10 June 2012
Darkness encases me.
The silence of the night unnerves me as I make my way through the empty streets, the grim fog around me sending icy tendrils up my spine.
I try to shake it off.
It doesn't work.
A car passes by, the bright beam of its headlights momentarily blinding me before disappearing, my journey cloaked in darkness once more.
I shiver, on edge as I make way along the deserted street, the distant sound of a dog barking making my hair prickle.
My eyes scan the street for any movement.
There is none.
A woman turns the corner ahead of me and I dive into the nearest alleyway, determined that no one should see me. I don't want to be seen, to interact with others.
I watch, cloaked in the shadows, as the woman passes by my hiding place, the monotonous sound of her heels clicking on the pavement slowly fading.
I glance around me.
The alleyway seems foreboding, large bins creating darker shadows within shadows that could easily hide potential danger.
With that in mind I leave the alley, returning to the street where the faint sound of laughter carries on the air from somewhere.
Another car, another blind moment before darkness prevails once more.
The wind suddenly howls through the trees, sending an uneasy tingle up my spine and I freeze until the sharp gust passes.
My desire to get home overwhelms me in that moment and I run up the street, determined to escape this darkened place of icy fog and terrifying noises. I need to be surrounded by warmth and love instead of cold and danger.
Why did I venture out so late into this dark and terrifying world?
Why did I leave the safety of my home?
Damn my instincts...those that force me to head out into the night to hunt and kill those weaker than myself.
I think of the warm fire at home and how I wish to be stretched out in front of it, coming to a conclusion as my loving home comes into sight...
Maybe I'll wait till the morning to try and catch a mouse.
The Night • Opuss № I