The pins clattered in the box as I carried it. My GPS said the bar entrance was down this dark, creepy alley that I shouldn’t go down, but I’m running late and I need to get these pins to Kosmo. There’s no time to go all the way around the block.

I entered the alley.

God, how crazy would it be… if it were actually him?

Heh. I’d probably throw up.

His name made me curious—that’s why I took this job. It’s even spelled the same. I’ve been a fan of Kosmo Night for over two years, and there’s no way I’d pass up a chance to meet him. I know, I know. It’s kind of stupid; the odds of it being him are low since he lives in Florida, not California.

I’ve learned that his favorite color is scarlet. He despises spiders. He likes cats and lizards. He has a brother named Ty. Favorite sex position… still not sure.

I swear I’m not a stalker; I’m just a studious fan.

I’m also really late.

Kosmo, I need to be punished.

The moon hung above me, casting short shadows beneath my feet. I was beating myself up for not dressing cuter, thanks, Mom. The dark circles under my eyes weren’t cute either. Deadlines, am I right?

The box was heavy, but I’m also just a weakling who hasn’t lifted a day in my life. I shifted to the alley wall and set the box down—I don’t want to be a huffing, puffing mess when I meet this guy. I needed a second to collect myself. Just a second to calm down.

I sent Kosmo a message on Foxrr—the website I’m using to communicate with him.

Sai: I’m in the alley, almost there!

But the signal was spotty, and I don’t think it sent.

My big ears perked up at the sound of footsteps. A large figure shuffled clumsily down the alley in my direction.

Anxiety ran through my tail. It flicked as the stench of alcohol filled my nose.

Shit.

Aaaand I never bought the pepper spray my dad had kept harping on about.

I looked at the heavy box of pins, debating whether to run. What if running makes him feel bad? He might just be a normal guy, and if I run, I’ll have ruined his day. Great, another girl who thinks I’m a creep, he’d probably think. Guy probably can’t catch a break with that creepy walk.

I stuck it out.

The man began to pass. He had long yellow fangs and pink cheeks—a walrus. He was huge.

He stopped and stared at me and grinned.

My stomach twisted.

With speed, he lunged, pinning my wrists against the jagged wall behind me.

“Let’s have some fun.” His breath was sour as he pushed closer, leaning all his weight in. The brick dug into my hands. He slid my wrists together and gripped them tightly in one large hand, causing me to cry out in pain.

“Leave me alone!” I struggled and bounced a knee into the walrus’s balls; it didn’t faze him.

“You have a nice body.” The walrus pushed his hand down to my crotch while pushing my legs apart with his, then stepped on my toes. I was stuck, and his hand felt so violating against me, so gross.

“Help!” I screamed.

He gripped the fabric of my leggings, trying to pull them off me.

“HELP ME!”

No one can hear me.

No one is coming.

Crack.