The alarm clock jolts me awake, sounding different this morning but I shrug it off. I blink my eyes trying to clear the grogginess. The early hour had come too quickly as I grudgingly removed myself from the warm covers. I dress in my walking clothes, loose fitting and comfortable and pull on my shoes. Grabbing my I pod I place the band around my arm and head out the door for my morning walk.
The crisp cool air of the morning greets me as I walk out the door. I inhale as the chill bites my lungs sharply and I have to take a quick moment to catch my breath. I walk down the steps of my building and towards the nearby park; it is early and the sun has not risen yet so there is an eerie darkness that surrounds me as I walk.
I quickly walk the short distance to the park and upon arrival I secure the ear bud headphones in my ears and turn it on to my favorite song. I synchronize my steps with the beat of the music as I begining my way down the winding paths.
Looking around I realize the park is empty or at least it seems to be. I walk on oblivious to the fact that now there is a man dressed in dark clothing quickly closing the distance between us. As I continue to walk, unaware of the fact someone is following me, one of the ear buds falls from my ear and I can hear the crunching of leaves behind me. I stop, and my heart begins to race, thinking to myself is there someone following me? I turn back and the path behind me is empty; there's nothing but darkness slightly illuminated by a single dimly lit lamp. I sigh in relief and my heart returns to it's normal rhythm.