Remember

Chapter 5: Shadow Man

I run until I'm finally standing right in front of the woods, walking in slowly all I hear is the sound of twigs and leaves crunching beneath my feet.

I calm my loud breathing and strain my ears to hear any sudden movements. All I can see are bushes and my icy breath. My eyes are searching everywhere. It was here just seconds ago, dammit. Where the hell did it go?

I continue walking, stopping every now and then waiting for any sudden movement. I'm not giving up. I hear a few rustles, but it's just the wind and the birds in the trees. I walk back defeated. I'm about ten minutes away from the house, I didn't want to wander off too far. I take my time walking back just in case I see it again. The sun is starting to rise and I just sit in the back lawn, waiting for anything, something. I don't care how cold I am, I'm just frustrated. Watching the sun rise is somewhat relaxing, but it's not solving any of my problems.

I sigh, and get up heading back to the window. I'm cold, wet, and not in the best mood. Maybe I do need sleep, I'll have to surrender to sleep sooner or later. I'm at the window now, the window screen is strangely reattached. I know when I left it was thrown on the floor. Ok this is weird. I walk back examining everything, especially the ground for any foot prints, but none are seen. Someone is following me and they don't want me back inside, it's kind of freaking me out. With the screen attached I'm unable to take it back off. First I'm being followed and now I'm locked out...great.

I walk to the front of the house and to my total embarrassment, I have to knock on the door and explain this whole ordeal to Drew. Hopefully Drew isn't a heavy sleeper or Im screwed. I knock a few times until the door swings open. I see Drew standing there a little annoyed, then he realizes it's me. He's looking at me with those suspicious eyes.

"What are you doing out here?" He says disapprovingly, with his arms crossed.

I let myself in, I need warmth. "I saw something from the window." I say vaguely, trying to get away from the conversation as quick as possible.

" Let me get this straight." He says sternly.

"You see something, possibly dangerous and your first instinct is to run after it?" He's right in front of me, whisper yelling. He's trying not to wake up Lisa.

"Yes." Is the short reply I give. Giving an excuse for why I did such a thing would be a waste. Now that I think about it, it was a stupid idea.

"Why didn't you wake me? You could have gotten hurt." He says while pinching the bridge of his nose in irritation. I feel a big brother vibe and it's really touching, but I'm way too exhausted to argue. I'm not too sure whether or not I trust him enough to tell him there's some strange figure in the woods that's been following me.

"It was a spur of the moment thing, I saw something and curiosity got the better of me. I am sorry if I worried you. I'm okay, a bit sleepy, but I'm okay." I say trying to ease the tension with a smile.

He looks at me and sighs and I know the argument is over. "Ever since I saw you at the cafe I felt this feeling that I needed to protect you, and you're making it difficult." He says while sitting down on the couch.

A sudden feeling? I know if I ask personal questions he won't answer me with a straight answer. At this rate I'll get nowhere, my plan is to get as close to him enough for him to trust me.

"A connection?" I whisper, confused. Did he see me walk into the cafe? I don't remember walking in at all.

"I don't know how to explain it, but it feels like I've known you forever, yet we're here complete strangers." He laughs a little.