Red Tiptoe

The Entrance

A single, resounding step echoed down the hall, drawing the beast nearer to the room I had taken refuge in. If it weren’t for the dimming sunlight and layers of grime, the building would have been blindingly white. Dark streaks cut across the walls, what I could only assume to be graffitti from previous trespassers. This space was miniscule and desolate compared to many of the others I had come across. A desk, chair, and small cot were the only pieces the room contained.

    Two steps closer now, the shrinking gap between me and the beast causing adrenaline to  flood my veins. The piercing sound of claws raking against tile followed by the heavy thud of its stumble echoed within me. Despite its slumped posture, the silhouetted figure stood over seven feet tall. Long limbs dangled from a broad torso, and everywhere it went talons dug into whatever surface it was moving across. The view I had managed earlier was brief, so I hadn’t had the chance to get a clear description in my mind. A solid metal door opposite of me appeared to be my only method of escape, none of the furniture giving me enough height to reach the ceiling panels. 

    The third step sent vibrations up my leg. There wasn’t any time to try and creatively escape. My only option was sprinting past before it could latch onto me. Dropping to my knees, my hands feeling along the smooth tile, I prayed I would find anything I could use to defend myself if I failed. A sharp pain shot from my palm up my arm, and I instinctively recoiled. Tentatively,  I reached back under and grazed the area I had gotten injured. Cool metal, then smooth leather, ran under my fingertips. I lifted the object into view to reveal a dull hunting knife, presumably from the same people that left the graffitti. Slowly rising to my feet, I turned towards the door. Unlocked, all I would need to do was push on the long lever to unlatch it and sprint. The fourth step was the last one I let it take. My shoulder slammed against the door, and I ran as quickly as I could down the hallway and towards the beast. My eyes were squeezed shut, but its ragged breathing was steadily getting louder so telling how close it was came easily. Knife in hand, I outstretched my arm in front of me, hoping it would make contact with the beast before the beast made contact with me. Suddenly, a  mass stopped me in my tracks. Slick, warm fluid coated my hand, nausea overwhelming me as the smell of metal did so to my nose. I released the knife and continued running past. I couldn’t spare a moment of shock, a moment is all it takes for that thing to kill you. 

I kept running until it felt as though there was a fire in my lungs, and the only sounds I could hear being my own footsteps and heavy breathing. I took a moment to pause and examine my surroundings. I had managed to stop in front of the large glass doors. The security grate, once strong steel, was now rusting and crumbling to bits. My right hand was wet and warm. Moonlight drifting in through the door revealed the thick crimson fluid. Another minute passed as I mulled over decisions. I was desperate to escape this living hell, but the people here were my lifelong friends. I couldn’t abandon them so easily. My gaze traveled to the stretching hall before me, the end of it so dark I couldn’t even make out where the walls met the floors. Every part of my thought process told me to leave, but my loyalty to my friends was stronger. Each step I took led me further from safety and deeper into the ever-growing darkness.