I was watching television when it all happened. There was a show, a reality show to be exact, where twenty people were thrown into an apartment together. People like myself would sit on our couches and watch the madness play out. Girls would scream, guys would beat the others head in and, in the end; everyone would have sex at least once. It's almost like watching a channel all about animals and their habits…
As I sat completely engrossed in the show, there was a person sneaking into the house. I didn't hear it happening, of course, because the television was turned up too loud. However, when I felt that cold piece of metal tickle my throat, there was no doubt in my mind that a person was standing behind the couch.
It was frightening and I made sure not to move. What would happen if there was even the slightest movement? Would blood begin gushing from my neck, bringing me to a slow and agonizing death? Who knows…
I could hear them breathing behind me. It was slow and steady, compared to what it was 'supposed' to be. I thought the perp would be heaving with the adrenaline of such an event. But those were amateurs; this person must be a
seasoned
burglar.
"There is cash in the top drawer in the kitchen. You'll have to move some towels but there's six-hundred dollars for the taking." My eyes remained locked on the screen. I had lost track of what was going on in their scripted television land. It seemed as if the intruder was pondering something. After a minute or so, they laughed. It was low and daunting. I had to keep my body from rattling with shivers.
The hair above my right ear moved. I could feel their breath tickle down the side of my neck. "If I wanted money, I would've taken it and been gone by now, sweets."
A man. Most definitely a man. I had suspected it already, though. I mean, why would a woman want to break in and not have sliced my throat by now?
"Then leave." It was a bold,
very
bold statement and command. But it seemed to work, if only a little.
The weapon left my skin and I stayed put. "I won't do that." He shoes thumped against the floor. He was moving to my left but I dare not steal a glance.
"Why not? If money is not what you desire, then leave." Did that even make sense? He'd have to kill me before I obliged other requests, though.
It went silent in the room. All but the television, at least. Then there was the sound of a click from my left. I didn't have any lights on and the room went dark. He had turned off the TV. I was blind now. Being blind for a few moments could be very detrimental.
I waited for his shoes to boom through the room once more. The seconds ticked through my mind. One Mississippi, Two Mississippi, Three Mississippi….Seventy Mississippi….One hundred twenty Mississippi….
This was becoming maddening! It'd only been two minutes!
"What do you want?!" The world seemed to shake. I didn't think it'd sound as loud as it did. His chuckle steadied the surroundings once more.
"You will find out soon enough. Keep countin' those Mississippi's all the way to three-hundred and then the fun will begin." He spoke the last syllable and, again, the room fell silent.
What was I at now? Two-hundred? Okay, let's go from that…
Two-hundred one Mississippi…
Two-hundred ten Mississippi…
Two-hundred fifty Mississippi…Was I beginning to skip numbers? Or was time flying by?
Two-hundred eighty Mississippi
Two-hundred ninety Mississippi…
Two-hundred ninety-one Mississippi
"Nine…"
