The sound of her running echoed throughout the night as the woman shouted for help. Her hands were blistered red, the beautiful; yet deadly color swallowed her knuckles whole and slowly faded out at the base. She begins to jog to catch her breath. Despite it being summer, the air was crisp, and cold pavement on her bare feet felt as if she stepped on glass. Surely no one was getting out of bed this late. People are tired and knowing school was starting in a few days was giving people more of a reason to get started. Her breath slowly hitched, Dana was getting tired and she knew it. She couldn't keep this running up for long.
 "Hello," The tuckered, tired woman began to shout. Not to anyone in particular, but for anyone to hear. "Can someone help me!" However, no one answered the woman's plead.Â
The street was quiet. A roach was able to make waves in such a small puddle. She cursed to herself as she was forced to keep running. She needed to find help. Hell, even a first aid. She reached her hand over to feel the striking pain in her side. Yep, still bleeding. She didn't know why she thought it stopped. Maybe she wanted this to still be a dream. Maybe deep down she wanted to wake up in the morning and wipe this away. But it didn't matter. She began to slowly walk through the town. The street lights granted her a little bit of safety than before. Never in all her life has Dana ever decided to come to this side of town. The shops here were always too pricey, and the workers always seemed snooty. Looking through one of the shop windows, you could see toys, electronics, and any other things that would make a kid squeal around this time of year. It reminded her of Avery. Maybe she should get her a gift. Just as the old woman opened her mouth to say something. The street lights began to combust. One by one she watched as the lights, which were once a bright white burned into a yellow and then shatter on the ground.
 He was here. Panic erupts through each vein in her body. She had to get somewhere, somewhere quick. Dana looks at the places that surround her. Places like the toys and clothing stores were closed this time of night.
"what the hell!" Dana's eyes widened as she saw a 24-hour restaurant near the end. Before her eyes could even settle on what it was, her feet began moving. Nothing made sense at this point. All she knew was to keep running and don't stop for anything. The sound of his echoes almost sounded like bubbling water.Â
 When she finally made it to the glass door she quickly pulled it open. She didn't care if there were people inside. She just wanted a safe place for the night.Â
When she entered, the diner gave off a sailor look. Several fish were hung on the wall, waiting to be pressed to move up and down. Front and center was the old cranky-looking steering wheel. She rolled her eyes and sighed as she sat at one of the ship-like tables. Normally, she would've complained over the terrible decor if she hadn't caught on to the fact that no one was around. Not a single cook, server, or customer sat in this establishment. She knew she would have to run again, but at least seeing one person would make her feel somewhat safer. She stood up and grabbed a glass from the front. This game was getting a little tiring.
 The truth of the Matter was, that she'd been running from this thing for over 20 years, every time making sure she found someone to keep her company or better yet; someone to sacrifice. It never stops though, the torment. Every few months, a tall man with brown hair and weirdish clothing. Comes at night just for her. At first she believed it was some Ex of hers playing some sort of prank because of their break-up, but no one would keep a joke like that running for long. Dana leans up against the sink she used to get some water. She didn't want to keep this up, she wanted this to end. The lights flickered once more before she could finish. The drops the glass onto the floor.Â
 "Here we go, again."