Another school day was slowly passing, but it was the day I was going to the animal shelter with Jade. My thoughts kept running ahead to how much fun we would have afterwards. I attempted to concentrate on my classes, but the anticipation seethed just below the surface, making it difficult to do so.
At last, the last bell sounded, and I packed my stationery, ready to leave behind the walls of the classroom. Jade was already at the door waiting for me. "You ready?" she asked.
"Born and aged" I exclaimed, feeling charged. The prospect of spending the day with Jade drove everything else out of my mind.
We paired off as arranged. Jade and I went to the animal shelter. The shelter was a small, comfortable building between two larger stores, and when we went inside, asmell of dog food and cleaning products welcomed us.
"Hello!" a smiling voice greeted behind the front counter. It was Mrs. Thompson, manager of the shelter. "You've got to be the volunteers! We're glad to have you here."
"No problem, thank you for letting us come," I said.
Jade and I spent the afternoon volunteering at the shelter. We cleaned cages, fed the animals, and even walked a couple of the dogs. The happiness of being around the animals made me feel carefree and at peace."Look at this little guy!" Jade said, getting down on her hands and knees to pet a little, scruffy dog. "He's so adorable!" I laughed.
We got the rest of our work done in the afternoon and took a brief break sitting down. I reached for my phone to glance at the time. "We really need to get going to the mall, I guess," I said to Jade, looking over at her.
We had a lot of fun at the mall. We toured the stores together with Jade, Maya, Jake, and our other friends. We shopped for clothes, tasted snacks from the food court, and even took silly photos in the photo booth. Friendship and happiness while spending time with my friends made the day a memorable one.
But as I started walking home, light-hearted and happy, I saw that man behind me! Again?! I initially brushed it off as paranoia, but as I went down the street, I noticed he was still behind me. My heart started racing, and my stomach knotted up.
I walked in a different direction, trying to shake him, but the man copied every step I took, keeping me at a constant distance. Fear crept over me as I picked up speed, looking back to find him still behind me, his face impassive.My heart was beating quickly as I walked up to my house, and when I noticed the man standing against the wall just nearby, fear covered me.
I entered without hesitation, slamming the door shut behind me. I slid down on the door, my heart thumping against my chest.
"Aria!" my mother exclaimed from the kitchen, running toward me. "What is wrong?"
"I saw him! The man from before!" I exclaimed, panting to catch my breath. "He was following me!"
My mother's face changed to a look of worry. "What do you mean? Who was following you?"
"A man outside! He was following me!" I cried, my voice shaking. "I thought I had lost him, but he was there, just staring at me."
"Okay, don't panic," my mother replied, her voice calm. "I'll take care of this. You're safe in here."
I nodded, but the fear still clung to me.
I suddenly felt a queer impulse to take a peek outside the window. I edged near slowly, my heart thumping against my rib-cage. I glanced outside, and my blood chilled. The man stood there, still staring straight at me. His ponytail shifted with a little motion as he cocked his head, and a creepy grin spread across his face.I backed away from the window in horror, my mind racing in confusion and fear.
"Mom, he is still standing there!"
"Let me check" My mother went near the window and peeked out."No one is there, Darling. Anyway, I will ask the neighbours to keep a check."