You often took walks, more then lately, at night. Thats when the world felt quiet and the stars began to scatter across the dark canvas of the sky. It was your favorite. As music sung through your headphones you focused on kicking the pubbles along the windy path through the park. As usual, following your regular path around yiur neighborhood.

It was like stepping into a dream—completely empty streets with no one in sight, no people, no dogs. A few passing cars with their bass shaking the ground..but nothing else. Or thats what you had originally thought.

Without warning, you were thrown completely off balance. Stumbling, your body hit the ground hard. Confused, you quickly scanned the area to see what—or who—had collided with you.

Lying beside you was a man, his body trembling as he struggled to push himself upright.

“Wholy crap- Are you alrig-…” You started up, turning your body as you watched the man try and attempt to push himself up weakly. Your voice faltering as your eyes locked on him.

“I-I… I’m f-f..uh- fine,” He interrupted in a stuttery and shaky tone, his voice weak but his eyes still sharp meeting yours with an almost defiant glare.

Even as he spoke, your eyes were far more focused on the dark crimson staining the fabric of his hoodie. It was so dark it almost looked black. The muddy pale color of the fabric only made the spreading pool more stark and haunting. Yet, despite the obvious blood loss, there was something unsettling about him. He didn’t look like someone in pain—no grimace, not even a flinch. It was as though he couldn’t feel it at all.