I woke up. A freezing night. My heart pounding. I scrambled for the lamp on my nightstand. My chapped lips mouthed two words. Too late. The tree outside cast an intimidating shadow on the dimly lit wall, as a slow breeze came through the open window, extinguishing the candles. A constant sound of the clock ticking echoed throughout the apartment. I could hear Him. His slow but assertive steps, coming closer and closer to the door. Throwing my bed sheet to the floor, I ran for the open window. Looking down from the 5th floor, I realised her poor escape plan. With my chapped lips, I mouthed yet another two words. No time. The door made a loud creaking sound, as if it sensed the dread in the air. 

A pale woman in her crimson nightgown. Crazed look in her bloodshot eyes. Kitchen knife in her hands. A feeling of fright kept my feet planted. A recognisable musk entering my nostrils. I dropped the parcel. A dull thud came from the impact upon landing on the linoleum floor. I could feel my heart race. The moment she approached me, I ran. I ran as fast as I could. Not looking back, I clawed after my keys, desperately trying to unlock my Mustang. I got inside. Her shadow was not far away. Perhaps six metres. The engine started after a short cough.

He was still after me. I managed to grab a hold of a horse carriage, getting away from my apartment. The poor mare was sickly thin and pale, but it got me off and away. Thank God I got away. The chilling wind made my ears comfortably numb. Moonlight illuminating the rocky bridge. A reflection in the small lake. My reflection. Rolling stones caused ripples. A sense of solace. Safety.

I could feel the adrenaline rushing through my heart. My pupils dilating at the sight of the police car. After waving the car to an empty parking lot, I followed. The officer was tired. Probably sleep deprived. His eyes reflected the yellow streetlights surrounding us. It is not easy upholding the law. I thoroughly explained to him the horror I experienced. The pale woman in a red gown. The unfocused and frenzied eyes. The distinct stench. He tried calming me down. I complied to his sincere efforts in doing so.

I woke up yet again. I must’ve had fallen asleep. Exiting the carriage, I noticed two silhouettes standing not so far away. Underneath several oil lamps. They were busy speaking a foreign language. At first it sounded like Spanish. Then Arabic. But in the end it all sounded like gibberish. I felt something cold in my hand. It was a hilt. I gazed at the marvellous sword I held in my two hands, and heard the strangers speak of me. I heard their wishes to see me abused, raped and killed.  A discussion filled with disgusting passion. The monsters spoke of my position. They knew where I was, no use in hiding. I felt His towering shadow standing behind me. Surrounded. There’s no other way.

The stainless steel protruded from his chest, blood spraying all over me. Her. The same aroma. The whiff of an end. The same woman. The woman in the gown. She was weeping quietly. Her cold glare pierced my very being. Freezing me in place. Despite my efforts, I was paralysed. There was no escape.

I puffed the cigar smoke out. Another sleepless night. The view from 5th floor was not poor, neither astounding or extraordinary. I flipped through the different channels on the television. Nothing interesting. Sipping some whiskey, I thought about the odd package. It contained some strange incense and candles. I put it to use, having heard it soothes both body and mind. Taking another sip, I heard some footsteps outside my door. I felt a sensation of fear. As the door creaked open, the sound of a dull thud could be heard.