The day had been long and exhausting, and my arms were sore from all the lifting. Moving to Bloemfontein was exciting, sure, but it also made my stomach churn with nerves. It was never my intention to work for an electricity company. It wasn't quite on my list of desired careers.

However, after everything I had gone through, I wanted a new beginning, a fresh start, and life had a way of surprising me. A new career and a new place might be my ticket to escape the past that never seems to let go.

I balanced a heavy box in my arms, feeling the weight press against my chest as I made my way up the street to my new apartment building. It was nice enough modern, with large windows and a clean entrance, but something about it felt cold. 

Like the place wasn’t lived in yet. Maybe that would change once I unpacked all these boxes.

As I stood at the curb, catching my breath and scanning the building, a strange feeling crept over me. It was like...someone was watching me. My eyes darted across the street, but all I saw were a few parked cars and some trees swaying in the evening breeze. No one was around. I shook my head, frowning. I was probably just tired. Moving day had that effect on people—paranoia and exhaustion mixed together.

“Get it together, Emma.” I muttered to myself.

I adjusted the box in my arms and started walking back inside. Up five floors. Again. By the time I’d carried the last box up to my apartment and shut the door behind me, I was drenched in sweat. 

I wiped my forehead with the back of my hand, feeling every muscle in my legs and arms screaming at me. My new place was on the fifth floor, and let me tell you, no elevator meant one hell of a workout.

“Great way to start fresh,” I mumbled, placing my hands on my hips and looking at the mountain of boxes scattered around my new living room. It was going to be a long night if I even tried to get half of this unpacked.

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