Don't Turn Around

The streets were deserted and covered in a blanket of snow as I stepped onto the street. It’s been three days since the blizzard passed.

As I walked the quiet neighborhood, footsteps that weren’t mine, came from behind me. The crunch of another footstep rang in my ear.

An old myth came to mind about hearing footsteps behind you. Some would tell the story that a loved one was following you or that a spirit was trying to lure you in and hurt you. You aren’t supposed to turn around. People said the veil between our world, and the spirits was closer than we thought. This phenomenon was compared to the lure of a siren.

I kept my eyes fixed on the snowy ground ahead.

Loud footsteps approached me, and I saw the outline of a boot in the snow. I followed the tracks as they went behind me…

Curiosity almost got the better of me.

Behind me came a faint whisper.

I stiffened at the realization something was playing a game and toying with me.

They wanted me to turn around. I picked up my pace.

My breaths came in short and fast, the icy air pricked the back of my lungs.

My house was in view. Just don't turn around. Whatever you do don't turn around.

My foot stepped off the main street and onto the walkway to my front door when a low laugh came from the street.

“Maybe next time.” Whispered the wind.

I ran inside.