The One...

  No, you don't know me, but I know you. You don't believe me. Nobody thinks that it can happen to them. ' I would know if someone was watching me or had been in my house. I'd sense it.' You didn't. I was there. I've BEEN there.

  I first noticed you last month. You smiled at me. That's what caught my attention. I'm not the type of guy pretty girls smile at. Sneer, yes, or avoid altogether, but not smile. You were wearing that lovely yellow sun dress. The one you haven't been able to find. The one I'm going to have you put on now. 

  I've been watching you. Always kind and helpful. So friendly and giving. Constantly surrounded by friends. (It was difficult to find you alone). Always smiling. Smiling every morning when you and that room mate of yours would take that hideous dog out for a jog. Even smiling as you toweled your hair after your morning shower. Did someone, your mother perhaps, tell you you're prettier when you smile? 

    Most people scowl as they ride the bus to work. Not you, you even gave up your seat for me, once (with a smile).You wouldn't recognize me. I had the cane, and glasses; my hair was different too. I told you. You don't know me. 

  I have a confession to make, I lied to you, when I came to see you tonight, at the clinic where you volunteer. My name's not really Albert and Mother didn't die today. No, she died several years ago. It was quite tragic. You see we were out for some mother son bonding time, hiking. She wandered off, I  searched but couldn't find her, of course I called the authorities right away! But by the time we'd found her it was too late. You see she'd fallen down a ravine and struck her head pretty hard. As I said, quite traggic. Anyway it was so kind of you to stay and sit at the park to comfort me after they closed the clinic.

   You're not smiling now. I prefer that.

   I'm the one your parents warned you about. I'm THAT stranger.