Anna Exciting Affection Chapter 1- Unofficial R... -

"You’ve forgotten how it feels to be truly seen."

She turned it over. The paper smelled of old libraries and rain. Inside, one line: Anna Exciting Affection Chapter 1- Unofficial R...

Anna laughed nervously, crumpling it — then smoothed it out again. The apartment was empty, but she whispered, "Who are you?" "You’ve forgotten how it feels to be truly seen

She woke with the scent of woodsmoke in her hair — and a single red thread tied around her left wrist. The apartment was empty, but she whispered, "Who are you

No answer. Only the hum of the refrigerator and the too-loud ticking of the clock her mother had left her.

That night, she dreamed of a carnival at the edge of a frozen lake. A figure in a fox mask held out a gloved hand. "Dance with me, Anna. Just once."

Outside her window, someone had drawn a heart in the frost. Inside it: "Tomorrow. Don't be late."