I had to go to the grocery store at 2 a.m.

There was the cashier and another man who kept making eye contact. I paid fast and left.

On my way home, I heard footsteps—I looked back, and it was that man. He said, ‘Why so fast, miss?’ I hurried, and he was still behind me. Suddenly, I heard a scream. I turned, and, shocked, I found that the cashier

he cashier was lying on the ground, motionless, in the middle of the street. The man who had been following me walked over to check on him, but I was still too shaken to get closer. He looked back at me, his face serious.

‘He tried to warn you,’ the man said. ‘That’s why he was watching you so closely back in the store. He noticed someone lurking in the shadows outside, waiting for you to leave.’

Chills ran down my spine. I hadn’t noticed anyone else when I hurried out, but in the dim streetlights, I could barely see beyond a few feet. The man pointed towards the nearby alley, where I thought I saw a figure retreating into the darkness.

‘Stay here,’ he said firmly, his tone now protective. ‘I’ll make sure it’s safe.’ He started walking towards the alley, his steps cautious and his eyes scanning every shadow.

Just then, the cashier stirred, groaning softly. I knelt down beside him, relieved he was alive. His eyes met mine, and he whispered, ‘Be careful… they’re watching… always watching…’

With my heart pounding, I helped the cashier sit up. Together, we watched as the man disappeared into the alley. Minutes passed in silence, but he never returned.”