She walked with her head down, hood up and music blasting through her headphones. Her awkward shyness seeping through every pore. Every insecurity playing through her mind. Her feet moving in time with the music as she walks through the park, towards the woods.
The dilapidated house at the far end of the woods was her quiet place. Where she could clear her brain. She had managed to restore the chairs and table for somewhere to sit and read. It was quiet, apart from the occasional rustle from the wildlife.
She would have heard him matching her steps if it wasn’t for the music. Walking pace by pace, far enough behind that no one will notice him following her.
It was warm enough weather that the park was packed. Kids and adults playing, sunbathing, having a few drinks with friends. The perfect Saturday.
As she approached the house, she turned down her music and removed her headphones. Silence. A deep breath, and a long sigh. She could breath without the city sounds suffocating her. Smothering her voice.
She heaved open the door, and went inside.