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Whispers in the dark: A collection of stories

Jessie_Smith_8486
7
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Chapter 1 - The Man In The Window

It was 2:30 am, and as I wrapped up my duties at the bar, I decided to take a final stroll around the premises. Over the years, I had discovered forgotten belongings left by customers, like wallets and watches, hidden beneath the booths. To ensure nothing was left behind, I diligently scanned the area one last time before switching off the lights and bidding farewell for the night. As I reached the bar's exit, contemplating what I would eat upon returning home, the bustling streets outside were filled with revelers enjoying the night. I plugged in my headphones, immersing myself in music, blissfully unaware that I was being observed.

Upon arriving at my apartment, I ensured the door was securely locked before slipping off my shoes and pouring a glass of wine. Seated at my kitchen table, scrolling through TikTok, I caught a glimpse of movement in the periphery of my vision. It was the silhouette of a man standing beneath the carport, just outside my apartment. Intrigued, I rose from my seat and approached the window, but to my surprise, the man had vanished. Chalking it up to exhaustion, I dismissed the incident and returned to my wine, preparing to unwind with a relaxing shower.

However, after a mere five minutes, the enigmatic silhouette reappeared in the same spot. Determined to investigate, I slipped on my shoes and ventured outside, cautiously making my way towards the sidewalk. I scanned left and right, searching for any signs of the mysterious figure, but found no one. Thinking he might be hiding among the parked cars, I ventured onto the carport, yet the man remained elusive. Convinced that fatigue had played tricks on my mind, I retreated indoors, locking the door behind me, and proceeded to gather my shower essentials in my room.

Midway through washing my hair, I was startled by a creaking floorboard in my room. Pausing, I strained my ears, but apart from the sound of running water, nothing else reached my senses. Hurriedly rinsing off the shampoo, I completed my shower, got dressed, and with thoughts of the mysterious figure still lingering in my mind, I cautiously stepped out of my room to survey the kitchen and living room for any signs of intrusion. Finding everything in order, I returned to my room and settled into bed, hoping to quickly drift off to sleep.

Startled awake, I found myself gasping for breath, with a man's hands wrapped tightly around my neck. It took a moment to comprehend the danger I was in, but my survival instincts kicked in, and I fought back with all my strength. Punching, kicking, and contorting my body, I managed to slip off the bed, narrowly escaping his grasp. Struggling to regain my footing, I made a beeline for the bedroom door, where I kept an aluminum bat as a precaution. The sound of the intruder's heavy footsteps grew closer, propelling me into action. I grabbed the bat, spun around, and swung it like a golf club, aiming for his knee in an attempt to incapacitate him. My strike hit its mark, causing him to drop to his knees, and with one final blow to the base of his neck, I seized the opportunity to flee my apartment.

Panicked and trembling, I sprinted to the neighboring apartment building where my best friend resided. Desperately banging on his door, I pleaded for him to call 911. He quickly swung the door open, phone in hand, concern etched on his face. Amidst uncontrollable sobs, I recounted the horrifying ordeal to him, and he wasted no time summoning the police. After an agonizing 20-minute wait, we heard a knock on the door, and to my immense relief, it was the arrival of the police. I provided them with a detailed account of the events, and they promptly proceeded to my apartment.

Unfortunately, by the time they arrived, the intruder had vanished without a trace.

Returning to my friend's apartment, the police took my statement while offering medical assistance, which I declined. They photographed my injuries for documentation purposes and assured us that an officer would be stationed in the parking lot as a precaution. I took a leave of absence from work and remained confined to my friend's apartment for four days. Packing up my belongings, I swiftly settled any remaining lease payments and decided to leave that apartment behind. Seeking solace and safety, I moved in with my best friend, determined to always remain vigilant and attentive to my surroundings—whether at home or out and about. My ordeal serves as a stark reminder to trust our instincts when something seems awry, for our senses can often be our greatest allies in preserving our well-being.