Touch-Tone Telephone

5. Landline

Neil slipped on his sweater, brushing off the cat hair and dust as he smiled, looking himself in the mirror. "Today's gonna be a good day, I can tell."

He put on his shoes and tied them, fixing up the back of his heel as it was caught under his foot, and grabbed his book bag.

He waved Will goodbye, Will waved back, and he was out the door in no time.

. . .

He had been walking down the street for a while, his heels clicking against the sidewalk as he looked around. Posters of missing children and missing pets were littered all around the sides of buildings. I wonder what got to the- His thoughts were cut short as two children, screaming blody murder, began running up the street. He stood there, paralized in fear as he looked at who.. or... what was chasing them.

He quickly fiddled for his camera, his eyes glued on this gigantic machine as he snapped photo after photo of this thing. One of the children had ran back and grabbed his arm, pulling him away. "B-BUT WAIT- I HAVEN'T GOTTEN ENOUGH PICTURES!!"

"WE DON'T HAVE TIME FOR PICTURES! YOU'RE GONNA DIE IF WE DON'T GET YOU OUTTA HERE!" The child screamed, tugging on his sleeve.

"WAIT- WAIT!! PEOPLE WILL FINALLY BELIEVE ME-"

It was too late, the machine was getting closer and closer. The child had just left him there and Neil quickly grabbed his camera.

. . .

Neil woke up screaming, quickly flinging himself out of bed as Will came dashing to his room.

"Everything alright in here?! What happened?!" Will shouted, flicking on the light. Neil was on the floor, panting. "I, i.. i thought it was real." He said as he sat up.

"..What was real?" Will asked.

"I-I had a dream that some kids were running away from this big.. machine thing, and it stepped on me while I was trying to get a picture." Neil replied.

"Tough luck, dude." Will helped Neil up off the floor. "Dya need anything like water?"

".. I-I'll be okay, I just.." Neil gently picked up his camera.

"..Neil, it's 3 in the morning." Will stated as they spotted him.

"I don't care. My dreams have to mean something." He said, picking up his coat and clumsily flinging it on.

Will sighed. "I'll go get my flashlight."