A REMINDER

Amelia

I sat at the small round table in the corner of the bustling café, a warm cup of herbal tea cradled in my hands. The faint buzz of laughter and chatter surrounded us. Emily leaned in closer, her brows furrowed with concern, yet a small smile danced on her lips.

“It’s been a whole week, Amelia! You should be celebrating, not just trying to convince yourself it was all a dream. No more nightmares? That’s amazing!” she exclaimed, her enthusiasm infectious.

“Yeah, amazing,” I replied, attempting to match her excitement. But beneath my smile, unease twisted in my gut. I couldn’t shake the lingering fear that the nightmares would return, that Damien would somehow seep back into my mind. “ But you know me—after everything, I need proof . So I had a company come in to install cameras around the house.”

Emily’s expression shifted, a mix of disbelief and worry crossing her face. “Cameras? You really think that’ll help? What are you expecting to find?”

I took a sip of my tea, the warmth spreading through me, momentarily grounding my swirling thoughts. “I just… I need to know that I’m safe. I have to convince myself that it was just my imagination, that he wasn’t really there.”

“Amelia, you can’t keep living like this,” Emily said softly, her voice laced with concern. “You can’t let him control you, even in your mind.”

As I looked into her earnest eyes, I felt the weight of her words. “I know. But it’s hard. Some days I can almost feel him there, watching . Even now, it’s like I’m waiting for him to jump out from behind a tree or something.”

Emily rolled her eyes playfully, but her concern didn’t waver. “Okay, let’s focus on something else. We’re here to celebrate, remember? How’s Anna handling her crazy party planning? ”

I laughed, grateful for the distraction. Anna’s birthday party had taken over our lives for weeks, and Emily had been the mastermind behind the decorations. The thought of the colorful balloons and fairy lights brightened my mood. “I’m surprised she hasn’t turned into a bridezilla! She keeps adding new themes every day. It’s like she thinks we’re planning a royal wedding instead of a birthday party.”

Just then, Anna approached our table, her bright smile cutting through the café’s atmosphere like a beacon. “Hey, you two! Are you ready for the best birthday bash of the year?”

“More like the most chaotic!” Emily teased, and Anna laughed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

As we exchanged stories and laughter, I tried to push away the unsettling feeling that had lingered since my nightmares ceased. My gaze drifted around the café, catching glimpses of shadows shifting in the corners, and for a moment, I thought I saw a familiar figure lurking just outside. My heart raced, but I quickly blinked the image away.

“Amelia?” Anna’s voice pulled me back. “Are you even listening? ”

“Sorry, I just… zoned out for a second,” I admitted, forcing a smile.

Emily shot me a knowing glance, but thankfully didn’t press further. We talked about lighter things—the menu, Anna’s birthday plans, and the absurdity of life.

Later, as we left the café and stepped into the cool evening air, I took a deep breath, hoping the laughter would chase away the doubts creeping back in. But as we walked toward Anna’s house, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched. The hairs on the back of my neck prickled, and I found myself glancing over my shoulder, half-expecting to see Damien lurking behind a tree or a lamppost.

“Everything okay?” Emily asked, her voice laced with concern.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” I said quickly, forcing my heart rate to steady. “Just a little paranoid, I guess.”

“Let’s just focus on having a good time tonight. No more nightmares, right? Just birthday cake and fun,” Emily encouraged, trying to lift my spirits .

I nodded, grateful for her unwavering support. As we approached the house, I allowed myself to get swept up in the festivities, letting laughter and music fill the void of uncertainty.

As the music pulsed through Anna’s apartment, the air was filled with laughter and the tantalizing aroma of cake. It felt like the perfect escape. I was chatting with Emily when I spotted Jake across the room. He looked handsome as ever, with that charming smile that always made my heart flutter.

“Hey, Amelia!” he called out, making his way toward me, his eyes sparkling with warmth. “You made it! How’ve you been?”

“I’ve been good,” I replied, trying to keep my tone light. “Just taking things one day at a time.”

He held out a drink, a vibrant cocktail that glimmered under the soft lighting. “Here, thought you might need this to celebrate. It’s Anna’s special recipe.”

I accepted the drink, the cool glass sending a pleasant shiver up my arm. “Thanks! I could definitely use something festive. ”

As I took a sip, I felt the tension in my shoulders start to melt away. The flavors were a delightful blend of sweet and tangy, and I couldn’t help but smile at Jake. “You always know how to pick the best drinks.”

