Carousel Shadows: :carousel_horse: 10

*This entry is a throwback to when Tia was kidnapped*

Tia had just finished singing with the church choir, her voice lingering in the air as the congregation clapped and cheered. Smiling, she stepped down from the stage, feeling a warm sense of accomplishment.

Before she could re her friends, a tall, confident-looking guy approached her, his hands casually stuffed into his pockets.

??: I think I’m in love.

Tia raised an eyebrow, caught off guard by the sudden declaration, and then let out a soft giggle.

Tia: Well, that’s… out of nowhere.

??: I know. I’m Hal, by the way.

Tia: Nice to meet you, Hal. I’m—

Hal: Tia. I already know your name.

Her smile faltered slightly, unsure how to feel about his forwardness.

Tia: Oh… that’s cool, I guess.

Hal: Maybe we should go out sometime. You know, a proper date.

Tia chuckled nervously, taking a small step back.

Tia: I would, but I’m already taken.

Hal’s smile didn’t waver.

Hal: No way. Since when?

Tia: Not long ago, actually.

Hal: Is it that blond guy I’ve seen you with?

Tia blinked in surprise.

Tia: “Wait… are you stalking me?

Hal: Technically, no. We attend essay writing classes together. It’s weird you’ve never noticed a hot guy like me sitting just a couple of rows behind you.

Tia couldn’t help but laugh, shaking her head.

Tia: Maybe you should’ve spoken up sooner, then.

Hal: Better late than never, right? We can still go out together. How about after church?

Tia: Sorry, I’ve got plans with my boyfriend.

Hal: Alright, tomorrow then? You can’t possibly be busy two days in a row.

Tia hesitated, unsure why she didn’t outright refuse. His confidence was disarming, and something about his persistence amused her.

Tia: Fine. Tomorrow.

Hal grinned victoriously.

Hal: Great. See you then.

Tia turned to leave, but his voice stopped her mid-step.

Hal: Wait, hold on. You didn’t get my number. How are we gonna plan our first outing?

She turned back, feeling a bit sheepish.

Tia: Oh, right. Sorry about that. Give me your number.

Hal: Only if you give me yours first.

Tia rolled her eyes with a small smile.

Tia: Fine. Here.

They quickly exchanged numbers, Hal looking entirely too pleased with himself.

Hal: Now we’re all set. Don’t stand me up, Tia.

Tia: I’ll try not to.

As Tia walked away, a strange feeling settled in her chest. Hal’s boldness was a sharp contrast to the warmth and patience of her boyfriend, Caleb. She shook her head, brushing off the thought.

But somewhere deep down, a flicker of unease began to take root.

Tia and Caleb sat in a quiet café, their plates empty after a hearty lunch. Tia glanced nervously at Caleb as she stirred the last bit of her iced tea with her straw. She had been debating whether to bring up Hal, unsure of how Caleb might react. Finally, she took a deep breath and decided to ease into it.

Tia: So… there’s this guy in my essay writing class. His name’s Hal. We’re working on a project together.

Caleb looked up from his juice, his brow furrowing slightly.

Caleb: A guy? Is he your only partner?

Tia: Yeah, just him. He’s fine, though. Nothing to worry about.

Caleb leaned back in his seat, studying her carefully.

Caleb: Be careful, okay? I trust you, but you never know about other people’s intentions. How about I tag along next time? You know, just to make sure you’re safe.

Tia chuckled, trying to brush off his concern.

Tia: Sure, if it makes you feel better. You can watch from afar like a secret agent or something.

Caleb: “Sounds like a plan,” he said with a grin.

The conversation shifted to lighter topics, and soon they left the café, heading back to Caleb’s place.

Later that afternoon, Tia and Caleb lounged on his bed, a movie playing softly on the screen. Tia rested her head on Caleb’s chest, his steady heartbeat lulling her into a sense of peace. Before they knew it, they had both dozed off, the hum of the TV providing a soothing backdrop.

Tia woke with a start, blinking as she checked her phone. The screen displayed 8:24 p.m. She gently nudged Caleb, who stirred with a sleepy groan.

Caleb: What’s wrong?

Tia: It’s late. I need to get home—I’ve got some work to finish, and it’s due tomorrow.

Caleb: Can’t it wait till the morning? You’ve been working so hard.

Tia: You know I can’t, babe. I have to get it done tonight. But… you know I can’t go home alone this late.

Caleb: Yeah, of course. Let me grab my keys.

As they left the apartment together, Caleb slid his arm protectively around Tia’s shoulders.

Caleb: Don’t worry, I’ve got you.

The next morning, after submitting her assignment, Tia decided to go out with Hal. She didn’t tell Caleb, knowing he wouldn’t approve.

Hal had invited her for a picnic at a nearby park, and when she arrived, she was impressed by how thoughtfully he’d prepared everything. A red-and-white checkered blanket was spread out on the grass, adorned with a basket filled with sandwiches, fruit, and homemade pastries.

Tia: Wow, Hal. You’ve really outdone yourself!

