Dark streets. Darker thoughts. I shiver and pull my coat tighter around my body. It doesn’t keep out the chill or the lingering damp that thrives at midnight. Tap. Tap. Tap. I glance up and down the street. I can’t see a source for the tapping.
Nerves on edge, I walk faster. Once I round the corner, I will be a half a block from my house. I’ll be able to see the comforting glow of the light next to my front door. Tap. Tap. Tap. My nerves hammer against each other, screaming for caution, begging me to run.
As my footsteps bring me closer to the corner, I focus on the light spilling from the street lamp. Comfort washes over me. Tap. Tap. Tap. Comfort flees as I notice a shadow stretching out from the street lamp—a shadow it can not cast.
I slow down. Tap. Tap. Tap. The shadow undulates with the tapping. As my footsteps falter, the tapping also decreases its speed, taking its time to taunt me. I look over my shoulder. The street behind me lies in greater darkness than that ahead.
I take a deep breath and step back toward the street lamp and the shadow. As I draw closer, the shadow becomes shorter and squatter. Tap. Tap. Tap. I shudder with every slow, drawn out tap, but I force my feet forward.
As I turn the corner, the shadow merges with a figure cloaked in black. I stifle a scream as the figure launches itself at me. As strong arms encircle me in an embrace, a familiar laugh pierces the midnight air.
“January, where have you been? I’ve been waiting forever to walk you home.” Malinda squeals with delight.
Relieved, I return her hug. “You could have met me at the party and walked me home.”
“But then I wouldn’t have got to see the fear in your eyes.” She laughs and pulls a stick from the pocket of her long cloak to softly tap the lamppost. Tap tap tap.
Have you missed these precious posts?
Do you know why I had to post this one today?
I only have one week to wish you:
Happy Halloween, my lovelies.
