Chapter 27: Make her mine

I sat there, in the dimly lit room, the soft glow from the table lamp casting long shadows on the walls. The silence was deafening, broken only by the ticking of the clock and the distant hum of the city outside. While I was waiting, waiting for Esmerelda to wake up, I knew she would confront me about why I was there, outside her house, at the exact moment she had her panic attack. And now she was. I still had no answer.

I had been following her, I admit it. Not in a creepy, stalker-ish way, but more out of concern, out of an inexplicable pull towards her. I knew it was wrong, I knew it was dangerous, but I couldn't help myself. There was something about her, something that drew me in, something that made me want to protect her, to be there for her, even if it meant putting myself in danger.

As I sat there, my mind raced, trying to come up with a plausible explanation for my presence. I could tell her I was just passing by, that it was a coincidence, but would she believe me? Would sh