For audio click here
Do you ever get the feeling you’re being stalked? That
someone is following your every move; watching you through the window when you
get up in the morning; hanging around outside your office when you arrive, when
you go out for lunch, when you set off for home. Do you ever think that someone
is listening to your phone calls or is watching your keystrokes? When you hear
someone whisper good night just as you fall asleep do you jump awake, switch
the light on, check under the bed? Does your hair stand on end, goosepimples appear
on your arms, shivers down your spine for no reason? Is there a constant sense
of terror? The problem is, there’s no evidence. There is no one in the street
when you leave your house, there’re no clicks on the line, massive bouquets are
not delivered to your door. There are no love letters in your mail, no monster
in your wardrobe or beast beneath the bed. But the feeling remains; there’s
someone, something out there.
That’ll be me.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been your armchair
stalker. I’ve watched you in the shower and followed you down the lane. I’ve
seen you naked in your window and from the shadows whispered your name. Only I haven’t. I’ve thought about it. The
problem is I’m too damn lazy to get out off my sofa and put my thoughts into
action.
So I imagine you in your PJs, and picture you going to work.
(You look nice in that outfit by the way; it suits you.) I follow you in the
shadows of my mind. I whispering sweet nothings and let it carry on the wind. I
browse the pages of Amazon and Interflora thinking of presents to buy, but
never adding things to the basket. (I’m sure you’d love that teddy bear.) I compose
letter after letter detailing exactly what I would do to you if my love wasn’t
cruelly unrequited. But I never put pen to paper or finger to key, I never
press print, let alone add the stamp. I can’t be bothered. I’m your armchair
stalker.
Next time you get that shiver. Next time you feel like
someone is walking over your grave. Next time you’re sure there’s someone
hiding in the gloom or peaking into your room. Don’t worry, I’m too lazy to
bring you any harm.
Excellent :)
ReplyDeleteI was just about to write the same:-) You've got it quite right - this is a very good story. When I was reading it, my hair stood on end, goosepimples appeared on my arms, and shivers went down my spine:-) The only reason I could think this work is still in progress is the fact it needs proofreading:-)
DeleteThanks Dave and Anonymous and Anonymous if you are volunteering to proofread I am always open to offers.
Delete