Chapter 17 - Shadow Figure

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the quaint streets of Everglow. Jessica walked home from the coffee shop, the cool evening air a welcome relief after a long day on her feet. But tonight, there was an unusual tension in the air, something that made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up.

As she turned onto the street where her small apartment was nestled, she caught a glimpse of a figure standing in the shadows across from her building. The figure was tall, dressed in a dark coat, and seemed to be watching her. Jessica's heart skipped a beat, but when she blinked, the figure was gone.

She shook her head, trying to dismiss the feeling of unease. It had been a long day, and she was probably just tired. But as she reached her apartment door, she couldn’t shake the sensation that someone had been watching her. She fumbled with her keys, her hands trembling slightly, and quickly let herself in, locking the door behind her.

Inside, the apartment was quiet an