Chapter 1 MYSTERY

The vibration sound of my phone woke me up. I felt around the bed to locate the source. Not finding it, I got up and leaned against the headboard. I glanced at the square object on the nightstand, realizing I hadn't placed it there.

My gaze fell on the window near the bed. There was a small crack, the window was open. I sighed; this was happening again. I couldn't leave the window open while sleeping. I always locked it, but every morning I'd find it open.

The clock's hands pointed to eight. Mr. Sony's class would start soon. Uncomfortably, I tried to ignore the incident. It wasn't the first or second time. I hoped it was just my forgetfulness about locking the window.

Passing the full-body mirror near the bathroom, my steps halted. I observed my unusual appearance. There was a small red mark on the left side of my neck. I touched it, feeling no pain. I was sure it wasn't there last night.

I couldn't have injured my own neck. I still take care of myself. I felt a shiver down my spine. Could this be the work of another being? Or a vampire?

It sounded increasingly absurd. I quickly cleaned up in the bathroom. I had class in about an hour. I lived alone here, far from my hometown and parents. To continue my scholarship, I accepted this separation from my mom and dad. However, they visited once a month to ease the longing.

After getting ready, I headed to the kitchen for breakfast. The house wasn't too small or too big, with one bedroom, a kitchen, and a living room with a television. Despite occasional loneliness, I still enjoyed life.

Walking towards the door, I noticed a small red-colored paper under the door crack. It was folded, hiding its contents. Again. I found this paper again today. Until when would this continue? I grabbed the paper and read its contents.

Morning Samara,

Today you have a busy schedule.

Don't forget your breakfast and health.

I don't want to see you sick.

As I suspected, it was something like this. Today's letter wasn't much different from the ones I've been finding lately. At the end of the paper, I saw a faint, small signature. As usual, I threw the paper in the trash can in front of the house.

As long as these strange things don't harm me, I'll endure them. Once I complained to my mom and dad, but their response was only a mocking smile. They started thinking I had a lover, and these incidents were the actions of my admirer. Impossible.

Chasing the ever-dwindling time, I walked towards the bus stop. When the bus arrives, I immediately board and take a seat near the left corner window. I scan my surroundings. The bus is crowded with school students, college students, mothers, and men standing, leaning against the poles.

Feeling secure, I start breathing easily. Almost every morning, I feel threatened. People seem suspicious to me. Sometimes I feel like I'm being watched, but I can't find the source of my concerns.

I press the stop button on the bus, indicating that I've reached. After thanking the driver, I walk a bit into the campus gate. This morning is quite cloudy, perfect weather for relaxation, but not for me. Mr. Sony's assignment is waiting to be submitted.

"Nadia!"

I turn as my name is called. Hana. A girl of mixed Asian blood with bangs on her forehead embraces me. I lean slightly forward and reciprocate by hugging her around the neck. So far, Hana is the only one I can trust; she's been with me since the beginning of our time in college.

"Surprisingly, you're up early today? Usually, you arrive five minutes before the professor enters," I tease.

Hana snorts, "Today is Mr. Sony's class. I don't want to be embarrassed in front of the class like yesterday. Besides, he gave us an assignment. That old man is really annoying."

I dismiss Hana's grumbling like a passing breeze. She always complains at every opportunity, even though I know she's intelligent and has many achievements in the field of science. Hana even went to the Netherlands to participate in an international competition. Plus, she has a sociable nature.

She's good at making friends, unlike me, who isn't keen on blending in. Two hours pass as we listen to the theories Mr. Sony presents. After class, we stop by a cafe near the campus-known for its bustling atmosphere, affordable for budget-conscious students like me who enjoy saving money.

We take seats in a corner near the window, watching the drizzle fall over the city. Ah, the weather is perfect for lazing around. Not feeling too hungry, I order snacks like cakes and bread with cola.

"I heard rumors about Adam and Quin being in a relationship. Did you know?" Hana pauses, "They were caught kissing in the back garden yesterday. Everyone's talking about it, and you must know about the rumor that Adam is gay."

Sometimes I'm puzzled about how Hana gets such hot gossip. It's as if she never misses any campus information. I only hear Hana recounting the daily commotion on campus, thanks to her; I'm updated on campus affairs.

Amid our conversation, a waitress comes, delivering milk and pasta with tomato sauce. Hana and I furrow our brows, feeling we didn't order anything after our initial request.

"Order for Nadia Samara," says the waitress.

I become more confused, "Um, excuse me. I don't recall ordering that." "Someone asked me to bring this food to your table. Don't worry; it's been paid for, and your order is covered too."

Hana and I exchange glances, "Who gave it?" I ask suspiciously. "I'm sorry, Miss. My job is just to deliver, so I don't know who placed the order."

I sigh, "Just leave it here."

After placing the pasta and milk on the table, the waitress leaves. I glance at Hana, who remains silent, looking at me skeptically. I know what's on her beautiful mind. She's probably just like my parents.

"Do you have a secret admirer, Nadia?"

There it is! Just as I suspected!

"No. I have no idea."

"Look, there's a letter here." Hana points to the paper, but before she can read it, I snatch it away, eliciting a huff from the short-banged girl.

"No. I have no idea."

"At breakfast, you only had bread. This afternoon, you should eat a proper meal, dear. You even forgot to drink your milk. Finish that food for me..."

I feel my breath becoming unsteady. All of this is making me more scared. How does she know I had bread for breakfast? I crumple the paper and scan the cafe, hoping to find something. Unfortunately, everything seems fine, nothing suspicious here.

"Nadia! Tell me who's doing this? You must have a lover, right? You didn't even tell me! How mean!" Hana exclaims.

I massage my throbbing head. "No. I don't know..."

"Then what should we do with this delicious food?" Hana asks, looking at the tomato sauce pasta with keen interest.

"You go ahead and finish it. I don't want it."

Without waiting, Hana grabs a fork and starts eating the pasta herself. She also drinks the milk that was ordered earlier. Meanwhile, I'm busy contemplating who the mastermind behind all this might be. I feel like crying; the growing fear is making me shrink inside.

To be continued...