MORPHEUS

The Chase

I bolted with all my might as if my life depended on it because it did. That night the skies cried out for me. I could see huge strobes of lightning flash overhead and the thunder roared in its wake. It reflected in the puddles. Stray cats scavenging for food fighting their way with undomesticated dogs. Just like how I’m hopelessly fighting for mine. The water ripples in each leap I made completely in sync with the raindrops. I would have appreciated the harmony if I was not on the edge of danger. I tripped and stumbled at a crevice of a narrow pavement. Landing straight on my face. Thankfully, I was able to shield it with my arms before the fall. Reaping only a few scratches on my chin, elbow and a scraped knee. Broke a shoe and sprained my left heel too. I skipped my way through in a lopsided motion, since I can’t waste any time even to remove the other shoe. It seems like the alleyway shrunk as I delve deeper into it. Swallowing me whole.

I was screaming at the top of my lungs.

“Help! somebody help me! He’s going to kill me!” My screams were drowned out by the noise coming from an underground bar, desperate calls fell on deaf ears. Bouncers turn a blind eye too by giving me a passive look. They didn’t respond to my heed. Keeping their business as usual.

The day started out fine. Everything was planned. After finishing my reports, I’ll meet you at our favorite restaurant for dinner. Since we rarely see each other now after you got a job. It’s no surprise that after getting accelerated thrice. You’re on your second promotion for the last six months right after your graduation. What a twist of fate? While you’ve got a bright future ahead of you, I don’t know how I ended up deserted and trapped in this hell hole?

***

I stayed on campus to finish a report as usual. I didn’t notice how the hours went by in a flash. Probably got consumed by trivial details again. Before I knew it, it was around nine in the evening. The security guard even gave me a courtesy greeting, nodding my way as I went out of the university library. Which was nothing new to him, since I often do my reports on campus.

“Got caught up reading again are we Billie?” He smiles gently. A reassuring one at that too.

“Yes Mike, “ I replied mirroring his smile as I gave him a canned coffee, “warm yourself with this. It’s getting chilly. I bet it’s going to rain soon.”

He took the treat and handed me an umbrella in exchange. “This will come handy then. I’m staying the night for my shift. Your boyfriend left this with me earlier.” This time his eyes were barely visible. The wrinkles on his face and laugh lines show up too. He’s the grandfather I never had.

I felt the calluses on his hands as I took the gift. Confirming how hardworking he has been. I enclosed it into mine and pursed my lips before talking, “Tim is not my boyfriend. He’s a boy friend and a best friend at that. We’re practically siblings,” I shrugged.

“If you say so.” He took off his cap and opened the coffee I brought him. “Take care of yourself out there.” Then he waved goodbye from his post.

I waved at him until I’m far enough to see his blurry image. Then went my way to see you.

***

I shook the bitter reverie out my head. You were the only thought I had ever since I went off campus. I was expecting you to jump out of nowhere to scare me again. Your usual antics. Though we both know you suck at it. Sorry. But you never showed up. I noticed someone following me for quite some time but when I looked back there was nobody around. It brought chills to my spine. In panic I pressed 1 for a few seconds. I could kiss the inventor of speed dials. As much as I curse the one who made voicemails, right now.

“Tim help me, I’m being chased by a pervert! Please ring back as soon as you receive this. I’ll try to stay alive until then.” I really sound desperate because I was. Maybe I’m just overreacting. Though I also called the police just to be sure.

“I understand ma’am the patrol is on their way as we speak. Try to go in a crowded place to confuse the assailant.” Then the call got dropped.

Suddenly the rain started to pour. I increased my walking pace. I was about to cross the other side of the street when I got pushed on the alleyway. I was confronted by a masked man. My memory seems hazy but the white mask with a black teardrop is utterly familiar. He pinned me against the wall. That’s when it hit me.

He’s the serial killer from the news! Sh*t!

As the realization washes over me, I tried to break away and successfully did by kicking his crotch.

We brawled, I ran as much as I could no matter how slippery the pavement was. He grabbed me by the hair and yanked me. The lavender dress you gifted me on my seventeenth birthday last year is a mess now. It’s threadbare and annoyingly hugging my body. He breathes under his mask and his dark chuckle is enough proof of what a maniac he is.

“Let me go!” I tried to break free for the second time.

He pulled me closer feeling the intensity of his body against mine. His heat is more of a curse than a comfort. My heartbeat went even more erratic, when he snapped something from his back pocket- a _knife? He playfully teases its cold blade against my neck. The beast enjoys peeking through the silhouette of my dress exposing my lace undergarments, sniffing me like a dog. Then he traces it in circling motion using the tip of his knife. Still dissatisfied with that, he forcefully pulled one of my sleeves. The rainwater started to feel like ice clawing against my skin. I shiver not only with the situation but for the various horrific scenarios playing inside my head.

I frantically remember how you taught me the basic self-defense maneuver. Stomping against his feet with all my strength then elbowed him. Thankfully he let go of the knife due to the unexpected move. I used that chance to resume my pace and sprinted deeper into the alleyway. Screaming for help at the top of my lungs. But people just ignored me. When the lightning flashed again, I saw a metal trash bin a few meters from where I stand. A spark of hope lit up inside me.

Surging against the torrential rain, I desperately climbed it up. It seems pointless but I clawed my way to the brick wall. Just needs a bit extra effort because it’s slippery, due to the water and accumulated moss. I was half-way the distance to the other side, when he jumped on the trash bin. Crouching like a lion ready to pounce me anytime. Still I did not let it faze me. I felt a stinging sensation on my fingertips against the rough surface. Treading on ignoring the blisters.

“You’re a trapped mouse. It’s futile to resist.” Even in his muffled voice through the mask, the threat still stands.

Though it feels like my new found hope is slipping right through my fingers. I did not stop struggling.

“I’d rather die trying!” I lunged back and kicked his face.

Tim, what are you doing right now? Have you had dinner yet? Are you still waiting for me at our favorite restaurant? Or did you have to do another overtime like the last time you stood me up? The nerve you have. Did you grow your hair out longer for the last six months? Or rather had a mustache? Are you still slouching when you walk or sit?

These nonsensical questions flood my head.

Sorry for always being late, this time I have a valid excuse. It’s a real life or death situation.

I chuckled inside my head.

Even if I die now at least I died fighting. How I miss the cozy stargazing we used to do. Lying flat on a grassy field. The random trips we used to take. Nasty foods we tasted for the first time. Maybe it’s true that when you’re about to die, your life flashes before you. Watching what kind of movie you have lived up until now. Joys, regrets, embarrassing moments, victories and a whole lot of emotions overwhelming your existence all at once. Narrowing it down to what and who really matters to you. Just that and all inhibitions gone. The bravest and your most honest form - the real you.

Everything slowed down prolonging my agony. He finally grabbed my left leg and grappled me down. Before I even had the chance to fight back he already covered my nose with a cloth. I felt nauseous. The world is spinning. Right before I closed my eyes, I saw a starless sky. I grin a little, ‘your favorite sight.’ Then all went black.