A Night In October (Part 1)

A cool breeze fell over her as she stepped out onto the paved walk. Glancing sideways, the wind caught her dark brown hair, and she struggled to see as it blew out into her face. As she quickly tucked it behind her ear, the breeze died down, and once more, she faced the still night. 1

Down the road a piece, streetlights flickered anxiously and a few rebel leaves turned loose from the trees and fell to the cold earth as another light breeze swept by, carrying a scent so foreboding of a rain to come. She inhaled deeply, her eyes closed in a state of euphoria sensing a nostalgic scent on the wind. A sly smile crossed her lips and she turned to face upwind.2

Her deep hazel eyes searched the darkness for a familiar figure, but to no avail. A few autumn leaves skidded by unannounced, then disappeared as quickly as they came. While small creatures scurried at their best to make their way home, not a single bird flew in the sky, and the entire situation seemed ominous. Once more, a hush fell over the cloudy night. Her smile faded as she strained to pick up even the slightest noise, a bird chirping in the distance, a soft trickling of water, a car speeding off into the night, but nothing could be heard. A dull tingle ran up her spine causing her to shiver. She gingerly lifted a hand up to her neck and slowly rubbed in hopes of banishing the strange feeling inside her.3

A gentle rumbling skimmed the sky, breaking the tense silence, and bringing her back to reality. The air was thick now, which made it hard to breathe yet in spite of this, she drew in a deep breath, then let it out slowly.4

Suddenly, a loud, harsh clap of thunder ripped through the humid air, its presence illuminating the world for a split second. As if on cue, rain began pouring down in heavy blankets, instantly soaking her.5

Now her brown hair clung to her face, her black halter top seemed as if it were painted on her skin, and her tight blue jeans turned black under the rain. She hastily pushed a lock of wet hair out of her eyes as she caught glimpse of a ghostlike figure crossing the street ahead of her. Alert and interested, she began to cross the street as this storm phantom made its way slowly down the walk.6