The Black SUV

School had never felt so exhausting.

The final bell echoed through the halls, and within seconds the corridors filled with students eager to get home. Lockers slammed shut, conversations bounced off the walls, and backpacks were thrown over shoulders.

"Movie night at my place on Friday?" Emma asked as she walked beside me.

"You know I can't say no to popcorn."

She grinned. "I'll take that as a yes."

We laughed all the way to the front entrance before stopping beneath the school's awning.

Rain poured from the dark sky, soaking the pavement.

I pulled out my phone.

No new messages.

Dad was never late.

"He's probably stuck in traffic," Emma said, noticing the worried look on my face.

"Yeah... probably."

I tried calling him.

Straight to voicemail.

A knot formed in my stomach.

"That's weird," I whispered.

Before Emma could reply, the sound of an engine caught my attention.

A black SUV rolled slowly past the school gates.

Its windows were completely tinted.

It didn't stop.

It didn't speed up.

It just... crawled by.

"That's creepy," Emma muttered.

I forced a laugh. "You're watching too many crime shows."

"Maybe."

The SUV disappeared around the corner.

A few seconds later, my phone buzzed.

Dad

Stay inside the school until I get there.

Relief washed over me.

At least he texted.

But something about the message felt... off.

There wasn't a single emoji.

No "Love you."

No explanation.

Just five words.

I looked back toward the road.

The black SUV had returned.

This time, it parked across the street.

Someone was inside.

Watching.

A chill ran down my spine.

For the first time that day...

I wished Dad would hurry.