Hi, everyone!
My new novella, K-14, is now available on Amazon Kindle for only 99 cents. You can post your comments below or review my book on Amazon. Enjoy!
Chapter 1 and 2
1
A strong smell of fish and fresh baked bread opened up my appetite. No wonder, considering the fact that I’ve been trapped in this small and humid office since early morning.
The problem is that the accounts show a loss of $1,500 and no matter how many times I go over the numbers, these just don’t fit.
How am I supposed to explain this to my boss when he comes back from his vacation? It’s the second time this happens and yet, I cannot determine the reason behind the loss. The only thing I know is that the inventory is a whole mess. There are goods missing; most likely stolen.
But the loss goes beyond that.
Perhaps someone is also stealing money from the cash register. That could explain everything. Now, I have to audit all of the accounts, the inventories and even the bank accounts. I could spend the entire week on this. Plus, payroll must be paid tomorrow.
Lucky me.
My stomach is regurgitating at this point, which makes it impossible to concentrate on my job. I watch the clock hanging on the wall in front of me: it’s 2 sharp.
Instead of standing up and go to lunch, I remain seated, contemplating the small place that has been my life for the past eight years. There’s a cold and humid atmosphere in the air. A big window is the only connection with the outside world, and the sunlight goes through it to illuminate the office. I only have a computer on my desk and tons of envelopes and papers scattered all over it.
Yes, this is all I have; all I have done for my life so far, or at least almost all of it.
My beautiful 10 year-old daughter, Melinda, represents the best thing I have in my life. She’s the main reason I keep working in this problematic restaurant as an accountant. My dreams for her are unlimited and I’m willing to do whatever I have to in order to give her the best I can, that is to say, all the things I never had.
I hear the noise outside: waiters going from one place to another with trays full of plates, the sound of a glass breaking (someone must pay for that) and the bustle of customers.
This is actually a busy hour here in the restaurant, for it is lunch time for all the people that work in the surrounding area.
I leave the office and take a seat in one of the few tables that are not occupied yet. Roberto, one of the waiters, takes my order, which arrives half an hour later.
People seem happy while enjoying their meals. It is as if they didn’t have any kind of problems to deal with. Their smiling faces hide more than they appear. My face, on the other hand, gives everything away: my problems, my disappointments, my failures. I secretly wish I were like them: jubilant and free.
***
At five o’clock my shift ends. Unfortunately, I have to take work home.
I say goodbye to everyone on the way to my car and go to pick up Melinda from her ballet classes. Ballet is one of her favorite activities, if not the only. According to her, it makes her feel younger. Although the classes are rather expensive, I make my payments on time. I know how much this means to her, so I don’t want that money gets in the way of her happiness.
I finally arrive at the entrance of the three-floor building where Melissa is waiting for me. She’s a thin girl with innocent blue eyes and long, curly black hair.
Before she gets in the car, I realize that she’s crying.
-What happened, sweetheart?-I ask sensitively.
As I drive, I can see through the rear-view mirror the moment when she wipes her tears with her sleeve.
-The girls made fun of me again, dad.- she says between sobs.
By the girls she means her classmates. It’s not the first time it happens and now it’s getting to me.
-Why did they make fun of you?-I inquire concerned, in spite of my knowing of the motives.
She calms down before answering.
-They say I’m poor. They say I don’t belong there and that I’m a terrible ballerina.
-They say that because they’re stupid, darling. They’re just jealous of you because you’re a wonderful ballerina.
She says nothing and I wait for her reaction to my words.
-Are you coming to my performance?-she later asks.
-When is it?
-Tomorrow afternoon.
Saturday, that is to say.
I look at her hopeful eyes.
-Of course I’m going.-I say unconvinced.
-Are you sure? The last time you didn’t show up.-she replies saddened.
-We already talked about that. I had a lot of work to do.
Things are not different now, but she doesn’t need to know it.
-So you’re coming this time, right?
Her eyes are wide open, filled with expectancy.
-Yes, honey, I’ll be there.
