literature

Tracked

Deviation Actions

crazy-lemons's avatar
By
Published:
234 Views

Literature Text

Thump, thump, thump, the only sound as my feet pound against the hard ground. Quickly, I glance behind me, ensuring I'm not being pursued. I'm safe. For now.

Continuing to run, I attempt to look for shelter, somewhere to hide. Horrified, I realize it's already too late, the sound of following steps more proof than my weakened heart can handle.

I don't need to turn around to know who's behind me. Who's following me. Suddenly, his face fills my mind, leaving a sickly sensation in the pit of my stomach. This is a face that I know far too well, a face I've gotten to know over the past seven years of my life.  

That dreadful day is still a vivid memory in my brain, absolutely unforgettable. I was young, carefree, and happy. I had been playing at the park, and then, without warning, he snatched me off the swings. So close to home, and yet I had never felt so far away. Instantly, I knew my old life was lost. He had me now.

For the years that followed, I remained by his side, anxious about what would happen if I didn't. Sometimes, he would mention in passing that he might go and find me a new friend. Every night, I prayed he wouldn't.

Seven years later, I've decided I have had enough. No longer will I wait for someone else to save me. I can only save myself. Despite this, as I run, I still feel like the lost little girl I once was. Surely he will catch me?

This only pushes me harder, hoping beyond hope I'll be able to outrun him. You'll never outrun him. And yet, I push myself farther still.

Inevitably, my legs give out, forcing me to slow. There's no time to slow! I can still hear the soft, thudding footfalls from behind me, but much farther back than before. I sigh the first breath of relief I have had all evening.

It's short lived. I need a place to hide, because if he catches up to me, I can run no more. This starts my heart double-time again, forcing a frenzied pounding to ensue. I can't breathe.

Quickly, my eyes scan the dark alley for a place to hide, as desperate as a mother searching for their lost child. Mercifully, I find a small gap between the walls, hidden in the shadows. I dart in moments before the footfalls reach the mouth of the alley.

My breath hitches in my throat, almost painfully. He'll hear you! Clamping my lips together, I force myself to not breathe anymore. I can't even move.

The lurking figure slows, taking his time to walk down the alley, searching every crevice like a tiger searching for his prey. Searching for me, a small voice responds inside my head.

He is only a few feet away from me now, and I gasp out loud despite myself. His face is more terrifying than it ever was in my memory. Dark and searching eyes, with a thin line of stubble speckling across his face. I can almost smell his scent of cigarettes and pine, can see his rotten smile. This chills me deeper than a horror movie ever could, and is more frightening than anything I have ever seen in my seventeen years.

He turns towards the sound of my gasp, smiling crookedly, as if he has just won the lottery. I have no intentions of moving, but involuntarily, I shiver. He moves closer and closer, closing the precious distance I have finally put between us.

"Darlin', come out and we'll end this silly little game of ours," he croons. I force my eyes to remain tightly shut, willing with all my might that he'll disappear.

There's a crunch up ahead, an animal perhaps, and he glares off into the direction of the sound, his nostrils flaring. Before I can even sigh in relief, he is gone, chasing the false-me. I take one more lungful of air, and then begin running once again.
This is an assignment that I had to do for Writer's Craft. We had to take an abstract noun and turn it into something real. I'm pretty sure you guys can guess mine was 'fear'. But anyways, your opinions are always welcome so please tell me what you think! :)
© 2009 - 2024 crazy-lemons
Comments3
Join the community to add your comment. Already a deviant? Log In
Comment Flagged as Spam