Roman ~ June 8

Home, at last, I thought as I unlocked my front door. The keys jingled as I turned the knob and walked inside. I closed the door behind me and flipped the light switch on the wall so I could see what I was doing. Walking farther into my house I glanced around the living room before dropping my bag on the couch and walking into the kitchen. I flipped on the light as I walked by the switch and made my way to the sink. I grabbed a cup that sat beside the sink, filled in with water then turned around to lean against the counter.

I took a sip of my water before letting my head roll back. A long sigh escaped my lips as I stared at the ceiling.

"My head hurts," I mumbled to myself. Thank God I don't have to work tomorrow. Looking down at my glass of water in my hand I smiled. I had the day off tomorrow I had a big day of doing absolutely nothing planned for tomorrow.

I raised the glass to my lips to take another sip when I noticed something on my kitchen floor. I narrowed my eyes at the red drops on my floor. I took another quick sip of water before setting in down and walking over the crimson spots. My eyes followed the spots to my back door where I noticed that the door handle was smeared with the same red liquid.

Is this... blood?

I knelt down and dabbed my finger into it then rubbed my fingers together. I turned my head and saw the trail went down the hallway to my left.

My heartbeat quickened as I stood up. Realizing I wasn't alone I quickly ran back into the living room and grabbed my phone from the front pocket of my bag. My hands were starting to shake as I pulled my cell phone out and quickly dialed 911. Holding the phone to my ear, I listened to it ring.

"911, what your emergency?" A man's voice said.

"I think someone broke into my house," I whispered. "And I think they're still here." I quickly added as I turn to look back in the kitchen and down the hallway to make sure no one had appeared or was coming after me yet then started walking toward the front door.

"Whats your address? I'm sending someone to your location." I grabbed the door handle and pulled it open about two inches when it was slammed shut again. My body froze, and I felt a wave of dread washed over me as my eyes shifted to the left to see an arm stretched out and a hand firmly pressed against the door.

"Sir? Are you still there? Sir?" I heard the dispatcher say.

I have to say something. 

Help me! I thought desperately. My body wouldn't move, and I couldn't say anything.

I heard labored breathing, and I felt the warmth of their breath on my neck. I tightened my grip on the door handle. A hand grabbed my phone from where I still had it pressed to my ear. I tried to hold onto it and say something, but my body still didn't listen to me. Is this what they mean by "petrified with fear?"

I heard the dispatcher say, "Sir, are you alright?" Then I heard the intruder say, "Sorry to bother you, officer. Everything is fine. Just a false alarm." Then he hung up before the officer could reply. My heart was pounding against my ribs, and I started to think that I was going to die here tonight. I flinched when I heard something hit the hardwood floor and shatter. I knew it had to of been my phone.

"Try to call for help or try to leave this house," The intruder's voice literally growled in my ear. "And I will kill you. Understand?" My hand that had been holding my phone pressed against my mouth as I managed to nod slightly. "Good." He said before taking a few steps back.

When he stepped back my eyes focused on the door handle. Maybe I could make it outside before he stops me... But if he does stop me then he'll kill me...

My widened when I heard a deep, rumbling growl like you would hear from a wolf. I slowly turned my head to see what the sound was coming from and only saw a man about my hight. He had scruffy brown hair that was cut short, hazel eyes. His slightly tanned skin had dirt and blood smeared here and there. His clothes were filthy and torn in places, covered in dirt like the rest of him. Then I noticed the source of all the blood. I couldn't see the wound itself because his hand was in the way.

After I noticed he was severely injured, I started to see the effects it had on him. He was breathing heavily, face pale, and beads of sweat ran down his face and neck, and it was obvious he was struggling to stand.

Another low growl sounded, and my eyes darted around the room before landing on him again. He was the one growling. 

"Turn around... and step away from the door," he ordered. His voice didn't sound as strong as it did before. I turned my head back and looked at the door for a second and considered making a run for it. I stared at my hand that was still closed around the handle.

Open it. Run. Call for help! My mind was screaming at me to do something. Finally, I made up my mind and turned the handle hard and jerked it open. I saw my front porch, my car in the driveway, the street, my neighbor's house across the street but before I could run outside a hand grabbed my shoulder and pulled me back. I was flung like a rag doll back into the house. When I hit the floor, I slid back till I hit the fireplace. Scrambling to get to my feet again I saw the door get slammed shut and I felt my heart sink. The intruder grabbed the handle, and with a grunt of effort he broke it off. He broke the door handle off! 

Oh my god. This can't be happening, I thought. 

I stared dumbfounded at the broken doorknob in his hand until he turned to face me and my eyes widened in horror to see his eyes were glowing a bright yellow.

God, help me. I don't want to die!

"I told you not to try and leave." He snarled.