Page 48 of Cyber Revenge

The truck is still parked where we left it. The passenger door open, and a single bottle of water sits on the seat like a peace offering.

Inside is a folded note on the dashboard.

I stare at it like it might explode before grabbing it with trembling fingers and unfolding the paper.

You’re safe.

That’s it.

Two words.

No name. No heart. No threat.

Just… truth.

The drive home is silent.

He lets me ride alone. Trusts me to find my way back on the narrow trail we came in through. It feels good not being treated like a damsel in distress. But I have a feeling he’s close by.

Watching me

My phone has service again by the time I reach the edge of the woods, but I don’t turn it on.

I don’t want the real world yet.

I don’t want Patrick’s name in my mentions.

Don’t want another text from my mom about parenting.

Don’t want another follower asking when my next stream is.

I want him.

The monster.

The mask.

The man who ruined me in the dirt and kissed my wounds after.

Back in my house, I collapse into the shower and let the water scald my skin. It runs pink for a few seconds, paint, maybe blood, and then clear.

I stare down at my chest, at the tiny healing cut beneath my breast.

My fingers hover over it.

I should be disturbed.

I should cry.

But I touch it gently and smile.

By the time I slip into bed, my body is clean, but my thoughts are a storm.

What is this?

An obsession? A trauma bond?

Some twisted fantasy bleeding into reality?