Predator

-Karen-

He won’t leave me alone. I don’t know what to do. He really scares me.

I came home from work early in the morning. I held my bag to my side. I just wanted to go to bed. I rubbed my forehead.

“Oh boy…”

I walked up the stairs to my apartment.

“Karen!”

I froze. No. Don’t tell me… I didn’t look up. I didn’t need to. Footsteps walked up beside me. A large hand rested on my shoulder.

“Good morning, Karen-chan.” His breath made my stomach turn. He’s been drinking again. I tried to push him off.

“Please get off me,” I pleaded. I stepped back. He stared at me. Yep. He’s drunk again.

“How was work?” he asked. I looked away.

“Fine,” I mumbled. He’s in my path. We do this every night. Why can’t he leave me alone?

“I’m tired,” I said.

“Hm?” he asked. I lifted my chin.

“I said I’m tired,” I said. I said it louder. He frowned.

“Aw, come on,” he said. He still wouldn’t move. Oh no. Why won’t he leave?

“Hey!” someone shouted. He and I looked up. I don’t think I’ve seen him around before. He had a goofy smile on his face.

“Good evening,” he said. I blinked.

“Uh… good evening,” I said. This grinning man walked closer. My tormentor frowned and walked away. I held my breath as she listened to the footsteps. Once he was gone, I breathed out.

“Are you alright?” he asked. I turned my head. He was now standing next to me. My cheeks turned red when I saw his deep brown eyes.

“Yes,” I said.

“Who was that?” he asked. I cleared my throat.

“My landlord,” I said. I trembled as I spoke.

“That bad?” he asked. I nodded.

“Thank you, uh…” I said. He chuckled.

“J.T.,” he said. “And you are?”

“Karen,” I said. “My name is Karen.” J.T. grinned.

“Nive to meet you, Karen,” he said. I cocked my head to the side.

“What are you doing here?” I asked.

“Oh, I live a few blocks down the building,” he said. “Well, not really. I am just apartment sitting for a friend.” He had a cheesy grin on his face. I perked up.

“Would you like to come in?” I asked. He blinked at me.

“For real?” he asked. I didn’t say anything. J.T. shrugged.

“Okay, sure,” he said. He followed me home. I had questions about him. They would have to come later. For now, I had a way to keep my landlord at bay.