I fell to the ground with a thump but forced myself to get up quickly and continued running forward. I was breathing hard and my heart's rushed pounding was in my throat. I tried to swallow the feeling, but it would not go away. I chanced a quick look over my shoulder to see if my pursuer was still there. I saw no one; the street was empty of everything except for the moaning cries of the wind. I stopped to catch my breath, relaxed and stretched out all my stiff muscles and joints. For a moment I was fine, breathing normal once again. But I was tired and a heavy presence rested upon my shoulders. I glanced around again looking for the thing chasing me.

I saw it standing in the shadows of a building, trying to sneak up on me. I began running again, slowly limping as my leg stiffened. I looked over my shoulder, I could see it gaining on me. It called my name; telling me to give up and come to it- I couldn't not just yet. I ran harder trying to put distance between him and I. The ground between us stayed even; I couldn't go any faster. A little voice in the back of my head spoke up from the silence, interrupting the pounding of my heart that now filed my entire body.

"Maybe you should just give up. It couldn't be too bad". "NO!" I screamed back inside my head, too weak for actual words. No, I said once again. I would escape. I would lose it.

I turned quickly and jolted down the alley way. It twisted and split breaking into two separate passes; I hesitated only for a moment before choosing the path on the left. I felt a cool sensation running upon my neck. I shivered unaware of my slowing pace. The cool sensation turned into painful icy barrages all across my body. All the while, my stalker grew closer to me. The icy pains numbed my body and I struggled to go on. I could see the water in my breath freezing in the air in front of me. I began to shake uncontrollably and fell forward; landing hard, face first into the dirt unable to break my fall. My body instinctively curled up into a ball as my nerves raked with pain. I screamed inside of my head, a soft tear rolled down my cheek.

But then a soothing feeling came across me. I felt a warm hand brush across my body and my nerves calm. I relaxed. An unrecognizable voice called out to me. "It's time to leave." It said, embracing me in its arms. "Your journey in this world is over. Your new one is about to begin." "No," I cried weakly, "no… I'm not ready to leave yet. I don't want to have to say good bye. Please don't take me away. My family… my friends…" The soothing body stroked my bald head and then down across my face to brush a tear from my cheek. "Come now… It is time."