The Day a Stranger Followed Me Home
I was on my way home from school and it spooked me when he ducked behind a hedge as I turned to cross the road. Then, when I stopped to read the text from Mum - Can you get milk, please? - he walked past and turned into Parsley Close, so I relaxed and shook my head at my own paranoia.
But when I came out the corner shop, he was there, fists stuffed in his pockets, shoulders hunched right up to his ears. He turned away so I couldn’t see his face.
I wondered if he was a dragon, fallen on hard times, afraid to reach out for help. Did he recognise a fellow creature?
Intrigued, I walked on. He followed, keeping a consistent distance that might have terrified a normal girl. Why was he following me? Should I speak to him?
No. It was probably best to go straight home.
In the kitchen, I cuddled my little brother, Josh, while Mum made tea and I told her about the man.
‘Have a look out the window and see if he’s still there,’ she replied.
I pulled back the blind and couldn’t see him, but knew he was behind the trees. Mum lifted Josh out of my arms.
‘Go and fetch the man. It’s your dragon quickening. This will happen more as you come into your powers; trust your instinct.’ She smiled and patted me on the shoulder.
I grabbed my coat going out the front door, but as I neared, the man walked away. I followed.
He increased his pace, walking as fast as he could without running; adding a little jog step every few paces.
‘Okay, enough now. Stop, please,’ I called.
He began to run.
‘STOP.’ The voice came from deep inside. It didn’t even sound like me.
The man froze on the spot, one foot still in the air. I walked over.
Only his eyes were moving, darting from side to side as I stepped in front of him.
‘It’s okay.’ I put my hand on his arm. ‘You can relax.’
His shoulders slumped and his foot hit the ground. He stumbled a little. ‘Are you going to eat me?’ he asked.
I laughed and said, ‘Of course not. Don’t be silly.’ But I knew it was a lie as the words came out. An image of flames licking around blackened limbs appeared in my head.
He crossed his arms over his front and stammered, ‘I - I’m going home now.’
‘No. You’re coming with me.’
He didn’t move, just stared.
‘COME.’ That voice again. I turned for home, no need to check he was following. Should I talk to him? Ask his name, at least? No. Instinct told me it was irrelevant.
As I opened the front door, Mum stood in the hallway with Josh perched on her hip, as usual. ‘Dad’s home. He’s lit the barbecue. Take your friend into the garden.’
Winner - Cranked Anvil Flash Competition - January 2024
https://crankedanvil.co.uk/2024/01/27/the-day-a-stranger-followed-me-home-angela-fitzpatrick/