I booked my flight for the next day. Mother wasn't happy I was leaving , but Father convinced her that I needed some time away. He always had a way of knowing what was going through my head. It was a relief having someone to express how I felt to save me the effort and trouble of converying it myself.
I didn't feel the need to tell anyone I was coming. I didn't even call Lin. I really did not feel like trying to explain why I was coming back. I also knew that they would all try to make a big deal out of it and I really just wanted some time to think when I got there. Why was it so hard to accept the way I felt? It was all too much for me to think about in one evening.
I packed my clothes in a relatively small suitcase. I could always just buy more when I got there. I hated packing, that's why the team always had to load and unload the equipment. Thinking about them made me almost anxious to go back. I could get back to what was now the new normal for me. The idea of getting back into the routine of things was a welcomed thought.
...
Upon my arrival at the airport I had to push my way through an endless sea of people. Fortunately I had already purchased my ticket online as to avoid more unnecessary and mundane interactions. I honestly hated flying. I hated the feeling of being crushed and being suffocated with crowds of people all while sharing my valued personal space. And since I'm not the most patient man in the world I couldn't stand the delays that frequently occured.
Finally I arrived at my terminal. My suitcase was small enough to be a carry on; another preemptive attempt at saving more time and frsutration. I quickly located my row and seated myself near the window. Just the thought of sharing more of my coveted space prompted me to buy the entire row of seats, to ensure no one would sit next to me. It seemed like an eternity for the plane to fill up and finally take off. I was looking out the window as the world below got smaller and smaller. Then, everything went dark...
...
I opened my eyes to see the street in front of SPR. It was dark and the frigid air was cold against my bare arms. I wrapped my arms around my small frame as I continued to walk home. I always had to walk home alone, which was usually fine. But the past few evenings I've had this strange feeling that I shouldn't be alone. I brushed it off. It was probably nothing, just me being my usual skittish self. As I walked I could hear my footsteps against the pavement. Now I was almost a mile from SPR. I was freezing and my hands were going numb.
"I knew I should've wore a Jacket," I said thinking out loud.
I hugged myself tighter and continued walking.
SPLASH
"Great! I am the only one who can step into a puddle when it hasn't rained in weeks." This kind of stuff always happens to me.
I looked down to examine the small puddle beneath my feet. Even in the dim street light I could tell that the liquid was a deep red. Suddenly the smell of blood stung my nostrils. Panic took over every fiber of my being as a man step from beyond the shadows. Something in his hand glistened as he walked towards me.
"You?" The words came out of my mouth before I even realized it. I couldn't believe I knew this terrifying man before me. He smiled wickedly at me taking another step closer to me.
I turned and ran as fast as I could. I could hear the pounding of his feet as he started to chase after me. I tried to speed up.
'Please let me be fast enough!'
Suddenly the footsteps stopped. I looked behind me as I continued to run. He was gone. I slowed down as I turned behind a building to catch my breath. My lungs were on fire. I needed to get home fast and call the police. After I caught my breath I turned to continue running home. As I took a step out of the darkness that enshrouded me, I felt the firm and menacing grasp of arms around my waist.
"Naru!" Was all that escaped my mouth before I was dragged into the darkness.
...
I jerked myself awake almost jumping from my chair. My breathing was heavy as I leaned over putting my head on my knees.
"Sir, are you ok?" I tilted my head up to see a concerned flight attendant staring at me.
"I'm fine." I said as I returned my head to my knees.
"Can I g..."
"I said I am fine!" I snapped at the women. She walked away as I ran my hands through my hair.
'Did you see that?' I asked Gene telepathically.
'No, what's wrong?' Concern flooded his voice.
I sighed heavily shaking my head.
'Just a nightmare. Nevermind.'