Doppelgangers aren't like what you see in the movies.

They aren't interested in holding you captive and stealing your life.

They aren't linked to you by some supernatural bond either.

The only part that interests them is your taste.

There, easy enough to spot if you know what you're looking for, but letting your guard down

for even a moment can be a deadly mistake. That's something my family had to learn the hard way.

It was around 6 p.m. when I first realized something was wrong. I sat on the couch, head in my hands. I typed out a text message about a half hour earlier, but still couldn't find the strength to hit send.

I picked up the phone from the coffee table and after staring at it a moment put it back down again

I'd done this so many times I could swear there was a phone-shaped indent in the wood

come on Paul I mumbled to myself.

It's just like wrapping off a bandaid.

Again, I picked up the phone.

After taking a deep breath, I finally pressed enter.

The message was simple.

It's over.

It didn't take long for Stephanie to answer.

Well, you said that last week.

I throwed my brow.

I'm serious. I'm telling Wendy everything.

I saw her start typing, stop for a long moment, and then start again.

She'll leave you, you know, you'll never see Henry again.

This wasn't news to me. I'd spent countless nights agonizing over that thought.

...