EZRA
I kept running, not daring to look back, ignoring the sting of my chapped and bloody feet. The only thing that mattered was getting away. But suddenly, I stopped….no one was chasing me anymore.
The Texas sunset painted the streets in warm hues, making everything seem calm, almost safe. I inhaled deeply, letting the cool evening breeze send a shiver down my spine. Is this what freedom feels like? I whispered to myself. If only it could last forever.
I stood there for what felt like an eternity, taking in my surroundings. Only then did I notice the curious and judgmental stares from passersby. My clothes were tattered, my body a mess. "Can't get new clothes, can I?"I muttered with a bitter smile before slipping into the shadows, looking for a safe place to hide.
As I approached a dark alley, I hesitated. A tall, looming figure stood at the entrance, blocking my path. My stomach twisted with unease, but I forced myself to move forward. What's the worst that could happen? I tried to convince myself, dragging my raw bloody feet closer.
The closer I got, the more I realized just how massive he was. Silent. Unmoving. His eyes locked onto me like a predator studying its prey. Well, Mr. Armstrong, those glares won't stop me, I thought, trying to ignore the tension creeping up my spine.
I walked past him, muttering under my breath, "Bro, this ain't Paris. Why stand like an Eiffel Tower?"
As soon as I stepped into the alley, a cold chill ran down my spine. Something was wrong.
I turned around abruptly, and my breath caught in my throat.
Holy shit.
The figure had followed me in. Panic surged through me like fire, and before I could think, my body reacted…I bolted, sprinting deeper into the alley without looking back. My heart pounded in my chest, the sound of my own footsteps echoing against the walls.
But then I heard it.
Footsteps. Racing after me.
I glanced back, and there he was. Even in the suffocating darkness, I could feel him. Sense him. The devil behind me.
Fear clawed at my throat. I pushed myself harder, praying I wouldn't slam into anything..
BANG!
I crashed into a concrete wall. My breath hitched as my fingers scrambled desperately against the rough surface. No, no, no…this can't be the end of the alley!
Panic surged as I searched for an opening, a door, anything. My body trembled, my breaths coming in sharp gasps.
A voice sliced through the air.
"Baby."
I froze, every nerve in my body screaming.
"Don't you dare," I spat, my voice shaking with fury and fear.
That voice…I hated that voice. It made my skin crawl, my stomach twist. I'd rather die than hear my name on his lips.
"Baby, why…."
"Go to hell!" I backed against the wall, my nails digging into my palms. My body screamed at me to fight, but I knew…I knew…I was done for.
Still, giving up wasn't an option. I swung my fist wildly in his direction. "Don't come any closer! I swear I'll slit your throat!"
I kept screaming, my voice raw and desperate. But he kept moving, closing the space between us. I could feel him. I could smell him.
Memories of horror and pain crashed over me like a tidal wave, drowning me. My body betrayed me, legs giving out as I crumpled to the ground, sobs racking through my chest.
"Please," I choked out, hot tears spilling down my cheeks. "Please…"
A cruel chuckle.
"Baby, did you really think you could run?" His voice was sickeningly sweet. "Knowing you're nyctalopic?"
A strangled sob escaped me.
"Please… somebody help me!" My screams felt useless, swallowed by the darkness. My head spun. My body weakened. I was so thirsty. So tired.
I don't want to die.
The world faded, my senses slipping away.
"I'm human…" I whispered before everything went black.