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Andrea began her fitness journey by creating an Instagram account, quickly gaining thousands of followers. To keep her audience engaged, she made it a point to post daily workout videos, sharing her progress and motivation.
However, during one of her live stream sessions, something in her video caught the attention of her followers. Concerned, many of them took to social media to express their worries about what they had seen, sparking a wave of online discussions.
Her Fitness Journey
Andrea McKinsey set ambitious goals for her fitness journey, striving to meet a high standard for herself throughout the year. She was determined to track her progress and stay consistent, believing that discipline was key to reaching her objectives.
Social media became the ideal space for Andrea to share her workout routines and connect with others who shared her fitness passion. Although posting daily videos was tiring, she felt it was essential to keep her followers engaged. However, one of her videos ended up causing unexpected challenges.
A Special Space
She always dedicated a special space in her apartment for her workouts, but when the weather was nice, she enjoyed filming her routines outdoors.
Venice Beach was her favorite spot for filming, thanks to the lively atmosphere and the interesting people she met. Still, she found herself gravitating more toward the park just two blocks from her apartment. Little did she know, that’s where her troubles would begin.
Appreciating Company And Wisdom
At just 24 years old, Andrea formed close bonds with the elderly residents in her neighborhood. She would often chat with them during her exercise sessions in the park, appreciating their company and wisdom.
To Andrea, these kind-hearted individuals were more than just neighbors—they were her protectors. Their watchful eyes and friendly presence made her feel cared for, and she cherished the sense of security they provided.
Welcoming
Andrea’s neighbors and the community she lived in were incredibly welcoming, making her feel secure in her surroundings. She always felt at ease, knowing the people around her were kind and respectful. They understood the nature of her work, giving her space while she filmed and ensuring they didn’t get in the way.
However, one day, Andrea faced a terrifying experience that would change her life. Despite the comfort she felt in her neighborhood, this unsettling event would challenge her sense of safety in a way she hadn’t anticipated.
Her Workout Routine
When Andrea began her workout routine, she quickly noticed some unusual figures around her. Despite being vigilant, it seemed like there was always someone keeping an eye on her, which left her feeling uneasy.
To escape the discomfort, Andrea decided to relocate her workout. Fortunately, her neighbor was nearby, sitting in the park, which made her feel safer. With a sense of relief, she resumed her exercise, but deep down, she knew it was only a matter of time before another unsettling encounter might occur.
Workouts In Peace
Andrea usually enjoyed her workouts in peace, without any distractions or interruptions. While others focused on their own routines, she was able to keep her attention solely on her exercises.
However, things took a turn when Andrea planned a special live stream for her followers. Instead of her usual morning workout sessions, she decided to film in the evening. This shift in timing introduced a new set of challenges that she hadn't anticipated.
The Idea Of Working
Andrea found the idea of working out near her apartment ideal for two reasons on this warm evening. She loved watching the sunset every day, and thought it would make the perfect backdrop for her video.
Additionally, the location's proximity to her apartment meant she wouldn't have to worry about a long walk if it got late. With everything in place, she quickly set up her gear and was ready to begin.
Savoured The Cool Air
A gentle breeze swept through, and Andrea savored the cool air, considering it nature's version of air conditioning. She unrolled her mat and gathered her fitness bands, ready to begin her workout.
With the tripod in place, Andrea secured the camera, her anticipation growing as she prepared for an intense session. Little did she know, despite the chaos surrounding her, the workout ahead would bring unexpected challenges.
The Sun Hung High
At 4 p.m., the sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the park. People jogged along the paths or strolled with their dogs, filling the space with life and activity. The park wasn't deserted, offering a sense of calm amidst the gentle movement.
As Andrea watched the sun begin to set, she felt a wave of relief. Surrounded by others, she appreciated the lively atmosphere. It was the perfect spot to record her video, knowing she wouldn't be alone and that the peaceful backdrop made the moment even more special.
And Action
She pressed record on the camera and it was showtime. She started with a warm-up of jumping jacks and some stretching. She was in the zone.
She touched her toes to stretch her back and just as she looked up again, Andrea got the fright of her life. There was a man sitting on the park bench directly in front of her.
Uncomfortable
Andrea was alarmed and she didn’t want to keep looking at him, but he was giving her a strange vibe. She felt like she wanted to cover up her body because she was wearing shorts and a crop top.
He was staring directly at her. She felt uncomfortable and felt the need to pack up her stuff and leave. She definitely hadn’t seen this man in the park before.
Just Continue
She decided to just continue her workouts. What harm could he do? There were still lots of other people in the park and she didn’t feel a sense of danger just yet.
She turned her tripod the other way so that he was no longer in her shot. Then she continued her warm-up. She was having so much fun and didn’t want someone else to ruin it for her. But then Andrea felt a chill crawl up her spine.
Gone With The Wind
All of a sudden, the guy had disappeared. He was no longer on the bench. Andrea frantically looked around her and saw how he walked off in the distance.
What a relief, she thought. Now she could carry on in peace without having to constantly look over her shoulder. He was ruining her video and it made her tense up. It was not a good look for her followers, she thought.
