Vengeance

Saturday 3rd March commenced as a usual day in the summer of the suburbs. The sun beat down like a furnace with its fiery breath making the heat ricochet off the streets, causing a mirage of wavering images. The occasional canine would trudge by with its tongue hanging out so far it was touching the ground, in a futile endeavour to keep cool. Tar melted on the streets creating an asphalt river and there was no breeze to disturb the sun's relentless, burning attack.

Allison Mcall was unfortunately subjected to the unpleasant task of enduring the unbearable temperature by her mother who gave her strict instructions to report to the near by convenience shop and purchase some items. Wearily, she shuffled down the pavement yearning for a gale of wind to blow through her cropped, auburn hair. She arrived at her destination panting and puffing.

Ting ting! The bell on the tall mahogany door rang as Allison pushed it open. The cool, refreshing air condition hit her face leading her to breathe a sigh of relief. The shop was unsurprisingly empty as many did not leave their homes with the heat. While savoring the pleasant temperature, she began to gather her goods and soon went to the cashier.

The cashier, however, was not the one she was accustomed with. The new clerk towered over her by a good foot which was peculiar as Allison was about 5 foot 5. He was clad in a black trench coat and a broad rimmed dark grey hat which cast a menacing shadow over his face, concealing it entirely. This eerie attire was not only inappropriate for the weather but plain odd. The only thing debatably more queer than his wardrobe was his actions.

As Allison placed her goods on the counter the man made not a single movement to begin to check her out.

"Excuse me," Allison timidly murmured, gesturing to her goods.

The clerk turned his head towards her and viciously used his cloaked hand to sweep all the items off the counter. They crashed to the ground with loud clatters making Allison jump out of her wits and her pulse began to pound in her ears masking all other sound except the breath that was raggedly moving in and out of his mouth at regular, gasping intervals.

The hood of the hidden figure fell off revealing a grotesque face which was anything but human. Piercing, red eyes glowed off the pale skin of the gruesome creature. Deep, open, scar and gashes adorned the face of the creature with trickles of crimson blood slowly dripping. A cruel, grim smile which conveyed intense hatrid and malice played on the thin, black lips of the being sending shivers of trepidation down Allison's spine.

She could no longer control her hands; they were shaking in an odd trembling rhythm as the colour drained from her face. Just the sight of this horrid entity was enough to send pearl-shaped tears rolling down Allison's cheeks from wide luminous eyes.

"Aeons ago, my insolent girl," the dark entity began in a low, raspy voice which had the effect of nails scraping on a chalkboard. "You're ancestors blessed me with this curse. I was once a mortal like you but now look at what I am. You will be the receiver of my vengeance and wrath. I will avenge myself by murdering you!"

Without wasting a second, Allison turned and began to dart out of the shop with more speed than flash. The ground blurred below her as she felt a surge of adrenaline. The only things stopping her from victory was her physical limits and the sinister being making a beeline for her. Chancing a glance behind her, she discerned the entity, closing the gap between them. The being seemed to levitate about a foot above the ground and was moving quite fast.

Thankfully, a church came into her panoramic view. She remembered hearing legends regarding demons and evil entites not being able to trespass on holy ground so she decided to give it a try. Frantically darting into the church, she collapsed in front of the alter. Allison let out a heart wrenching wail, as she realized the creature was no longer in pursuit of her. Noisy sobs racked her body and she was shivered as if she was experiencing seizures.

Breaking Allison's thought and reigniting the apprehension which was beginning to extinguish inside of her, the creature's voice reverberated through her mind, "You may have gotten lucky this time but in the future you will not elude me. Do not warn anyone of my return as they will not believe you."

A wave of nausea began to roll over her and suddenly black spots began to dilate her vision. The last thing she recalled before she fell unconscious was the menacing laughter of the creature.

Uncertain of how long after, she awoke on the pavement outside of the shop. Throngs of people were crowded around her eager for an explanation as to why she was using the road as her bedroom. Later on, outside the shop, she could get no one to believe her story. Living in fear each day, Allison began to bid her time before her enemy made its next move.