Future Tormentor

12

Leo, drenched in sweat and breathless, finally realized he was back in the hospital bathroom. Pulling back his hoodie, the mirror revealed a horrifying sight—his face, hands, and clothes smeared with blood, his complexion deathly pale. Yet, methodically, he turned on the hot shower, cleansing himself thoroughly, cleaning the bathroom, changing into fresh clothes, and stashing the bloodied ones in a garbage bag to dispose of later.

When he finished, someone knocked on the door. It was a family member of another patient, who casually greeted Leo, asking if he had just showered. Leo, maintaining his composure, casually responded, mentioning his upcoming discharge and agreeing to the advice of staying hydrated due to the dryness caused by the heating.

On the evening of January 7, 2024, Jeff reappeared in his home, bloodied and barely able to open his eyes. The familiar buzz of the phone was the last effort he made, gasping through blood-filled breaths, clutching his chest, and uttering, "kill the Leo" before his strength failed him, his life ebbing away.

The night of December 25, 2023, saw a distracted Jeff startled by Leo's friendly tap on the shoulder at work. Despite his reassurances, Jeff requested a day off, which Leo readily granted, advising him to take care of himself.

Jeff hurried home without turning on the lights, tearing down the wall covering to reveal a glass wall with meticulous plans, ensuring his alibi was perfect while allowing him to commit his crimes at other times. The call he received at work, a familiar one, leaving Jeff unsettled and anxious.