Those in the Dark (Short Story)

Those in the Dark

I read stories about the creatures in the dark, the ones that would stand in the darkest corners of your room and watch. Watch you until you're at most vulnerable.

The first night I slept in my new apartment, I dreamt of a women. Long thin black hair fell over her face like a curtain. A white nightgown covered her small frame. She didn't speak to me, just stood in the distance and stared.

I woke up that night at 3:20. A heaviness weighed on my chest. The room was ice cold.

I told my friend about that night, but her being a skeptic she ruled it off as just a nightmare. I tried to shrug it off and it worked for a couple weeks, but then the dreams started to become more real. I couldn't tell if I was awake or not.

I woke up in my bed. It was dark. It was like my eyes couldn't adjust to see 2 feet in front of me. The red numbers on my alarm clock read 3:20am.

The springs inside the mattress squeaked when I stood from the bed. I grabbed my phone turning on its flashlight. It illuminated the room and a figure lying in the bed. I cover my mouth

muffling the scream that fell past my lips. Praying it didn't wake them up. When a few second went by and still no movement I bent forward to taking a closer look at the person.

Shining the light on their face, the features were familiar. Blonde hair messily sprawled across my white pillowcase. A faded black t shirt with a hole by the neck. The same one I was wearing now. The figure looked just like me, down to the freckle above my lip. But her skin was grey, translucent enough to see the vein running beneath it.

"Am I dead?" Was the first thing to popped in my head.

I pinched the skin of my arm till I felt the pain of my nails digging into my skin.

I took a step back stumbling over a crumpled T shirt lying on the floor. Then bumping into my desk making the clutter on top rattle against the wood. My hands shook, still shining the light on her face. I watched her eyelids peel back.

My heart hammered in my chest and my stomach turned.

She slowly lifted her body from the mattress staring at the wall in front of her.

I took a small step toward the door making sure I kept an eye on her. I freeze as the floor groaned under the pressure of my foot. I watched her turn her head slowly. Her soulless eyes connected with mine. And a sinister smile pulled at the corner of her lips.

Making a break for it, I ran through the door as it closed in on my ankle.

I cried out in pain tugging my leg from the door. Finally pulling it free, I limp down the hall. The hallway stretched long making each step feel like an eternity till I got to my front door.

Tugging at the handle, the door doesn't budge.

"Help! Someone body please! Help!" I scream.

I pounded my fist against the wood. The door rattled from the impact.

Heavy stomps ran down the hall after me.

I fell into a fetal position burying my head in my knees. They abruptly stopped when I let out a blood curdling scream. Quietness fell around me. Only the sound of my ragged breaths could be heard. Tears fell from my eyes. A steady stream down my cheeks. I lifted my head, looking through the soft curtain of my hair falling over my face.

I lifted myself up, placing my back to the door twisting the door knob one more time. It clicked open. I dragged it open slowly, keeping my eyes on the darkness leading into the hallway. The hinges squeaked and cracked. Once the door it open far enough. I make my escape but fall forward cracking my face on the wooden floor. I feel warm liquid run out of my nose and

past my lips. The taste of iron sweeps my taste buds as I let out a cry. I wipe my nose, smearing the blood across my cheek.

"Do you want to play?" A small voice whispers from my side.

My breath shallows as I look into the direction it came from. A child like giggle soon follows. As well as little patter of feet.

"What do you want?" I screamed.

"You." A deep voice growled in my ear.

I screamed moving away from the voice. And before I know what's happening I'm being dragged down the hall. I thrash around trying to grab onto anything to pull me away from the tight grip around my ankle.

"No!"

My fingers dug into the corner of the wall. Holding on with all the strength I have.

Kicking my feet till the tightness on my ankle disappears. I hop up on my feet and run for the door. Adrenaline running through my body and the only thing I could think about was getting out of here.

And I do.

I made my escape and I didn't look back.

I never returned.