The first lie

I didn’t sleep.

I sat on the floor with the notebook.

I read it again.

And again.

If you’re reading this, I’m in danger.

I wanted to call the police.

I wanted to scream.

But Marcus said not to tell anyone.

So I didn’t.

At 6:00 AM, my phone buzzed.

Good morning.

I smiled without meaning to.

It felt like the old days.

When he texted me before work.

Morning, I typed.

Did you sleep?

No.

I know. You read the notebook.

My chest got tight.

How do you know everything?

Because I’m still here.

I looked around the empty room.

I wanted to believe it.

I needed to.

What do I do now? I asked.

Go to work. Act normal. I’ll text you again tonight.

I wanted to say no.

I wanted to say, "Come home. Tell me everything."

But I didn’t.

I said, Okay.

I got ready.

I dropped Sofia at school.

I taught class.

I smiled.

I lied.

All day, I waited for his text.

It came at 3:17 PM.

You did good.

I laughed.

No one had ever praised me for surviving a day.

Thank you, I typed.

We need to talk. Can you meet me?

My heart jumped.

Where?

The old park. 8 PM. Come alone.

I stared at the message.

My hands shook.

Meet him?

He was dead.

Or hiding.

Or both.

What if it’s a trap? I typed.

It’s not. I promise.

I put the phone down.

I couldn’t breathe.

I had to choose.

Trust him.

Or lose him again.

At 7:45 PM, I left the house.

I told Sofia I was going to the store.

She didn’t ask questions.

She was used to me being sad.

The park was dark.

Old swings. Empty benches.

We used to come here.

Marcus pushed Sofia on the swing.

I took pictures.

I stood by the big oak tree.

The one we carved our names on.

M + E.

I touched it.

"Marcus?" I whispered.

No answer.

My phone buzzed.

Look behind you.

I turned.

No one.

I’m not there, the text said.

But I see you.

My eyes filled with tears.

Why won’t you show yourself?

Because it’s not safe yet.

For who?

For you.

I sat on the bench.

I cried.

I hated this.

I hated not knowing.

Tell me something, I typed.

Anything.

You wear my hoodie when you sleep.

I looked down.

I was wearing it.

Blue. Old. His.

I never took it off.

I miss you, I typed.

I miss you too.

The phone buzzed again.

There’s a car. Red. Watch it.

I looked up.

Across the street, a red car sat.

No lights.

No one got out.

Who is it?

They found you.

My blood went cold.

Who?

The people I ran from. Go home. Now.

I stood up.

I ran.

I didn’t look back.

I heard a car start.

I ran faster.

I got to my house.

I locked the door.

I checked every window.

My phone buzzed.

You’re safe.

Who was that?

I don’t know yet. But I will.

I sat on the floor.

I couldn’t stop shaking.

Why me? I typed.

Because you’re mine.

I read that line three times.

You’re mine.

No one had said that to me since he died.

I typed: Don’t leave me again.

I won’t. I swear.

I put the phone down.

I went to bed.

I kept the hoodie on.

I fell asleep thinking of him.

At 2 AM, the phone buzzed.

I opened it.

I’m sorry I scared you.

You didn’t. I’m just scared for you.

I know. But I’m stronger than they are.

Prove it.

I will.

How?

Tomorrow. Check your email.

I frowned.

What email?

The one you don’t use.

I sat up.

I had an old email.

I hadn’t logged in for years.

Why?

Because I left you a gift.

I got up.

I opened my laptop.

I logged in.

One new message.

From: M.V.

Subject: For you.

I clicked.

It was a video.

I pressed play.

Marcus appeared on screen.

He looked tired.

He looked scared.

But he was alive.

"Elena," he said. "If you’re watching this, I’m sorry. I had to leave. I had to protect you. There’s a crime ring. They’re dangerous. They think I have evidence. I don’t. Not yet. But I will. I need your help."

The video ended.

I sat there, frozen.

He was alive.

He was real.

And he needed me.

My phone buzzed.

Did you watch it?

Yes.

Can you help me?

I typed without thinking.

Always.

Question: If Marcus is alive… what evidence is he looking for?

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