"Alone" by Dan McKeithan

Alone

by Dan McKeithan

The sun sets behind the clouds, and the night breeze flows through the windows. Our torn curtains shimmer in the wind. I listen; you still haven’t returned. It’s been too long. It’s always dark outside, and I’m afraid to look out. I’m afraid of what I’ll see, what I won’t see, or that I won’t see you.

The sounds from outside, in our little section of the woods, make me wish for you now. The howls and screams. The bloody terror.

The window’s still open and the small rustic cabin seems dim. It was once a thriving place. Daylight shimmering through the new golden curtains. Just you and me, safe from the world. Safe from the outside. We didn’t need to go out. We had everything here. Why did you have to go? 

The one candle in the center of the room doesn’t give off the light it once seemed to. The smell, the odor of decay is strong. Almost enough to make me want to go and shut the window. But I can’t. I don’t want to see the outside. I have to wait on you. 

It seems like it’s been days, but probably only hours. You went to get supplies. We didn’t need them, but you wanted to make sure if something happened. If they came here, then I could survive. I begged and begged for you to stay. Has the sun risen since you left? I’m stuck inside, waiting on you. If you don’t come back, what will I do? How can I fend for myself if they come again.

The wood creaks on the floor. Are you back? I look toward the window. I want to go to it but can’t. My hunger grows. I’ve missed you. 

The front door blows open. It is you! So strong and vital. You’re heart beat is fast and secure. It speeds up. 

I crawl toward you, you back away. I must have you. 

You raise your shotgun, Why? I just need to see you, hug you, feel you, bite you.

You have turned to one of them and can’t be trusted anymore. I must eat.

BANG!