When I volunteered to babysit for a family who lived in a calm setting in the suburbs, I never expected that I would find a terrifying secret hidden in their basement. On the other hand, young Ben took me into the darkness one night, revealing a web of fixation that threatened to unravel all of us. What we found out completely altered the course of our life.

 

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After Ben had dropped his toy vehicle, he looked up at me with those large eyes that were filled with seriousness. It was him who remarked, “Kate, there is something that you absolutely must see.”

 

My attempt was to smile. “What’s going on, Ben?”

 

 

 

 

It appeared as though someone was listening to him, so he looked around. We can find it in the basement. You have to come right away.”

 

My gut was in a knot. It had been made quite plain by Robert: “Stay out of the basement.” It was with a glare that challenged me to disobey him that he addressed me.

 

I got down on my knees. Ben, you are aware that your father has informed us that we are not permitted to go down there. It’s not on the table.”

 

Ben’s expression became more serious. “Dad is not present!” Come on over. I beg you.”

 

I felt a tremor in my stomach. It’s fine, but we need to move quickly,” she said.

 

We made our way to the door to the basement on tiptoes. The moment I turned the knob, my heart began to race. I could smell something musty, and it was dark and cold down there. I could also smell something.

 

It was Ben who turned on the light. “Be quick.”

 

I came after him, and the things that I saw caused my blood to become ice cold. Photographs of Linda were affixed to the walls from top to bottom. A large number of them! Linda’s activities include going to the grocery store, reading a book, and falling asleep.

 

“What the heck is going on?” It was a whisper.

 

I felt Ben pull on my sleeve. “I told you what was important,” she said.

 

After grabbing my phone, I dialed Linda’s number. It was the third ring that she picked up on. “Linda, you have to return to your house. Right now”

 

Her voice fell and shook. “Kate, what am I doing wrong?”

 

“Come on, just come. The focal point is Robert.

 

Twenty minutes later, Linda showed there with a faint and drawn expression on her face. As soon as she entered the basement, she let out a gasp and immediately put one hand to her mouth.

 

The tears began to well up in her eyes as she mumbled, “Oh my God…” “He’s been… keeping an eye on me?”

 

I gave a slight nod. Our time has come to leave this place. This is not a secure situation.”

 

While she was looking about, Linda’s hands began to shake. This is incomprehensible to me. How could I possibly be blind?

 

A hand was placed on her shoulder by me. We are going to work it out. But before we do anything, we have to depart.”

 

Still in a state of astonishment, she nodded. “Yes, time for us to leave. Ben, you need to pack a backpack. We are going to leave.”

 

No one argued with Ben. He ran upstairs, and I assisted Linda in gathering a few things that were necessary. My thoughts were racing as I attempted to make sense of what we had witnessed.

 

It was impossible for me to shake the notion that Robert’s fixation went far deeper than we were aware of as we were leaving the house. However, for the time being, the only thing that mattered was bringing Linda and Ben to the protection of her family.

 

I received a phone call from Linda the following day, and her voice was shaking with determination. “Kate, I am in need of your assistance. Clearly, this needs to be documented.

 

In response, I said, “Of course.” What exactly is the plan?

 

What we need is evidence of his behavior. In spite of the fact that I want to face him, we need to proceed with caution.

 

The subsequent few days were a whirlwind of clandestine activity. Linda accompanied Robert and recorded his every action that he took. With a disciplined approach, she meticulously documented every encounter and movement without his knowledge.

 

On a certain evening, Linda and I sat down and went over the footage. I shook my head and remarked, “He is obsessed with something.” However, why is that? What is the catalyst for this?

 

Linda had a sigh. “I’m not sure,” she said. But we have to find out the answer.”

 

I cautioned people, “Be careful.” It is impossible to predict how far he will go.

 

There was a nod from Linda. It is true. It’s just that I can’t continue to live like this.”

 

During that evening, we came up with a scheme to install fresh photographs in the basement. These new photographs would be of Robert, and they would be shot without his awareness. Although it was a risky move, it seemed to be the only way to make him comprehend the seriousness of the consequences of his conduct.

 

There was a tangible sense of tension as we worked in silence. There was a developing sense of dread that I couldn’t help but feel as we continued to plaster the walls with the new photographs. Suppose he was so driven to the breaking point by this?