11. CAMI

11

CAMI

I t felt earlier than it was, with the sun rising so much later.

The air was so cold it felt like it could cut right through me. My breath came out in soft puffs, hanging in the crisp morning air before disappearing into the gray sky. The sun hadn’t fully risen yet, casting a faint light over Silver Ridge, but it wasn’t enough to chase away the cold. I pulled my scarf tighter around my neck, tucking my hands deeper into my coat pockets as I hurried down the quiet street. The snow crumpled softly under my boots with each step, and the town was still, as if it were waiting for something to stir.

The holiday decorations were everywhere—garlands with bright red bows wrapped around lampposts, icicle lights strung across the storefronts, and a massive Christmas tree standing tall in the square, its branches heavy with ornaments. Silver Ridge looked like Christmas now that all the decorations were up. I was proud—I’d had a hand in a lot of it and the whole town looked like something out of a holiday movie.

But something felt wrong.

I glanced over my shoulder, back toward the cottage. I’d checked and double checked that I’d locked it. Mason had come in last time, but that didn’t bother me so much. Lately, it felt like I wasn’t alone.

Even now, I felt like someone was following me.

I glanced over my shoulder again, but the street behind me was empty. There was no one—just snow and shadows, the early morning light making everything look softer than it was.

Still, my heart hammered in my chest, my pulse quickening as I picked up the pace, my boots slipping slightly on the icy sidewalk.

It’s nothing , I scolded myself.

I was being paranoid.

But the feeling wouldn’t go away, crawling up my spine with cold fingers.

I shivered.

The wind picked up, biting at my exposed skin, and I pulled my coat tighter around me, ducking my head against the cold. I wasn’t far from the general store, which would be open by now, but the distance suddenly felt longer, like the street was stretching out in front of me, keeping me away from the warmth and safety that waited for me.

I’d just come out for coffee—I’d realized mine was finished and I had to start the day with coffee. It was what I always did.

Now, I wondered if it was really that important.

Every crunch of snow beneath my boots sounded louder, echoing in the quiet town, and with each step, the dread in my chest grew stronger.

I looked behind me again, just a quick glance, and this time there was a shadow. Moving toward me, too far back to make out any details but close enough that I knew I wasn’t imagining it.

My heart jumped into my throat, and I swallowed hard. Without even thinking about it, my legs moved faster; my feet slipped on the ice as I tried to hurry down the street.

Someone was following me.

My breath came in ragged gasps, creating clouds in front of my face. I wasn’t crazy. Someone was definitely there. Panic crept in, and I tried to remember the layout of the streets. I could duck into one of the side alleys, hide until they passed. Or maybe I should turn around, confront them head-on. But what if—

Stop it, Cami. You’re being ridiculous!

I shook my head, trying to calm myself down. It was probably nothing. Just someone heading in the same direction as me.

But the fear gnawed at me, pushing me forward faster and faster until I was practically running. My boots slid on the snow, and I stumbled, barely catching myself. My heart thumped so loud I could hear it in my ears, and my breath came in sharp bursts, each one more ragged than the last. The cold wind burned my throat.

Enough.

I spun around, my eyes wild as I faced the stranger behind me. “Hey!” My voice cracked with the force of my fear. “Why are you following me?”

The figure stopped dead in their tracks, hands raised in surprise. I could see him now. He didn’t look familiar—no one I’d gotten to know during my time here.

It was an older man, bundled up in a thick coat, his face half-hidden by a scarf and a wool hat. His eyes were wide with shock. Yeah, I was just a crazy woman shouting at older men now.

“Whoa, whoa! I’m not following you,” he stammered, his breath visible in the cold air. “I’m just going to the bakery.”

My cheeks flushed with embarrassment, the heat rising to my face despite the cold. I stared at him, my heart still hammering, but the fear slowly drained away, replaced by a wave of humiliation. Of course. He wasn’t following me. He was just going in the same direction. Most of the town was in that direction. Where else would he have gone?

The bakery was open early with fresh cinnamon rolls and croissants and everyone flocked there for their daily dose of Christmas treats.

I’d completely overreacted.

“I-I’m sorry,” I stammered, taking a step back. “I thought… I thought you were someone else.”

The man chuckled nervously, lowering his hands. “No problem. Just didn’t expect to be yelled at this early in the morning. You okay?”

I nodded quickly, my face burning with shame and I cupped my cheeks with my hands. “Yeah. Yeah, I’m fine. Sorry about that.”

He gave me a wry smile, clearly eager to get away from me. “Take care,” he said before turning and continuing down the street, disappearing into the bakery not too far ahead.

I stood there for a moment, the cold air stinging my cheeks as I tried to calm my racing heart. What the hell was wrong with me? I’d just confronted a random stranger in the middle of town because I thought I was being followed.

Of course this place would be busy. Especially with my posts and trying to get people into town for the Christmas celebrations. Getting people here had been the point.

Why was I so jumpy? It wasn’t like anyone was actually out to get me. This wasn’t Denver. This was Silver Ridge. It was safe here. Nothing bad ever happened in a place like this, especially not during Christmas. I needed to lighten up, stop looking over my shoulder like someone was out to get me.

I shook my head, trying to shake off the lingering feeling of dread. I was being paranoid, plain and simple. It was stupid because I hadn’t literally been stabbed in the back. Just figuratively. But I still kept feeling like something wasn’t right.

Don’t be silly, you’re safe here.

I took a deep breath, letting the cold air fill my lungs as I started walking again, a little slower this time. I needed to calm down. I needed to remind myself that Silver Ridge was a safe, warm community where everyone cared and even a scary shadow was just someone looking for a fresh cinnamon roll.

Here, people cared about each other.

Despite telling myself all these things over and over, I still felt uneasy. Dread clung to me like a shadow and even stepping into the warm general store with the bright and happy people who greeted me couldn’t shake it off.