The Familiar Man a shot story

The Familiar Man T.R. Stoddard The Familiar Man 2013 Smashwords Edition The names of people, characters, products, companies and/or data mentioned within this document are fictitious and are in no way intended to represent any real individual, company product, or event, unless otherwise noted. No part of this document May be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose without express written permission of the author. All rights reserved. Copyright © 2013 T. R. Stoddard Theresa.renee.stoddard@gmail.com http://t-r-stoddard.blogspot.com/ Part One: The Familiar Man In the middle of the meadow, my life changed forever. A favorite pastime of mine was transformed into something sinister. I was no longer alone, a strange man stood there beside me. As I took in his haggard, emaciated features there was something familiar about him. I wanted to run home as fast as my feet would carry me, but I felt drawn to the man. The need to discover an unknown connection overrode my better judgment. “I feel like I know you.” I spoke softly as not to startle him, the wild look in his eyes painted a picture of hardship. Even as I stared into his troubled eyes, I knew he wasn’t a threat to me. He didn’t respond, not even the slightest blink of recognition. “Are you hurt? Do you need help?” I asked, wondering if he could hear me. Again he said nothing. I knew it was a bad idea to approach the man, but I did it anyway. I drew nearer to him, and still he didn’t notice my presence. When I stood directly in front of him it appeared as if he was looking right through me. Slowly, I stretched out a hand to touch him lightly on his shoulder. I was met with thin air and my hand passed right through him. I jumped back in shock. Either I was asleep in my bed having a nightmare, or there was a ghost in my field. Despite the fact that I didn’t believe in ghosts, it seemed the only logical explanation. As the light bulb went off in my head, it seemed to trigger a change in setting. I was an audience to the horrors that unfolded before my eyes. With the field long behind us, I watched as he trudged toward an abandoned mental institution. It didn’t look like the kind that was concerned with the well-being and treatment of its patients. Instead, it looked like the experimental torture and electric shock kind of place straight out of a horror movie. The hospital was in a state of total disarray and disrepair. It was dank, dirty, and piles of rubble and garbage littered the surrounding area. The smell was acrid with the pungent aroma of urine and decay hanging thick in the air. Out of the corner of my eye, I swear I saw movement. Hoping it was a rat, or some other foraging animal I dismissed my fear. I tried not to worry about a few displaced, starving mentally-ill patients. The man seemed to sense the movement too, darting like a startled animal. He searched his pockets for something and came up with a large switchblade. It scared me, even though I knew I was in no physical danger. I didn’t want to be left alone, so I followed him toward another building. Brandishing his blade in front of him as a warning, he walked on. I wished for a weapon of my own. I knew I couldn’t interact with anything, but the weight of a blade in my hand would ease my worries. It was difficult to remember I couldn`t be harmed, every aspect seemed so real. He approached the door, which opened freely. Whoever left these people here to die, hadn`t tried to contain them. It was pitch dark inside the room; fumbling in his pocket he found the lighter. The flame illuminated a scene that was infinitely worse than utter darkness. It caused shadows to move erratically through the room, and made me all the more aware of the putrid smell. Human waste covered the corners and there was something that looked like it had been a body, at one time or another. There was blood-streaked broken glass in the door that led out of the hellish room. Maggots repeatedly penetrated rotting flesh and the sound of flies buzzed like thunder. I kept my sleeve over my nose and mouth, wishing I could cover my eyes and transport myself someplace safer. Against my hopes I remained, and I followed him to the next room. I heard a low, guttural growl coming from the room beyond. There was no way it could be human. I jumped and tried to hug the man for comfort, but my arms passed right through. It was like I didn`t exist. I really needed human contact. I was absolutely terrified. "Who are you? Show yourself. I have a weapon and I WILL use it. Show yourself God damn it!" The man’s rasp of a voice actually comforted me. It made me feel less hopelessly alone, and an illusion was better than nothing. We were no longer alone. A flash of movement made its way between the man and me. I was pretty sure we found the source of the growl, and it seemed to be coming from a human. It was more beast than man. ... - tailieumienphi.vn