-Yes! Thank you, dad!-she yells, no trace of sorrow on her face.
I smile. This time cheering her up was easier than before.
As soon as we get home, Melinda goes straight to the bathroom to take a shower. I go to the kitchen and start to prepare dinner: grilled chicken, baked potatoes and a green salad.
As I’m peeling the potatoes, I realize how much my feet hurt. I’m exhausted.
I remember the times when Clarisse, Melinda’s mother, used to prepare dinner before I got home. She used to take care of the house and of Melinda. But ever since she died, almost a year ago, I had to take all of her responsibilities. It was hard at the beginning. Melinda would cry all the time. I only did so when she was not around, since I felt like I had to be strong for both of us. I still think that way.
-Dad, Uncle Gabriel is coming to my show, too.-says Melinda joyful once we’re both having dinner.
-Did he say so?-I ask, although I know the answer. This doesn’t surprise me at all.
-Yes, he did.-she continues after nibbling on a potato.-Auntie Elena is coming, too. They say they’ll bring me a present.
-I’m sure they will.-I reply with a fake smile.
Gabriel, my younger brother, and Elena have been married for five years. They resemble the perfect couple, but not the perfect family. They’re both sterile and adoption is, at this point, off the table. Not because they don’t want to, but rather because they’ve failed several times. So that makes Melinda, my only daughter, the closest thing they will have to a daughter. They often visit us (always with a present for the apple of their eyes), and always attend her ballet performances. As much as I appreciate what they do for her, I resent the fact that I cannot give her as many things as they do, or attend her performances as many times as they do. After all, she’s my daughter, not theirs.
-Are there more potatoes?-Melinda asks.
She has finished neither her chicken nor her salad; as usual.
-Finish your meal, Melinda.-I reply severely.
She obeys.
-Can I go to my bedroom?-she suddenly asks after finishing her meal.
-What about the potatoes?-I say surprised.-We had a deal.
She only shakes her head as a refusal.
I look her in the eye before letting her go.
I lost my appetite.
As I wash the dishes, I think to myself what kind of father I am. A better question would be what kind of father I want to be. Melinda needs more attention; she needs her mother. However, I refuse to remarry. Stepson as I was, I know that wouldn’t solve the problem.
I can only hope that times will get better.
2
The auditorium is full of people and the bustle of the crowd reflects their excitement. There’s an extensive red curtain in front of the empty stage. A delicate scent of vanilla fills the air, giving a harmonious atmosphere to the place, which is cold as ice because of the air-conditioning. The lights are dim, making it hard to distinguish details about my location.
Melinda is already backstage for her final rehearsals. I’m walking through a narrow aisle in search of Gabriel, who just called a few minutes ago to tell me he’s got a seat for me.
-Roy! Here!-I hear the unmistakable voice of Gabriel.
I turn to my right, where the voice came from.
I can hardly see my brother and his wife waving at me.
Gabriel is tall, with short chestnut hair and a very cool and well-maintained hipster beard. Elena, on the other hand, is a lean green-eyed woman, with short blonde hair and skin white as snow.
I make my way to take my seat, right next to Gabriel.
-I’m so glad you’re here, man!-he says as a greeting.
-Nice to see you both.-I say with a smile.
-How’s Melinda?-Elena asks.
It took me two seconds to understand that she was talking about the performance.
-Fine, she’s already backstage. She’s excited.
-Of course she is. You’re here.-Gabriel pointed out.
-I wouldn’t miss it for anything in the world. I brought my camera.-I declare while taking the device out of my pocket and shaking it slightly.
-That camera hasn’t seen any kind of action for quite a long time!-Gabriel jokes.
-Gabriel!-Elena, seeming outraged, softly hits Gabriel on his shoulder.
-Don’t worry, Elena. He’s right. I think it was funny.
She smiles apologetically, far from being convinced by my argument.
-He knows I love him.-Gabriel says indifferent.
-How’s the business?-I suddenly change the subject.
-Nah, typical stuff. I’m doing great, in spite of competition.
