Hannah sat, staring blankly, into the frost nipped windows of the four bland walls that she found herself yet again trapped in. The peeling stale yellow wallpaper clung barely to the walls. The small shack in the middle of all the excitement that was the boardwalk carnival. Lights flashed obscenely along the various sized walkways and rides. She wasn't quite sure why she'd decided to cover yet another shift, especially when it was as slow as it was. Because despite the fact it was early fall in the city the air was borderline frozen and the clouds threatened snow at any moments notice. No one wanted to be outside that much was clear. So she sat staring mindlessly out the fogged window trying in vain to enjoy the small amount of warmth the portable heater at her feet could muster, which wasn't much.
She breathed a sigh of annoyance before pulling the light fleece of her over sized black jacket closer to her chest. Between the crushing silence and the constant chugging of the little heater trying to keep itself going she was going stir crazy. The register in front of her could have caused a desert storm with the amount of dust on it tonight and the rusted metal chair was not doing anything for making her more comfortable. Unable to take the scenery anymore she forced herself up and out the creaking shack door. It wasn't like any customers would miss her. She was just going take a short walk to clear her mind.
At least she had made the smart decision to wear her fur lined jogger pants today she thought as she let out a snort laughing at herself. The pants she had purchased from wal-mart two years ago, which somehow still fit her to this day. She'd thought about going shopping for more current clothes but with her money struggles and no one to impress, she had lost all desire to.
The sharp chill of the wind pressing against her woke her from her daze and she urged herself forward taking in all the flashing lights and the whirring of the Ferris wheel to her right. Empty, like every other ride on the boardwalk. She blinked slowly turning to look over the obviously aged wood of the railing on the boardwalk. The waves of the ocean crashed against the railing as if to wash away her anxiety. She let out another short laugh and pushed the air blown strand of her jet black hair behind her ear. She'd thought about wearing it up, but he'd always liked it down. And after spending several years of her life trying desperately to make herself perfect for a failing relationship it'd finally became a habit. She shook the thoughts from her head and started her stroll once more.
Regardless of the cold, she found herself enjoying the utter emptiness of the once crowded streets. All was calm and it somehow seemed to have the same effect on her. The sounds of the stilled machines and the rushing water. It was like the world had slowed for her and everything was waiting on her to catch up. It was strange though, the fact that she couldn't even her the drone of the other carnival staff. Come to think of it, she realized it was as if everyone had left. Her heart skipped a beat. Had she lost track of time and stayed past closing? No, there was no way, she fumbled through her over sized pocket seizing her phone and sharply clicking the side display to see the bright yellow time display of 7:30. The carnival closed at 9, so they should still be here. A slight panic rushed over her and she turned on her heels to make a b-line directly to the Ferris wheel. She walked quickly eager to prove herself wrong. There was always a crowd of carnies gathered near the entrance chatting about their trivial problems. They'd be gathered there, she was sure of it.
The sound of her soft footsteps pitter-pattered across the boardwalk and she for some reason had the feeling of panic increase. There was nothing but silence as she approached. She was sure there'd be people at least in ear shot. But nothing but the sound of her ragged breath and the sound of her own feet reached her ears.
That's when she saw it. Blood. It flooded the ground surrounding the rusted gated entrance of the family favorite ride. She froze solid, her hand shooting to her mouth to silence any fleeting sound. But that wasn't all that was there. Crouched, over a heap of what appeared to be human remains, was a bulky man his skin a sickly gray. He looked to be in his mid thirties, though from the blood that soaked his body, she couldn't tell. His jeans were torn badly from what she could see, looking as if he'd had the legs town completely off. His jacket she couldn't tell through all the carnage, but she could making out something more disturbing. He was eating the flesh of the heap. Devouring it was more like it. Were those fangs tearing into the chuck of bloody flesh. She shook her head in denial. This wasn't happening, it was a dream. No, a nightmare. He was cannibalizing half of a human body.
She couldn't contain herself anymore and let out a gasp. He had been so enthralled in his feast he hadn't noticed her existence until that very second. Her eyes were wide with terror, his were enraged bloodshot. The eyes of a monster. He let out a guttural howl and time froze once more as she stood like a deer in the headlights and he leapt for her. He didn't make it however. In the midst of the still of the moment, a sharp piercing bang broke through the silence and in a bright flash of light she saw the side of the man's head splatter. His face distort as a bullet pulled through his jaw. She remained frozen as another figure stepped into the dim flickering lights. His hair was like the blood that covered the ground. Deep, crimson, pulled lightly into a half-assed bun cascading down onto the collar of his black trench coat. She could see the smirk cross his face as he stepped gingerly over the remains, as if they weren't there, completely unphased by the gore and squatted next to the cannibal grabbing up what was left of the head. He let out a soft chuckle and mumbled something before flinging the skull forcefully to the ground. Hannah let out a squeak before practically shoving her hand in her mouth. Her attempt at silence was too late. Her arm hairs stood on end and she willed her body to disappear as his head gradually turned to face her.