Winter Walk

You blink

And look briefly over your shoulder, but only half turning your head. Did you hear footsteps? Or was it just your imagination following close behind? Looking, once again, steadfastly forward, your warm breath exhales into… what?

Steam?

You wonder briefly. Surely humans don’t breathe out steam. No. That can’t be right! It must be condensation… yes, that’s it. Condensation.

It may sound odd to others, but you often chat to yourself inside your head when you are nervous.

And you are nervous now.

This walk is short and pleasant on a crisp spring evening, or a shining summer’s day. But now! In the dead of winter… It’s cold. And dark. And somehow longer.

Perhaps you should have listened to the others and taken the bus. But as usual, you know best. You laughed at their caution.

Startled you spin round.

Yes!

Certain this time that you heard footsteps.

You turn to run and slam into the strong chest of a strong man. He grabs your arms as you bounce off him.

“Whoa! Steady… Are you alright, miss?”

The question is genuine, but your heart is pounding with fear. He has you gripped by both arms. His grip is gentle, but your fear feels his strength.

From behind you hear the footsteps, closer. Ever closer.

Your mouth opens to eject the scream rising from your gut.

“Oh, hello dear. It’s Cassie, isn’t it?”

Your scream is throttled as you turn your head to the talking footsteps behind. The man’s soft grip releases you.

You stammer and answer to the middle aged lady and her dog. Yes, you are Cassie, you say.

“It’s me, dearie. Mrs Jackson.”

A giggle combined with a sob burbles from you.

It’s Mrs Jackson, your neighbour from two doors down! Without thinking, you hug her.

“I think she was a bit spooked by the dark,” says the soothing voice of the tall man.

Mrs Jackson laughs.

“Oh, hello Mr Thompson. Yes. I think you are right. She is new in this neighbourhood. Come with us Cassie, we can all walk home together.”

And nobody ever sees you again…