There was music playing in my ears for awhile, a strange combination of tunes I became enveloped in
They cushioned my thoughts as I read, blocking out the birds that started chirping out of turn, and the crosswalk beeping every three minutes on the dot
The reason I almost didn't survive, however, had nothing to do with the music or the story or the crosswalk
I heard something coming for me
A shadow, but I heard it It comes for me some nights There's no pattern like the crosswalk signal I've fought it before, so I am usually ready for it But this time I forgot to bring my armor to the orchestra
I came exposed, in an oversized Sherpa coat You see, I was cold The armor would have chilled my skin I'm so sorry I forgot it, my shield too I was unprepared
The synesthetic darkness crept over me, like an invisible thunderstorm, or the lowest note on a bass guitar, or the smell of burnt toast
I could not fight it I am sorry I will try harder
Do not forget your armor, they said We know certain things will always happen, they said One, is that the crosswalk signal will always beep every three minutes The other, is that the darkness will come, and it will prey on those who are not prepared.