Short Stories

Waffle House Horror

I never should have gone out. I never should have ran to the store.

The 'H' flickered ominously in the darkness. A cool breeze blew past Tricia's knees. It was 1:00 PM and Waffle House had been her last resort.

She had been on the run for nearly three hours now, and her legs begged for her to sit down. And when she had seen Waffle House in the distance, she knew she had to take a break.

Just as she stumbled toward the front of the building, the eclipse suddenly hit, leaving the world in near darkness. She froze and gasped. This could only mean bad things.

She pumped her legs a bit farther and dashed in the front doors. They slowly swung shut behind her as the hostess gave her a strange look.

"There's an empty booth right over here," the woman said, leading Tricia to the table. "Sure dark out, huh?"

Tricia only nodded and slid into the booth. The farther away from the door the better. The woman handed her a menu. "Can I get you a drink?"

"Milk, please," Tricia said breathlessly.

The woman nodded, and with a final confused glance behind her, she walked behind the counter.

Tricia tried to read the menu, but her heart was thumping too hard for her to focus. Running, running, running, that's all she had been doing. To get away from

him.

She swallowed, her throat parched. I need that milk.

The bell dangling on the entrance suddenly tinkled. Tricia gasped. She held the menu up as tall as she could, trying to hide her face. Her hands shook.

Heavy footfalls slowly pounded forward, towards her.

Closer, closer, closer.

This is it. I'm a goner.

"Hey, Tricia."

Death is near.

"I saw you running. I didn't know you jogged. And then when the eclipse hit, I almost lost sight of you."

It's too late. He sees me, he's already talking to me. She braced herself. No backing out now.

"Running is so good for you, that's great that you're doing it."

She slowly set her menu down and met the man in the eyes, trying not to shudder.

"Hi Tom," she said, putting on her perkiest smile. "I didn't even notice you were out! It's so good to see you!"

"It's nice to see you also. I was just leaving the office." He suddenly slid into her booth. "You mind if I eat with you? I'm pretty hungry. And I really love waffles. Waffles are always better when you share them. Though if I were you, I'd probably get a half-order. Not that you're fat or anything. I mean, jogging, right? After such strenuous exercise, you should probably get a full order. You know, keep your sodium levels balanced."

Tricia kept her smile pasted on, digging her nails into her thighs. I never should have gone out. I never should have ran to the store.