The Convict

The Shadow At Your Door

POV: Dakota

I didn't really have a plan. I kind of just showed up hoping for the best. I snuck into Melony's house through the garage that was left open just a crack. The garage door to the house was also left open and when I cracked open the door I heard Melony, but she wasn't alone. She's with her friend.

The two are talking and then the phone rings and Melony gets the news of my death, her scream forces me back into the garage.

I didn't think this through.

She's going to be pissed at me.

I quickly go and hide behind the dryer as I hear a car pull up.

I did not think this through.

Stupid, so stupid. Hey Melony, I know you are sad I died but surprise I'm still alive, can I hide out here with you for the rest of my life?

Stupid!

I nervously tuck my hair behind my ear.

Soon more cars are pulling up and I hear what sounds like a news reporter rehearsing their script. I cringe, her entire front lawn is probably flooded with reporters. This was not thought out!

All they have to do is peek in the garage and boom, just kidding, Dakota Foley is alive.

I take some medicine and slump down on the ground.

I'll have to wait out the crowd.

I take my sweats off and peel off my spandex to see the damage, blood everywhere. I hiss in pain and slowly peel the bloody bandage off, careful not to make a mess.

"Fuck," I whimper.

My right leg has a giant gash from the sander, both my legs have burns on them, but it's worse on my right leg. Thankfully my feet didn't get burned, my shoes protected me. I dig in the bag I got from Walgreens and find the anti-bacterial ointment. I quickly open it and start slathering my legs in it.

I have to bite the sleeve of my left arm to keep from screaming in pain.

I put big Band-Aids on the wounds before once again wrapping them in gauze. I leave my pants off to let the wound breathe a bit. It's cold in here, but not as cold as it is in solitary. I can manage.

"Bernida, Bernida! Where is Melony!? Is she going to give a statement!" I hear reporters scream and flinch.

"Go away!" Bernida shouts before she goes into the house, slamming the door shut. It causes the house to vibrate.

I go still trying to listen to what is going on inside the house but I hear nothing.

I sigh and relax again.

Just a couple hours later Melony's family arrives and even more media. I sit shivering in the corner of the garage, waiting for my chance.

Then I hear the sea of reporters go silent before,

"Melony! How do you feel about the news?" a reporter shouts.

All the hairs on my arm stand on edge. I quickly get up and sneak over to the big garage door, getting as close as possible without exposing myself. I put my ear on the door, keeping my body close to the wall.

"I am devastated," Melony says, her voice cracking.

I look down in shame. What am I doing? I shouldn't have done this. I am just messing her up even more. Is Bernida right about me?

"This shouldn't have happened, I don't know how it happened, but I am going to find out. Dakota didn't deserve this. And I don't care what anyone says about her! She didn't deserve this. I am going to get to the bottom of this, for Dakota. I have decided that I will be filing a lawsuit against the Belview correctional facility for gross negligence. They should have been watching the prisoners, they should have called for help, no one had to die today. They will be hearing from my lawyers." She says coldly. "Now please, everyone go away. I need a moment alone to process this news."