Chapter 46: The Quiet Before the Collapse

For a few fleeting days, the world felt soft again.

Ryan woke to sunlight filtering through half closed blinds, the buzz of campus chatter below the window, and the comforting rustle of Chris making coffee nearby. On the desk, Daniel had left a small folded note before heading to his morning class.

“You were never small to me.

D”

Ryan held it to his chest and smiled.

No nightmares. No late night knocks. No more watching his phone light up with unsent messages and threats.

It was like Adrien had finally let go.

But peace, Ryan had learned, was a temporary tenant. It never unpacked.

That afternoon, Ryan, Chris, and Daniel sat outside the student center. A light breeze played through the trees. Chris was reviewing notes, Daniel watching students with quiet amusement.

“I keep waiting for something bad to happen,” Ryan confessed, picking at the edge of his cup.

Daniel met his eyes. “You’re allowed to feel safe now.”

“I know.” He swallowed. “But it feels like he’s not really gone.”

Chris frowned. “The university confirmed he withdrew after the suspension. Technically, he’s not a student anymore. Campus security’s still alert. And the panel you spoke at… it changed things. People are paying attention now.”

Daniel reached for Ryan’s hand under the table.

“You’re not alone,” he whispered. “And we’re not going back.”

Ryan nodded but a part of him remained taut, coiled like wire beneath his skin.

That night, while Chris stayed late at the library and Daniel was at rehearsal, Ryan found himself alone in the dorm.

He curled up on his bed, a book in his lap, music playing softly in the background.

Just as he began to relax, the power flickered.

Then went out.

He froze.

A beat.

Two.

His phone buzzed. He snatched it up.

No Service.

Ryan stood, heart slamming in his chest.

Then three sharp knocks at the door.

Not frantic. Not rushed.

Calculated.

Deliberate.

Ryan didn’t move. He didn’t breathe.

Another knock.

He crept toward the peephole, heart climbing into his throat.

No one was there.

He opened the door just an inch.

The hallway was empty.

But something lay on the floor.

He reached down slowly and his blood turned to ice.

It was a single sheet of paper.

Typed.

Crisp.

“You gave a lovely speech. But don’t forget who wrote the first draft.”

A.W.

Ryan slammed the door.

His hands trembled as he locked it, checked the windows, backed into the far corner of the room.

Adrien hadn’t disappeared.

He had just stepped out of sight.

And now, he was writing again this time from the shadows.

An hour later, Chris came back and found Ryan curled up on the floor.

“Ryan hey, what happened?” he dropped his bag and rushed over.

Ryan handed him the letter.

Chris’s eyes narrowed. “This son of a”

“He’s back,” Ryan whispered. “He was never really gone.”

Chris stood. “We’re telling Daniel. And the university. Again.”

Ryan shook his head. “I don’t think the university can stop him anymore.”

Chris knelt beside him, steady and certain.

“Then we protect you ourselves. All the way. To the very end.”

Ryan looked up.

Not afraid anymore.

Just ready.

Ready to fight back.