By KM Seehaus

All Rights Reserved.

October 1 at 9:01pm

 

I saw you today.  You were wearing jeans and a white shirt with black flats.  I thought you looked pretty.  You smelled nice, too.

 

-M

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October 1 at 10:58pm

 

hi m,

 

thx for the compliment, but do i know u?  where did we see each other?

 

~laura

 

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October 2 at 9:03pm

 

We haven’t met, Laura, but you know me.

 

Today you were wearing black pants and that red sweater.  No earrings, but you don’t need them.  Same sweet smell.

 

-M

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October 2 at 10:42pm

 

hello m,

 

if we haven’t met, how did u get my email?

 

~laura

 

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October 3 at 9:05pm

 

We haven’t been introduced, but I know all about you.

 

You looked great tonight in your short black dress and high heels.  But you were walking with that tall man Shelby and he walks like a bear.  Anyone could tell just by looking that you’re too good for him.

 

-M

 

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October 3 at 10:38pm

 

hello m,

 

pls introduce yourself next time u see me instead of sending me an anonymous note.  i’m not comfortable with these emails.

 

~laura

 

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October 4 at 9:09pm

 

We’ll meet when the time is right.  I saw that you bought tomatoes today.  FYI I’m allergic.

 

You looked pretty, fresh from the gym.  The ponytail doesn’t do you justice.  But you smelled as delicious as ever.

 

-M

 

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October 4 at 10:34pm

 

m, i’m really not comfortable with these little notes.  tell me who u r.

 

~laura

 

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October 5 at 9:11pm

 

I talked to you today, just like you wanted me to.  I was the one who picked up your glove in the park.  It was soft, just like your dog Bessie’s fur.

You were with that tall man again, holding hands.  Laura, you really should stop seeing him.  He can’t take care of you like I can.

 

-M

 

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October 5 at 10:24pm

 

m,

 

pls stop following me and pls no more emails.

 

~laura

 

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October 6 at 9:19pm

 

You changed your email address and didn’t tell me.  That’s not very considerate, Laura.

 

But I don’t want to be mad at you.  I’ll forgive you if you smile at me tomorrow.  You’ve got a great smile.  And wear the blue scarf you bought today.

 

-M

 

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October 6 at 10:18pm

 

leave me alone.

 

~laura

 

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October 7 at 9:27pm

 

I played with your dog today.  Bessie’s sweet, just like you.  And she liked me too.

 

After doing such a thoughtful thing for you, I was surprised that you didn’t wear the scarf, particularly after I asked you so nicely.  That hurt my feelings, Laura.

 

-M

 

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October 7 at 10:12pm

 

leave me alone, and don’t ever touch my dog again.

 

you should be aware that i’ve reported this to the police.

 

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October 8 at 9:31pm

 

We both know that’s not true.  Do you lie to the tall man, too?  Is that why he stormed out tonight?

 

I hope you don’t deceive Bessie.  She’s a good dog, and she deserves better.

 

-M

 

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October 8 at 10:08pm

 

i didn’t lie.  i told the police everything.

 

now leave me alone, m.  i really don’t need this.

 

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October 9 at 9:37am

 

You know I can’t do that.  We’re meant for each other, Laura.  You must feel that.

 

-M

 

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October 9 at 10:06am

 

we’re not meant for each other.  we don’t even know each other, and we never will.

 

i won’t be responding to any more of your emails, m.

 

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October 9 at 9:39pm

 

You were crying tonight and the tall man is nowhere in sight.  If he really cared about you, he’d be there with you.

 

I would never leave your side if you needed me.  I love you too much, Laura.

 

-M

 

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October 10 at 9:43pm

 

You never miss work, Laura, and you never stay in all day.  And why did you throw out all that stuff tonight?

 

-M

 

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October 11 at 9:49am

 

You’ve been on the couch since 7am.  You didn’t take Bessie for a walk like you usually do.

 

I found your Honey perfume in the trash.  Are you okay?

 

-M

 

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October 11 at 9:51pm

 

You seem like you’re feeling really sick, Laura.  You barely ate all day, and then you went to bed early.  You never go to bed before 11.

 

Please let me know that you’re okay.

 

-M

 

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October 12 at 9:53pm

 

Bessie slept on the couch beside you all day.  You didn’t eat again, and you didn’t answer the phone.  In fact, you hardly moved.

 

This isn’t good, Laura.  Let me know you’re okay.

 

-M

 

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October 13 at 9:55pm

 

You barely left your bed today, Laura.  Did you even feed Bessie?

 

Tell me you’re okay.

 

-M

 

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October 14 at 9:57am

 

Dear Laura,

 

You never sleep this late.  Are you okay?  I haven’t seen Bessie, either.

 

If you’re not up in an hour, I’ll send someone to check on you.

 

-M

 

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October 14 at 9:59pm

 

Sweet Laura,

 

I’m so sorry that you’re feeling so bad.  I want you to know that I’ll look after Bessie while you’re in the hospital.  You don’t have to worry about a thing.  She’ll get plenty of walks and all her favorite treats.  I’ll take care of everything.

 

-M

 

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October 14 at 10:00pm

 

thank you, m.  i don’t know for what, but thanks.

 

~laura

KM Seehaus lives in Southern California. Her writing has appeared in The Fiddleback; NewPages; Black Scat Review; and American Book Review.