Hal smirked, lounging casually on the blanket.

Hal: What can I say? I’m full of surprises. Where else will you find a guy who’s handsome and can cook this well?

Tia: “You’re right here, apparently,” she teased, taking a bite of a perfectly seasoned sandwich.

Hal: Trust me, Tia, we’re a rare breed—guys like me don’t come around often.

Tia laughed softly, shaking her head.

Tia: Well, you’ve certainly set the bar high. This is really good.

Hal took a bite of his own sandwich, then casually asked, “So, how’s life with the boyfriend? Everything going great?”

Tia paused, her smile faltering just a bit. She didn’t want to give Hal any wrong impressions.

Tia: Things are fine… but I had to lie to him about why we’re meeting today.

Hal raised an eyebrow, leaning forward.

Hal: Why would you lie? What’s the big deal?

Tia: Well… I don’t think he’d be okay with me going out for a picnic with another guy. Even if it’s just as friends.

Hal: But we are just friends. Honestly, if I had a girlfriend, I wouldn’t care if she had male friends. Trust is important, right?

Tia: I know. But would you really be happy if your girlfriend went out alone with another guy, even for something innocent like this?

Hal: Okay, maybe not thrilled… but I’d handle it better than most guys. Don’t worry, Tia, I’m not gonna snitch on you. But now I’m curious—what excuse did you give him?

Tia: “I told him it was for our project,” she itted sheepishly.

Hal: Fair enough. Your secret’s safe with me. Now, let’s focus on enjoying the food. You’ve been working so hard—you deserve a break.

Tia smiled, trying to push aside the guilt gnawing at her. She picked up a piece of fruit and took in the peaceful view of the park, but her thoughts drifted back to Caleb. She couldn’t shake the feeling that she was treading on dangerous ground.

Tia: So—what’s your major, Hal?

Hal: Medicine. I’m going to be the hottest doctor in town.

Tia giggled, rolling her eyes at his self-assured tone.

Tia: Of course you will. Is it fun, though? Medicine sounds pretty intense.

Hal: It’s definitely intense, but I’m good at it. What makes it enjoyable is how much I’m learning every day. Plus, having fun with the process keeps me confident in such a tough major. I thrive on challenges.

Tia: I bet. Well, good luck, Doctor Hal—our handsome physician in the making.

Hal: ”Handsome doctor,’ huh? That’s golden. I think I’ll use that as my new name.

Tia: You’re unbelievable!

Hal: Unbelievably hot! I know.

She burst out laughing, shaking her head at his over-the-top confidence.

After finishing the picnic, Hal suggested they take a walk around the park. The sun was starting to set, casting golden light over the trees and giving the park a picturesque glow. They chatted casually as they strolled, their conversation moving from classes to hobbies.

Hal: Hey, how about we rent some bikes? The trails here are amazing, and it’ll be fun.

Tia: Why not? It’s been ages since I rode a bike.

Within minutes, they were riding along the park’s winding trails, weaving through trees and laughing as they raced each other on the empty paths. Tia felt a rare sense of freedom, the wind brushing against her face as she pedaled.

When they finally returned the bikes, the sky had deepened to a rich orange, and the streetlights began flickering on.

Hal: That was great. I can’t the last time I had this much fun.

Tia: Me too. Thanks for suggesting it.

Hal: Anytime. Now, we should probably head back and get ready for dinner. Can’t have you showing up in sweat!

Tia: Oh, I wouldn’t dream of it. See you in a bit, Dr. Hal.

They parted ways, Tia heading home to change. But as she walked, her mind wandered. She was having fun—maybe a little too much fun—and she couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt when she thought about Caleb.

Tia texted Caleb before heading out:

Tia: Hey, just letting you know I’m meeting up with Hal in a couple of hours. Do you want to us?

After a few minutes, Caleb responded.

Caleb: Sorry, I can’t make it. I’ve got work to finish.

Tia frowned as she read his reply.

Tia: You can’t be serious! You know there’s a killer out there, and you’re okay with me going out alone?

Caleb: You trust this guy, right? You’ll be fine with him. I really need to finish this project, Tia.

Her frustration lingered as she typed back.

Tia: Okay, fine. See you later.

Caleb: See you. I love you.

Tia: I love you too.

She sighed, slipping her phone into her bag before heading out to the Italian restaurant Hal had chosen.

When she arrived, he was already waiting at a cozy table near the window, dressed sharply in a tailored shirt.

Hal: You look amazing, Tia. Ready for some delicious Italian?

She smiled faintly, still distracted by her conversation with Caleb.

Tia: Yeah, I’m starving.

They browsed the menu and placed their orders. As they waited for their food, Hal leaned back in his chair, studying her.

Hal: I love Italian food. What about you?

Tia: Same. It’s one of my favorites.

Hal’s lips curved into a mischievous smile.

Hal: And I love you.

Tia froze mid-sip of her water, her eyes snapping to meet his. The weight of his words hung in the air, but she said nothing, unsure how to respond.

Hal: You and Caleb just started dating, right? It’s not that deep yet. You could leave him and be with me instead. What do you say?

