November 22, 2025
Kristin Jankowski

I was certain it was my neighbor, Noor. My hands were still shaking as I held my phone, unable to believe what I had just seen. It must have been him, I kept telling myself. Just last Sunday, he stood outside his door in the hallway and looked at me in this unsettling, almost creepy way. He greeted me, and I ignored him. I don’t like men. Growing up in the 21st century teaches you early that men can be dangerous—they steal, they lie, they hit, they end up in prison. Worst of all, they keep finding ways to harass and oppress us.

Once, I think it was in April, Noor even tried to help me carry my groceries. He held the door open for me as if I couldn’t do it myself. I hated that. And another time, when I slipped on the stairs and scraped my knee, he offered me a plaster. Too intrusive. Who cares about my knee? I was fine.

But this time it was more than enough. I couldn’t shake the feeling that he had gone too far.

Just five minutes earlier, I had seen myself in a video—naked, kissing a stranger. “It’s not me, I promise!” I sobbed to Maggy, tears streaming down my face. “This is digital violence,” I added, my voice still trembling.

“Who did this to you?” she asked.

“I think it was Noor—my neighbor. He always tries to be nice to me, and I think he got mad because I kept showing no interest,” I explained. It barely felt like I was speaking to her—or even to myself. Then I broke down completely.

“I’m coming. Stay home. I’ll be there soon,” I heard Maggy say. I collapsed onto the sofa, feeling like I was trapped in my worst nightmare. My phone kept beeping and ringing, so I hurled it into a corner. “Shit!” I muttered, kicking the sofa in frustration. “This shitty Noor!” I screamed, my anger boiling over.

I took a deep breath and sank back down. I couldn’t bear to watch the video again; the thought made me feel sick. Then the doorbell rang.

“Maggy!” I cried, rushing to the door. I flung it open, relief flooding me. Finally, help had arrived.

I was stunned when I opened the door and realized it wasn’t Maggy.

“Noor!” I shouted. “What do you want from me?” My voice cracked as I burst into tears again.

“I’m here to take you to the police,” he said firmly. “I saw the video online and was shocked. Someone is trying to harm you. I already called a taxi. Grab your jacket—I’ll help you file a report.”

I stood there speechless.

“Hurry up!” Maggy’s voice suddenly came from behind him. “I’m coming with you too. Thank you, Noor,” she added with a relieved smile.

“I think I know who did this,” Noor said as we headed down the stairs. “There’s a woman in the building next door. I sometimes see her wearing the same sports jersey as you. I thought she was your training partner, until I realized she was watching you through the window. A few days ago, I caught her taking photos of you.”

I froze. I knew exactly who he meant.

“She hates me,” I whispered. “Ever since I won the championship this year, she’s been horrible. She once told me she wanted to destroy me.”

The taxi pulled up.

“This ends today,” Noor said, opening the door for us.