Atlas always seems so grumpy in every photo, it’s kind of funny. Gavin is definitely more carefree out of the two. Atlas seems like he prefers to be in control of the situation and like he’d rather do anything else than socialize. I save any pictures that have Atlas in them. I may need them one day, who knows? This might end up being the only way I’m able to see him, if I’m ever caught for stalking.
Atlas
The feeling of being watched has been less frequent this week, but it’s still there. I’ve been taking notes of the times and locations where that feeling returns. If I can pinpoint the when and where, I’m hoping Gavin can use the cameras to find out who happens to be here with me in each scenario. I need to find the pattern and put an end to it. I still haven’t been able to spot the man following me. That’s concerning, given the fact I run a security business. I have to be missing something. I can’t figure out a motive and have absolutely no idea of anyone who’d dothis.
My life isn’t that interesting. It’s been over a week since Gavin started helping me, but he hasn’t figured it out either. There doesn’t seem to be a man around consistently unless there’s more than one person watching me. Something in my gut tells me it’s one person though. I can’t explain how I know, other than the fact the air feels charged the same way each time. I also don’t know why this started just after running into Emily.
Is the stalker connected to her or is it a coincidence? What am I missing? I’m heading to the bookstore when I feel it again. It starts at the base of my neck and the chills spread across my body as my blood begins to heat like it always does. Why does my body react this way to being watched by whoever this person is? I slow my steps but don’t turn around. I want to drag this out as long as I can, hoping we can catch something this time. Without drawing more attention to myself, I swiftly send a text to Gavin.
Atlas
Heading to Pages now, the
bookstore right next to the bakery.
Gavin
On it.
Atlas
Let me know if you find anything.
Gavin
No suspicious men in the area.
Atlas
Shit, I thought we had them this time. There are
not many places someone could hide on this road.
Gavin
Sorry man. Look, I have an idea that might work.
Atlas
I’m listening
Gavin
I’m going to run all the footage through a program that’ll flag anyone who is shown in more than one video. Maybe we need to broaden our search with this one Atlas. We have no idea who this person is, or if they are even a man at this point.
Atlas
Do whatever you need to do and keep me posted.
Gavin
You got it.
I continue on my way to Pages. I know Maizyn isn’t here, but I need to be as close to her as possible and, in this city, it’s there. I know she’s never been there, but I know she would have loved it. She always preferred any place where books were found even though I never knew why. Maybe if I ever see her again, I’ll ask her. She never seemed to do anything without a reason, even in her most chaotic moments.
I enter the bookstore and immediately make my way to the cozy beanbag I always find myself in. It’s where I feel Maizyn the most. Sitting here for just a few moments allows the guilt to not feel so heavy for just a little bit. The silence doesn’t hurt so much when is sit here.
I stick my hand into my pocket to pull my phone out, when my fingers brush against something else. The paper crinkles in my grasp as I retrieve it.
