The Disappearance

Three days passed, and there was no sign of Mr. White. On the fourth day, I called the number he had given me for emergencies, but it went straight to a generic voicemail. A week went by, then two weeks. Jasper wasn’t just a guest anymore; he was a roommate.

I called the police the next day. An officer came out, and I stood on the sidewalk while he walked through the house. He emerged looking troubled. “Ma’am, you said your neighbor told you he was going on a business trip, correct?” I nodded, but he informed me that there was no sign of foul play, yet the utilities were shut off, and the kitchen cupboards had been cleared out.

The Shocking Discovery

Days turned into weeks, and life resumed, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. One day, while bathing Jasper, I noticed a strange seam in his collar. Upon closer inspection, I found a small silver key and a folded piece of paper. It was a message from Mr. White, revealing a hidden truth about an apartment I needed to visit.

Soon, I stood in front of apartment 4B, using the key to unlock a door that would change everything. Inside, I found pictures of myself—moments captured without my knowledge. Panic set in as I realized Mr. White had been watching me, but not as a stalker; he was my brother.