Don’t look around like that.

I’ve been here longer than you think.

Not hiding

just watching the pieces fall in place.

I know where you stand

when you pretend you don’t see me.

I know that pause you take

right before you speak

that’s the real you slipping out.

You walk like you free,

but your pattern tell a different story.

Left turn at the store,

same corner, same pace

you forget I learned all that.

Your keys shake a little

when you see my shadow stretch across the floor.

Not fear

recognition.

You know who holds the thread here.

I don’t raise my voice.

I don’t rush steps.

I just wait

till you repeat the same mistake

I knew you’d make.

I’m inside your footsteps

every path you take just lead back here.

I’m inside your footsteps

you move in circles

I wrote last year.

I’m inside your footsteps

don’t matter how far you go,

I’m already there.

You talk brave online,

quiet in person

that’s the version I like.

Soft voice, stiff hands,

eyes dart like you rehearsed excuses

on the ride here.

I ain’t chasing you.

Never needed to.

You walk predictable,

like your thoughts run on a loop

you never question.

You check your phone twice

before answering me

funny.

Like I didn’t see the message draft

written then erased

three times.

Your breath change

when you hear my steps against the floor.

Not fear

surrender disguised as nerves.

You keep telling yourself

you got choices here.

You don’t.

Not with me this close.

I’m inside your footsteps

every path you take just lead back here.

I’m inside your footsteps

you move in circles.

I draw last year.

I’m inside your footsteps

don’t matter how far you go,

I’m already there.

So walk if you want.

Run if it make you brave.

Either way

your footsteps

end where mine begin.

I’m already here.