The Art of Mending Memories

The Art of Mending Memories 20

The Art of Mending Memories

Chapter 20

The phone rang. I reached over and picked it up, glancing at the caller ID before answering.

It was Friday night (finally) and I was sitting on the couch watching reruns of Gilmore Girls. My friends had invited me to go bowling, but I wasn't in a social mood, so I declined. Instead, I was sitting home alone on the couch.

I clicked TALK.

"Hey," I greeted.

"Hi, hun," Aunt Jane replied. "What are you up to?"

"Not much."

"Hmm. Well I'm still out with the girls." Aunt Jane went out with friends once a month. "I'll be home around 12:30 or one."

"Okay."

"What are you going to do?"

"I don't know." I shrugged, even though I knew she wouldn't see. "Hopefully some sleep." I hadn't slept the previous two nights; I had a feeling I wouldn't sleep much tonight either.

"Why don't you invite some friends over?"

"Eh," I replied vaguely, somewhat ignoring the question.

"Well, if you need anything, call, okay?"

"Yup. I'll be fine though. Have fun, Aunt Jane."

"Alright. Love you."

"You too. Bye."

"Bye," she mumbled before hanging up.

I put the phone on the table and turned back to the TV.

ʘ ʘ ʘ ʘ ʘ

I pulled a glass out of the cabinet and filled it with water. The digital clock on top of the refrigerator read 9:00.

I stared out the kitchen window to the forest behind my house. I hadn't heard any howls all night, and as it was only one day after the full moon ̶ and therefore still a night of transformation ̶ the lack of howls was making me uneasy; like they were sneaking up on me.

I walked back to the living room. The Gilmore Girls marathon had ended, much to my disappointment, and the new show that was on didn't seem like anything special. Sighing I turned off the TV.

I turned to look outside again. The living room had a large glass sliding door facing the back of the house; the woods. I took a sip of water and continued staring into the vaguely illuminated tree line.

I was about to turn my head away when I saw something move. Whipping my head to the spot, I struggled to control my breathing. My heartbeat picked up and I felt adrenaline pup through my body. Blood pumped fear all through me as ,y hands shook my glass of water.

Something was out there. I could feel it. Something familiar and terrifying. Something with weapons crafted into its being.

He stepped out from the shadows of the trees. He was giant; not as large as a bear, but much larger than the natural creature. His fur was black like the hair of his human counterpart. Although I couldn't see them, I knew his eyes would be the same grey eyes.

I couldn't blink; I couldn't breathe; I couldn't move. I could only stare in fear.

He took a step closer. It was a silent, fluid movement of a hunter. His black coat was like a shadow in the light; a contradiction like the beast and the man.

He took another step closer, carefully observing my reaction.

Air surged into my lungs. I whimpered and stepped back. My whole body was shaking so much, I felt like an earthquake. Tears of fright lined my eyes.