Fallen Beast

-Karen-

There’s been someone following me. I can’t see him, but I know he’s there. I don’t know what he wants from me. Why won’t he leave me alone?

“Thank you for today,” I said, bowing.

“Good night!” the receptionist said back. I walked out into the night. Japan is a safe country, but I still must be careful. I am a single woman after all. There are still creeps around. I have pepper spray in my purse.

It’s quiet tonight. I know that Halloween is coming in a couple of days. The decorations looked welcoming. That’s when I notice that I am not alone.

I stopped in my tracks.

“Hello?” I asked. Nothing. No sound at all. My stomach turned. I don’t like this. I picked up my pace. I just need to get home. Just get home, lock up, take a bath, and go to bed. I took in a breath. I can do this. I force myself to keep walking.

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I made it back home with no trouble. Still, I can’t rest. He is still near. I can feel it. I shook my head. Don’t focus on that. You don’t know anything about it. It could be friendly. You don’t know that.

I frowned to myself. It didn’t feel like it. I shook my head. Don’t think about it. Just stick to the plan. I took another breath. Right…

I had no idea I wasn’t safe in my dreams.

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So cold. It’s so cold in here. I looked around. Where was I? Goosebumps formed on my skin. No. I shouldn’t be here. How do I get out? There was nothing but darkness around me. When did it get colder?

Suddenly, I wasn’t alone anymore.

Against my better judgment, I turned my head. He has no face. He has no body. But I know he’s there. His fingertips touched my cheek. My body froze. He spoke in my head.

“Don’t be afraid.”

I opened my mouth to speak.  He quieted me down.

“I’m not here to hurt you.”

I couldn’t move. My body was frozen. My eyes stayed locked on the empty air. The voice spoke in my head again.

“I’m not here to hurt. Please listen to me. I have to tell you something.”

I had no choice but to listen.

“You are going to die. I don’t want to lose you. Please! Let me help you!”

I wanted to back away. I still couldn’t move. Who was he and what did he want from me? Suddenly, he started to kiss me. I could feel a heavy pressure on my lips. Invisible hands wrapped around my body. The grip grew tighter around me. I thought I was going to choke. I didn’t want to die. I was pushed to the ground. It started to rip at my clothes. The tongue was forced into my mouth. It pushed apart my legs.

I suddenly woke up. My body was covered in sweat. I panted as I winced at the burning sensation on the back of my right shoulder. I felt the number fourteen burned into my skin.