A New Beginning, Same Nightmare

Two weeks had passed since the incident, and Mei had finally started to feel a sense of normalcy again. She had moved to a new apartment, one that was safer and more secure than her previous one. As she sat on her couch, sipping a cup of tea and watching TV, she felt a sense of relief wash over her. She had thought that she was leaving the past behind her, that she was starting fresh. The sound of a knock at the door broke the silence, and Mei's heart skipped a beat. She wasn't expecting anyone, and she hadn't given her new address to anyone except the police and a few close friends. She cautiously got up from the couch and made her way to the door, peering through the peephole to see who it was. The person on the other side of the door was a man, and Mei's instincts immediately went on high alert. He was tall and lean, with a strong jawline and piercing eyes. But there was something about him that seemed familiar, something that Mei couldn't quite put her finger on. Mei hesitated for a moment, unsure of whether or not to open the door. But something about the man's calm demeanor put her at ease, and she slowly turned the handle and opened the door. As soon as the man stepped inside, Mei realized that she had made a terrible mistake. There was something about his eyes, something that seemed to spark a memory deep within her. But she couldn't quite place him, couldn't quite remember where she had seen him before. The man smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners, and Mei felt a sense of unease wash over her. He was clean-shaven, his hair cut short and stylishly messy. He looked... different. And in that moment, Mei didn't recognize him. The thief, or rather, the man who had assaulted her, took advantage of Mei's momentary lapse in recognition. He quickly pushed his way into the apartment, his movements swift and decisive. Mei tried to step back, but he was too fast, too strong. He towered over her, his eyes gleaming with a sinister light. Mei tried to scream, but her voice was caught in her throat. The man reached out and grabbed her arms, pinning them to her sides. Mei struggled, but he was too strong. He held her in place, his grip like a vice. And as she looked up into his eyes, she saw something there that made her blood run cold. She saw a glint of recognition, a spark of knowledge that he knew her, and she knew him. Mei's heart was racing, her mind reeling with fear. She tried to speak, but her voice was barely a whisper. The man leaned in close, his breath hot against her ear. "Do you remember me?" he whispered, his voice low and menacing. Mei shook her head, trying to play dumb. But the man just smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I think you do," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "I think you remember exactly who I am."