The Scorpion

Mine

Halloween was slowly approaching. Dreary, overcast days turned into increasingly early, chilly nights. Wind clawed through orange and red leaves. And people were going missing.

It wasn't really noticed at first. When you live in the town of Haddonfield, you get used to strange things happening. You get used to people being there one day and gone another. You get used to people you've known for years vanishing without a trace, and you try to forget them. You get used to the feeling of eyes peering at you from the darkness.

Today was one such day.

It began like most. You woke up to the vacant space in bed next to you. The warmth that he left was long gone. The fall air brought a chill through the house, but it always seemed colder without him there next to you. However, you had grown used to him being gone in the morning most days. You went through the motions of waking up. It was Friday, and that meant grocery shopping after work.

It seemed like you were waiting for something the whole day, but you didn't quite know what. You didn't have plans, you weren't expecting a package, and you didn't even know if The Shape was going to pay a visit to you tonight. You were used to him being gone for extended periods of time. You knew what he was doing, but you would rather not think about it. It was strange and oddly exhilarating to imagine what was going on at his end.

But you ignored the thoughts for now since you knew Michael would return as he always did. At least eventually.

Teeth brushed, shower taken, breakfast eaten, and you were out the door. For once you were on time, and you took your time on the walk to work. The sun softened the chilly morning air as it peaked through the clouds and settled against your skin. It held the warmth of Saturday morning cartoons and summer vacation. It quickly faded, however, and the autumn air picked up and swirled fallen leaves around your feet.

Your mind wandered through thoughts only partially explored until you arrived at your work: Haddonfield High. You quickly stepped up the concrete steps of the building and ducked into the semi-warmth inside. You were spared Janice's usual look of disapproval as you walked into the main office since you were on time for once. You set up your desk, sat comfortably in your chair, and worked as the world continued around you.

Today was a day of unexpected focus and drive. You filed paperwork, made the calls you were scared to do, and dealt with Janice's backhanded compliments. Some people just didn't know how to be nice. No matter. You were going to follow this sudden surge of focus and determination as far as you could.

The day ended in satisfaction. You had even earned a nod of approval and a compliment from the principal. With your head held high, you left work and started to head into town. You were so focused on your work, however, that you did not check the line of trees outside the window for the familiar white mask you usually searched for everywhere. Your mind was going going going from one thought to another. You were already thinking ahead on what you needed.

Humble homes flanked either side of you. They cried out with midwestern flair and design, but they were genuine in their love of their inhabitants. Your home was one such as these, filled to the brim with interesting and odd knick-knacks that you had collected over the years. It was small but you were thankful that you could have one at all. It housed you and occasionally your love. But home was now the opposite way and you were closer to town. Houses slowly shifted into tiny stores. Haddonfield was still resisting big name companies and markets, preferring the shops they had existed for years and years.

You found the trusty market you got all of your groceries from like your parents before you and their parents before them. Everything you needed was stacked along fluorescent-lighted aisles. You grabbed a rickety cart to place all your things and you got everything you came for.