Rainer wasn’t even his real name. His true identity was Ellis Druen, a man with a history of stalking and theft. He had slipped through towns and aliases, each time getting closer to his victims.

This time, he got too close.

He’s in jail now—charged with stalking, unlawful surveillance, and breaking and entering. But the hardest part wasn’t his arrest.

It was learning how to feel safe again.

I couldn’t stay in my house. I slept at my cousin Siara’s for weeks. I changed the locks, upgraded my alarm system, and got a rescue dog named Mozzie—big, loyal, and loud.

I repainted the walls. Rearranged the space. And for the first time, I introduced myself to the neighbors. Turns out, Mrs. Fern across the street is better than any security cam—sharp-eyed and always watching.

Now, I listen to my instincts.

Because that uneasy feeling? That wasn’t paranoia. That was survival trying to speak.

So if you’re reading this and something feels off in your own life—don’t ignore it.

Check. Ask. Question. Act.

I trusted my gut—and it may have saved my life.