The slimy mud stuck onto his shoes, staining dark patches against his off white shoes.
Puddles were scattered across the pathway, with last nights rainfall leaving a slick residue of water across the sleek concrete. Fallen leaves and small, scrawny twigs intertwined together in the puddles, forming a mess of intangible slop.
Gerald trudged along aimlessly, occassionally looking behind him to check if anyone was following him. Only the shadows loomed across the road, covering the natural moonlight. He hadn't realised it had gotten so late, spending his nights studying in the library. As he walked home, the chilling wind whipped relentlessly against his face, boring holes into his skin. He shifted uncomfortably in his overcoat, making a feeble attempt to retain his warmth.
The road home was dark and desolate, with no one else sharing his journey but his shadow. The occassional car drove past quickly to return to their safe sanctuary of home. The feeling of uncertainty creeped up on Gerald as if tapping him gently on the shoulder. Gerald looked around once more, but was again met with nothing. Only the sound of his wet footsteps echoed against the ground, providing him some reassurance that he was indeed walking home.
As he passed the canopy of trees that had previously blocked out all light, he saw the moonlight shining ephemerally into the street. He felt eerie, yet serene. There was a calming effect about the moon that he did not understand, as he momentarily pondered what could be happening exactly at that moment somewhere else, somewhere where the moon was also shining.
Gerald's body stiffened, sensing as though there was somebody walking behind him. He could not hear footsteps, and looking back, all he could see was the dark, dense shrubbery.
He shrugged off his uneasyness, focusing his thoughts on a completely different matter.
What should he do for his mothers 75th birthday? Why was that woman even alive for that matter? All she seemed to do was drone on about old news and politics, smelling like decayed sandalwood and cheese. He never wanted to visit her, her house was old and creaky and needed a new plumbing system.
Scoffing at his previous paranoia, Gerald smirked at his thought that nothing could be scarier than spending extended periods of time with his mum.
Gerald felt a chill pass through him that seemed to steal his confidence away, as once again he realised he was still alone on the dark road. Walking home now felt like a lifetime, and the feeling of paranoia crept back into him.
Goosebumps formed on the back of his neck. 'I swear I can feel something following me', he thought panicking. Yet at the same time did not want to look around again in case he saw whatever it was, or yet, nothing once again.
Just as he thought he heard a shuffle come closer towards him, Gerald saw his familiar driveway that installed a sense of ease. He made a light run for the door, and fumbled with his keys madly to get in.
Phew.
Opening the door, he was greeted with momentary darkness before he turned on all the lights, making sure there was nothing there. Whatever could there be?
After half an hour, Gerald had settled down, feeling silly for causing such an internal commotion.
With his microwaved tv-dinner in hand, he made his way into the lounge room to relax, even for a little while.
It was not until he had finished his meal and returned to the lounge room that he noticed it.
The faint shuffling noise once again... Though he could not tell where it was coming from.
-to be continued-
