The day his mother was discharged from the hospital, the house felt alive again.
The silence that once comforted him now felt warm, familiar. She moved slowly, carefully, but she was home. That was enough. He watched her settle into her chair near the window, sunlight touching her face, and for the first time in weeks, he smiled without forcing it.
“You look lighter,” she said, noticing his face.
He nodded. “I feel… better.”
And for a while, it was true.
A Fresh Start
With his mother resting safely at home, something inside him steadied. He woke up early, shaved, dressed neatly, and packed his documents with care. His sling bag felt lighter today—not because it weighed less, but because his mind did.
Before leaving, his mother stopped him.
“Go with confidence,” she said, placing her hand on his head. “Whatever happens, come back smiling.”
He did.
The interview room was quiet. Familiar. This time, he didn’t rush his answers. He spoke clearly. Calmly. He listened. He thought.
When the final interviewer smiled and said, “We’ll move ahead with you,” he felt something he hadn’t felt in a long time.
Relief.
He stepped out, leaned against the wall, and exhaled.
He had cleared it.
The Message Returns
His phone vibrated.
His heart skipped—but he didn’t panic.
UNKNOWN:
You did well today.
He froze.
No one knew about the interview.
HIM:
Who are you?
A pause.
UNKNOWN:
Someone who knows you better than you think.
Someone who doesn’t want you to fall.
He swallowed hard.
HIM:
Then why scare me?
The reply came quickly.
UNKNOWN:
Fear keeps you alert.
I helped you survive when you were weak.
He stared at the screen.
Helped?
An Unseen Ally
Over the next few days, the messages continued—but they changed.
Gentler. Timed perfectly.
Don’t forget your documents.
Take the earlier bus today.
Check on your mother before leaving.
Each time, the advice proved useful.
He hated how comforting it felt.
One night, sitting beside his mother as she watched TV, his phone buzzed again.
UNKNOWN:
She’s smiling more now.
He looked at her.
She was.
A Line Is Drawn
HIM:
Are you watching us?
Three dots appeared. Disappeared.
UNKNOWN:
No.
I’m protecting what matters to you.
Because if you break again… I grow.
His fingers trembled.
This wasn’t a friend.
But it wasn’t an enemy either.
It was something living in the space between.
Mother’s Unease
One evening, his mother looked at him carefully.
“You talk less these days,” she said. “But your eyes… they look stronger.”
He forced a smile.
She touched his cheek. “Just remember—strength doesn’t come from being alone.”
He nodded, but said nothing.
Because somewhere deep inside, he knew—
The evil within hadn’t left.
It had simply changed its face.
And now…
it was helping him succeed.
