It’s cold tonight.

I’m all alone.

The street is empty.

I’m a block from home.

An owl hoots.

I give a small start.

A dog barks and a cat meows.

I’m almost home.

There’s nothing out there,

But how can I tell?

It’s so dark…

Something…growls.

No, my imagination.

The growl is right behind me.

There’s nothing there.

It’s getting closer.

It’s alright.

I feel a hot breath on my neck.

I don’t even have to look…

I run the rest of the way home.