He chuckled, his eyes narrowing slightly as he leaned in. “It’s all about the right ingredients. Just like life, right?”

Before I could respond, he extended his hand toward me. “Want to dance?”

My heart raced at the invitation. I hesitated for just a moment, glancing around the room. But the music was upbeat and lively, and the energy was infectious. I placed my hand in his, and he led me to the dance floor where a few other guests were already swaying to the rhythm.

As we moved to the music, I lost myself in the moment. Jake’s movements were fluid and confident, and I found myself mirroring his rhythm, laughing as we twirled and spun. He was easy to be around, and the carefree atmosphere made it easy to forget the worries that had been weighing on me .

With each passing second, my laughter grew, and I felt lighter than I had in weeks. Jake leaned closer, his breath warm against my ear as he shouted over the music, “See? This is what life’s all about!”

“Yeah! You’re right!” I shouted back, feeling the beat of the music reverberate in my chest.

Our bodies moved together effortlessly, and I couldn’t help but admire how his gaze held a hint of admiration. For a moment, it felt like we were the only two people in the room, lost in our own world. As I spun under his arm, I caught sight of Emily smiling from the sidelines, giving me an enthusiastic thumbs-up.

Jake’s hands settled on my waist, and I felt a rush of warmth spread through me as we swayed together. “I’m really glad you’re here tonight,”

His words wrapped around me like a comforting embrace, and I couldn’t help but feel a spark of something more between us. Just then, the music shifted to a slower melody, and Jake leaned in closer, his forehead almost touching mine .

“May I?” he asked, gently brushing a strand of hair behind my ear.

“Of course,” I whispered, my breath hitching slightly.

As he pulled me closer, I felt a thrill run through me. The worries of the past week, the haunting memories, all faded into the background as I lost myself in this moment with him. I felt safe , cherished even, and for the first time in a while, I allowed myself to let go.

Jake’s arms tightened around me as we moved slowly, the world around us becoming a blur. In that moment, I felt a wave of joy wash over me, filling the void that had been left by my nightmares. I laughed softly, resting my head against his shoulder as he hummed along with the music.

Just as the atmosphere felt perfect, a fleeting thought crossed my mind— was this too good to be true ? But as Jake’s warmth enveloped me, I pushed the thought aside, savoring the happiness that pulsed between us.

Jake gently guided me to a plush couch nestled in the corner of Anna’s living room, the ambient light casting a warm glow around us. I sank into the cushions, feeling relaxed and content, the music a distant hum in the background. Jake settled beside me, close enough that I could feel the heat radiating from his body.

“You know,” he began, his voice soft and sincere, “I’ve really missed having you around. It’s been too long since we’ve had a chance to catch up like this.”

I smiled, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “Yeah, it has. I’ve missed our talks. You always know how to make me feel better.”

He turned toward me, his gaze intent and searching. “You deserve to feel good, Amelia. You should have moments like this—moments where you can just be happy.”

His words wrapped around me like a warm blanket, and I felt my heart swell. “Thank you, Jake. It means a lot to hear you say that.”

He shifted slightly closer, his arm brushing against mine. “You’re stronger than you think. I admire that about you. ”

A blush crept onto my cheeks, and I lowered my gaze, feeling a mix of shyness and warmth from his compliment. “I’m just trying to get through it all, you know?”

Jake nodded, his expression softening. “I understand. Just remember, you’re not alone. You have me.”

I looked up at him, our eyes locking, and the air between us crackled with unspoken tension. I could see the sincerity in his gaze, a kindness that made me feel safe. In that moment, it was as if the noise of the party faded away, leaving just the two of us in our own little world.

“Amelia…” he murmured, leaning in closer. My breath caught in my throat as his intent became clear. He hesitated for just a moment, searching my eyes for permission.

“Jake…” I breathed, my heart racing as the space between us shrank.

And then he kissed me—soft and tentative at first, testing the waters. The moment his lips met mine, warmth flooded through me. I kissed him back, my heart pounding as his hand cupped my cheek, deepening the kiss. It felt like coming home, like finding something I didn’t even know I was missing.

I leaned into him, craving more of this connection. Jake pulled away slightly, his forehead resting against mine as we both caught our breath.

“Wow,” he said, a smile tugging at his lips. “I’ve wanted to do that for a long time.”

