October Watched

October is oranges and pumpkin spice. Ghouls on porches and dead leaves underfoot. It’s fall break for college students and kids alike. a season of cozy sweaters, warm drinks, and carefree nights.

That’s what Maple thought she was signing up for.

She imagined a week of pumpkin spice lattes at her part-time job at Willow Blends and being reluctantly dragged to dorm parties by her wild twin roommates, June and Fern.

But after one of those parties, everything changes.

A masked man begins to follow her, not openly, but obsessively. Her favorite flowers, her favorite snacks, even her preferred brand of pen begin appearing on her doorstep. No name. No note. Just him… always watching.

A part of her is drawn to the mystery. She wants to unmask him.

But her instincts whisper a warning she can’t ignore:

He knows too much. And he’s far from safe.

©2025 Marley O'Connor (P)2025 Marley O'Connor