OUT OF THE WOODS

OUT OF THE WOODS

A getaway in the cabin in the woods was a good idea as we needed this break. It was a little after midnight when we sat up, alarmed at a loud clanging outside.

Byron looked out, but could see nothing. Another clang! Byron stepped out inspite of my repeated urging not to. Flicking on the table lamp yielded no results. Damn the power cut at the right time!

He returned in a bit and reassured me.

"Just some woodland scavenger looking for food scraps. You know how the silence of the woods are at night. The slightest noise gets amplified". Relieved, I settled myself under the covers.

I almost jumped out of my skin when I saw a silhouette of a man against the windowpane. Panicking wildly, I grabbed Byron.

The tapping on the window made my blood run cold and I couldn't hold back a scream. The shadowed face loomed large!

"Verona! Open the door for God sake! I've locked myself out!"

Right then, I saw a serrated edge of a steel blade gleaming in the moonlight. 'Byron' had a horrific smile and his lips stretched from ear to ear as I felt the cold metal against my throat…

©️ Sangeetha Kamath

ENDLESS NIGHT

It was past dinner time and I just couldn't wait to dig in. The house was dark as I approached it. The cook must have left long ago. I let myself in after a bout of frustration when the lock didn't give in at first. When the door finally opened, I could get the aroma of my favorite food. But first things first.

Wait! Somebody was shuffling outside the door. Wringing my hands together, I darted my head about. There were no other houses for another mile so it could only be 'him'!

I could sense some hesitation outside.

Did I close the door properly? Lock it well? There was no time to think.

Upstairs!

Grabbing a knife from the kitchen, I tiptoed my way up. I could hear him in the hallway now. Hide! My brain seemed to scream and I slipped into the closet, my hands clutching the knife till my fingers went white.

Anytime now. He would come to this closet to hang his coat and would be my 'seventh' in the Lyndale County Serial Murders when I went for the jugular. I giggled softly as I waited…

©️ Sangeetha Kamath

Pic Courtesy: Pixabay

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Sangeetha Kamath

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