The apartment felt different at night.
During the day, sunlight filled every corner and made everything feel warm and safe. But now, with the city glowing outside the windows and shadows stretching across the walls, the silence felt louder.
I set my bags down and locked the door, leaning against it for a second.
I really did this.
I unpacked slowly—clothes folded into the wardrobe, books lined neatly on the shelf, school supplies stacked on the desk. Ava's blue dress hung by itself, like it already knew it was special.
After a quick shower, I made instant noodles and sat on the floor to eat, my back against the couch I still hadn't arranged properly. The hum of traffic below was oddly comforting.
My phone buzzed.
Ava: Text me when you're settled.
Me: Just did. Thank you… for everything.
Ava: Always. Sleep well, city girl 💙
I smiled and placed the phone beside me.
Later, as I lay in bed staring at the unfamiliar ceiling, my thoughts drifted back to Silvercrest—its polished halls, sharp-eyed teachers, and the boy who had smirked at me like he already knew my secrets.
Focus, I told myself.
This was a fresh start. No distractions.
Just as sleep began to pull me under, I heard it.
A soft knock.
My eyes snapped open.
I checked the time—11:48 p.m.
Another knock. Louder this time.
My heart raced as I slipped out of bed and crept toward the door. I didn't turn on the lights. I didn't breathe.
"Hello?" I whispered.
No answer.
I looked through the peephole.
No one was there.
I stepped back, shaking, telling myself I was just tired. Probably a neighbor. Probably nothing.
But as I turned away, something caught my eye.
A folded piece of paper on the floor.
Right outside my door.
My hands trembled as I opened it.
Welcome to the city.
Be careful who you trust.
The handwriting was neat. Controlled.
Not a joke.
Not random.
I locked the door again—this time double-checking it—and slid down against it, my chest tight.
Outside, the city continued to glow.
Unbothered.
Unaware.
And for the first time since arriving, I realized—
The city had noticed me too.