(T/N) walked out of his house. The cool morning air hit him, but it didn't dispel the coldness of the nightmare. He had to be the "perfect boy" today; he had to persuade her.
As he reached the sidewalk, there she was. Chloe was standing right in front, waiting for him. She wore her immaculate school uniform. The sunlight enveloped her, but (T/N) only saw the red glow of the nightmare in her eyes. She stood there, with a sweet, calm smile. Her presence seemed to want to devour him.
— Chloe: Good morning, (T/N). I was waiting for you. Did you sleep well?
Her voice was soft and normal, but it made the hairs on (T/N)'s neck stand up. The question about his dream was a test. She knew.
— (T/N): Good morning, Chloe. Yes, I slept... quite well, thank you. And you? —His voice sounded more shaky than he had intended.
Chloe tilted her head slightly. Her smile was unchanging.
— Chloe: I slept perfectly, as always. You look a little tired. Were you studying late for your essay?
The question was a test. (T/N) forced a smile.
— (T/N): Yes, of course. I wanted to make sure everything was in order. You know, for your approval.
Chloe nodded slowly, her eyes scanning his face. It was a damned test.
— Chloe: Correct. Order is important. Come on, you don't want to be late for school. After all, today will be a great day.
She started walking without waiting for his response. (T/N) had no choice but to follow her. Each step beside her was heavier than the last. He felt like a piece in a game she had already won.
As they walked, Chloe spoke of trivialities. Her voice was calm, but (T/N) couldn't forget the red eyes from his nightmare.
(T/N) separated from Chloe upon entering the building. She simply said goodbye and watched him head to his classroom. The distance gave him no relief. He knew her eyes were still on him, even if he couldn't see her.
He sat down at his desk, trying to concentrate on what the teacher was saying. But his mind was only focused on appearing docile, appearing... domesticated.
Halfway through the hour, he felt a vibration in his pocket. Carefully, he pulled out his phone, keeping it under the desk. It was a message from Chloe.
Chloe: (7:45 a.m.) Don't get distracted. You must pay attention.
The message wasn't a suggestion; it was an order.
The tension grew during the next class. (T/N) felt his phone vibrate a second time. It was a photo from Chloe. The image showed her desk in her classroom; her notebook was open and organized. The text message accompanying the photo was clear.
Chloe: (8:40 a.m.) How is your class going? I'm sure you're taking good notes. I'll see you at break.
(T/N) put the phone away. He didn't reply. He needed to show obedience, not dependence.
When the break bell rang, (T/N) walked toward the courtyard. He didn't look for Chloe, but he didn't avoid her either. She appeared beside him just as he was taking a sip of water.
— Chloe: Hello, (T/N). Did you spend the whole morning deciding what to do after school?
She didn't mention the investigation, but the question was direct. She wanted to know if there was a change in his plan.
— (T/N): No. I was thinking about what you said about Alex and the subway —He mentioned Alex on purpose to gauge her reaction.
Chloe smiled coldly.
— Chloe: Yes, it was sad, but what happened on the subway... that's in the past now.
She took a sip of her drink.
— Chloe: By the way, don't forget we're going home together.
It wasn't an invitation; it was the confirmation of her surveillance. (T/N) nodded, without protesting. For now, he had to keep being the "perfect boy." He had to pretend that all the mystery of the subway had vanished from his mind.
His plan was progressing, but every small success came with an increase in Chloe's vigilance. She didn't just appear in his dreams; she did so in real life. She knew when he woke up, where he lived, and probably even what he did inside his house.
Autor:
I still don't know if I'll continue the novel, but I'll do what I can.