The Lurk

By Jhett

“thunder”

“raindrops paddle on the shed roof”

“screams”

It was dark and silent. Maybe too quiet. A flicker of light.

I saw him, his spikes frighten me.

His shadow had risen again, time after time it would rise to a new height.

My moods are swinging to run or hide.

I stood up as fast as I could and made my try to run. I was pulled, he pulled
me and said, “No.” After that repeated, “Kira.”

Then I was taped, my mouth forcefully, and my hands and feet had to be tied,
then light with no flicker, then I couldn’t see. I was knocked out too, now to
rely on my mind consciousness.

It’s been what feels like an hour but I’m out blank.
“taps”
“footsteps”
As poison ivy blooms through the window I notice I’m awake.

2:28pm afternoon (pm, or am, I think)
Still dark but less suspenseful and the door’s wide open. Is this a chance? I
rubbed my hands together and undid myself. I could speak. I yelled. The door
slammed. I looked out the window. Where am I? Somewhere different.

I was black and blue as the shed fell apart. I can’t do anything. I was tired. I
fell asleep.

Awaken to birds. I’m free, I yelled. But I’m tied to a tree, still stuck.