I sat at the table, studying the book that I had read so many times before. I sat there for a few hours, passing the time by reading something that made me feel so at home when I was miles away. I peered up to see that the clock was nearing 8 and the sun was beginning to set, a great time to find a stopping point and make myself something to eat. 

I stood up, figuring that this was a good time to eat my designated supper. I went to the fridge, skipping the bucket labeled two and going for three instead since I missed it. Inside was a piece of either chicken or pork, I couldn't quite tell, with a side of greens and a small biscuit. I popped it in the microwave and went back to my novel for a few minutes while the food warmed. I rapped my knuckles quietly on the surface of the table, chewing on my bottom lip as I read through the familiar passage. I could feel my stomach growling, the smell of the food making me realize that I was more hungry than I previously realized. The microwave beeped, making me stand to my feet and go to the modern cookware and pull out my dinner. I grabbed my appointed milk and my book, opening the front door, and going to the table that was outside.

Since whoever unlocked the door allowed me on the porch, I was going to take it. I preferred to be outside anyway. I chewed my food, reading the text in front of me, seeing the occasional crime scene picture, as if I hadn't seen them already a hundred's times before. I studied them as if it was the first time I ever saw them. But to tell truth, I could probably recite the book, forward and backward. 

I finished my food, pushing the empty bowl away from me, and crossed my legs as I proceeded to read the book. I started to chew on my forefinger, the hangnail that was there being gnawed off as I read. I heard a beep, causing my head to snap up and look to the door. Was that the TV? I asked myself. I stood up carrying in my things and closed the door behind me. 

I placed them on the table and peeked into the living space to see that it was in fact the tv that turned itself on, once again. I dogeared my book and cautiously walked into the living room area. I crossed the room, going to sit in the chair in front of the tv once again. Was this the new normal? Was I to expect to be regularly interrupted by the tv beeping? The numbers counted down to the 'Standby' screen once again, the same man as before popping up. 

"Hello," he acknowledged once again, his deep voice still shocking me. Something about his voice made me uneasy but in a good way. As if I almost like it, in a strange carnal way. "This is your second lesson. There will be four. Tomorrow will be your final two lessons before you are taken to the undisclosed location for sorting." He explained. I listened to his words as he continued to explain the duties and practices that we will be expected to follow in our 'new society'. It was like I was watching a suspenseful movie, the information soaking into me like a sponge. Maybe they did this so women would pay attention and not get up and leave while the program ran its course.

These laws weren't the ones that I grew up with and learned in my college classes. These were their laws, their rules. A whole new ball game for me, and everyone else that had to sit in front of their TVs and watch as the man before me spoke about their customs and what we could and couldn't do. Though it was incredibly vague, I felt a little better knowing that I had a slim knowledge of their laws. 

As I sat there listening to the man speak, and I thought heard a soft boot scuff or something move in the kitchen, causing me to take a peak. I could have sworn I saw something or someone move out of the doorframe, as if I was just a second too late to see them. I wanted to get up, but I was afraid that I would get into trouble if I left the room while the program was on. I didn't know how well I was being watched or if I was being watched at all. I was creeped out, I knew what I saw was something moving out of the doorframe. I know what I saw.

I turned hesitantly back toward the tv, afraid that someone was indeed behind me. I was paying as close attention as I could, trying to take in all this new information. I sat there for forever, the feeling of someone still watching me never leaving. Eventually, I was able to stand up, my lesson finally over for the evening. It felt like an eternity had passed and then some, especially since I felt like someone was possibly in the house with me now. I crept into the kitchen, seeing that everything was exactly where I had left it. Making me grow suspicious, I glanced around seeing that my bathroom light was on now, knowing I turned it off after I left the bathroom earlier. I always turned the lights out after I left the room, a good habit I go into as a child.

I crept down the hallway, peeking my head around the corner to see that the dress that I had left folded on the vanity was now gone. I looked around, to see if maybe the culprit was still near but couldn't find anyone. So there was someone in the house, possibly to take things out that I could use to escape or to defend myself with. Even if it was a man, I didn't know if I would be able to fight off whoever they had come in and out, I'm sure it was one of those beasts. They don't trust humans enough to give them the benefit of the doubt, let alone time of the day. I breathed, going back to the kitchen and put away my things. I needed to calm myself down so I didn't enter fight or flight mode and end up doing something stupid to get myself hurt. I moved to the sink, deciding to rinse off the bowls that I had used since I had nothing else to do with my shaking hands. I found a towel, soap, and sponge to wash my things with relatively easy, taken back that I hadn't noticed earlier that they were there. I washed the bowls and rinsed them, drying the sink out with the extra towel to keep myself occupied and not think about the fact that someone almost slipped in and out without me noticing. Almost.

I moved the faucet, something in the reflection of the metal causing me to cease my motions. Behind me, in the reflection of the metal faucet was what looked like a blonde man, standing directly behind me. His eyes a piercing blue color, so much so that even in the reflection, I could notice that detail. I slowly turned, breath hitching in my throat as I expected someone to be there. The breath was caught in my throat, but was shocked to find that no one was there. No one was there... I leaned against the sink, looking around frantically. I know what I saw. He was there, there was a man standing right behind me. 

I turned and went for the front door, my primal instincts kicking in before I could suppress them. The sun had long since set now, the only thing separating the house from the darkness was the lights the cast out into the gravel from the windows. I ran off the porch, looking up at the house, looking at the windows to see if maybe the person was still there, my eyes tracking for any kind of movement. I raked my hands through my hair, breathing harshly through my mouth, trying desperately to calm myself down. I had nothing to defend myself, judging by how tall the man was, I stood no chance with my fists. Man or beast, I would lose against him. 

I heard something move behind me, causing me to spin around. My heart stopped as if my poor heart could deal with any more stress. Utter fear engulfed my entire body, my only response was a shiver and a faint gasp. Never had I ever seen one of the beasts in their natural form. I backed away, the creatures glowing icy, blue-gray eyes staring at me as if it was looking into my soul. A low guttural growl emitted from the throat of the creature, causing me to gasp and stumble backward. Every single thing my father taught me about self-defense was out the window and halfway to Paris. He never taught me how to protect myself from one of these things, they had no weaknesses. 

The creature started to step forward, inching ever so slowly toward me, as if it were warning me to get back to the house. I much obliged, I had more of a chance with the disappearing man than with that thing, "You don't have to tell me twice." I said shakily. 

I dashed back to the porch, not turning around to look at the creature at all. I was panting, not from the exertion of running, but out of fear. The adrenaline rolling through my system in shuddering waves, causing me to shake and gasp for air. I whimpered, holding my chest as my heart thumped wildly in my chest like a racehorse on a Sunday. I did my best to get a hold of my rapid pulse and breathing, my blood feeling as if it were liquid fire. I stood in the kitchen for a time, even though it seemed like hours it was probably only 15 minutes or so. Adrenaline rushes only occurs when you perceive something as an immediate threat, and nothing was coming out to try and kill or hurt me. Knowing that I wasn't exactly safe in here, I'd still take my chances in staying in the house. 

I gathered my book from the table and went to the bedroom, closing the door behind me, but keeping the light on. I crawled into the bed, not bothering with covering myself once again. I pulled the book to my chest, breathing as evenly as I could. 

So that's what they looked like... No wonder people were terrified of them. I shuddered, rolling to my side and staring at the wall until my eyes eventually drooped and I fell asleep.