"FRESH MEAT! GET YOUR FRESH MEAT HERE!"

"WE HAVE FRESH JUICY FRUITS HERE! GET THEM BEFORE THEY ARE OVER!"

The market was buzzing with people_their voices jambled up in the crowd. It was brooming as usual under the scorching sun.

Children were running across the market street, playing while their laughter filled the air.

"You've come by again today. I assume the usual." the vendor woman said.

"Yes, the usual." I said while I looked for my purse.

She still wore her green scarf from the last time we met.

Her hands were the colour of green, her face, dripping with sweat and her stall was packed, but nothing else changed.

A young kid bumped into me, his friends chasing him from behind.

I smiled, seeing how happy eveyone was. I felt relieved and knew I found peace.

"Here. I packed a few extra." 

"Thank you."

"Come by again."

I left her stall, as I walked down the path.

"My dear, how are you doing?" ... "Don't forget to eat well!" ... "Greet everyone!" ... "Hi girl..." ... "Hello Luisa!"

"Hello everyone!"  

"Yes, thank you everyone!"

A man in a navy blue hoodie passed by me and headed for the stall behind me.

I am enjoying the life I have now. Their is nothing and no one that can take it away from me.

Little did I know that things will change that day.

...

Everyone was headed home for the day. The light from the skycrapers disappeared into twilight.

 I took a turn in the corner of the street and headed into the alleyway.

"The night will be livelier soon. I must head home quickly and prepare a meal for them. They must be hungry by now."

But the night never wanted to give me peace.

I wondered for a while but I felt like I was being followed. My sixth sense told me to look behind. It was the same man with a navy blue hoodie I saw when I left the market. I pretended to ignore him. But is it just me or has his pace started to increase?  

That's when I knew I began running.

The alleyway felt too big like it was enclosing, trapping me, so I don't escape.

He started reaching for my hand.

I felt like my ribcage was about to explode! I dodged his grasp and ran.

A faint flicker of light could be seen in the far distance.

"The exit!"

I used up all of my strength to run to the light. I never looked behind. I knew if I did, it will all be over.

 

I finally reached the exit! I now had to lose the creep in the crowd and go home.

But what if he still follows me? What if he knows where I live? Is he here to kill me? Or to take them away from me?

I had to run but I didn't know where.

I turned behind to see if he was still following me. I bumped into a hard rock.

I looked up and I gasped! I think now I'm trapped!