Social media may creep into your life and relationships without your consent. It usually seems harmless—cute photos and updates for friends and family. But occasionally things change unexpectedly.
Mark and I were almost a year together. He was the perfect boyfriend—sweet, attentive, and always making me laugh, whether we were trekking or sitting on the couch. I felt lucky to have him, so I made it official on Facebook.
One afternoon on a hiking trail, we shot a cute picture of ourselves smiling with the sun behind us. “My favorite person and I on our latest adventure!” Adding loving emojis to the caption. I wanted to share our joy with everyone.
Ten minutes later, I got a stomach-churning notification. It wasn’t liked or commented. The message said, “Run from him.” NOW.”
I watched my phone, heart thumping. Who would send that? I clicked on the profile hoping for a hint, but it was blank. The message was disturbing, but this? I thought a ghost sent it.
I looked at Mark, who was throwing our backpacks into the car, ignorant of my anguish. Should I tell him?
Before I could digest it, another message appeared: “Don’t tell Mark anything. Listen attentively. Smile, don’t attack him. You don’t know his abilities. You understand?”
Feeling blood drain from my face. What was up? Who sent these messages? Why were they so confident I was in danger? I looked at Mark, who was cheerfully loading our things, oblivious to my mental turmoil.
I attempted to dismiss it, believing I was overreacting. But his watchful gaze gave me chills. I felt like he was looking through me and judging or analyzing me.
I confronted him one night. Mark, anything bothering you? You’re acting differently lately.”
Quite astonished, he shook his head. No, I’m OK. I suppose I was thinking.”
I wanted to trust him, yet tension lingered. The messages tormented me, and I wondered whether I was missing something crucial. I struggled to trust Mark and ignore that weird message.
Panic swept over me. I felt queasy about meeting a stranger, especially one who seemed to know Mark. The lure of “evidence” seemed alluring. I had to learn more.
After much deliberation, I went. Mark received my text about a last-minute meeting with a friend. He seemed disappointed but accepted my explanation without question.
I arrived at Bayou Bakery the next day, heart racing. I checked the room for suspicious activity but only noticed the normal coffee drinkers. Then I saw a hooded figure. I hesitated before approaching after being waved over.
They said, “You’re here,” softly. I have something to show.”
“I’m meeting my mom for lunch tomorrow,” I remarked nonchalantly over breakfast, trying not to shake.
Mark sipped his coffee without looking up. “Really? No mention before.”
“Oh, yeah,” I said hastily, heart pumping. She phoned last night. Last minute.”
Mark finally met my gaze, expressionless. “Alright,” he said softly.
I tried to focus on my coffee, but I felt his gaze as if he was looking through me.
I felt relieved and scared. “What, weird?”
He lowered his voice and leaned in. I sensed something wrong about your distance lately. I noticed messages. I initially believed it was a joke, but now… Not sure.”
My heart raced. You saw the messages?
Nodding again, he looked apprehensive. “I didn’t mean to snoop, but your phone lit up oddly. Reading two of them, they seemed serious. Just checking whether you were okay.”
Breathing deeply, I tried to calm down. Not sure if I’m okay. Someone told me to flee you. They suggest I should worry.”
His expression became worried. “What? Is it who?
I scanned the bakery, feeling the weight. “No idea. My account is anonymous. They said to meet here for proof.”
He scowled, plainly conflicted. We must solve this collectively. Don’t meet anyone alone.”
I nodded, grateful for his concern, but uncertainty remained. But what if it’s true? Was there something I didn’t know about you?
He grabbed my hand. I need your trust. Find out what this is about.”
I saw the hooded figure staring at us from across the room. I was heartbroken when I found the scenario was more complicated than expected.
Surprised, I blinked. “Andrew? Why are you here?
He laughed, oblivious to the stress. I joined you guys just because! I heard about the huge mystery and wanted in.”
Mark and I looked uneasy. “What mystery?” Mark inquired, sounding confused and annoyed.
Andrew smiled and dismissed it. “Oh, the message drama. All talk about it. So I came to check what the hubbub was about.”
My stomach sank. “Everyone? You mean what?
He reclined, enjoying himself. I mean, you two have been discussed. Many worry about you. They suspect something.”
Mark’s face hardened. Why is everyone talking about us? Just who told you?
Andrew smiled and shrugged. Just pals. The routine is familiar. Rumors spread rapidly.”
My thoughts raced. If Andrew knew, others did. What happened? “Who sent the messages?” I asked, shaking.
“No idea,” Andrew said casually. I suppose it’s a prank. Stirring the pot is popular.”
Mark squinted. Andrew, this isn’t funny. Worrying messages have arrived.”
Andrew’s mood changed instantly. “You’re serious? You both got messages?
“Yes,” I answered, annoyed. “Not just funny texts. They want us to flee!”
Andrew inched closer, looking serious. Okay, not cool. Then we must resolve this.”
I felt the situation’s weight. With Andrew in the loop, I hoped we could solve this lunacy together. I still felt a shiver in my bones. Who was behind this and what did they want?
Andrew raised his hands to soothe us. Okay, maybe I overdid it. Ellie and Mark, you ignored each other and followed anonymous messages. What does that indicate about your relationship?
Mark appeared as enraged as I was. But his eyes indicated an unsettling truth. Andrew was right, even though it hurt.
Instead of trusting each other, we let outside voices affect us. I didn’t like that our relationship was cracking.
Mark eventually said softly. “He’s right. We should have discussed first.”
I nodded slowly, sensing his words’ weight. “I guess we let fear take over instead of communicating.”
Andrew softened as he watched us. I didn’t plan to worsen it. I wish you both joy. You care about each other?
“Of course we do,” Mark answered confidently, but I could sense his doubt and hesitation.
After a moment of stillness, we realized the gravity of the situation. I understood we needed to rebuild trust. “How to fix this?” Asking in a whisper.
Andrew shrugged. “Be honest with each other. Do not let others or random signals control your emotions.”
Mark inhaled deeply. “Yes, we must discuss everything, including these strange messages.”
With determination, I agreed. We needed to face the facts and stop outside interference. Despite the difficulty, we had to trust one other again.
We said little when Mark and I exited the bakery. I was still reeling from the events, and I felt the weight.
Finally, I spoke up. “Do you agree with Andrew?”
Mark groaned and stroked his hair. I hate to admit that, but maybe. We didn’t chat. We let anonymous messages in.”
We both knew trust is critical. Andrew’s terrible prank taught us something. Only by facing our worries and uncertainties jointly could we maintain our relationship.
I stared at Mark, filled with determination and relief. “We must now communicate openly.”
“Yes,” he said. Stop letting extraneous messages influence us. We must trust our intuition and each other.”
Hope filled me as we walked. We wanted to reconnect and focus on what mattered. Together, we can do anything.