Gabriel makes a living of designing apps. His first app (a language learning app), was well received by the public and ever since then he hasn’t stopped. I can’t imagine Gabriel doing something different. He’s got a talent, if not a gift. He made more money in the past year than me.
-By the way, speaking of the business,-he starts to say.-there’s something truly important I want to talk to you about.
Whatever he wants to talk about, judging by the expression on his face, is big deal.
-What is it about?-I inquire more intrigued than scared by his severe countenance.
-We should talk about it later… after the performance.-he added.
I’m tempted to question him about the subject of our future conversation when, suddenly, the lights go out and the red curtain rises. The reflector lights illuminate the center of the stage, where five girls (Melinda among them), are standing, facing the silent crowd. The music starts as they begin their choreography.
The reflector lights now illuminate the entire stage, showing an astounding scenario, which resembles a magical green forest with enormous trees and few animals.
The girls are dancing from one side to another gracefully, in complete harmony with a classical melody.
I can remember Melinda practicing those same steps until yesterday. She put a lot of effort in order to perfect that choreography. I’m watching her astonished, since I feel immensely proud of her. I cannot believe what I’ve been missing because of my job. Although it’s not the first time I attend one of her performances, this one is beyond doubt special, considering the fact that she has improved remarkably.
This is a moment I’ll treasure forever.
***
-I saw you, dad!-Melinda exclaims when she finally meets us at the entrance of the auditorium.
-I saw you, too, darling!-I hug her before adding:-I told you: you’re an incredible ballerina!
She smiles.
-You were amazing!-says Elena, dragging Melinda’s attention.
-More than amazing. You were the best of all.-Gabriel asserts.
-That’s not true.- Melinda replies skeptical.
As we head to the underground parking lot, Gabriel and Elena attempt to convince their niece that she was the best. They don’t succeed, though.
-Anyways, I think I told you before that I have a present for you.-Elena says when we’re right next to my car.
-You might have said something about that.-Melinda says as if trying to remember that moment.
Gabriel and I laugh.
Elena, on the other hand, seems quite amused by the way Melinda expresses herself.
-Well, I think I left your present at home, so…
-I can go there with you.-Melinda offers with fake indifference.
-Would you?-Elena plays along.-That would be much easier than bringing it to your place tomorrow.
-Can I go with Auntie Elena to get my present?-Melinda asks in my direction eagerly.
I see Elena’s expression: she’s just as enthusiastic as my daughter.
-Well, we can wait until tomorrow, you know?-I suggest teasingly.
It only takes a second for Melinda to show her disappointment.
-Hey, I’m joking, sweetheart. Of course you can go with Auntie Elena. Have fun.
Her eyes brighten up again.
-Yes!-she exclaims triumphant.
-Perfect! In that case, we’d better get going.-claims Elena.
Elena and Melinda leave but, strangely enough, Gabriel doesn’t.
-I told you, I need to talk about something important.
I almost forget that. I should’ve known that the “present” thing was all an excuse to separate me from my daughter.
-We should have our little conversation somewhere else.-I suggest noting that we’re alone, only surrounded by empty cars.
-I don’t think so.-Gabriel rejects.-You see, we’re safer here than up there.
Those were not the words I was expecting.
-What do you mean by safer?
He sighs and then strokes his hair with a worrisome expression on his eyes.
-I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to scare you…
-Gabriel…
-I want you to stay away from a new product that will be launched tomorrow.-he quickly says to calm me down.
I stare at him confused and annoyed. I don’t understand what the heck he’s talking about, but I’m not in the mood for jokes.
-I’ve been working for a company named Wass Enterprises for the past three years. We’ve been developing a product that will be on the market tomorrow. It’s gonna be huge, that’s for sure.
-I guess congratulations are in order.-I say sarcastically, not understanding my connection with his business.
-Don’t be an ass. I’m here for your own sake.
-Enlighten me.
Gabriel inspects the surrounding area, as if to ensure that no one is around.