Tia: I can’t. Because I love him.

Hal’s expression didn’t falter. He leaned in slightly, his voice low and smooth.

Hal: He seems like a good guy, but maybe not such a great boyfriend. If he really cared, he’d be here keeping you safe. After all, there’s a killer out there, isn’t there?

Tia’s stomach twisted. The words mirrored her exact thoughts from earlier, but hearing them from Hal felt eerie. Was it just a coincidence, or was he playing mind games? She brushed the feeling aside, trying to act composed.

Tia: He trusts you, I guess.

Hal chuckled, his gaze sharp.

Hal: Trusts me? A guy he’s never met? Who he doesn’t even know how I look?

Tia looked down at the table, suddenly feeling uneasy. She toyed with her fork, avoiding his gaze. Something about the way he spoke sent a shiver through her. But she couldn’t tell if it was paranoia or if there was more to Hal than he let on.

The food arrived, momentarily breaking the tension. Hal resumed talking about his favorite dishes and lighthearted topics, but Tia’s mind lingered on his earlier words.

They finished their dinner, and Hal offered to drive her back to her dorm. The night air was cool as they walked to his car. He opened the enger door for her with a charming smile.

Hal: Safe and sound delivery, coming right up.

Tia laughed softly, still feeling a mix of unease and guilt from their earlier conversation.

During the car ride, Hal kept talking excitedly about his dreams and ambitions. He wanted to be rich and famous one day, to own a grand mansion with chauffeurs, butlers, and maids attending to his every need. His eyes gleamed with determination as he spoke, his hands gesturing animatedly.

Tia glanced at him, then at the chauffeur and bodyguard seated in the front. She raised an eyebrow. “But… you already have a chauffeur and a bodyguard?”

Hal let out a short laugh. “These aren’t mine. They belong to my friend.”

He leaned back against the leather seat, staring out the window for a moment before continuing.

Hal: “I want my own. I want to build my own fortune so my future wife and kids can have the kind of lavish life I never had growing up.” He sighed. “I mean, yeah, I’m living it now—but only because of my friend’s money. I want to have my own.”

Tia didn’t know how to respond. His dreams were grand, almost larger than life, but something about the way he spoke made her wonder just how much he resented not having that wealth himself.

Instead of pressing further, she turned her attention to her phone, checking it every few seconds. Still no response from Caleb. Her last text remained unread.

Was he upset that she had gone out with Hal? The thought gnawed at her, making her stomach twist. She tapped her fingers against the screen, debating whether to send another message

When they arrived at her dorm, Hal stepped out of the car and walked her to her dorm. The night air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of rain.

Once they’re inside the dorm. He stuffed his hands into his pockets, rocking back on his heels as he looked at her.

Hal: “Goodnight, Tia. I hope you had a good time,” he said, his usual confident tone softer now.

Tia hesitated for a moment before offering him a polite smile. “Thanks for dinner, Hal. It was… nice.”

He seemed pleased with that answer, flashing her a grin before turning on his heel and walking away.

The dorm was eerily quiet, which meant Dove hadn’t arrived yet. Tia stepped into her room and shut the door behind her, slipping off her heels with a relieved sigh. She placed her bag on the small table near the entrance and flopped onto her bed.

Her mind drifted back to the evening. Hal was so full of himself, but at the same time, there was something endearing about him. He was ambitious, playful, and, in his own way, sweet. A soft giggle escaped her as she replayed some of his ridiculous comments in her head.

Then, just as quickly, her thoughts turned to Caleb. She loved him—at least, she thought she did. But their energies just didn’t match. With Hal, things felt easy, even fun. But with Caleb… it always felt like she was trying too hard to make things work.

Before she could dwell on it further, the sharp chime of the doorbell pulled her from her thoughts. She groaned and sat up, already knowing who it was.

“You forgot your key again, Dove,” she called out, rolling her eyes as she walked toward the door.

She opened it without checking the window, expecting to see her roommate’s familiar face.

But it wasn’t Dove.

Standing in the dim hallway was a tall figure wearing a dark jacket and a black mask that covered his face. For a split second, Tia froze, her heart racing.

She tried to slam the door shut, but the man was quicker. His gloved hand shot out, catching the door before it could close. With startling force, he pushed it open, sending Tia stumbling backward.

Before she could scream, he grabbed her by the neck, his grip iron-tight. She clawed at his hand, panic flooding her senses, but he was too strong.

The masked man pulled a cloth from his pocket and pressed it firmly over her mouth and nose. A sickly-sweet chemical scent filled her nostrils, and her vision blurred as she struggled. Her limbs grew heavy, her strength fading as darkness closed in.

Tia collapsed in his arms, unconscious.

The man adjusted his hold on her limp body and turned to the open door. He closed it carefully, as if nothing had happened. Then, with calculated calm, he looked directly at the CCTV camera mounted nearby.

He raised a hand and waved at it slowly, almost mockingly. Without a glance back, he carried her out down the stairs and disappeared into the night.