Hunt

Chapter 28: The Full Moon Schism

It took a couple days for Julie to finally relax, having to take the rest of the week off from school. By the time she was beginning to get back to being herself it was the day of the full moon, and it was my turn to be the one on edge. It was a clear out, nearly a perfect day. But every time I stepped outside the could spot the moon, even in the daylight. It felt like it was taunting me. A reminder that everything could be falling apart tonight. I felt completely unprepared. Too many questions still had yet to be answered.

"You've got that shell shocked stare going on." Julie calls me out, pulling a chair over to where I was sitting in the backyard, staring up at the moon. "You doing alright? Something on your mind?"

I had lost track of time. Shaking myself from my thoughts I glance over towards her, "Y-yeah I'm alright. Sorry, I've just been stuck in my head. You're looking a lot better.

She sits down next to me, "I-I don't know about that... I still feel shaky" She holds her hands up to show me how unsteady they were. I could see a small tremor in her fingers. "I hate that feeling... helplessness. Have you heard anything back from animal control about it?"

"No, nothing yet." I reply, leaning back in the chair I was sitting in. "The school's been buzzing though, everyone's still talking about it." I try not to address Julie's statement on helplessness. I knew about that feeling all too well.

I never did call animal control. But the other hunters did confirm that there had been activity in my area that night. Multiple sightings all throughout the neighborhoods. It helped confirm my suspicions about just what we could be dealing with tonight. But in the end we still knew very little. We don't know numbers, locations, intentions... we were all but running blind.

Julie and I sit in silence for a couple minutes in the backyard. Watching the clouds lazily float by in the afternoon sky. After a while Julie stands, excusing herself as she goes back inside. I stay in the backyard a little longer, finding myself drawn to watching the moon in the afternoon sky. As if doing so could stave off the approaching night. It's taunting me. I just know it.

It's not before long that I'm beginning to gear up. Talking on the phone with Nick, who was reminding me of everything I needed to pack. He was making emphasis about it since I had forgotten my stuff on the last full moon. "Yeah. I got it Nick, don't worry Im not forgetting my shit this time."

He grumbles something inaudible over the phone before speaking up, "You better not. Alright I gotta get going here, see you in a bit Kyle." He hangs up.

Securing the rest of my gear I make sure to go over the list of essentials one last time: Scent blocker, gun, spare ammunition, knife, canteen, medical... Everything seemed to be accounted for. Checking the clock and briefly glancing outside I could see the moon beginning to poke just above the tree line. Replacing the receding sun as the sunset slips to twilight. Silver beams of light are cast across the rooftops and yards of my neighbors.

It's now or never. And we can't afford never.

Quietly sliding my window open, I pop the screen out. Keeping in mind to be even quieter around Julie's window tonight, taking into account that she's been hearing me sneaking out. But as I round the side of the house a sound like a window opening behind me causes me to freeze. Waiting for a minute without any follow-up sounds I continue onward.

I must just be on edge... I think to reassure myself as I make it out to the street. I couldn't be late again, especially tonight. With hands buried in my hoodie I take off towards Paul's place. I make sure to keep my mask off as I'm walking, the night was still young and people were still milling about the neighborhood in the low light. A hooded man wearing all black in a ski mask isn't a very popular look.