-This product is dangerous, Roy. I just need you to promise me that you won’t buy it or use it… never.-he added dramatically.
-I won’t promise you anything until you explain me the whole thing. Make sure to be specific.
He sighs and then crosses his arms. He’s clearly annoyed, which tells how important this is to him. He’s being serious.
–Wass Enterprises has been working in this product for the past five years. They hired me three years ago. Together, we developed a…- he makes a pause, trying to find the right word.-videogame.
-You are trying to protect me from a videogame?-I ask incredulous.-Did you hear what you just said?
-It’s not a videogame; not exactly.-he starts to explain, yet he cannot find the words to express himself, which leads to his obvious frustration.
-Just tell me the truth, Gabriel. I might not be a geek, but I’m not an idiot either.
He looks worried.
Now I am, too.
-We developed what we call the K-14. K-14 consists, basically, of a pair of glasses with an innovative software, or program, or app; whatever you wanna call it.
He pauses to give me time to process the information. I encourage him to carry on with his account.
-This program works with your own subconscious to take you to your past lives, so basically you can relive past events.
Gabriel speaks with confidence, so I know he actually believes what he’s saying. Now it’s me who is making sure that no one is watching us.
Past lives? Is he joking? I ask him this, no intentions of offending him.
He’s now offended.
-I know you don’t believe in this stuff, Roy, but believe in me when I tell you it works. It’s as real as the fact that we’re now speaking. Past lives exist. You might not remember it, but you came to this world not once, but many times in the past eras. You are older than you think.
-What about you?-I question reluctantly.
-Me, too; and Melinda and Elena and everyone in the world. We’re souls, Roy. We never die.
I cannot believe that my own brother believes in all this crap.
-I didn’t know you turned to Buddhism.-I mock.
-And I didn’t know that you were such an idiot.- he replies.
I can’t help laughing at his remark.
-Gabriel, are you listening to yourself? Past lives? We never die? What about Clarisse? Because, as far as I’m concerned, she’s quite dead.-my words are tough, almost an accusation. I cannot yet understand why this is getting to me.
-I knew you wouldn’t believe me… I knew it.
I consider retracting my last statement, but he speaks first.
-It doesn’t matter if you believe it or not. The thing is I want you and Melinda far away from K-14.
-Perhaps if I try it I might believe you.- I suggest, only for my own curiosity of the matter; only to test his reaction.
-That’s out of the question, Roy. I’m warning you today. I’m not taking responsibility for your disobedience. This is not about me, is about you both and your safety.
I remain silent for a few seconds. I don’t understand the danger behind his videogame. By looking at his face, I know he’s not joking; however, he needs more than a worried face to convince me. Plus, I cannot see why he thinks I would want to waste my money in such stupidity.
-You said that we’re safer here than up there.-I point to the ceiling above us.-Why did you say that?
–Wass Enterprises is a powerful company. They even have agents who spy their competition to get valuable information, or just to make their lives a hell. K-14 is an innovation. Few people on the world know about its existence. K-14’s program is one of the most valuable products of this company and I’m one of its developers, which means that I’m constantly observed, specially now. They just wanna make sure that I don’t reveal the secrets behind the program or that I contact the press to give them an exclusive.
His words, instead of relieve me, make me feel anxious.
-It means that we’re being observed right now!
-No, we’re not! Don’t freak out! It doesn’t work like that. This is not the CIA. Even if they were watching us, they must know you’re my brother, not a journalist.
-They probably are watching me, too!-I exclaim, ignoring his last statement.
-No, they’re not. You are not a threat to them. I am the threat, ironically.
-Does Elena know anything about this?
-She knows it all and she’s dealing just fine with it. You might as well do the same.
-Tell me, why is your product so dangerous for me and Melinda?
He looks me in the eyes. His contemplative gaze tells me he’s considering whether or not to answer my question.
-If I told you the reason behind my worry, you would be the first to buy K-14.
His answer comes unexpected to me. His reluctance to tell me the truth awakens a thirst of curiosity in my mind. Moreover, my daughter is somehow involved in this mystery, so I cannot settle for such vague answer.
