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The Stalker, by Jim Bartlett

7/1/2022

 
There’s someone stalking me.

I’m pretty sure he doesn’t think I’m on to him. But I am. And have been for some time.

Most of the time I try my darnedest to avoid him. Yet, even when I’m doing my best, there’ll be that moment I’ll let down my guard and right there, in the corner of my eye, I’ll catch him staring at me. I always try to turn away – avert my gaze. Take another route.

Run. Hide.

I dunno, I guess I’m hoping that if I pretend not to see him, he’ll just go away. Bother someone else.

But really, I’d rather just not see him at all.

Mirrors. Mirrors are the worst. In fact, just this morning when I was getting ready to head out to the pharmacy, I caught a glimpse of him when I was adjusting the rear-view mirror in my car. Got a pretty good look, I did.

He’s an older guy. Gray, thinning hair. I can see he’s been letting those bristles atop his head grow out a bit, I’m guessing to cover his oversized ears. And it looks like he’s been getting some sun – probably hoping a bit of a tan will help hide his brigade of wrinkles.

Ain’t workin’, I tell you.

Making it all the worse, he wears those beachy t-shirts, baggy shorts, and snazzy white sneakers. I’m sure he thinks it makes him look cool. But, really, it’s all just a flashing neon sign that says, “old guy,” and can be spotted from a mile away.

I know what you’re thinking...who is this guy? And what exactly does he want?

I wish I could say what that might be. But...maybe I just don’t want to know.

Or, worse, admit that I already know.

After all, there IS something very familiar about him. Someone I maybe once knew. Though, over the course of time, especially these last few years, he’s changed a bit – happens to us all, I guess – put on a little weight, slowed down a step or two.

But, deep in those peering eyes, I can see him.

He’s there, alright.

I take in a long breath. Maybe...just maybe...it’s time to confront him. Come face to face. Up to now, he’s avoided meeting my gaze.

Or maybe I’ve avoided his.

I don’t think either of us wants to see that “What happened?” look in the other’s eyes.

Okay, enough. Enough, already. It’s time to do it.

With another deep breath – and thinking this might be a good time for a stiff drink, if only I drank – I step into the bathroom, flick on the light, and turn to face the mirror.

Hello me. Getting old sucks, eh?
​
Michael McCarthy
7/1/2022 08:50:21 am

An unhurried and teasing build up until the inevitable confrontation . Not for the faint hearted.

Jim link
7/1/2022 04:38:59 pm

Thanks so much, Michael, for the kind words. Really appreciate it.
Take care
Jim

Candace Arthuria Williams
7/1/2022 05:15:26 pm

That was hilarious, Jim B. The song was the perfect complement to your story. Now that's entertainment.

Jim link
7/1/2022 06:27:52 pm

Thanks Candace! SO glad you enjoyed it.
Jim

Doug
7/1/2022 08:39:40 pm

Nice Time. I was afraid it might end this way. Enjoyed it although there seemed to be a lot of truth there.

Jim link
7/1/2022 09:10:42 pm

Thanks, Doug. Let's hope it's more of a "Chapter 2" rather than ending this way. ;-)
Jim

Mike B
7/1/2022 08:56:37 pm

Fun Story Jim!! I really enjoyed it…
Many times I’ve looked in the mirror and when I see this old gray haired man, I ask myself where is that young dark haired guy that used to look back at me? I kinda miss that guy… :-)

Jim link
7/1/2022 09:12:03 pm

Thanks, Mike! So glad you enjoyed it. I think the little song says it almost as well, but may bring on a bigger smile. I sure miss that guy I used to see in the mirror as well.
Take care
Jim

Marie Johnson-Ladson
7/1/2022 10:34:53 pm

Great story about the Man in the Mirror.

Jim link
8/1/2022 12:05:45 am

The man in the mirror indeed! Thanks much, Marie!
Take care
Jim

Marjan Sierhuis
7/1/2022 10:37:44 pm

Your story reminded me of the song, "the man in the mirror" by Michael Jackson. A fun read, Jim.

Jim link
8/1/2022 12:06:36 am

Thanks, Marjan! I've not heard of that song - I'll definitely have to look it up!
Take care
Jim

Sue Clayton
8/1/2022 03:07:17 am

We all have our stalkers and at some stage in life we have to confront them, always hoping the mirror lies.

Jim link
8/1/2022 05:11:26 am

Ain't it the truth, Sue...ain't it the truth.
Thanks much
Jim

David Milner
8/1/2022 10:58:06 am

Nice read, Jim B. It's good to be back, or is it for the protagonist?

Jim link
8/1/2022 03:40:25 pm

Thanks, David. Yes - nice to see some new stories here for the New Year. I hope Gordon got a bit of a break, and more so, hope that 2022 works out a little better than its two predecessors.
Take care
Jim

David Lowis
8/1/2022 11:55:34 am

Thanks for treating us to another great story at the start of the year, Jim. I didn't see the twist coming.

Jim link
8/1/2022 03:41:37 pm

Thanks so much, David! Glad you enjoyed it and more so that I caught you looking the other way! ;-)
Take care
Jim

Carol Garrasi
8/1/2022 01:29:40 pm

You got me again. For the first half of the story I was convinced you were talking about a dog or cat. Snazzy white sneakers made me think otherwise. Very nice if not a little painful. Thanks for another great read.

Jim link
8/1/2022 03:44:28 pm

Thanks Carol! Yeah - I always wonder why sometimes you see "seniors" dressed a little off - then, after hearing the little song that I included, I realized many of us (as he sings) turn those bedroom mirrors around so we don't have to see our personal stalker.
Take care
Jim

John Anthony
10/1/2022 11:07:53 pm

Jim

Last night on the local news, the talking head referred to the man in the story as elderly. The guy was 72! I'm 73! So now I'm really depressed. Great song that says it all.

John

Jim link
11/1/2022 12:26:11 am

Thanks John - hey, in my opinion (not that it's worth the ink it's printed with) 73 is a long way from "elderly." ;-)
Take care
Jim

Don Tassone link
13/1/2022 12:47:28 pm

"Hello, me." Love it. Well done, Jim.

Jim link
14/1/2022 02:58:39 am

Thanks Don!! Very much appreciate your comments! Coincidentally I just reread one of your stories on another site (Spillwords or Scarlet Leaf Review - forget which - been more than ten minutes ago ;-)
Thanks again and Happy New Year
Jim


Comments are closed.

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