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"The Man at the Park"

 Often times the longest days involve the darkest of nights. And as I sat in my car, smoking my cigarette, I pondered about life as my eyes were transfixed on the night sky. The stars sparkled in varying patterns, each spaced apart as if some grand design existed just to fill my eye with a moment of glee.

As I got huffed the last portion of my cigarette, I noticed something out of the corner of my eye. It was a shadow that seemed to effortlessly glide across the ground as whoever cast it walked through the park under the many streetlamps.

I turned my head to further transfix my mind on the person. It appeared to be some guy in a hoodie. He had a hat on, possibly a beanie. He bobbed his head to some invisible beat as he walked. He made me feel uneasy in a way I couldn't quite describe.

I tossed my cigarette butt out and rolled up the car window. I turned the key and my engine roared to life. I needed to get home. Glancing down at my car radio, I saw that it was nearly midnight. I didn't have anyone waiting up for me, but I didn't feel right entering my apartment building so late. I didn't want to wake anyone up.

After I pulled up, I got out of my car. I saw someone rounding the corner to walk past me. Was it the same guy from the park? There's no way. He looked so familiar though.

I grabbed my keys and walked into my apartment. I shut the door and dropped my bag on the ground. After a few more steps, I plopped down on the couch and threw my head back. It was nice to finally be back home.

I made a grab for my television remote and the tv flashed to life. The sounds of a news woman echoed through my apartment. She mentioned something about a man. As my eyes adjusted to the brightness of the television, I couldn't help but hear the woman describe the dangerous man in question. He's described in a hoodie and a beanie. As his face flashed on the screen, I knew exactly who they were referring to. It was the man at the park.

Suddenly, the power to my apartment died, shrouding me in complete blinding darkness.

In the silence I could hear footsteps shuffling around. I tried looking where the sound was coming from but the darkness was like an impenetrable fog. The sounds grew closer and yet I could see nothing. Then I felt a sharp pain in the back of my neck. I could feel the knife sliding into me. And then, nothing.

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