“Really?” I asked, a mixture of surprise and elation coursing through me.

“Yeah,” he admitted, his voice low. “I didn’t want to rush anything, but I couldn’t help it anymore.”

My heart soared at his honesty. “I’m glad you did.”

He grinned, the corners of his eyes crinkling with genuine happiness. “Me too.”

Just as I began to revel in the moment, the party around us came roaring back to life. Laughter echoed, and I could hear Anna calling out for more music. The atmosphere felt electric, but here on the couch, with Jake beside me, it was like we existed in our own little bubble.

Suddenly, I felt a gentle tug on my arm, and before I knew it, Emily was dragging me away from Jake, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Come on, Amelia! We need your help in the kitchen!”

“What? The kitchen?” I stammered, looking back at Jake, who wore a bemused expression.

“Just for a minute!” Emily insisted, practically bouncing on her feet. “We’re trying to figure out the cake situation, and I could really use your skills.”

I glanced at Jake, who smiled knowingly, and I couldn’t help but feel a mixture of annoyance and amusement at being pulled away so suddenly. “Alright, alright,” I relented, letting Emily lead me away.

Once we were in the bustling kitchen, the aroma of baked goods and party snacks enveloped us. Anna was rummaging through cabinets, while a couple of other friends were icing cupcakes and preparing drinks.

“Oh my God, did you see the way he looked at you?” Emily exclaimed as soon as we stepped away from the main party area. Her excitement was palpable, and I couldn’t help but smile.

“I mean, it was just a kiss,” I replied, trying to play it cool despite the flutter of excitement in my stomach. “We were just having a moment.”

“Just a moment?” she scoffed, her eyes wide. “You two were practically glowing! You need to tell me everything!”

I rolled my eyes playfully but couldn’t suppress the grin spreading across my face. “It was nice, okay? We’re just… figuring things out.”

“Figuring things out?” Emily echoed, her voice rising in disbelief. “You kissed him, Amelia! That’s a big deal. Are you actually going to date him?”

“Maybe,” I said, feeling a rush of vulnerability at the prospect. I had been so focused on my past and the shadows lingering around me that it felt surreal to entertain the idea of moving forward with someone like Jake.

Emily clasped her hands together, her excitement only growing. “You deserve this! You deserve to be happy after everything you’ve been through. Plus, Jake’s a great guy. He’s sweet, he cares about you, and he’s not a creep!”

I laughed, appreciating her enthusiasm. “You make it sound like I’m looking for a prince or something.”

“Maybe you are!” she shot back, her grin infectious. “And honestly, I think you’ve found one. I mean, just look at you two! The chemistry is off the charts!”

Just as I was about to respond, someone burst into the kitchen, a look of urgency on their face. “Amelia! There’s a delivery guy outside with a package for you!”

“What?” I exchanged a puzzled glance with Emily. “I’m not expecting anything. ”

“Come on, let’s check it out,” Emily said, grabbing my arm and leading me toward the door. We pushed our way through the lively partygoers and stepped outside into the cool evening air.

The delivery guy stood by the entrance, holding a medium-sized box, a curious expression on his face. “Amelia Harper?”

“That’s me,” I said, my curiosity piqued as I took the package from him.

He nodded, handing it over with a smile. “Sign here, please.”

I scribbled my name, and as he handed back the clipboard, I couldn’t shake the feeling of anticipation. What could it be? I turned back to Emily, who was peering at the box with intrigue.

We walked back inside, maneuvering through the crowd until we found an empty room—one that had been left undisturbed amidst the party chaos.

Once we were inside, I set the box down on a small table. “Okay, let’s open it! ”

With a surge of excitement mixed with anxiety, I carefully sliced through the packing tape and peeled away the flaps of the box. Inside, nestled amongst layers of bubble wrap, was a small black box tied with a delicate ribbon. My heart raced as I lifted it out, feeling the coolness of the box against my palms.

“What’s in there?” Emily leaned closer, her curiosity evident.

“I’m not sure. Let’s find out.” I hesitated, glancing at the ribbon. I untied the bow, the soft sound of the ribbon loosening felt deafening in the quiet moment. As I opened the lid, a sense of foreboding settled over me.

Inside the box lay a large, dried moth, its wings outstretched like a macabre piece of art. The delicate patterns on its wings were hauntingly beautiful, but it felt wrong—too wrong . I gasped and stumbled back, the box slipping from my fingers and falling to the floor with a soft thud.

