I didn't move.
Not at first.
The message was still on my screen.
"We don't need your eyes anymore."
My grip tightened around the phone.
"They changed…" I whispered.
That was the problem.
Before—
I knew the rules.
Don't look.
Don't get close.
Don't react.
Simple.
Clear.
Now?
Nothing made sense anymore.
I slowly lifted my head.
The street looked normal.
Too normal.
People walking.
Talking.
Living.
Like nothing was wrong.
But I knew better.
I slipped the phone back into my pocket.
My heart still beating too fast.
"Think…" I muttered.
"If they don't need my eyes…"
Then how were they reaching me?
A cold realization crept in.
"They found another way."
The thought alone made my chest tighten.
I started walking again.
Slow.
Careful.
Every step measured.
I wasn't just avoiding looking anymore.
I was avoiding… everything.
Sounds.
Movements.
Anything that could pull my attention.
Because now—
It wasn't about seeing them.
It was about noticing them.
And that was worse.
A sudden laugh broke my focus.
Loud.
Too close.
I flinched slightly.
Bad.
I shouldn't react.
I forced myself to relax.
To blend in again.
But something felt wrong.
That laugh…
It didn't sound right.
Too sharp.
Too empty.
Like it was forced.
My mind screamed at me to check.
Just one glance.
Just one look.
"No…" I whispered.
"Don't."
I kept walking.
Faster now.
Trying to create distance.
Trying to ignore it.
But then—
Another sound.
Footsteps.
Behind me.
Matching my pace.
Exactly.
Step.
Step.
Step.
I stopped.
The footsteps stopped.
My breath caught.
"No way…"
I started walking again.
Slower this time.
Step.
Step.
Behind me—
Step.
Step.
Perfect match.
My chest tightened.
"They're copying me…"
Or worse—
They were syncing with me.
I clenched my fists.
"Don't turn."
That was the rule.
Still the rule.
But my mind kept pushing.
What if it's not them?
What if it's just someone normal?
That's how it starts.
That's how they get you.
I kept moving.
Ignoring it.
Fighting it.
Then—
A voice.
Right behind me.
Soft.
Familiar.
"You're getting better."
My body froze.
That voice…
I knew it.
"No…"
I whispered.
"Not again…"
It was him.
My copy.
The one who took my place.
"I told you," he continued calmly.
"We adapt."
My breathing became uneven.
"I'm not listening to you."
"But you are."
A pause.
Then—
"You heard me."
My hands started shaking again.
"Go away…"
"I can't."
His voice was closer now.
Almost beside me.
"Why?"
"Because you're still connected."
The word hit hard.
Connected.
"How do I break it?" I asked quickly.
Silence.
Then—
"Too late."
My heart dropped.
"No…"
"You had your chance."
The pressure returned.
Sudden.
Heavy.
Stronger than before.
My vision flickered.
Not fully.
Just at the edges.
Like something was trying to break in.
"They're not waiting anymore," he said.
"They're taking."
My breathing broke.
"I won't let them."
"You don't get to choose."
I stepped forward suddenly.
Hard.
Refusing.
"I do."
Silence.
Then—
A quiet laugh.
Cold.
Not human.
"We'll see."
The footsteps stopped.
Completely.
The presence faded.
But not entirely.
It was still there.
Watching.
Waiting.
Learning.
I kept walking.
Faster now.
My thoughts racing.
Rules changed.
Enemies smarter.
Time running out.
"This is bad…" I whispered.
"No…"
Worse.
My phone vibrated again.
I froze.
Slowly—
I pulled it out.
Another message.
"You're still trying."
My heart pounded.
"That's why you're interesting."
Cold.
Calculating.
Like I wasn't a person anymore.
Just… something to observe.
Another vibration.
"Don't worry."
I swallowed hard.
"We'll finish it soon."
My hands trembled.
I stared at the screen for a long moment.
Then slowly…
I locked the phone.
"No…"
My voice was low.
Steady.
Different.
"I'm not done yet."
Things are getting worse… but he's still fighting.
What would you do in his place? 👀
Don't forget to follow the story and drop your theory below 🔥