The waves crashed upon the sands of the beach as the sun beamed down upon the beach-goers, tanning their skin into a beautiful golden color, and burning the backs of others. Eva loved the sounds of the beach. Seagulls cawing overhead, waves crashing against the beach and pulling back into the vast ocean, children and families laughing. She closed her eyes and lifted her head toward the hot sun, embracing the feeling of warmth casting over her body. It had been four years since she was taken. Four years to the day, and she wanted to hold onto anything that made her feel happy again. The memories cascaded in her head crashing over her, and quickly pulling away any feeling of joy she just had. She opened her eyes and scanned the beach. “No one is going to hurt you again.” She reminded herself. She took a deep breath and smiled as she noticed a young girl chasing after a ball that was heading toward the water. The girl laughed as she ran toward it, thrilled by the chase. Her long, blonde hair flowing freely in the wind behind her. Eva stood up and walked toward the ball, grabbing it just in time. Had the ball been taken by the waves, it would’ve been gone forever. Lost to the dark depths of the ocean. The young girl came to a halt just arms distance away from Eva. Doesn’t she realize she could be kidnapped? Doesn’t she realize I could be a lunatic just waiting for my moment? She snapped back to reality. “Here ya go, sweetie,” Eva said, tossing the ball in the girl’s direction. “Thanks, lady!” the girl responded, hurriedly running back to her family. Eva just stood, smiling as the girl ran off to play. How wonderful it must be to be so unaware of the cruel world around her. She packed up her towel and grabbed her cooler before heading home.

Once she arrived to her apartment, Eva looked three times to ensure no one was near her car before she exited. She got out, pocket knife closed tightly in her palm, ready to attack anyone that may grab her and bring her back to that horrific place. As she walked to the door, her eyes jolted around looking in even the darkest shadows for any signs of an enemy. She got to her door and quickly unlocked it, nearly slamming it behind her. Her keys jingled as she set them down on the table. What a day. Eva filled the teapot, and set it gently on the stove, turning it on before heading to the bathroom to rinse off the sand from the beach. She enjoyed the feeling of cold water on her body after a long, hot day in the sun. It was a good day, despite her deep-ridden anxiety. After a few quick minutes, she got out and, wrapped in the comfort of her bathrobe, pulled her tea kettle off of the stove. She sat down to enjoy a hot cup of her favorite, raspberry tea.

It was difficult for Eva to get through most days. Despite the meds and the therapy two days a week, she could barely sleep through the night. The flashbacks reminded her of him and she could still picture his dark, evil eyes staring at her. Piercing even her happiest of memories from before being captured. Her therapist, Doctor Harper Krupnik, really had helped her through the worst of it. Once she had been found, it was hard to trust anyone. Even the elderly cashier at the local grocery store could figure out how to hurt her if he really wanted to. At least, that’s what she thought until Dr. Harper showed her most people really aren’t bad and the thought of kidnapping her probably doesn’t even cross their minds. Plus, what are the odds of being captured twice in one lifetime? “Easier said than done.” Eva had said during her first few session with the doctor. “Eva, I know this is hard for you but you have to realize, he’s in prison for a very long time. He can’t hurt you. That’s saying he could track you down. You’ve moved and had your last name changed to your mother’s maiden name. It’s next to impossible.” The doctor explained. “Doc, I know it’s unlikely, but there is always that chance. You don’t know what it was like. You weren’t there. To think that I even feel guilty for some of the things that he made me do. It’s ridiculous!” Eva yelled. “Well, I wasn’t there. You’re right,” responded Dr. Harper. “So take me, Eva. Bring me into your world. Show me the darkness, so we can bring you back into the light.”

“It was raining that day, the sky was dark. The clouds were looming overhead, ready to burst. William Henderson, you know, the handsome weatherman on channel nine? He’d said we were in for a big storm. I had gone out to pick up some supplies and food to ride it out. My friend, Katrina, she’d told me about these new candles that run on batteries. I figured I’d grab a few to help give off some light if the power went out. Handsome Will pretty much guaranteed that would happen. I went to Randie’s, that shop off Poe and David? They always had everything that I needed. I had some trouble finding the candles, so I asked a worker for help and that’s where it all went wrong.” Eva went quiet, zoning out, seemingly lost in thought. “I know this is difficult, Eva. Let’s take a ten-minute break. I really think this will help you overcome the anxiety you have from this situation.” Dr. Harper said as she held her hand on Eva’s shoulder. Eva reached up and patted the doctor’s hand, holding it for a moment. She gave a grim smile and left the room.

