Mind Games

Chapter 4

11:58

I sat upright in my hospital bed, staring at the moonlit clock. I had been unable to sleep, Nikki's final words echoing within my skull.

"We'll see each other soon, my love."

The nurse came in minutes after he left to inform me that the doctor could not authorize my release without running a few tests first. She assured me that I would be able to leave first thing tomorrow.

I can't wait that long. I have to leave now. The longer I stay here, the higher the chance of either Nikki coming back for me or the doctor figuring out my being turned into a ghoul. But what concerns me the most is what Nikki never mentioned.

He said that we would be seeing each other soon but had not specified when that was to be. He would continue pursue me until he finally achieved what he set out to do in the first place.

I have absolutely no choice. Knowing Nikki, he'd probably want to take me out when I was at my weakest and there would be no better time like tonight.

I have to leave now. This feeling of anxiety has been consuming me from within for the past fifteen hours. Nikki will be back without a doubt but if I take my chance now, he'll be visiting a hospital room empty of my soul.

I quickly grab the clothes that I had requested earlier, my fingers fumbling in the dark as I slipped on my jeans and buttoned them.

12:01

Ripping off the wires, my monitor began to beep incessantly. I reached over and pressed buttons frantically until the sound ceased, creating a blessed silence that soon filled the room.

I closed my eyes for a moment, sucking in a deep breath through my mouth before I discarded the hospital nightgown and pulled on my shirt. My limbs felt heavy as I attempted to stand.

I lowered my feet to the cold tile and placed my palms firmly on the sheets of my bed, pushing myself up to a somewhat standing position.

On unsteady legs, I walked to the door before reconsidering. Surely someone will be on watch, and if so, they'll undoubtedly catch me and bring me back.

Several insane choices came to play within my mind. I turned to the window, the blinds pulled back and considered it. If Nikki was right and I am in fact a ghoul, then I should be able to survive such a fail from the fourth story of a building. And if he was wrong... Well then I guess I won't have to worry about Nikki anymore.

I shook my head, grimacing at the painful throbbing of my brain. Either way, I'm a dead man walking. The only difference is, if I stay here, I'll be dead way sooner than if I tried my luck on the street.

I walked carefully to the window, gripping the edge and lifting up, letting the cool air hit my skin, causing goosebumps to crawl up my skin.

Now or never...

Hoisting myself up, I leaned out slightly to look at the scene below. Very few people were visible and even so, most were at a far enough distance to where they wouldn't be able to see me leap down to the ground.

I bit my lip and leaned out farther. Either I take this chance or Nikki will have my head.

No, I thought. The only one who will win in this sadistic game will be me.

I stuck one foot out and hopped, dropping down though the air like a stone. The ground grew nearer and nearer.

I closed my eyes and braced myself.