Shadowman

'Oh my god! Can you believe Greg? What was he thinking?' Jen chuckles, as we leave the party.

'Thinking?! I doubt he'll even feel pain from that stunt.' We both burst out laughing.

'That's true. Mean, but very true.'

Making our way the block and a half to Jen's place, is when I first notice it. A shadow that suddenly moves in the corner of my eye. Though I say nothing. I don't want Jen to freak out.

'Home at last! Agh... I just want to sleep.' Jen grumbles. 'You sleeping over tonight?'

'Nah! I have work in a few hours, and I need my own bed.'

Jen pouts, throwing her arms around me in a hug. 'You sure?'

'Yeah, I'm sure. Get some sleep, and recover from all that tequila.' I smile as I turn, waving as I walk home.

I reach the end of the street, there's that shadow again. Always fleeting glances, just in the corner of my eye. I lift my collar and start speed walking.

There are no footsteps from anyone else. Only my own, as I step through puddles.

Ducking into a convenience store, I slip into the aisles. Scanning through the shop window, there's nothing out there. Whatever it was, it's nowhere to be seen.

Paying for some gum, I step outside. Pausing at the door to look along the street. No sign of it. I press on. Passing an alley, the hair on my neck stands on end. I look left, and just a few meters away I see a man standing in the shadows.

He stands there, watching me too. 'Hey man… I don't want any trouble.' He steps forward, the street light by him dies. He reaches for me — I bolt. Even through the sound of my ragged breathing, I can hear how he makes no sound. Though I know he's chasing me.

Making it to my building, I fumble for the keys. Turning to shut the door, I see him just outside the door. I scream — stumble backwards, then bolt up the stairs.

Reaching my floor, he's on the landing, blocking my path to my apartment. My heart skips a beat. I keep going, reaching the roof. Slamming the door behind me. I catch my breath for a moment. Stumble backwards as I look for an escape plan.

Turning, I'm face-to-face with the shadowed man. He grabs me as I scream. Suddenly... I'm weightless. Without saying a word, he effortlessly launches me up. Screaming as the air rushes past my ears, and my neighbourhood shrinks beneath me. My eyes tear up. 'Please — let this be a dream.'

The air thins, and grows colder. I feel myself losing consciousness. The sun rises over the horizon. Squinting into the blinding light, I murmur. 'Not a dream.' My lips move, but no sound comes out of my mouth.