Stalker

“Do you think they'll come back?” she whispers, her voice trembling.

I reach over and take her hand in mine. It's so tiny, but an electric current runs through me where my palm meets hers.

I squeeze her hand gently as I reassure her, “I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

There. At least that isn't a lie. I can't tell her they won't be back because I am “they” and I will be back. There's no way I can stay away from her.

But it is true that I'll never let anyone hurt her.

She gives me a smile, and then we ride the rest of the way in silence.

There are so many things I want to say to her. So many things I want to ask her. But now isn’t the time to make small talk when she's just had a scare, so instead, I let the silence drip between us. If she wants to speak to me, she will. I have to give her time.

When we get to her apartment, I can sense her hesitance, and she hangs back as we approach the door.

I place a hand on her arm and look down into her eyes before I tell her reassuringly, “I'll go i