-What is that supposed to mean? You’re here to protect my daughter and me from a possible danger and you are not willing to tell me what the danger is?
-I know this is not enough for you, Roy, but you have to believe in me. I’m your brother. I told you everything you need to know. Now you gotta promise me you won’t buy the product.
I’m about to retort, but then consider it better. Gabriel is my brother. I know him well enough to understand that he won’t give away more details about the situation, no matter what I say or do.
-Fine, I promise I won’t buy your product.
He gives me a doubtful look.
-I just promised it!-I cry.
-Fine, fine, thanks.-Gabriel defends himself, although he seems a bit surprised by my resignation.
-Great. So, can I go home now?-I ask indifferent.
After a few seconds of astonishment by my attitude, he lets me go, thanking me again for my comprehension and telling me that he will take Melinda home at 8.
I get into my car, but don’t start it yet. Instead, I think over my conversation with Gabriel. My brother’s concern seems like nonsense to me. Why does he believe that K-14 is dangerous to me? In that case it should be dangerous for anyone, not just for me or Melinda.
His warning should keep me from buying his new product, but rather, it sowed the seeds of curiosity in my mind. To say that I don’t believe in past lives or anything of the sort is an understatement, yet I need an explanation. I need to test that product; I need to see the danger that threatens me and my daughter.
My mind’s made up.
Synopsis
Roy Aldridge lived a normal life until the day he decided to try a new product created by Wass Enterprises. The product, known as K-14, will be released soon.
Roy’s brother, one of K-14’s designers, warned him about the dangers of using the program, but Roy’s curiosity is stronger that his brother’s advise.
Now, while Roy gets familiarized with the program, he starts to understand the dangers behind K-14’s appealing.
The Competition is on!
Hi, everyone!
Just as I promised, I’m letting you know that the competition is on! My new novel is finished and now it’s time to choose a name for it.
And that will be your task!
I’ll post a brief synopsis of my story along with the first two chapters, so that you can have an idea of what it is about and therefore you can choose a name for it.
The person who suggests the best and most suitable name will be awarded with a free PDF copy of my new novel before its release on Amazon.
Post your suggestion in the comments below, and feel free to post as many names as you can think of. The end of the competition will be on July, 1st.
Good luck, everyone and have fun!
Progress
Hi, everyone!
I’m glad to tell you that I’ve made some progress on my upcoming novel (remember that you will decide its name when it’s done). I’m now on Chapter 10 and the good news is that it will be ready soon. I have to admit that I slightly changed the original plot, as new ideas came on the way. It will all make perfect sense at the end, yet I have different thoughts on how the story will end.
Anyways, I just wanted to keep you posted on my progress.
And remember that you can read my new short story, Chased by a Shadow, on this blog or on Wattpad:
http://www.wattpad.com/52836461-chased-by-a-shadow
Hope to hear from you soon!
Chased by a Shadow (Part III)
I covered my mouth with my left hand to prevent a scream coming out. I started to breath uncontrollably and my eyes filled with tears. I was sweating and my nerves were on the edge.
I pressed the knife with strength between my fingers.
I took the right path silently, looking for a place to hide, or a weapon to use. There were many doors along the wide corridor. A thick carpet covered the floor, which represented an advantage to me, as my steps remained silent.
I did my best to hear the sounds coming from downstairs, but it was an impossible task. He didn’t make any sound. I just couldn’t hear anything.
Not knowing if he was still downstairs or coming my way, I decided to open the third door on my left and entered. I immediately closed it and locked it.
I turned around and contemplated the enormous room I came into: it was definitely the girl’s bedroom. Her king-size bed, perfectly made, had light pink sheets. She also had an antique dresser with mirror. It had so much dust that I couldn’t see my own reflection. Placed in one of the corners, there was a wardrobe, twice my size, with the same style of the dresser.
It wasn’t the smartest hideout, yet I was in a hurry.
I opened the doors and got inside among the old and smelly clothing.
