The Favor

I never believed those “don’t look back” stories. I always thought people were just

dramatic. Until last year. I was walking home late at night, headphones on,

phone in my hand, not paying attention to anything. My music suddenly stopped.

I sighed and thought, Perfect. Of course this happens at night. I tapped my phone.

Nothing. That’s when I heard footsteps behind me. At first I smiled

and thought, Relax bro, you’re not in a horror movie. I walked faster.

The footsteps walked faster too. I told myself it was probably just someone going the

same way. To calm myself down… I coughed. The footsteps coughed back.