1
Jenna
Iturn the key, locking the door, then glance over my shoulder again. There was no one when I exited and there’s still no one about. The carpark is empty, but that doesn’t stop my stomach from knotting. Sometimes people hang around and chat after yoga class, but tonight they’ve all taken off. No doubt trying to beat the incoming storm.
I can taste it on the air. There’s a sharpness that cuts my tongue. Something about it tastes like trouble. Danger. For a moment, I’m tempted to go back into the studio and spend the night sleeping on a pile of yoga mats. But it’s not my studio, and I doubt the owner would be impressed.
The roof rattles and an old soda cup skitters across the asphalt. I hate filling in at night, but I need the money. I should’ve said no, but my hours have already been cut—everyone is watching their dollars and yoga classes aren’t exactly essential.
One more year and I’ll be a qualified nurse. Then things will change, and I’ll finally have my life together. I lift my chin and stride across the carpark with purpose.
I’m not afraid of a little bad weather.
But the shadows are deep, and the darkness can hide too many monsters. Most people laugh when they find out I’m scared of the dark, but they haven’t seen what I have. They don’t know that monsters are real, and on a night like tonight they will be running and hunting.
I stab the button at the crosswalk, willing the lights to hurry up and change. Should I dart across?
No, better to wait.
At the next intersection, cars turn and disappear. No one comes my way. I don’t think I’ve ever seen the city this quiet. Thunder rumbles across the sky and clouds obscure the stars and moon. The lights change and I cross the road. Now it’s only five minutes across the park and I’m home. I can almost see my building from here.
I quicken my pace, eager to be in before the storm swallows the city and the monsters come out to play. The streetlights cast a sallow glow and I go from puddle of light to puddle of light. My heart lurches until I reach the next spot of illumination.
I walk this route most days. I taught a class this morning, went home and studied, coming back to teach two more classes tonight. This is the first time I’ve felt afraid.
Something scuttles nearby. I jump and move faster before taking a moment to glance over my shoulder and scan the shadows for glowing eyes. There’s nothing there, but my heart doesn’t settle.
Just a rat searching for food.
I cross another road, and then I’m in the park and the safety of home is only minutes away. I stay on the concrete path where there are lights, and I hustle. My backpack bounces and I’m tempted to give into the fear and run. But if I run, I will be admitting that I’m prey, and while I’ve glimpsed monsters of all sizes and shapes, none have ever approached.
It’s easier to be brave in a group of people, much harder when the only thing I can hear is my harsh breathing.
I fist my keys, ready to use them as a weapon.
A motorbike’s engine fills the silent streets, reminding me that there are people in the city and I’m not alone. I laugh at my foolishness.
It’s just a storm. Nothing bad will happen.
A rain drop hits my cheek and I use it as an excuse to give into the urge to run. My backpack thumps against my spine, and I remind myself I’m not scared. I just want to be home before the storm breaks.
Then I hear it, the distinctive scrape of claws on concrete behind me.
My heartbeat quickens. Iamafraid and I give in to the urge to sprint.
But I make the mistake of looking back. At first I think it’s a pack of stray dogs, but they’re too misshapen for that. Thick shoulders and two heads. Each head has two eyes that gleam monster-gold.
A strangled yelp escapes and I stumble. I’m halfway across the park. I won’t make it home before the monster-dogs catch me.
They catch up and lope alongside of me like this is a game. My lungs burn, and my feet keep tripping over non-existent rocks. One of the creatures turns both of its heads to look at me. Now there is too much light. I don’t want to see its teeth like knives.
I push harder, hope giving me more speed. I’m almost there. Almost safe.
A light cuts through the park, and there’s suddenly a motorbike on the path in front of me. It speeds toward me.
I’m trapped. Bike in front and dogs behind and to the side of me. I can’t escape.
I stop for a heartbeat to consider my options and a creature grabs my backpack, almost sending me sprawling. If I fall, I won’t be getting back up. I shrug out of my pack, but it’s too late. I’m surrounded by three of the beasts.
