She saved me once.

She probably doesn’t remember.

I can’t forget.

Fourteen years ago, when we were small, I was starving.

Not just my stomach rumbling, but hungry for kindness. For someone to look at me like I mattered.

She did.

Until she couldn’t look at me at all.

I learned how to survive without being wanted in foster home after foster home. Holding on to my memories of her. Of how she saw me as more than nothing.

And now she’s back in my world.

Bright. Successful. Untouched by the ruin that shaped me into the monster I am.

I should stay away.

Men like me don’t get women like her.

But I’ve never been good at letting go.

So I watch. And I wait. Telling myself it’s harmless.

That loving her from the darkness is enough.

Until I see him.

A face from our past.

Someone who remembers what she did.

And wants to make her pay for it.

I have survived worse than him. I’m not afraid to abandon any remaining morals to keep her safe.

My love for her was born in darkness and fear. A glimmer of hope for a boy who had nothing.

Obsession.

Ruin.

But it’s the only good thing I’ve ever felt.

And this time… I’m not letting anyone take her from me.