Walking Home

• Camryn Hansen, Grade 8
• Short Story
• 2013

Walking Home
By Camryn Hansen
A faint mist hung in the air, dampening the sidewalk, and making it look darker than it already was. A cool breeze went past, and my hands started rubbing my arms through my flimsy work uniform. There was no moon, no stars, only a single street lamp illuminated the light, flickering on and off in an uncoordinated fashion. The street was empty, not a soul to be seen, except, well, me.
Suddenly, the street light went out with a large BANG, and everything was dark. Knowing that the lamp would not come on again, I quickly move forward, my heart beating a fast rhythm. As I pasted a dark alleyway, I heard a rustle, and as I looked to where the sound was, I saw a pair of glowing green eyes, staring out at me. There was a flash of lightning, and the rain came down, and when I went to check again, the eyes were gone. I quickened the pace of my steps, praying home would come soon enough.
The rain kept coming down, and my work uniform was drenched, showing what I was wearing underneath. As I kept moving, I realised I didn’t know where I was. As I looked around to see where I was, a voice asked behind me “You lost, miss?” I turned to see a man standing there. I went to say yes, I was lost, and I’m looking for my home, when I noticed how the man was looking at me. He was staring at my chest, which had become see through, and was eyeing me off maliciously. I realised he had no intention of giving me directions.
I turned and ran. How far I ran, I don’t know, I didn’t pay attention. My heart was beating so fast it seemed more like a hum than a beat, and sweat beads hade appeared across my eyebrows. As I stopped to take a breath, I recognised something from my street. I wasn’t far away!
After a couple of steps, I stood in front of my house, warm and inviting, with a home cooked meal and warm bed were waiting. I reached for the doorknob.
Suddenly, hands wrapped around my waist, and I was drawn back. I looked back to see the man from before, staring at me. I went to scream, by his hand wrapped around my mouth, silencing it. I struggled for my life, but my actions were useless as he dragged me into the darkness.