“Amelia?” Emily’s voice broke through my shock, my heart pounding in my chest.

Terror gripped me as a flood of memories surged to the forefront of my mind— dark , suffocating memories. I was back in that wretched cage, surrounded by the fluttering of wings, their eerie dance haunting my every waking moment. The smell of dampness and decay filled my nostrils, and I could hear the faint whispering of the moths as they circled around me, taunting me.

“No, no, no!” I whispered, shaking my head as if I could will the memories away. But they crashed over me like waves, pulling me under, drowning me in the darkness of my past.

I remembered the cold metal bars, the way they felt against my skin, a painful reminder of my captivity. I was a child then, caged and vulnerable, with moths trapped in the same enclosure. I could hear their wings brushing against the bars, their soft, fluttering cries echoing in my ears. It was a never-ending nightmare, and I was their prisoner.

Suddenly, the laughter and chatter of the party faded into a distant hum, replaced by the cacophony of my memories. The weight of the past crushed me, and I stumbled to the floor, taking my head between my hands. I felt the world spinning, dark shadows closing in on me as I fought against the tidal wave of panic threatening to pull me under .

“Amelia!” Emily’s voice broke through the fog, but it felt far away, like she was calling from the other side of a vast chasm. “Amelia, look at me! You’re okay. You’re safe.”

I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to block out the images flashing through my mind—the flickering lights of moth wings, the suffocating darkness, the feeling of being trapped. I took a deep breath, but it felt too heavy, too thick, suffocating me further.

“Amelia, please!” Emily urged, her tone firm yet gentle. I felt a presence beside me as she knelt down, her hand resting on my shoulder. “Focus on my voice. You’re in a party, surrounded by friends. You’re not there anymore. You’re here with me.”

From my position on the floor, I heard a rustling sound.

“Oh my God,” she whispered. “Amelia, I didn’t know it was… this .”

I took a shuddering breath, but the panic still swirled inside me. “I can’t… I can’t breathe,” I gasped, my heart racing, my chest tightening .

“Then let’s breathe together,” Emily said, guiding me to take deep, measured breaths. “In through your nose, out through your mouth. Focus on me. Let the past go, just for now.”

I struggled to focus on her words, but the fear clawed at me. “It was him , Emily. I’m sure of it. He found me again.” The memory of his face flickered in my mind, unsettling and vivid.

Emily’s expression shifted, a mix of concern and resolve settling in. “Amelia, I know this is terrifying, but you have to remember that since Ben left jail, he traveled to another state. He hasn’t returned; we’ll look into it.”

“But what if he did come back?” I pressed, my voice shaking. “What if he’s just waiting for the right moment?”

“Listen,” Emily said firmly, holding my gaze. “We’re going to report this to the police. They’ll investigate and see if he’s the one who sent it. But you have to stay calm for now.”

I took a deep breath, willing myself to steady my racing heart. “I can’t let him control me again. I can’t go back to that place. ”

“You won’t,” she assured me, her grip tightening as if to anchor me to reality. “We’ll make sure he can’t get to you.”

The weight of her words settled in the air, both comforting and daunting. “But what if he knows? What if he’s watching me right now?” The thought sent a chill down my spine, tightening the grip of dread around my heart.

“He’s not a ghost, Amelia. He can’t just appear whenever he wants. We’ll take this one step at a time. We’ll figure out how to protect you, and I promise you’re not alone in this.”

I nodded slowly, her reassurance giving me a moment of clarity amid the chaos in my mind. “Okay,” I said, my voice a little steadier. “Let’s report it. I don’t want to feel like a victim anymore.”

Emily nodded, determination etching her features. “That’s the spirit. We’ll tackle this together.”

I glanced at the box with the dried moth, my heart heavy with memories I couldn’t shake. It was a reminder of my dark past, and I refused to let it define me any longer .

“Let’s get back to the party,” I said, forcing a smile through the haze of anxiety. “I want to enjoy this night with my friends.”

Emily smiled back, a spark of pride in her eyes as she took my hand. “That’s what I like to hear. You deserve to celebrate, Amelia.”

As we walked back toward the laughter and warmth of the party, I could feel the embers of fear still flickering, but I was determined not to let them extinguish my spirit. I had people who cared about me, and I was ready to embrace the moment, to fight against the shadows of my past.