Chapter 1
The Dream
Shilalo had always believed that dreams were dangerous.
Not because they were impossible, but because once you allowed yourself to dream, you could no longer pretend you were satisfied with less.
At twenty-something, she stood by the window of her room, watching the evening sky turn orange over the busy streets. Her phone was in her hand, the screen filled with unfinished plans, story ideas, and notes about the future she desperately wanted.
She smiled.
One day.
Those two words had carried her through disappointment, doubt, and countless nights when she wondered if she was good enough.
Her phone suddenly vibrated.
UNKNOWN NUMBER: Don’t give up on your dream.
Shilalo frowned.
She hadn’t told anyone about the dream she had been secretly working toward.
Before she could reply, another message arrived.
UNKNOWN NUMBER: You are closer than you think.
Her heart skipped.
Who was watching her?
And why did it feel as though someone knew her better than she knew herself?