15 Minutes Of Fame
With the weird guy gone, Andrea eventually started with her workout. She was just going to a 15-minute video. She didn’t want it to be too long, her followers might get bored.
And plus, it was slowly but surely getting dark and she needed to finish up before there would be no more people around. She bent down to pick up her elastic band and as she turned around her blood ran cold.
The Phantom Menace
Andrea’s heart was beating a thousand miles per hour. The man was back and he was sitting on the same bench as before. He was like a phantom, moving in and out of view without anyone noticing.
Andrea’s nerves were shot. She didn’t know what to do. She didn’t want to make eye contact with him again but she knew that he was looking at her and watching her every move.
Calming Herself
“Keep calm,” she whispered to herself. She ignored him and carried on working out. At the corner of her eye, she saw a flash.
Maybe it was her imagination or her mind playing tricks on her. She stopped and turned her back to him. She was breathing heavily and sweating profusely. Had this man just taken a picture of her?
Unsolicited Photos
And then, again, another flash. Andrea had enough. She was going to confront this man. She put on her bravest face and walked up to him.
He said hello before she even approached him. “Excuse me, sir, but I’m busy shooting a video and I was wondering if you could please move to another bench so that you don’t get in my shot.” Andrea wasn’t expecting the reply she received.
A Public Space
“This is a public park and I’m allowed to sit wherever I want,” was all he said. Andrea just looked at him. She admitted defeat because it was in fact a public park.
But she just couldn’t shake the feeling of unease. Maybe it was time for her to pack up and leave. But she still had more time left to record. She decided to stay. It would be her biggest mistake.
Back At It
She pressed record once again and began doing some squats. Maybe this wasn’t the best workout to do when you had an audience like this weird man.
She switched up and began working on her arms instead. She never felt so uneasy before, but she just kept going, besides, she had come this far and she was almost finished.
Angry Was An Understatement
“Three, two, one,” she counted. She was exhausted. She sat down and had a drink of water. She could see the man still sitting on the bench. He was just looking at her.
Clearly, this was entertainment for him and he came here for a purpose. This infuriated Andrea, she wasn’t here for someone else’s enjoyment. She could feel her blood getting hot and she was huffing in obvious anger.
A Blatant Act
As she sipped her water, she managed to steal a quick glance at the man on the bench. What she saw infuriated her even more.
He had no shame, he was holding his phone up, pointing it directly at her. He was blatantly recording her. This was going too far now and she decided it was time to leave.
Time To Go
As she was gathering her things, the man got up and was recording her every move. What was his problem? She needed to be fast.
She took her elastic bands and put them in her bag. She then rolled up her mat. She was breathing so heavily now, she needed to tell herself to calm down. She just needed to leave as soon as possible.
The Perfect Angle
She was putting on her jacket when she noticed the guy get up and move as if to get a better angle of her.
She was looking him dead in the eyes. How dare he do this to her? He was wearing a cap low over his eyes. He didn’t want to be seen. Andrea knew that she was in a dangerous situation.
Confrontation
She walked up to him again. This time she had fire inside of her and was ready to defend her honor. She steeled herself and thought about the possibility of him attacking her.
“What do you think you’re doing?” she asked him. He looked surprised. She could see he wasn’t expecting to be confronted. Looks like Andrea had him just where she needed him to be. Afraid.
How Dare You?
“Why are you filming me? Do you want me to call the cops on you? I have their number on speed dial. One click of my finger and they’ll be here.”
“Would you keep your voice down, lady?” was all he could muster up. She had caught him in the act and she could see he was trying to diffuse the situation.
Be Quiet!
“Just be quiet, will you? Don’t make a scene. I’m not filming you,” the guy said. Andrea couldn’t believe this guy. She had obviously caught him in a criminal act and now he was trying to deny it.
She marched back to her bag and grabbed her phone. She furiously swiped to open it and get the number for the cops, when a big hand came and grabbed her phone out of her hand.
She Couldn’t Do Anything
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” Andrea froze. The man was standing right behind her. She could feel his hot breath on her neck, telling her not to scream.
This was it. This was the end for her. She couldn’t do anything. She stood dead still as the man pointed his phone in front of them like he was taking a selfie. He told her to look at the screen. She didn’t want to, but then he said, “trust me” and Andrea looked. She couldn't believe what she was seeing.
Not Who She Thought He Was
The man was pretending to take a photo of them but he was actually showing her photos of another man he had been filming and taking pictures of.
Right behind a tree, mere inches from her was a man who had been stalking her every move for hours. The man on the bench was following him. He was an undercover cop and Andrea had unwillingly become part of a huge sting operation.
Finally Caught
Andrea didn’t hesitate, she grabbed her bag and pulled out her pepper spray. She ran after him shouting at the top of her lungs. She had never been so furious in all her life. They eventually caught the guy as he ran and took him away. It turns out that he had been preying on women in the park for months.
It just so happens that the night Andrea decided to do her workout at the park, the cops had chosen to do the stakeout. Andrea was relieved. She apologized to the officer for being a pain but he was just grateful that they caught the guy.