Eyes in the Dark

The Walk Home 10:30 PM. Just got off work, walking home. Headphones in.

Streets feel alive tonight. My hands are cold. Nails messed up. Pass the corner

store. Somebody yells, “Yo, you alone?” I keep walking.

I turn down an alley, hear footsteps behind me—fast. I speed up. Then it’s quiet.

Too quiet. Then, a man. Hoodie pulled tight, leaning against

a dumpster. I move to cross the street. He moves with me. I run.

No footsteps. Just a voice—my own voice—whispering, “Don’t leave…” I hit the main street.

Heart racing. Look at my phone. There’s a photo in my camera roll… It’s me walking.