The music from the club pounded through the walls. The rhythmic thump sending a cacophony of noise sprawling through the otherwise quiet night. The door burst open and a young woman jolted outside, tear streaked makeup trailing black lines down her cheeks. She moved quickly onto the sidewalk. The door pounded open again and a similar aged man broke into the night. ”Jenny come on. Where are you going? Talk to me.” the man cried after the woman.

”No, Fuck off prick.” Jenny called out behind her. Voice cracking with obvious hurt. She didn’t even turn around just kept walking. The man chased behind and reached out an arm to grab a hold of her. ”Come on, just wait.” ”Ow! Piss off” She yelled as she struggled out of his grip and continued down the road tears uncontrolled streaming down her face. ”Fine Bitch, if that’s how you want it, fine.” The man retorted and turned to head back to the club.

Jenny walked alone, arms wrapped around her, hugging her body for warmth. It had been a warm day but she was dressed for the club and with the fall of night the temperature dropped enough to make her uncomfortable. She just kept walking aimlessly through the night, trying to blow off steam. After a time she paused and looked around only now realizing that it might not be the safest thing to be alone walking the streets at night.

”Hello.” came a voice from beside her. Her hackles raised and skin became riddled with goosebumps. Her heart began to pound in her chest and fear poured through her very being. Her head whipped involuntarily to the sound and there in her gaze stood a monster from every horror movie imaginable. A shrouded figure dressed all in black face covered by a wide brimmed hat. Her mouth dried and she gasped in fright. But the figure didn’t move.

”I said hello. Are you ok?” The words were spoken softly and penetrated through her fear. She let out her breath, calming herself. ”You scared me.”
”I’m sorry. That wasn’t my intention. You look out of sorts. Like you might be in trouble. Are you in trouble?”

”No, I just had a fight with my boyfriend. It’s been one of those nights” despite the figure making no move Jenny couldn’t help but feel an ever growing sense of dread. Like something just wasn’t right.

”I see, We have all had days like that.” The figure moved for the first time as it reached up and removed the wide brimmed hat and revealed a grotesquely misshapen bald head with a mouth of jagged teeth. Jenny gasped again terror flooding her primal brain, instinctively recognizing a predator. Just as she was about to turn to flee, the figure spoke again.

2 successes


”Please don’t go.” the words were simple but something about them caught Jenny’s feet. ”I am not scary am I?” Jenny looked again at the figure and suddenly realized something. Her fear was gone. The figure stood the same as it had but the feeling of dread was replaced by something else. A feeling of awe washed over her. ”No.” She laughed with a release of nervous tension. ”You aren’t scary at all, Sorry I don’t know what came over me.”

”That’s quite alright. You have been through a lot. I take no offence.” Jenny doesn't know why but she is glad she didn’t offend this stranger. ”I’m Jenny

”Very nice to meet you Jenny. I am Grey,. I hope we can be friends.”

The thought of having Grey as a friend filled Jenny with happiness, she wiped her eyes trying to make herself presentable for her new friend.

”The night is dark and full of danger, Please allow me to escort you home.” said Grey

failure


”Oh no, That’s ok. I am fine honest.” Jenny replied, ”I don’t live that far away. I will be alright.”


But Grey would not be dissuaded, ”Please, I would never forgive myself if something were to happen to you on your way home. It is always better to travel in company. Besides I am a great listener.

1 success


Jenny considered, it was true that the night was creepy when she was alone it would be nice to have someone with her ”I guess, I mean if you are sure.”

Grey nodded and replaced the hat. With measured steps the two walked.

Jenny awoke some time after noon. She remembered getting home with the mysterious Grey who was perfectly polite as Jenny talked through the night about her life. Then at some point she must have dozed off. She didn’t even get a phone number. She was left with nothing but a pleasant memory. All in all she felt it was a good night after all.