The unexpected note she pulled from her windshield read, “I liked the green sweater you wore today. The lake seemed quite choppy with all the wind. Didn’t it? See you soon.” The paper trembles in her unsteady hands. Her heart pounding in her throat. Her eyes jumping here to there scanning for who could have left it. The leaves scatter across the parking lot. Someone was watching her. Sometimes you can know too much. Sometimes it’s better to leave well enough alone. Sometimes you should run. I was watching the panic build inside her like a balloon swelling to capacity. She felt something or someone approaching. She ran to the driver side of the car and fell into the car slinging the door shut. She locked the doors and tried to catch her breath. Nothing. I’m sure she thought maybe it was all in her head. Maybe someone was playing an unfunny joke on her. Maybe. Go ahead and try to talk yourself out of the panic, try to calm down, try to forget about the note. Maybe go have a drink. But I will but I will see you soon, Aurora. Aurora pulled out of the parking lot and turned toward her house. I would catch up with her later. I wanted to love you and you to love me too. But you had other plans. You didn’t want me to know, but I see you with him every day at the very park I left your note. I know. I’ve loved you from the day I first saw you in the gas station. You bought an energy drink. Those aren’t good for you, Aurora. I had to let you know. You left the gas station and I followed you to work. I would have explained the dangers to you. To keep you safe. You seemed to be running late. You hurried into the law office before I could catch you. Next time. I think he is out of town. You’ve been alone at the park lately. His car isn’t at his house. The curtains over his windows are pulled shut. The trash can hasn’t been moved. He wouldn’t miss trash day if he were here. I think using a zoom lens I could see into the small windows on the front door. I’ll need a higher vantage point, but I’ll find a spot. I’ll find out for you if he’s here. He shouldn’t let you be alone at the park, Aurora. Oh I would never leave you alone. I would keep you safe. It is as I expected. He is here. Inside with a woman who isn’t you, Aurora. I’m sorry I’ll have to be the one to let you know. There are many things I need to tell you. I’ll see you soon. Aurora pulled into her regular parking spot. She thought twice about getting out. Her stomach twisting with an unease she couldn’t shake. Maybe she was overthinking it. It could have just been a stupid kid playing a prank, she thought. Maybe. Why aren’t you getting out? She put the car into reverse. Where are you going? You’re supposed to walk today. She decided she’d still walk despite her uneasiness, but maybe somewhere else. She drove across town to a different park. She sat for a moment and decided to call Jack first. Oh I see. I suppose you need a change of scenery. You look beautiful in any scene my dear. Who are you talking to? I suppose I’ll have to come closer to hear. I will find a spot. “Aurora please be careful. Are there other people there?” Jack asked her. Oh good, speaker phone. That makes things easier. Thank you for that, my flower. I’ll follow you. To keep you safe. He’s not here. Honestly, I find it rather appalling that he would even feign concern. Aurora started walking. She looked over her shoulder. Nothing. She kept walking trying to focus her thoughts elsewhere. Her doctor said walking would be the best thing for her condition. Slow down, love. This camera bag is heavy. Okay why are we running? You’re not wearing the right shoes for running. Another thing I’ll have to tell you. I don’t want anything to happen to you. You’ve seen me now. Just let me catch up so I can explain. See. Your sandal fell off and now you’re on the ground. You shouldn’t be running in those. I’ll explain. I’m almost to you, love. I can carry you back to your car. Stop. Quit fighting me. Stop screaming. You’re going to cause a scene. Quit being ridiculous. Aurora’s head smashed against the pavement. Be quiet! Blood pooled around the back of her head. Look what you made me do, Aurora. If you had only stayed quiet so I could explain. You shouldn’t drink those energy drinks, you’re running in the wrong shoes, and Jack was with another woman today. So many things I needed to tell you to keep you safe. She hung limp over his shoulder. Her lifeless body bouncing with his every step. The blood dripping from the back of her head, leaving a trail on the pavement. You can help me clean up the mess later. I’ll take you home with me. Maybe we can go get your green sweater from before. It’s windy again and I wouldn’t want you to catch cold. The leaves scatter across the parking lot. He picked up her lifeless arm, put her cold hand to his lips. I’ll keep you safe now, Aurora.