Antidaeophobia

She was surrounded.

Those around her whispered to each other that they hardly ever came in such large numbers, much less gather around one, poor girl.

There had only been a few, at first, trying to be discreet about their job. Though they didn’t succeed, they slowly approached her, slowly, but surely, increasing in numbers. She had only been reading a novel, for pity’s sake, not bothering anyone. Her first day off of the year (it was already June), and they had to come.

But one got too close, and she began to sweat, her mouth becoming dry. She refused to let her anxiety to cloud her reasoning.

She stood up slowly, so as not to alert them. Gathering her things, she made her way towards the parking lot. Despite her efforts to seem casual, they began following her, a little faster than before.

Picking up speed, she fished out her keys from her purse, and set her sights on her sleek black sports car. Not much further, now, she thought. Her thumb hovered over the button labeled Unlock.

They adjusted their pace to match hers. She broke into a run.

They did, too, not far behind her. Signaling to each other, they began to strategically surround her.

An arm span from her car, she pressed Unlock and opened the door. Practically falling inside, she slammed her hand down on the door lock, ignoring the stares from passing pedestrians.

She breathed a sigh of relief, only to hear banging sounds from all sides. She cautiously looked out the window, tilting her head down.

They were pecking away at the new paint.

Damn ducks . . .