The Unexpected Reunion

You get a text message from an unknown number saying, “Meet me outside. Now.”-This prompts is an invitation to step inside writing creativity - Kelsey Worsham

My phone buzzed, a stinging sensation against the quiet of my living room. Glancing at the screen, I saw a message from an unidentified number: "Meet me outside." now.

I wrinkled, my heart accelerating. At 11:30 PM, I expected no one. I looked about my poorly lighted apartment, the shadows on the walls moving ghostly. Who might this be? Was it just a joke?

My curiosity won out over me. I reached for my coat and slid on my shoes. The temperature inside was warm; the outside air was cool and crisp, a dramatic contrast. I left onto the poorly lit street, the only sounds audible being the distant hum of traffic and the sporadic chirp of crickets.

The roadway lay vacant. I turned around, looking for someone maybe waiting for me. Once more my phone buzzed, causing me to leap. "Over here," another message from the same unidentified number.

Turning toward the direction I thought the message was pointing, I came upon a figure seated beneath the streetlight at the end of the block. They were covered in darkness; their features were not unique. Something drove me on even though my instincts screamed at me to turn back.

The person moved into the light as I got closer. She was a woman, her face just partially covered by a hood. She seemed familiar, but I couldn't find where I had seen her prior.

"Who are you?“ Trying to keep my voice calm, I asked.

She drew down her cowl to expose a face I hadn't seen in more than ten years. She said quietly, "It's me, Clara."

My brain ran. In high school, Clara had been my best friend; until one night she vanished without any trace. Nobody knew what had happened to her, and finally the search had been canceled. viewing her now seemed as though one were viewing a ghost.

'Clara? How... Where have you disappeared to? I muttered, confused relief drowning over me.

She added hurriedly, "There's no time to explain," looking about as though she expected someone to be observing us. "I need your help."

My brain whirled. "Support with what??"

Her voice quivering, "They're after me," she said. "I fled, but they will be looking for me. for each other. I must vanish once more, and I need your assistance in doing so.

"Who's after you?" I insisted, but before she could respond, behind us the sound of an automobile engine surged to life. A black SUV turned the bend, its headlights guiding us.

"Run!" Calling loudly, Clara grabbed my hand. The SUV surged behind us as we ran down the street. As we ran into an alley, the car squealing to stop, my heart hammered in my chest.

Trying to gather our breath, we turned behind a dumpster. Fear huge in her eyes, Clara stared at me. "I'm sorry for dragging you into this," she said softly.

"What is happening, Clara?" Those are humans, who are it? Still attempting to sort things, I asked.

"It's a long story," she added. But right now, we have to go as far away from here as we can.

I nodded, the weight of things sinking in. This really was true. Clara was in danger, and right now I too was. We stood without another word and started to run once more, vanishing into the evening.

The queries might have to wait. Survival was all that counted right now.