Beyond the Threshold

Beyond the Threshold, Kageyama's eyes snapped open, and he was met with the familiar sight of his apartment's ceiling. He lay there, disoriented, as the events of the previous night came flooding back. The park, the feeling of being watched, the mysterious woman at his door. As he sat up, rubbing his eyes, Kageyama realized that it had all been a dream. A vivid, realistic dream, but a dream nonetheless. He swung his legs over the side of the bed, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. It was just his imagination, he told himself. The night had been intense, and his mind had been playing tricks on him. But as he stood up and began to make his way to the kitchen, Kageyama caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror. For a moment, he could have sworn he saw something behind him, a shadowy figure lurking just out of sight. He spun around, but there was no one there. Kageyama chuckled to himself, shaking his head. It was just the lingering effects of the dream, he told himself. He poured himself a glass of water, taking a long drink as he tried to shake off the feeling of unease. As he stood there, he noticed something that made his heart skip a beat. On the kitchen counter, next to the sink, was a piece of paper. It was a note, scribbled in hasty handwriting. Kageyama's eyes scanned the message, and his mind reeled as he read the words. "I'm still watching." Kageyama's eyes darted around the room, but he was alone. He felt a shiver run down his spine as he realized that the dream may not have been just a dream after all.