The next morning, I rifled through Liam’s nightstand, desperate for answers. Inside, I found an old notebook. One page read:
When Liam saw what I’d found, he broke down.
After his father passed away years ago, he explained, his mother developed severe insomnia and anxiety. She became obsessed with checking locks and windows, convinced someone was trying to break in.
“Lately,” he said, “she’s been saying things like… ‘I need to keep Liam safe from her.’”
I froze.
“From me?” I whispered.

He nodded, eyes full of guilt.
The fear that washed over me was cold and deep. What if one night, she didn’t stop at the door?
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