"In the Dark"

Chapter 2: Helpless Dawn

Her body was petrified, her muscles rigid with fear as the whispers in her mind reached a fever pitch. The darkness seemed to have a life of its own, tendrills of shadow creeping across her skin like icy fingers. Her heart raced, pounding in her chest like a drum, and her mind screamed for escape.
But she was trapped, unable to move or speak.

The whispers grew louder still, a deafening chorus of terror that filled her mind. She felt a presence looming over her, it's cold breath on the back of her neck, it's eyes burning with an otherworldly intensity.

With a final, desperate surge of strength, she tried to reach out, to grasp the box that seemed her only hope. Her arm twitched, her hand jerking upward in a spastic motion. Her fingers brushed against the box, and for an instant, she felt a spark of hope. But it was snatched away in an instant. Her hand fell short, her fingers closing on empty air as the presence leaned in, it's whispers growing louder still.

The darkness closed in, a suffocating shroud that choked the life from her. And then, she was back in her bed, grasping for air, her heart racing with fear.

Lena's eyes were lost in the shadows, she sat in her dimly lit room, her eyes fixed on the shadows dancing across the walls. Her mind was amaze, trying to unravel the tangled threads of her dreams.

She couldn't shake off the feeling of being trapped, unable to move or escape the darkness that had enveloped her.
Her thoughts swirled with fragments of memories, like pieces of a broken mirror reflecting distorted image. She recalled the sensation of being watched, the weight of an unseen presence pressing down upon her.

The air felt heavy, like a physical force holding her captive.
Her gaze drifted to the moonlight window, where the night seemed to beckon her with secrets and mysteries.

Lena's heart raced with a mix of fear and curiosity, as she wondered what lay hidden in the recesses of her mind.
But as suddenly as it had begun, the moment passed.

Lena shook her head, chuckling softly at her own foolishness.
"Just my imagination", she thought, dismissing the whole thing with a wave of her hand. She stood up, stretching her arms and shaking off the lingering unease, ready to move on with her day.
Lena tossed off her covers and swung her legs over the side of the bed, her feet dangling in the chilly morning air. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes, yawned, and stood up, stretching her arms overhead. After a quick shower, she depressed in comfortable layers, a soft sweater, leggings, and her favourite pair of worn jeans.

As she brushed her hair, she gazed out the window, where the sunlight was slowly creeping over the rooftops.
The sky was a brilliant blue, with just a hint of wispy clouds. She felt a sudden urge to get outside, to breathe in the fresh air and clear her mind.

Lena walked into the cozy coffee shop, seeking a warm refuge from the icy morning chill.

As she waited in line, her gaze wandered around the bustling atmosphere, taking in the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the soft hum of conversations. She noticed the stranger sitting in the corner, his piercing blue gaze catching her attention for a brief moment before she looked away.

After ordering her coffee, Lena found a comfortable spot by the window and settled in with a book. As she read, she couldn't help but notice the stranger glancing her way every now and then. She tried to focus on her book, but her curiosity grew.

Finally, as she was sipping her coffee, the stranger approached her, "mind if I join you?" he asked, his deep voice interrupting her thoughts. Lena hesitated, unsure if she was ready for company. But there was something about his warm smile that put her at ease. "Sure" she said, gesturing to the empty chair across from her.

As he sat down, Lena noticed the stranger's eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled. " I'm max", he said, extending his hand.
Lena took it, feeling a spark of electricity as their palms touched. " Lena," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Max, leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving hers, " So Lena, what brings you here today"?
Lena shrugged, feeling a sense of comfort with this stranger that she couldn't explain. " Just needed a coffee and a break from the morning rush".

Max nodded, his eyes glinting with understanding" sometimes we all need a little escape". And with that, Lena felt a connection forming, a sense that this chance encounter might lead to something more.

As they sat together at the bar, lena's coffee spoon slipped from her fingers and fell to the ground. Max, quick to help, stood up to pick it up for her. As he rose from his seat, Lena's gaze followed him, and that's when she noticed his... interesting choice of attire.

He wore a bright orange shirt with yellow stripes, paired with a levender blazer and navy blue pants. The colours clashed, yet somehow, they seemed to reflect his vibrant personality. His shoes, a mismatched pair of loafers, added to eclectic look. One was black with a silver buckle, while the other was brown with a bright red stripe.

Lena's eyes widened in surprise, and she felt a giggle rising up. Max, still bent down to pick up the spoon, looked up at her with a questioning expression.

"Hey, you okay?" he asked ,his eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Lena nodded, trying to compose herself." Yeah, i'm fine. Just...clumsy, I guess."

Max smiled and handed her the spoon. " No worries, i'm happy to help."
As he sat back down, Lena couldn't help but sneak glances at his outfit, her amusement still simmering just below the surface.

Lena smiled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, " Well, it was great running into you, Max."

Max grinned, pulling out a business card. "Let's keep in touch" he said with a faint smile.
He handed her the card, and Lena took it, their fingers brushing briefly. She felt a spark of electricity, but it was just a friendly gesture, she told herself.
"Nice card." Lena said, examining it. "You're a man of many talents, max."
Max chuckled. " Just trying to stay interesting. Maybe i'll see you around sometime?" Lena smiled, tucking the card into her purse. " Definitely. Take care, Max."

With a wave, they parted ways, each other going their separate directions.

Lena chuckles to herself, shaking her head in disbelief, "Oh man, I can't believe I laughed at his outfit! What is wrong with me?" She playfully rolls her eyes, remembering the ridiculousness of it all.
As she continues walking, she thinks back to their conversation and how silly she was to make fun of his clothes. " I mean, who wears orange and yellow as a combo? " But he seemed so nice...and those eyes!"
She digs through her purse, searching for her phone to text her friend about the hilarious encounter. But instead, her fingers brush against Max's business card.

She pulls it out, smiling at the memory." Ah, yeah! I was going to Google him and see what kind of fashion disaster he's gotten himself into next!"

And that's when she notices the strange message on the back of the card.....