****Following the recent surge of unsettling crimes in Cinder City, we urge our women and young ladies to remain indoors.
Reports have surfaced of a stalker prowling the streets, preying on unsuspecting women. Your safety is our priority... The government is committed to restoring peace, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that Cinder City regains its reputation as a sanctuary for all.****
The newscaster's voice echoed through the living room, a reminder of the city's troubling reality.
Aunt Nina shook her head in dismay, her brow furrowed with concern.
"The government is doing absolutely nothing… Can you believe there's a stalker on the loose? This city just keeps spiraling downhill," she lamented, grabbing her bags with a frustrated huff as she stepped toward the door. Melody followed closely behind her.
"Come on, Aunt. The police are doing their best; it's just that some people refuse to change their circumstances," Melody countered gently as they exited the elevator, the cool air brushing against her skin as they descended to the ground floor.
"That's true too," Aunt Nina replied, her voice laced with concern.
She turned to Melody, her expression softening. "I've packed the remaining food for you, dear. Make sure you eat it all; I don't want it to go to waste."
Melody nodded appreciatively, a small pout forming on her lips. "I will, thank you. You could have stayed a few more days, you know," she said, her voice tinged with longing.
Aunt Nina raised an eyebrow, feigning disbelief. "And catch your cold? How could you wake up with a fever and expect me to stick around? I'd love to care for you, but I don't want to fall ill, too. You need to take care of yourself, Melody. You're not a little girl anymore; you're twenty-one now."
They stepped out into the bustling street, the faint noise of the city surrounding them.
"Good afternoon, Melody," her apartment mate greeted them warmly as they walked past.
"Good afternoon!" Melody responded, a friendly smile lighting up her face.
"It's been a while, Aunt Nina. You're looking fabulous as always!" the woman complimented, her genuine admiration evident.
"Is that right? Hahaha, thank you very much! Melody is taking wonderful care of me; how could I not radiate beauty?" Aunt Nina declared, her laughter infectious as they shared a light moment together.
"I must get going now; I'll visit again soon," Aunt Nina said, offering a wave to the friendly neighbor before Melody led her towards the curb to hail a taxi.
After a few moments, Melody successfully flagged one down. "Make sure you eat well, remember to take your medication, don't stay out late, and please, you and Ethan need to patch things up. You know I won't stop pushing until you both tie the knot," Aunt Nina insisted, her worried gaze locking onto Melody's.
Melody scratched her neck, masking her slight annoyance at the mention of Ethan with a smile. "Got it, Aunt."
"Good girl." Aunt Nina beamed, wrapping her arms around Melody for a warm hug.
As her aunt climbed into the cab, Melody waved goodbye until the car faded from view.
Once back in her apartment, Melody sank onto the couch.
She flicked on the television, channel surfing until her eyes settled on a romantic comedy, the bright colors and laughter a reprieve from the grim news.
As she became engrossed in the film, her gaze drifted to her phone, contemplating whether to call Ethan.
"He loves it when I beg him," she muttered with a slight frown.
With a dismissive sigh, she set her phone aside, determined not to make the first move.
But after a moment's pause, she dialed his number.
Her heart sank slightly when it went unanswered after a few rings.
She shrugged, dismissing the thought that he was just busy. She was making up too many excuses for him. Looks like the relationship was tiring him as well.
Ethan was undeniably a good guy, and Aunt Nina appreciated him.
They had shared a good bond; he respected her wishes to wait until marriage, which she cherished. Still, his aloof demeanor sometimes made her feel unappreciated, as he often wore his pride like armor, shutting her out instead of communicating.
As twilight cloaked the city in a warm, dusky glow, Melody rose to prepare herself a meal.
She headed to the counter, thankful for her aunt cooking in advance.
Using the microwave, she heated the food, the aroma wafting through the air and enticing her appetite. Settling down at the table, she savored every bite, feeling a momentary sense of comfort.
After a few hours of rest, she was reminded of her medication. "Oh no," she exclaimed, facepalming as she realized she was out of paracetamol.
"I should have picked some up earlier," she sighed, glancing out the window to see that darkness had already fallen and the rain was steadily falling.
A wave of indecision washed over her as she leaned back in her chair, eyes drifting toward the remnants of her medication scattered across the table.
Should she skip it and get rest, or just go outside to get it?
"It's just across the street," she reasoned, contemplating the risk of the elusive stalker.
"He can't possibly be out in this weather." With a determined nod to herself, she stood up and made her way to the door.
She swiveled sharply, the weight of uncertainty pressing against her chest. "Just in case," she murmured under her breath as she strode across the room.
Her destination was the machine she had stowed away in the cupboard—a device designed to emit a jolt of electricity for those who dared to approach her with ill intentions.
And she had only gotten it recently.
With a swift motion, she activated the device, watching in fascination as electricity crackled and danced along the surface, casting flickering shadows on the walls. She licked her lips, anticipation coursing through her veins.
"He better stay away," Melody muttered, her voice resolute, before walking to the door and securing it with a firm click.
Stepping outside, she embraced the cool, damp air that enveloped her.
Dressed in dark trousers and a snug black hoodie, her hands were buried deep in the pockets, a small comfort against the chill.
Melody walked across the empty street, the once bustling neighborhood now hauntingly deserted, as if the world had decided to retreat indoors.
How could they not? It wasn't safe at Cinder City.
"One pack of paracetamol, please," she stated at the counter of the shop.
The clerk, a young man with tousled hair, stared at her with a mix of surprise and concern. "You came out alone?" he asked, incredulity lacing his voice. The shop was dimly lit, and he was preparing to close up, shocked by what he perceived as her reckless bravery.
"So what?," Melody said curtly, rudeness evident in her clipped tone. The corners of the clerk's mouth twitched in response, a mixture of annoyance and amusement flickering across his features.
She snatched the cash from his hand, her fingers brushing against his, and turned on her heel, stepping back into the rain-slicked street.
As she moved a few meters away, something made her stop abruptly. A shadow loomed on the pavement beside her, causing her eyebrows to furrow in suspicion.
Was she being followed? Already?
She spun around, heart racing, yet found only the stillness of the empty street. Her gaze darted back to the shop she had just exited; the clerk had closed the windows and extinguished the lights.
Refocusing on her path, she resumed walking, feeling the zapper tucked securely in her pocket.
The stalker appeared from behind the building. He resumed walking, his gaze locked on Melody.
And away from the two, another was watching with keen eyes. "She's nothing but a trouble magnet" Maverick muttered, taking a bite from his apple. He tossed the remnant to the ground before following the stalker.