-J
__________________________________________________
I
really, really hate messes. But unfortunately when you’re working as a waiter
in a dingy old restaurant, that comes with the job a lot. Tonight was just
another night, spent clearing dishes and wiping stains off tables that
disgusting customers leave behind. Why do they even do that, I will never know.
My
life wasn’t so purposeless and routine all the time. It actually used to be
pretty fun when I was growing up. Then I fell in with a different crowd, got
shipped off to this godforsaken place all alone, with no friends, no money, and
with no future. That’s my life. The work at the diner pays for my rent that
also keeps the water flowing and the heater working in the apartment that I
live in alone. Without it, I would be one of those homeless people living under
train overpasses and deserted areas of the city.
Grumbling
a little under my breath, I quickly sprayed the usual chemicals on the last
table and hurriedly wiped it off. I was eager to get home. After all, what was
the point of staying here more than I need to? It’s not like they’re paying me
enough to afford any much more. Once that was done I strode into the back,
grabbed my bag, and walked out. Another hard day’s work completed.
--
Darryl
knew that something was wrong pretty quickly. As a Walker he has been blessed
with greatly improved senses. But that was also a worry- he could tell that his
pursuer was quiet. Very quiet, unlike most people- which makes them even more
dangerous. Taking a deep breath, he got ready for the fight. He slowed his
footsteps to allow time for his pursuer to catch up, then when they were in
range, he turned back and at the same time, swung his feet in a perfect kick.
What
happened next surprised Darryl- the person under the hoodie easily dodged and
with a swift punch, had Darryl lying on the ground. Not about to be outdone,
Darryl flew to his feet and immediately prepared himself. This time his
attacker made the first move, with a strong front kick that was so quick and
powerful he barely managed to block it, taking a few steps back. Before he
could gather himself his attacker threw something at him.
Screaming
as the blade hit his abdomen, Darryl could only watch as his attacker then
landed punch after punch so hard that he could no longer stand. When that
happened he was grabbed by the collar and pushed against the wall.
‘Who
are you?’ Darryl moaned. ‘What do you want?’
Laughter
ensued.
‘You
don’t know? I was sent here to kill you,’ Darryl’s attacker replied as he
pulled the knife out from Darryl’s abdomen and stabbed Darryl in the chest.
Another piercing cry filled the night.
‘Why?’
Darryl asked weakly.
‘Because
you are a Walker,’ the hooded figure replied. ‘And I will kill every last one
of you’.
It
all became clear to Darryl now. He knew who sent this man. His last thought
before the knife was brought to his throat was that he hoped the two had hidden
themselves well.
--
It’s
been an old habit of mine not to listen to music while I’m walking home at
night. It sounds like a very paranoid thing to do, but I do know that many bad
things happen because people weren’t aware of their surroundings.
I
was almost home when this man jumped out of nowhere in front of me. By then my
instincts had kicked into overdrive. I saw that he had a shiny knife- I wasn’t
about to die like that. Quickly, I swung my bag at him, but he dodged. Damn, he’s fast, I thought. By the time
I had finished that thought he already had me in a choke hold.
Struggling,
I knew my time was running out. But I had one last trick up my sleeve.
‘Ow!’
And
with that kick to the crotch, I got up, grabbed my bags, and ran for my life.
But not before I heard the words ‘darn Walker’ come from the man’s mouth.
I
don’t know how he found me, or what this man wants from me, but I do know one
thing- my past is coming back to haunt me, and it could very well cost me my
life.
Time
to pack up and leave.
