Amy awoke. She wasn't sure why but knew, instinctively, it wasn't good. Someone was in the house, she felt it.
She lay perfectly still, listening intently, unwilling to even breathe for fear of missing a sound, the clue she'd need to react. The wind blew in a powerful gust and a shudder slammed suddenly against the outside wall of the old home, prompting a startled shriek to escape her as her body jumped what seemed to be two feet straight up. Maybe that was it, had the loose shudder awakened her? It didn't matter, she was leaving and not coming back. She'd return the money and find another way to pay tuition.
Amy quietly gathered her things in the dark, sliding yesterday's dress over the tee shirt she'd been sleeping in and then slipping on her running shoes. She grabbed everything within reach and jammed it into her bag, unconcerned with getting it all. That feeling of dread was back, despite still not hearing any sound from the rest of the house. It was irrational, an overreaction she tried to convince herself. But it enveloped her.
She'd take the back stairs, they led to kitchen and the back door, very close to where her car was parked. She delayed her departure only long enough to tie her sneakers. They'd be quieter than shoes and she was ready to run if necessary. Amy crept to the door, her heart pounding with every creak of the floorboards. Slowly pushing open the squeaky door, just far enough to slip out, she listened. No sound. The back stairs were about ten feet down the hall on the right.
Amy reached into her purse, fumbling through its contents. Why did she have so much crap in here? First she located her keys, placing them in her left hand, ready for quick use once she reached the car. Finally she found her mace, now gripped firmly in her right hand. Anyone who may be between her and the car was not going to enjoy it. She slipped into the hallway and froze.
He was tall, extremely tall, nearly eight feet. He was thin and wore a tattered coat and tails. He stared blankly at Amy and only now did she notice his yellow eyes. She could see him clearly, perfectly, in the dark hall but also right through him. He wasn't real, like a hologram. Neither of them moved. Amy whimpered in fear involuntarily.