Take notice

Lost and Not Found

I continued browsing through the records for a bit longer, keeping the man in my sight. I walked over to the counter and saw Woody sitting in the corner trying to complete a crossword.

"Hey Woody" I said placing my hands on the counter

He looked up from his crossword and smiled "Hello Gemma, how are you doing these days?" he asked

" I'm okay thanks, just thought I'd come out for some fresh air. How are you?" I answered

"Ah not too bad, getting old, got to sit down to take the strain off" he said pointing to the chair" Can I help you with anything?"

"Well actually I was wondering if you could tell me who that man was?" I said glancing in the direction of where the man had stood

"Sorry, who?" Woody asked

I looked again, he had disappeared. My heart sank. "Oh nevermind" I replied bluntly

"Okay love, let me know if you need anything else" he chuckled turning back to his crossword

I walked out of the store onto the street, confused. How did he leave so fast? I looked left and right for any sight of the man but the whole street was empty. Where had he gone? I began to make my way home and soon felt the first few drops of rain on my head. Looking up at the dark rain clouds above I groaned and pulled my hood up, that's when the real downpour started. I turned my fast walk into a steady run wiping the cold water from my face. I hated running or any form of exercise but I wasn't about to let myself get soaking wet. My converse were slowly collecting water and squelched every time i took a step. I could hear the thunder rip through the sky above as the water pelted me from every angle. The lightening came next, a great flash of light illuminating the dark sky. I couldn't help but think of the man and whether he had found shelter, he was only in a vest, he would of been drenched in a matter of seconds. I quickly directed my thoughts away from the man and began to watch my steps. My breaths were becoming shallow- I wasn't cut out for this running business, I slowed my pace to a steady jog and studied my surroundings. The streets were bare, as the rain ricocheted off nearby cars, there wasn't a person in sight. As I neared my front door I removed my hood and searched for the key I had previously buried in my pocket. I searched desperately not wanting to stay outside any longer and eventually found it.

Once inside I began to peel off my sodden clothing, hanging my hoodie over the banister and shoes in a heap by the front door. I called out for Mum before realising she was still at work. I made my way upstairs to my room and collapsed onto my bed. My legs were aching from the running and I was shivering. I looked at my clock, 1:40 it displayed. I thought about taking a shower but decided to just lay and rest for a while first.

A dog barking nearby woke me from my slumber. Stupid mutt, always yapping non stop. I stretched outwards and then reality kicked in. Shit, I fell asleep. I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and turned to see the time, 4:56. I couldn't believe I had slept for so long. I swung my legs off the bed and stood up, a little too fast perhaps as I soon felt dizzy and had to sit back down again to regain my vision. I made my way into the bathroom and splashed cool water on my face, an action that seemed all too familiar.