After speaking with her at the funeral, I made the decision to follow her. There was an ominous feeling I couldn't shake, even though she was still too stubborn to accept my help. I've always known there's evil lurking in this town, but I did nothing to avert it. If only I had an ounce of her courage and obstinacy, perhaps the outcome would've been different. As she left the service, I asked "Cat" to rest from his watch over her. I tracked her to the park where she lingered for hours, appearing lost and alone in this community, and undeniably striking with her tousled hair and accusatory green eyes. I simply watched her in silence, saw her conversing with her mother, then eating, and finally driving home.
I kept to a safe distance, but it struck me as odd, the way her apartment remained dark upon her entry. A sinking feeling told me something was amiss, compelling me to linger outside her place.
The sound of something breaking spurred me to action; I kicked in the door and found a man with his hands on her throat, strangling her. I tackled him immediately, sparking a vicious scuffle. Though I sought to yank off his hood, he dealt a heavy blow to my midsection and fled. I tried to give chase, but couldn't risk leaving Ali vulnerable. I summoned an ambulance and Detective Dylan, but I insisted it was a botched robbery.
I stayed by her side all night, watching over her, knowing full well her assailant would persist until she ceased her investigations or left town. Yet I knew she would do neither.
Ali: Awakening, my vision was blurry, my throat and head, in pain. Flashbacks of last night's ordeal began to emerge, and that man's words confirmed my suspicions about my sister's research on the girls. It wasn't a mere coincidence; it led to her demise. But I vowed to seek justice, for her and for those girls. Scanning the room, my gaze eventually finds him. Kai, just watching me, silent.
Kai: Good morning, sleepyhead.
Ali: My neck is a bit sore. How did I get here?
Kai: I brought you. I told the cops it was a robbery, couldn't catch a glimpse of your attacker, but let me look out for you. I know you won’t give up easily.
Ali: Fine, I'll accept your help. But just so you know, I’m keeping my eye on you (she says, noting his smile).
Kai: I'll go prepare some things and return. Tian's outside. With that, he leaves, and in that moment, Tian enters to check on me. Then, Detective Dylan comes with questions about the robbery. I tell him what I can, though well aware it was a warning, not a robbery. But there's something about Dylan that doesn't sit right with me; it's like he can't look me in the eye. Afterward, Tian brings my discharge paper. Strangely, Kai had left a bag with my clothes and belongings, alongside my cell phone. I grab everything, get changed, and then Tian wheels me out of the hospital. There stands Kai, leaning on his car, clutching a white rose.
Kai: Welcome, ladies. Your taxi service awaits (he says, presenting the rose).
Ali: How did you know they're my favorite?
Kai: Your sister spoke of you often; I know quite a bit about you.
Ali: I know next to nothing about you, except that you're my prime suspect, and there's something you're hiding, but I’ll get to the bottom of it (she comments as he bends to her level, laughing, undeniably handsome).
Kai: Good, since we'll be living together, you'll have plenty of time to uncover all my secrets (he says, looking into her captivating eyes).
Ali: Living with you? Have you lost your mind?
Kai: You can't stay on your own. That apartment isn't safe, Ali. Besides, you agreed to let me protect you. This way, you can keep a close eye on me.
So do I carry you or do you want to hop into the car yourself?
Ali: I can walk on my own, thanks. I don't trust you. But we need to stop by my apartment for my things (she asserts, pointing).
As we ride in his silent car, his familiarity starts nagging at me, but I can't place it. Arriving at my apartment, he opens the door just as I stumble, but he catches me before I hit the ground, and our eyes lock— I push him away reflexively and enter my now unkempt apartment. I begin to pack up, grabbing the box with all the information. After packing everything, I walk out to find him waiting. I pull my suitcase out, but my neck throbs. He offers to help carry it, and that's when I notice the box of sweets Jennie gave me. I drop the candies by accident, pick them up and, amidst them, discover a USB drive...
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