Eye Spy by Bridget Holland

Once, I loved the beach. Sand, sea, open sky. But the birds were watching me.

I moved to the shops along the esplanade, hid in crowds and covered spaces. One among many. Hidden, safe. But sharp eyes found me.

In my apartment, door locked, blinds drawn. I order groceries and takeout. I tell them to ring, then leave the deliveries.

Yesterday, when the doorbell rang, I checked the peephole. A beady yellow eye looked back.

Today, I can’t leave the bedroom. I hear something clacking on the floorboards outside.

I could hide in the closet.

…Will I ever come out?