Yet

• Imojen Hayward, Grade 8
• Short Story
• 2017

I walked through cold puddles dragging my feet along the damp uneven bricks , walking under each street light slowly as the soft Amber glow lit up my path , my hands rested gently in the pockets of my grey trousers, I continued down the street , it seemed oddly abandoned and quiet , but I didn't think much of it , it was night time after all. I paused and looked up , the dull twinkling stars dancing in the sky , slowly being overtaken by dark clouds.
Suddenly I felt an icy cold hand rap around my arm harshly , I was swung around and met by the face of a man , his teeth yellow and gross, his face pale , overtaken by long oily strands of his dark brown hair. Unsure of how to react , all I could make out was "-sir?..." As I swallowed the lump in my throat , the man smiled , showing more of his teeth , he moved his face closer to mine , his fowl breath reaching my nose as I tried not breathe , my hands flung out my pockets as I desperately tried pushing him away. The man began laughing , his voice sounding croaky , I felt my head begin to burn and fear build up as I squirmed in his grip , I went to yell but was interrupted,his hand raised holding a small scrunched up peace of paper , I looked to him , confusion taking over fear , I gave him direct eye contact , his brown and red puffy eyes staring into my soul , "I'm Daniel Mayne" he smiled , jerking his hand to me  , practically hitting the paper to my chest "take it" he growled , causing me to jump , I took the paper out of his hand , the damp object making me feel sick , hesitantly, I opened it up , the crumpling noise echoing in my ears , a single sentence was revealed , a sentence that sent chills down my spine 'I know what you did James' it read , the lump instantly returned in my throat as questions raced through my mind "h-how do you know my name.?..." I asked , but was only answered with a creepy and chilling smile , "I-I haven't.... Haven't done anything ...sir" I stuttered , confused and scared "yet " Daniel replied ... Before walking off , I felt myself shiver and my knees grow weak , yet? I watched as he walked away , I once again washed away the lump in my throat , my legs began to move , my feet aching as they touched the ground , I regrettably decided to follow him , to see where he goes , my breath began creating sharp , white swirls in the cold night air , as I continued my way down the path , anxiously following him , the words repeating in my head , one word especially sticking to my mind painfully 'yet'.

I didn't mean to kill him , I was sat in the cell , nervously pacing , the scene replayed in my head continuously ... I killed Daniel , I don't know how , or even why , the memory is so brief , but I knew one thing ... He knew it would happen.
He knew me , he knew I'd follow him , he knew everything ,but how? , I went insane asking myself
Who is Daniel?