You feel it every night when walking home

Clutching your keys in between your fingers

Knuckles whitw, nails digging into skin

“Don’t walk home alone” they said

But they didn’t tell him not to follow

“Text me when you get home” they said

But they didn’t tell him not to follow

“carry something with you” they said

But then didn’t tell him not to follow

Every night you feel him closing the gap between you

Getting bolder

His shadows stretching into the street lights until they clasp onto yours

And you turn at the last second

Praying he’s not there

And he isn’t

Every night he vanishes before you can see his face

But you know he’s there

Every night

Until one night, you manage to trick him

Lose him down a side street

Which would normally scare you more than the stalker

But tonight you want to catch him

Whatever it takes

The knife hidden in your sleeve

The phone on voice record in your pocket

The camera waiting behind the bin

You’re ready

You hear his footsteps down the alley

You turn

Knife at the ready

Flashlight raised

And you see your own face staring back at you