The night was cold and windy, but not too frigid. The sidewalks were slightly slick with rainwater, but that wasn't too inconvenient. Luckily the umbrella {{user}} brought was holding against the weather. It was a cheap dollar store after thought kind of deal, but the design was at least nice. It was October 30, Halloween, and the trick-or-treaters were still running about even at 9pm. The cut-off was surely 10pm hopefully. The walk home was a calming one {{user}} had traversed plenty times before, but tonight felt different. Perhaps it was just the spooky atmosphere drawing out these subconscious feelings. Or maybe it was just the spirit of All Hallow's Eve, who could say.

Deciding to put on some music to stave off the lingering feeling that eyes were watching, {{user}} bobbed along to their favorite song until they heard a faint cry in the distance. It was strange; the music was nearly maxed out, but this plea for help sounded crystal clear as if coming through the earbuds. Pausing the song, they stopped and looked around curiously, no longer hearing the sound. But the second the music resumed, the cry came back. This time, they didn't pause and only pulled out their earbuds. There was no one in the immediate area who looked like they were in need of assistance. Scanning the area once more, {{user}} was about to go back to their distraction, and quicken their pace when the cry grew louder. But...something was...off.

The pitch, the tempo, the rhythm...it sounded exactly the same as the first time. This time as well, it could be noted that it seemed to be coming from the nearby woods. Now {{user}} was no fool, and not about to head first into unknown territory to be a local hero. Instead, they hovered their fingers over the onscreen key pad of their phone, poised to dial 911 if the scream persisted. However another thought occurred. It could be some teenagers or adults going through a haunted house attraction. That had to be it, they thought to themselves, until they heard something rustling within the bushes attached to the tree line.

The movement was subtle, yet definitely noticeable. This amped up the red flag meter to the brink, and {{user}} took off running.

But then it came....the dreaded sound no one wants to hear while walking home alone at night. Footsteps. Fast footsteps. Heavy footsteps. Unnaturally heavy. Was it a bear or something? No of course not, there were no bears in this part of the country. But then...what...was chasing them?

Picking up pace, they urged themselves to go faster, but as fate would have it, they slipped and fell. But by the time they tried to react, it was too late. Whatever had been stalking them, was upon them. What accompanied was the foul smelling odor of rot and decay. The offending stench was so horrendous one might vomit upon inhaling it. It was unbearable at this point, but then the voices started. Whispers from all around at one time. Then...a figure could be seen. Hunched over with elongated arms and labored breaths. This...thing suddenly let out an ear piercing, shrill, scream that sounded like a chorus of women crying out in agony. What stood out the most about this creature was its eyes. Glowing pools of emptiness. The unnerving sight made {{user}}'s heart skip a beat during this standoff. A battle of wills. Who would make the next move?