In the Dark of the Night
I walked alone as the cool night air sent shivers down my spine. Although this wasn't unusual weather for the city of Manhattan, something about tonight seemed different.
I was used to walking this route. I had walked it nearly every day for the past five years, but through the dim light of flicking street lamps, nothing was right. Everything seemed askew, twisted, and abnormal. The shadows that crept across the buildings seemed to dance through the night, and watch my every footstep.
My heart was racing and I began to pick up the pace of my walk, but then I stop. Eyes like a cat peered at me from the darkness of an alleyway, seeming to glow from the dim light. I take a step back, and the eyes seem to move closer, an almost joyous, yet insane, look in them. My heart stops as they vanish into the dark, and I couldn't help but feel surrounded. At the sound of footsteps behind me, I sprint off, never looking back until I was in the safety of my apartment. I sigh in relief as I lock the door and turn on the lights. I was safe now, no one (or no thing) could possible hurt me in my own home.
I plop onto the couch (shutting the blinds first, mind you) and turned on the TV. Soon the feeling was back. That same, fear striking, horror endusing feeling that there was someone watching me.
I look around. No one.
'Relax, Alfred,' I think to myself. 'That was all just your imagination. You're exhausted and it was late. You're mind is just playing tricks on you.'
Oh how I wish it was all my imagination.
I turn on the evening news, really only wanting something to get my mind off of tonights scenario.
"And within the lastest news," stated the reporter. "Murderer and cannibal, Arthur Kirkland has escaped from Blackwell's Island Asylum for the Mentally Insane earlier today and has been spotted heading northwest to Manhattan. He has light, emerald green eyes, blonde hair, and stands about five feet, eleven inches tall. He's wearing an orange jumsuit with NEW YORK STATE PRISON across the front left side. If you see him, or know where he is, please call nine-one-one immediately. He is extremely dangerous." At that moment a loud boom of thunder echoed across the skies, and the power went out as it started to pour.
My heart thudded my chest. 'Those eyes…' I think. 'Could they have been—' My thought cuts off as someone knocks on the door.
"W-who is it…?" I ask, my voice cracking in fear.
"I'm so sorry to bother you," Came an unknown voice from the other side of the door. "But it's pouring out here and I have no place to go. Would you help me dry off, and maybe help me find somewhere to stay for tonight?"
Slowly I stand up, walking to the door and looking through the small peep-hole. I jump back, my heart pounding in my chest and my eyes wide in fear. Those eyes… Those piercing, bright, cat-like green eyes, they were back, and this time they had a body.
"I-I'm sorry sir…" I say, my voice cracking yet again. "I'm afraid I c-can't let you in."
"Please?" The voice begged. "Just for a moment to warm up and dry off? Then I'll be on my way again. I promise."
"N-no…" I replied quickly. "A-and I'm calling the police…" There was a long period of silence before the voice replied.
"I wouldn't do that." It said. "I don't believe it will end well."
"Y-yes it will…" I say, trying to sound confident again. "You'll go back to where you belong…a-and people won't have to live in fear of you… Arthur." I jump as the doorknob rapidly twists back and forth in his attempt to get inside. There was a low growl and then everything was silent except for the sound of footsteps fading away down the stairs.
I sigh in relief, smiling a little in accomplishment. 'Good job, Alfred.' I think. 'You scared him off!' Smiling proudly, I walk down the short hallway to my bedroom, pulling out a flashlight from my bedside drawers and going on with my nightly routine.
I stand in the bathroom, brushing my teeth and my heart stops again at the sound of shattering window. I was frozen, paralyzed right there. Suddenly my home was no longer sanctuary. I immediately turn off the flashlight and lock the bathroom door, praying to God that whoever was in my house didn't find me. I clutched the flashlight for dear life as silnce rang through my ears.
