Dear Libby,

It’s awfully wasteful to leave your lights on. All that electricity being drained while you sleep? Does it make you feel safer? It shouldn’t. It should scare you more. You’re so much more visible when you leave your lights on. I can see everything inside your bedroom. It’s so neat and tidy. You don’t like messes, do you? I don’t either. I hate messes.

Who is that in the photo on your nightstand? She’s pretty like you. Do people still tell you that you’re pretty? They should. Because you are. That’s why I like looking at you. It’s funny how you can feel a pair of eyes on you and dismiss it as paranoia. Why do you ignore those warnings from your subconscious? You know I’m watching you. Don’t pretend like you don’t.

I don’t like that man who comes over. He doesn’t belong there. He spoils things. You should be alone. I like you more when you’re alone. Why do you leave your lights on? I don’t like what I see. It makes me angry. Very, very angry. I hope you didn’t mean to make me angry. I’d hate to think you’re just like the rest of them.

It’s okay though. I’m okay now. The scent of your lilac perfume and citric body lotion always calms me down. And the feel of your soft clothes against my cheek. My favorite is that yellow sundress. Will you wear it again now that it’s getting warmer? I sure hope so. I love when I see you in it. You look so pretty and it makes me smile.

I don’t want anything bad to happen to you. As much as I like being able to watch you sleep, you shouldn’t leave your lights on. I’m not the only pair of eyes on you. I don’t know who they are, but I don’t think they care about you the way I do. I think they might want to hurt you. You don’t want them to hurt you, do you? I don’t. That’s why you shouldn’t leave your lights on.

–Your Guardian Angel

Dear “Your Guardian Angel,”

You can hide behind your “no reply” email address all you want. I forwarded everything to the police. Everything. I also have a gun, so if you’re thinking of breaking in again, you’re going to get a nice big surprise right between the eyes. I’m not scared of you. Do you really think you’re the first person to stalk me? It didn’t end so well for the last one. It won’t end well for you, either.

–Lovingly, Libby