An uneasy feeling fell over me, making me shiver, which I chalked up at the time to it being cold on a crisp night with only my dress on. I turned around to start heading back to the house when the flashlight beam fell on a pair of men’s tennis shoes. The light traveled up a large body to land on a half-shaven face, bloodshot deep blue eyes, and a crazed grin. His eyes were what snagged my attention. I relaxed a fraction. It was only Michael’s father, Mr. Lewis.

“Hello, Mr. Lewis. What brings you over here? Did you hear the-” I was so busy talking I didn’t notice his fist coming towards my face until it was too late. He hit my cheekbone and the force of it sent me to the ground. I stared at him shocked while the flashlight shone from underneath him, giving him a demonic look. Mr. Lewis came close to my face. 

“It’s your turn,” he whispered. I tried to smell any alcohol but all I could smell was the meat pizza he had for dinner. His hand reached for my neck and I scrambled backward, looking for something to defend myself with. Then I remembered the flashlight and I grabbed it, shining it in his eyes and then knocking him over the head with it.  I knew it hit its mark when Lewis howled and took a few steps back. I then ran as fast as I could into the vast woods as it was closer, first turning off the flashlight so he couldn’t see where I was. Now you know why I’m in agony in a blackberry bush.