Fear's breath
exhaling ferociously
as I run.

Tight back alleyways
smelling of trash
and death

Footsteps behind me
the spark of blade on brick
causing terrifying shadows

Stop
hide in the shadows
try to calm

There he is
passing by me
10 inch blade in hand

Suddenly he stops
and turns back
the knife raises

A rat rushes out from beside me
followed by a black cat
his eyes follow them into the alley

His white teeth reflect
a sickening grin
as he turns and walks away

I wait, till I am sure he is gone
stepping out of the shadows
I look

Alone
I quickly back track
I see the open road ahead

One more side alley
to pass and home
free

The moon has risen
lighting the alleys mouth
he steps from around the corner

Terror in silhouette
blade glinting
I scream

And then nothing
silence
except for the dripping

Of blood onto the ground
as the last breath is gasped
and he falls, in front of me

Rescued
but how?
I look down

His knife is in my hand