Carly

Just two years out of college and you’ve already landed your dream job as assistant theater director of the university playhouse. Ok…it wasn’t your dream job but it’s at least a step closer to broadway, and you dive into the opportunity with gusto. Your enthusiasm and vision for making the surreal seem real, for making the audience feel moved by every performance, has quickly earned a name for you in the theater community on and off campus. Your biggest fan and most attentive student is a sophomore named Carly. Ever since the night the male lead in “Romeo and Juliette” needed a night off and you stepped in to read his lines across from Carly as Juliette, her fixation with you has blossomed into a full time situation. At first, it started with a few too many chance meetings where she always seemed to be where you were. Then came the notes. Love letters with her addressing you as “Romeo” would appear in the most unexpected places. One was in your lunch container, which you were pretty sure you hadn’t opened since leaving the house. The next day, you’re startled as you’re checking your mail and find a little “& Carly” penciled in between your first and last name on each envelope. She’s definitely got an unhealthy fixation, but maybe it’s all harmless? Maybe it’ll all blow over? That’s what you thought, until Jenna, another student, was injured on her bicycle by a hit and run driver. Earlier that afternoon, Jenna had placed a shiny red apple on your desk and winked at you. Carly was fuming. Shaken, you head home, thoughts of your stocked bar giving you a plan to destress tonight. Sometime in the middle of your first drink, you fall asleep unnaturally quickly. When you wake up, you’re secured to a dining chair, wearing the Romeo costume from the theater department. Carly, dressed as Juliette, sits across from you, beaming with excitement as your eyes meet hers.