I decided not to close the doors yet, as I needed to hear him. I needed to know how close he was from me. I kept my eyes on the door, waiting for the worst. The bedroom was darker than the living room, but I still managed to recognize the place I was in.
I would have described this as the most disturbing moment of this chase. I was filled with anxiety and nervousness, hopelessness and desperation. I couldn’t hear a single sound, not even from outside, as the only window in the bedroom was closed.
I patiently waited for him. My plan was simple: I was going to remain in the wardrobe for as much as possible, with the hope that he might as well leave the house with his hands empty. On the other hand, if he happened to find me, I would use the knife that I was still holding in my right hand. I had never hurt anyone with any kind of weapon before, but my life was being threatened by a man who wouldn’t doubt twice before hurting or killing me. Why did I have to have some sort of contemplation? My worst enemy was weakness; not having the guts to do what I had to do for me.
I couldn’t tell how much time I spent inside the wardrobe, but after a while I finally heard a familiar and terrifying sound:
His whistle.
Once again, I covered my mouth with my left hand in order to hide the sound of my own breathing, which was irregular and uneasy. I closed my eyes to prevent the tears form coming out.
In that moment I understood that, even though I didn’t want to, I had to do it. If I had the chance to stab him, I would have to do so. He would kill me, otherwise.
The images of my life crossed my mind out of the sudden, making me feel nostalgic. If I didn’t survive this, I wouldn’t see my family or my friends again.
What were the real odds of surviving?
I did my best to relax; to calm down a bit.
But his whistle was disturbing and lasted more than the previous times.
I heard him opening and closing doors. He was on my corridor. I closed the wardrobe’s doors as silently as I could.
Then, before I could even prepare myself for what was coming, he opened the door of the bedroom. I couldn’t see him, but I heard him. I knew he was here.
I barely perceived the sound of his steps on the carpet. He was moving like a ghost.
His whistle made me shivered.
I held the knife with resolution. I was ready. I was willing to do whatever it was necessary to save my life, even if that implied taking his.
He was approaching my hideout. He knew I was inside the wardrobe, but he wanted to create some sort of sadistic suspense; perhaps he just needed to make me suffer psychologically.
In any case, he was certainly enjoying it.
I was sweating, nervous and expectant. I felt that sweat in the hand that was holding the knife. I started to pray in my mind. I asked God to help me on this one. Just on this one. I was willing to do anything in exchange of this.
Seconds passed before I felt it. He was right in front of the wardrobe. The doors didn’t let me see him, but I knew he was there. I pressed the knife between my fingers and took a deep breath.
It was time.
After a full minute of suspense, he finally opened the doors.
The End
Hi, everyone!
Now I will post the third and last part of Chased by a Shadow. Feel free to leave your comments below. Enjoy it!
Chased by a Shadow (Part II)
I threw myself towards that “safe” place, hoping that someone lived there and had a rifle or something. Even a knife could be of use; anything to keep that bastard away from me.
My speed decreased against my will and I began to stumble more than before. I felt like a prey chased by a hunter. It was the maddest feeling I experienced in my life. I saw my own breath, the result of cold weather and a fast and anxious breathing.
I approached the mansion screaming, begging for help. But I stopped doing it when I realized something that I didn’t notice before: all the windows were dark. It seemed like there was no one inside, or maybe everyone was sleeping.
However, it was too late to back out. I was half way the entrance door and there was no time to turn back into the woods. I heard the man whistling again, yet he wasn’t in sight.
I finally got to the entrance door, which I knocked hard with my fist.
Surprisingly enough, it opened itself.
I rushed inside without thinking about it twice and closed the door.
Inside the mansion, everything was dark. The only illumination came from the moon, coming through the closed windows. It was enough to recognize most of the interior. I had never feared darkness, but still it was a creepy environment. I was standing in a wide room where there was nothing but two tables near the window, two pillars and an immense chandelier hanging from the ceiling. I had the feeling that the place was abandoned. The windows had no curtains, which seemed weird considering that the mansion looked like it was owned by rich people.
