She’s saved by a mysterious but very odd young man. Then the unexpected happens…
“You saved my life!” I gasped to the young man who was still holding me close to his chest. And such a nice muscled chest, I thought, momentarily distracted from my close shave.
He stared at me, as if only just realising I was there. “It was an accident.” He removed his arms and stepped back.
It was my turn to look at him oddly. “You grabbed me – quite forcefully, I might add – and yanked me! Exactly how do you manage that accidentally?”
“I was only supposed to be observing.”
Hairs raised on my arms. “Observing what?”
“You.”
I took a cautious step away from him. Okay, maybe it was more like three steps away. “Why are you watching me?”
His face was impassive, making it impossible to read his thoughts or feelings. His expression didn’t change as he answered my questions. “I am waiting for your recruitment. It is supposed to take place any day now.”
“My recruitment? I think you might have the wrong girl.” What is he talking about? I couldn’t understand a word he was saying.
For the first time, his expression changed, a slight frown creasing his forehead. “I believe you may have just missed your interview. I’m sorry, I’m not sure what compelled me to save your life.”
This was just getting weirder and weirder. “You’re seriously apologising for saving my life?!”
“Yes, I apologise for the inconvenience.” His face was deadpan.
I shook my head, deciding he was definitely a few screws loose in the head. “Well, good luck with finding your recruits.” I turned on my heel and continued on my way home. The incident with the bus had been terrifying, but this guy was making things worse. All I wanted now was to go home, have a hot shower and snuggle into bed with a good book.
Turning a corner, I caught sight of him following me. I glared at him. “Now what?”
He seemed confused by my question.
“Why are you following me?” I elaborated.
“I told you. I am observing you. I require proximity to achieve this.”
This was beyond strange. I pulled out my phone and began dialling the local police station, grateful that my security-conscious housemate had programmed it into the contacts. There was no way I was going to lead a stranger to my house while he insisted on ‘observing’ me. No matter how nice his muscled chest might be, that didn’t mean I wanted him to know where I lived.
“I’m calling the police,” I warned him, putting the phone to my ear.
“Why? Are you in more danger?”
Yep, definitely a few things missing in the upstairs department with this fellow. Someone picked up on the other end of the line. “How can I help?”
Before I could respond, screeching tyres and a revving engine drowned out most other sounds. I turned to the source, just in time to see the beat-up car come around the corner and flip.
I felt a moment of pain as the car hit me, but the sensation was brief, cut off as darkness swallowed me. I don’t know how long the darkness lasted, but I was brought out of it by a familiar voice.
“Welcome, Reaper Recruit.”
I forced my eyes open. Flaming carnage surrounded me; emergency vehicles were on the scene. Bizarrely, I could see a mangled version of myself at my feet. I looked away quickly, sickened, and caught the gaze of my mystery follower who was smiling at me. I needed him to confirm something.
“I’m dead, aren’t I?” My voice was flat.
He nodded, still smiling as if this was fantastic news. Great. Trust him to smile for the first time and it’s because I’m dead.
He beckoned. “Now, you’re ready for your interview.”
Thanks to the Cracked Flash gang for an awesome prompt this Saturday. Just what I needed. 🙂
Is this one of your favourite 500-word-story-starters? Click the heart to like it and it may become a fully-fledged story! –> 1