Episode 2: THE STRANGER SHADOW

"Hey fam, thanks for reading Episode 1! This episode gets a bit more intense, so brace yourself . Don't forget to drop a comment after — I love hearing your thoughts!"

The rain refused to stop that night. By the time Amara reached home, her clothes were damp, her hair clinging to her face. But it wasn't the cold that made her shiver—it was the memory of that man's voice.

"I know you... even if you don't remember me."

His words echoed in her head like a song on repeat.

She locked her door firmly, just as her mother had texted. For the first time, she double-checked the windows too. It was strange—her mum rarely sent cryptic messages, and never at odd hours.

Amara changed into dry clothes and sat on her bed, staring at her phone. Should she call her mum? Ask what she meant?

Before she could decide, her phone buzzed again. But this time, it wasn't her mum.

Unknown Number: "You shouldn't be afraid of me. The truth will find you soon."

Amara's heart slammed against her ribs. She dropped the phone, her breath shaky. Who was this man? How did he get her number?

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Three slow knocks.

Her whole body froze.

She tiptoed closer, holding her breath. Through the peephole, she saw... nothing. Just the rain falling heavily on the balcony outside.

Then her phone buzzed again.

Unknown Number: "Open the door, Amara. I won't hurt you."

Her knees weakened. She staggered back from the door, covering her mouth with trembling hands. She hadn't told anyone her name. Not even at the café where she worked—most customers only knew her as "Miss."

Yet this stranger knew her.

Suddenly, her phone lit up again—this time, it was her mum calling.

"Amara, listen carefully," her mum's voice was urgent, shaky. "If anyone comes to you tonight... don't open the door. Do you hear me? Don't open!"

Amara swallowed hard, her eyes darting back to the door. The knocking had stopped, but the silence that followed felt even louder.

She pressed the phone tightly against her ear. "Mummy... who is he? How does he know me?"

There was a long pause. Then her mother whispered, almost breaking:

"Because... he's part of your past. The one I never told you about."

Amara's blood ran cold.

Amara's blood froze. If her mum was telling the truth, then the man outside wasn't just a stranger. He was a ghost from a past she never knew she had.

To be continued...................

Wow... things just got serious! Amara's mum finally dropped a clue, but now we're all left wondering—who exactly is this man, and what "past" is she hiding? I'm as curious as you are to unravel this mystery. Don't forget to drop your thoughts—what do you think he wants from Amara?