gaze back to my plants.
“Another man to keep an eye on,” I murmured to myself.
Soon after, peculiar incidents occurred: missing garden tools, trampled flowers, a broken bench. I suspected my new neighbor but lacked proof.
While pruning my roses one day, I felt a stare. Turning, I saw my neighbor at his window watching me, which unsettled me deeply.
Every day, whether from his window or near his garage, his presence felt intrusive. Each encounter left me uneasy.
Relief came when Karen, another neighbor, visited with a homemade pie.
“Hi Sophia! I brought you something,” she greeted warmly.
“Thank you, Karen! That’s so kind. Would you like some tea?” I invited her inside.
As we enjoyed tea and pie, Karen mentioned, “Have you noticed our new neighbor, Axel? Quite the watcher, isn’t he?”
I nodded, discomfort rising. “Yes, I’ve felt his eyes on me. It’s unsettling.”
Karen reassured with a sweet smile, “He’s probably just curious. But let me know if he bothers you.”
“Thanks, Karen. It’s good to have you nearby,” I responded, attempting to dismiss my discomfort.
Karen then shared her attempts to connect with Axel, which he consistently ignored, even her pies.
“That’s odd,” I remarked, growing thoughtful.
Karen added, “Ever since Axel arrived, strange things have been happening in my yard.”
“It’s concerning,” I agreed, feeling uneasy about the whole situation.
After Karen left, I caught Axel walking by, quickly averting his gaze as our eyes met.
Little did I know, a strange encounter awaited me soon.
One evening, while driving through a forested road, I noticed a flat tire. “Great,” I sighed, pulling over.
Struggling with the tire, I realized it was harder than anticipated. The lug nuts wouldn’t budge.
“Come on!” I urged, growing anxious alone on the deserted road.
Then, headlights approached. A man offered help from his truck.
“Need some help?” he asked, his voice calm.
Despite his sunglasses at dusk, I accepted his help.
He efficiently fixed the tire. “All done,” he announced, removing his sunglasses.
To my shock, it was Axel, my secretive neighbor.
“Uh, thanks,” I managed, my anxiety peaking.