I took one of the tables and dragged it to the entrance door. It wasn’t too heavy, but at least I would know when he came in. Then I walked apprehensively towards the living room, where I found an old but refined set of couches, two floor lamps following the same style and, the scariest part, the paintings. They were actually portraits. One of them, the biggest one, showed a family of four. The mother seemed to be a strict person. So did the father. However, he had a solemn stance. The children, one boy and one girl, had both sad faces, reflecting the misery of their childhood. The rest of the paintings showed similar portraits of the family. It was noteworthy that, in all of the paintings, they looked the same age. There were no pictures of the youth of any of the children, and there was no picture of the parents in a different stage of life, either. I also found an antique piece of furniture, which I didn’t dare to even touch. It was all so frightening that I ran towards the kitchen, avoiding the rest of the portraits of the family on my way there.
The kitchen wasn’t small, but it was, in the best case, out of date. There were a couple of saucepans lying on the stove. The crockery, neatly put on a rounded table, could be as old as my great-grandmother. In other circumstances, all this would have been so interesting, but I couldn’t forget the reason that brought me to this phantasmagorical place.
I quickly looked for a knife in all the drawers and cabinets, finding at last a small and sharp one. It would be useful later. I held it firmly in my right hand, determined to use it if necessary.
I left the kitchen and went upstairs. The wooden staircase was straight, but the steps were narrow. When I reached the end of the staircase, I found myself in a divided hall: left and right were my only options and I wasn’t sure which one to take.
But just as I was deciding such stupid thing, I heard it.
The table had been moved and the principal door opened.
He was here.
Tomorrow…
Hi, everyone!
Did you like the first part of Chased by a Shadow?
Then you can’t miss the second part of the story! I’ll post it tomorrow here, and I’ll also tweet about it. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!
So see ya tomorrow and have fun!
Chased by a Shadow (Part I)
I was desperately running in the woods, trying to save my life.
I couldn’t hear the wind; instead I only felt its coldness on my skin. The fog clouded my vision, making me stumble more than once. But I couldn’t stop moving. I knew he was still behind me, closer than I would have wanted him to be. I kept on running as fast as my legs let me. I could barely distinguish the tall trees that surrounded me. They were all narrow, which meant that I had no place to hide. I felt my heart in my throat, ready to come out at any moment. The leaves on the ground crunched with every step I took. So he was aware of my location; that sound helped him follow me. The worst part was that I not only dreaded him, but also the place I was at that moment. I could hear the sounds of animals, like owls and bats. I could also smell the humidity in the woods and even though I was in permanent movement, I felt a shiver down my spine. I had to admit that never, ever in my entire life, I imagined myself in such terrible situation. I didn’t even know this man. I had no idea as to why he was so desperately trying to kill me. We’d been running for, perhaps, nearly half an hour and he hadn’t stopped ever since. I never hurt him, insulted him or anything whatsoever. I considered myself a good person who always did her best to help others, to be nice to others. My family and my friends were my life. How much I missed them! I would’ve given anything to be with them instead of here.
I startled when I suddenly heard his whistle. He liked to do that once in a while. That was the third time he whistled. He was trying to scare me, and it was working. I didn’t stop, though. I ran with more desperation. Yet, my legs were tired and I was already panting. The cold air in my stomach caused me a sharp pain. I was exhausted and that worried me more than anything. I started to cry. It was stupid, yet it was necessary. I didn’t know what else to do.
Just when I thought that I was screwed, I noticed that the fog was disappearing. I was reaching the end of the woods. I felt a wave of hope. I cried for help. Someone had to hear me.
I finally reached the end of the woods, and to my surprise I saw an enormous house, a mansion, located meters ahead. It looked gloomy and I had to cross a plain garden if I wanted to get there. Nonetheless, it was a bare and exposed land.
I stopped and turned my head back.
I couldn’t hear him anymore, but he was behind me. It was a matter of time before he reached me.
There was no choice.
Maria Ortega 