It is one in the morning. It is dark, and I am the only living soul on this deserted street. However, the moonless night doesn't scare me, neither does the unholy screech of the storm at a distance. I don't need light to help me through the darkness, at least not after I had peered into the empty abyss and gazed at its true face.

Every time these feet cross this particular street, the curve in the road feels endless, like I am walking in circles. I don't have a destination anymore; I didn't have a home anymore, not really. I had lost it. It was snatched from me, just when I had thought that I had everything.

Now, I had nothing; nothing but this body.

Since embracing this new life not too long ago, I have had a lot of time on my hands, and I have often spent it wondering, why me? However, it doesn't matter. All that matters is that I am here now, and finally tonight, it is going to happen: the thing I had been waiting for since I had found her. I can feel it in my gut.

I can't help but smile at the footsteps behind me. Yes, this is what I wanted. I pretend not to have heard David, just like I had been doing for the past few days, and continue down the path I had chosen for us. The mild scent of perfume greets me- green apple, basil, and mint with a hint of grapefruit- before he does.

"It's not safe, you know." He calls, catching up to me; I gasp and turn, like I am scared, scared of him. I am not.

Not anymore.

"Relax, alright. I am not the one you should be scared of." He smiles.

I used to love his smile.

"How about I walk you to wherever you want to go." He scratches the back of his neck and looks up hesitatingly, "I have seen you around."

I used to find this habit adorable.

I narrow my eyes; sounding offended, I assert, "I am...I am fine. I don't need to be 'walked' home. Thank you."

He puts his hands up in surrender and steps away. "I am not a stalker. I live near here." He points to his ring finger. "I am married, remember?" He states, as if it's supposed to mean something.

Is it supposed to make you look like less of a threat? It doesn't.

I quirk my brow.

He shrugs, "I am just worried. It seems that you are new here. This part of the locality is not safe."

It's true what they say: you can't teach an old dog new tricks. David's pick-up lines haven't changed, but I have.

"Thank you, but I would rather you leave, married or not. I don't need anyone." I stand a little straighter and look him in the eye. He doesn't bulge.

The thunder at a distance catches me by surprise, and I clutch my chest.

"Are you alright?" He asks, stepping closer.

"Yes. Is there something you need?"

He chuckles. "I am sorry. It was not my intention to make you uncomfortable." He puts up his hands in surrender once again and lowers his gaze. "I am leaving, but if you ever need assistance, I stay right there." He points at a red brick two-story house at the far end of the street.

My house.

I look past him at the house. He takes a step towards me. "You really don't remember me, do you?"

I fix him with a stern gaze. "Should I?"

He scratches his neck again. "I guess not."

"That's fine then, isn't it?" I retort as if he was not worth a dime and start walking away from him.

1. 2. 3...

"WAIT!" He calls and falls in step with me. "I am Melissa Drew's husband. David." He introduces himself and offers his hand.

I ignore it. "I am sorry. Melissa seems like a nice lady. But from what doctor Reed tells me, she might never wake up again."

His face falls like he cared about what happened to his wife, to me. "I know, but I am hoping for a miracle, I guess."

I know what you are hoping for, you bastard!

"Here, keep this on you. For me." He hands me a pepper spray. "I will sleep sounder knowing you are alright."

I accept the bottle. "How much?"

He looks taken aback. Fringing hurt, he shrugs. "It is on me."

I pull out a ten-dollar bill and shove it in his hand. "I don't like to owe people." And without giving him a chance to argue, I walk away.

I knew I had hurt his pride, fueled his desire to claim me. And it was only time before he would make his next move.

But unlike before, I was prepared. This time I was not the prey. This time, I was the hunter, and he had walked right into my trap.