Dr. Harper’s office was just one of many in the large, medical building. The waiting area was just as cozy as her office. Serene paintings lined the walls. Places Eva wished she could visit. A beautiful white sand beach with the sun shining just perfectly over the horizon. A fresh, green forest, with a colorful bird standing out amongst the trees. Morning dew gently wetting the leaves. Big leather couches offered comfort to those waiting for their appointments. A large, electric fireplace lined one of the walls, with a handmade stone mantle hanging above it. Dr, Harper’s books lying on the mantle, begging to be read by passerbyers. Books about dealing with anxiety and depression, keeping sane during fertility treatments, and even one on finding zen within the home. All written by Dr. Harper. She must be one rich lady. All of these comforting things about Dr. Harper and her office were why Eva had chosen her to be her therapist. It didn’t feel cold and unwelcoming like some of the other therapist’s offices she’d been to. She walked over to the coffee pot and poured herself a cup of hot, black coffee, adding only two sugar cubes. Of all the things she had hated about being kidnapped, she loved one thing, the coffee.

Ten quick minutes later, Eva had found herself sitting back in Dr. Harper’s office. She slowly sipped on her coffee cup, embracing the warmth of it. She began to unveil the horrific details of her kidnapping, the events that now plagued her life. “He was a good looking man. Despite the fact that he ruined my life, he was handsome and charming. Maybe that’s the Stockholm Syndrome talking, though.” Eva chuckled to herself. “He helped me find the candles.” Dr. Harper interrupted, “Eva, you keep saying he. Have you said his name at all since the kidnapping?” “No.” She responded. “Well, I did when I spoke with the police during questioning. But not since then.” Dr. Harper noticed Eva’s hands trembling. The coffee in her cup was making small waves. Eva noticed, and for a moment she was brought back to the beach, watching the waves curl in the water. “His name..it’s David.” She said. “David!” her voice grew louder. “David!” She yelled. “David! Fuck you, David!” Eva screamed as tears rolled down her face. “Good job, hon. I think that’s enough for today. We will keep going next visit. If you need me, call.” Dr. Harper said seriously.

Eva had finished her tea before she knew it and got up to pour another. It would soon be time for bed. These memories were getting exhausting to keep up with. Thank God I don’t have children. I am hard enough to take care of on my own. She turned on the TV and switched the channel to cartoons. It seemed to be best for her to watch cartoons before bed, rather than anything else. It helped take her mind off of things, even if it seemed childish. She pulled her long, dark hair into a messy bun above her head, and tightened her bathrobe around her. It was feeling cold in her apartment. Must be a draft, the heats set to sixty-eight and it is not that cold outside. She walked over to the thermostat and noticed that the temperature was set to sixty-five. “What the hell?” she muttered to herself, turning the dial a few degrees warmer. “I don’t remember doing that…” Fear crept over her body, sending a shiver down her spine. Someone must have been in here…wait…what if someone is still here?! She worried. She ran to the kitchen and grabbed the largest knife she could find, then she picked up her cell phone and dialed for the police, spurting out her address and hanging up. “Hurry up.” She wished they could just teleport to her apartment and make sure everything was safe, but she knew she had to check herself. She had to ensure that he was not there. Who knew him better than her?

She walked through every room slowly, checking behind the shower curtain and doors, peeking inside the dryer even though it was unrealistic for anyone to fit in there. Looking under the guest bed in her spare room. There were no signs of anyone having been inside the apartment. She got to the last room in the house, her bedroom, and could not find anything that stood out to her. Everything seemed exactly as she had left it. “Someone must have been here, sir. I have not touched that thermostat.” She explained to the police officer who was looking at her with disdain. He was an older gentleman, and she thought he must be close to retirement age. When he talked, his moustache hid his mouth, bobbing up and down with every word. “Now, ma’am, I know you said you’ve had issues in the past. But I can assure you, nobody has been in here. It seems as though maybe you forgot that you turned the temperature down. We’ve had a hot few nights.” “You don’t understand officer, I have a feeling. I just know…someone has been in my apartment.” She insisted. “Now, if I had to send the swat team after every feeling someone had, there wouldn’t be enough officers for real issues. If you have an actual emergency, call me.” The burly officer stated, holding out a business card with his number on it. “Thank you, officer.” She sighed, admitting defeat.

Eva crawled into bed, feeling restless from the night’s events. She knew deep down, someone had been in her apartment. Why would she change the temperature? There was no reason. Her eyes felt heavy, and her body sore. It had been so long since she was able to actually relax and sleep through the night. Tonight would be no different as she tossed and turned. When she awoke to the sound of the windchimes hanging from the bedroom balcony, she jumped up, startled. She scanned the room and saw nothing of alarm. The door was still locked, everything was in its place, the nightlight still on. She lay back down and felt something odd touch her arm. Pulling it out from beneath her, a piece of paper, folded neatly into a small square. She unfolded it gently, curiosity pulling at her mind.

Eva, I’ve found you. But I bet you won’t find me. You made a mistake letting me go. Don’t bother calling the police, I have someone on the inside helping me out. I will always be one step ahead of you. I am watching your every move. Make one wrong one and I’ll kill your brother and make you watch, then I’ll kill you, too.

Her heart dropped. He was there. He had been in her apartment. How could she sleep now? She knew she had to call the police, but how? Who was helping him? How did he know where she lived? So many questions but who to ask?