SOMEONE KNEW MY ROUTINE BETTER THAN I DID

For months, I felt watched and heard noises upstairs despite living alone. One day, I found my living room rearranged, prompting a police call. They found nothing but suggested checking recent workers. Six months ago, I’d hired Rainer for window installation—around when the unease began. I installed security cameras. At 3:12 a.m., a hallway cam caught a man in black, later identified as Rainer, emerging from the attic. He’d been living there, raiding my fridge. Police found his hideout—blankets, food, a burner phone with photos of me, some

predating his hire. His real name, Ellis Druen, had a stalking history. He’s now jailed for breaking and entering and surveillance. Safety eluded me; I stayed with my cousin, then returned, painting, adopting a dog, and connecting with neighbors. I learned to trust my gut—instincts can save you. Though shaken, I reclaimed my peace, knowing paranoia was my ally.