You grumble as you continue typing on. The clacking of your keyboard has a zen-like effect for you, but now, it grows irritating with every sound. This feeling is amplified as you notice the message again.
//Need you to work late. Something came up.//
You have plans for the night. //Had// plans for the night.
Eventually, you finish and leave work, but as soon as you step outside, you immediately notice the darkness. This is your first time staying late, and being in the dark always made you feel uneasy. The clouds blocking the moonlight does not help at all. Neither does you being in an alley.
You start walking, thinking you should get home as soon as possible, when you hear the sounds of footsteps.
[[Listen to the footsteps.->P1Listen]]
[[Start walking home.->P1Walk]]
You listen to the footsteps. Your heart skips as you hear more steps getting closer.
Another step and a low grunt pulls you back to reality.
//What if it's a monster?//
There is another step. You realize you must act soon, or be ready for whatever happens.
(set: $listened to true)
[[Wait.->P2Wait]]
[[Start walking home.->P1Walk]]You start walking towards the streets.
(if: $listened is true)[
You hear it closing in, and you notice its breathing. It sounds like labored wheezing, and it makes the dread worse.
](else:)[
You hear it walk towards you, and you realize that it intends to follow you.]
You feel a slight panic, especially under the darkness where you have to watch your every step.
The light is six meters away. You dare not look behind you.
(if: $listened is true)[
Pain hits your thigh, then you realize you hit a dumpster. You recover your balance and continue walking, but a large, warm, wet hand suddenly grips your shoulder.
[[Attack.->P3Attack]]
[[Try to break free and run.->P3Run]]
](else:)[
As you continue your stride, you hear a low, almost silent, almost growling male voice say "Wait."
[[Wait.->P2Wait]]
[[Try to break free and run.->P3Run]]
]
You decide to wait, but your fear does not allow you to turn around.
//Step//
//Step//
//Drag//
//Step//
And a large, warm, wet hand grips your shoulder.
[[Attack.->P3Attack]]
[[Try to break free and run.->P3Run]]You pivot and hit its face with your elbow, and another to its stomach. Its grip against you loosens. You hear a crack, and you run towards the street. You hear it fall.
You reach the street, and in your shock and panic, you find yourself walking straight home.
(set: $attacked to true)
[[Go to sleep.]]In a burst of willpower, you run. With adrenaline, you avoid obstacles. You hear a thump, but you're too far and afraid to care. Soon, you reach the street. The lights make you feel safe, but you're still under shock. You walk home, not bothering to go to the police, or anyone at all.
[[Go to sleep.]]
The next morning, you go on with your routine, trying to ignore the thoughts of last night.
You come to work and find police tape blocking the alley. You feel nervous, though you're not entirely sure why. Nearby, you ask the policeman if you can pass and enter the office.
"Sorry, ma'am. This here is a crime scene. You'll have to wait."
Your brows furrow in confusion and frustration. "What exactly happened here, anyway? How am I supposed to go to work? Get in through the window?"
(if: $attacked is true)[
"Sorry, ma'am. There's been a murder. Guy seems to have been robbed, then stabbed three times in the stomach. His face is smashed in, as well, and it looks like he took a kick or something in the stomach."
Your reaction almost betrays you.
"What? You asked what happened, ma'am. If you're gonna puke, don't do it near the crime scene."
](else:)[
"Sorry, ma'am. No can do. There's been a murder. Guy seems to have been robbed, then stabbed three times in the stomach. You're gonna have to call your boss, or something."
]