Fear

• Rebecca Mann
• Short Story
• 2009

The sun sank behind the cityscape.

Only a little way before I reach the bus-stop, don’t panic, just keep walking, nothing will happen to you, just breathe, one foot in front of the other, breathe, breathe.

“Hey girly! It’s a little late for you to be out isn’t it?”

I keep walking, not turning around. A bit faster, have to walk a little bit faster, but don’t run, don’t show your fear, just longer steps. There are footsteps behind me.

“Where are you going girly? Why don’t you come and chat with us for a while!”

Keep walking, faster, faster. There are more then one of them. Don’t run yet. Scream builds up in my thought. I hold it down, not yet, wait, just keep walking, faster now.

“What’s your hurry? Slow down now, don’t be rude.”

The footsteps pick up speed behind me. I run, reaching for my phone. Help, HELP! It’s not there. Where’s my phone? Can’t rummage through my bag, have to keep running.

“Don’t be scared, we aren’t going to hurt you!”

They laugh, and start running. I run faster. Don’t trip, focus on not falling over, that would be bad. Just run, you can run. Nearly there. Wait, the bus, it’s not there. Oh God!

“Wait up; we aren’t as fit and young as you!”

My phone has to be in my bag. Got it. Dial the first number I can think of. It’s ringing. Pick up, Pick up, for the love of God PLEASE PICK UP YOUR GOD DAMN PHONE!

“Who you calling girly? Why don’t you put that phone down?”

They pick up! Yes! HELP ME! They ask annoying questions. Listen to me! They notice my fear. There is a car noise through the phone. Yes they are coming.

“Slow down now! You can’t out run us.”

I reach the road. No cars, why are there no cars? They are catching up! Help! Anyone! Please! They are nearly here now. HELP!

“Ha ha, you can’t escape now sweetie pie!”

Scream now! SCREAM! I can’t. Oh God! Wait, there’s a car coming. Just throw yourself in front of it. They will have to stop. Just do it!

“Shit, don’t do what I think you’re going to do, it won’t stop us!”

Lights, get ready. Wait they are slowing down. Yes! Help. I run onto the road. The car stops. I voice hisses at me to get in. Yes! Yes! Safety.

“SHIT! Come on boys! Let’s get out of here.”

Breathe, breathe, it’s over, just breathe. He asks questions. Yes I am ok now, thankyou, I’m fine; I am, really, I am fine. His hand is on my shoulder. Breathing hitches. Yes, I am sure I am ok, don’t worry, no, I won’t do that again, no don’t go back, stay here.

The moon is up now. I get home. Safe.