The Creature (Stefano Valentini )

Chapter 1

I listened for the sounds of other people walking along the streets. The sound of footfalls. The sound of voices. There was nothing as I wandered the streets of this empty town.

My world had been so quiet. So empty. Nothing here but my current interests. My work was driving me to exhaustion. Finding suitable models, the right equipment... it is draining.

I sighed quietly. This small town is not what I had in mind for my work. It is not what I had in mind when I settled down, or attempted to. But, what is life without its setbacks. Cause and effect, improper balance, and nothing to show for your hard work.

I sighed through my nose, a chill passing through my frame. The frigid night was not something I wished to be out in. However, staying inside while I lost my mind was not an option. I needed my head clear for tomorrow; hired by one of those ridiculous common people. They do not understand my true work, but I cannot turn down work if I am to keep up my appearance.

I grumbled to myself. Perhaps I should return home now. Nevertheless, I continued on. Just some more time outside should quell my mind. I don't have to worry about anyone now, just continuing on in this wretched weather.

A warm, yellowed light caught my eye as I continued my stroll down the street. I glanced up, seeing a storefront. I blinked for a moment, and pulled out my phone. It read 2:56 in the morning.

What kind of a store is still open this late? There wasn't any place like a bar or club that I knew of in this area. This spot is meant for more established businesses.

I frowned, and made note to venture passed it. But as I neared, I began to feel... Odd. I could smell something like incense and something like dust.

I made my way passed it, glancing in just slightly. I processed what appeared to be a foreign shop; intricate items laying about the place. It doesn't look... normal. At least what's normal in this town. I see some foreign letters and writings on the window, something I'm not familiar with.

I paused, turning slightly. I looked in again, my curiosity for the warm lighting coming over me. I saw what appeared to be a dog laying on the rug, just outside a kennel. I saw exotic-looking birds, and even recognized a few... out of legality animals.

A chiming door caused me to turn around. An Asian-looking man slipped almost gracefully from the storefront. He had a withdrawn look on his face, taking in more than just my appearance.

He smiled delicately. If I hadn't known better, I could have guessed his was weak, powerless... He was trying to imply he was innocent, but his demeanor gave away anything.

"Excuse me," his accent filled my head; Mandarin or Chinese possibly. "I couldn't help but notice you looking in. Would you like to come in out of this cold?"

I hesitated. My mental images couldn't help but describe what I saw; always taking in the secrecy and details of everything.

His light, foreign garb. His slim face and gentle tone. I frowned as his straight, chin length hair covered a single eye. In the breeze, I could see the covered eye was perfectly fine, if not a different color from the one he showed. It made me feel self-conscious as I stood, watching him. And his hair... it must have been colored, it was nearly black, but seemed purple in the lighting.

"Come, come in and warm yourself against the freezing night."

He reached forward and grabbed my arm. With a gentle tug, he guided me inside. I could feel him studying me as I was pulled into the shop. I shivered, the heavier warmth seeping into my skin and warming me.

"... Thank you, I suppose." I muttered.

He gestured I follow him further into the shop, and I saw him sit at a table. A table... set for two people. Two chairs sitting diagonally next to the quaint wooden table, two cups of tea pre-poured and steaming.