The Shadow

Image by: Farbod at sightland.wordpress.com

It is a foggy, damp night. I wander the streets aimlessly. My mind is blank. I have no idea why I am out nor do I seem to care. I just wander. I hear a sound behind me. I quickly turn but nothing is there. I continue aimlessly wandering with no destination in mind.

I hear the sounds of the night. They comfort me. Night is my time. It is my element. I hear my feet on the blacktop as I make my way no where. Then I hear footsteps that are not my own. I stop and for a split second I hesitate turning around to look. But I do turn and look. My heart is now racing. There about a block away, I see a shadow. I turn back around and quicken my pace. My mind that was blank is now seeking refuge, a safe haven. I want to be home. I turn to see the shadow gaining on me. I quicken my pace yet again. I feel like my heart will beat out of my chest. Faster and faster I walk. I turn again and the shadow is just feet from me.

I’m no longer walking. I’m running and screaming. Pleading for anyone to come to my rescue. This cannot be happening. I see my home just ahead. I’m trying to not hyperventilate. I just knew my heart was going to stop. As my feet hit the first step, I look to see the shadow’s hand about to grab my shoulder.

I wake up in a cold sweat. I am still in a panic. I realize I am safe in my bed. I grab my pillow and pull it close to me as I try to calm my breathing. “It was just a nightmare”, I tell myself. Then comes a shuffling sound outside my window. I jump and turn just in time to see a shadow pass by.

-Laura Venturini