I stared down at my boyfriend, watching as his chest rise and fall. He was in a deep sleep, I was sure of it. He always fell asleep before me. Little did he know I lay in bed, wide awake, unable to sleep, so often. Led in bed, the blankets stifling me, tossing and turning.
I'd been to the Doctor about my problem and he only came up with one possible cause. Insomnia. Unfortunately, he couldn't prescribe anything to me in case the problem worsened so he simply told me to get more exercise and to try herbal remedies. I left the Doctor's, frustrated. Later on, I decided to search my problem on Google. There were several different problems that could be causing my lack of sleep, starting as miniscule as over tiredness to cancer. I was beginning to think my problem would never be solved. I guess I was just going to have to tire myself out somehow, or content myself with late night T.V.
One particular night, I was feeling especially restless. It was a hot summer day, and the heat that'd built up during the day released itself as a clinging, sticky humidity. Looking over at my dozing boyfriend, I decided I needed to go out and get some fresh air. Silently I slipped on a pair of shorts and a vest top. I padded across the room to the door. He stirred. I froze.
I stayed still in the darkness, hoping he wouldn't notice me. He turned back over. Carefully, I probed for the door handle and oh so gently opened it. I shut it behind me and hurried down the stairs. Now at the bottom I tugged my feet into a pair of converse and left the house.
I walked down the street, the coolness of the air felt so nice. The street seemed rather lonely though, me being the only person around. I strolled down the street and turned towards the main road. Suddenly there was the sound of cars whooshing past me and the road was well lit with street lamps. I felt instantly safer. I walked down the road for a little while then decided I needed to be getting back. I turned my heel and walked back up but decided it'd take too long so I'd cut through some side streets instead.
Gradually the noises of cars died off and all at once I was left with eerie silence. Not even the sounds of birds could be heard. Only the sounds of my light footsteps could be heard. Nerves crept through me but I ignored them and picked up my pace, eager to be getting home. My heartbeat matched the sound of my footsteps and the two noises filled my ears. Home, I needed to get home. Why the hell did I leave the house? I cursed myself and my pace quickened.
Suddenly a dark silhouette appeared from an adjoining side street. The figure crossed the road and was walking at a fast pace. I broke out into a nervous jog, jabs of fear shooting through my body. As the figure walked underneath a street light his face was lit up. I gasped -- it was a man wearing a balaclava, only his eyes were visible. And they were looking straight at me. I broke out into a sprint now, not caring if I looked silly. The man started chasing me. I tried to yell for help but no sound escaped my lips. I was running as fast as I could but the man was faster. Suddenly a van zoomed up the street, causing the stranger to stop and turn around. The van flew up the street and braked roughly, tyres screeching. The woman driving it yanked the door open.
"Quick, get in!" She urged me with her hands. Without hesitating I jumped into the van, relief flooding through me. I leant against my seat, gasping as the van zoomed away from the terrifying stranger.
The woman kept her eyes on the road, driving quickly. After a minute or two I had caught my breath and my voice returned.
"T..thank you for helping me back there" I gasped. The woman ignored me and kept driving. I stared at her, puzzled. After an uncomfortable minute of silence, the woman pulled over.
