Page 40 of Like A Moth To A Flame

Why?

I lifted it to my ear, careful not to move, or even to breathe.

“Hey there, my Little Moth.”

His voice was so deep, like the darkness outside the window had come to life.

I stayed quiet. I didn’t know what to think or feel, let alone what to say.

“Did you miss me?”

“How can I miss you if you won’t leave me alone?” I spoke without thinking now, my voice shaking like a leaf, just like the rest of me.

He laughed, a deep, growling sound, and I felt my entire body shudder.

“You are so beautiful when you’re scared.”

He could see me. How could he see me?

I turned around, looking through the kitchen window and out into the darkness, but I didn’t see much. I couldn’t see past the reflection of the overhead light, glaring across the glass.

Maybe that was for the best.

Maybe I’d go mad.

I choked on my tears, one hand coming up to press against my lips. I didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of hearing me fall apart.

“Awe, don’t cry, baby. You’re too beautiful to cry.” He paused, and I could hear him grunt and growl on the other end. “I hate how hard your tears make me, Vanessa. I could never hurt you. Ever.”

With a sound of frustration, I slammed the phone down on the hook so hard that a loud snap echoed through the kitchen, and a crack appeared on the back of the earpiece.

“F-fuck,” I muttered.

A rising wave of nausea rocketed through me, and I swallowed hard. Maybe I shouldn’t have done that. I needed answers. Maybe if I could get him to talk, I could learn who he was, and then I could go to the sheriff. I could—

What if itwasthe sheriff?

Snatching up the phone, I put it to my ear.

“Hello?”

Nothing but silence, just as I expected.

Reaching up, my shaking fingers moved on muscle memory, punching in a number that I hadn’t used in years. *69 would redial the last number that called me, and I would know exactly where he was calling from.

There was a click on the other line, and it began to ring. Part of me wondered if he’d answer.

Two rings.

Three Rings.

Four.

There was an audible click, and my heart skipped a beat.

“Hey there! This is Vanessa Harper! I’m a little busy right now, so leave a message, and I’ll get back to you! Thanks!”

That was my voice.

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