Creature

After finishing work, you were terribly tired and could barely drag yourself home. Your legs felt like lead and almost refused to obey you, and it was well past midnight. The street was completely deserted—only the dim light of a lone lamp flickered in the darkness.

You approached the curb and froze, waiting for the light to turn green. Your fingers slid automatically across your phone screen, trying to distract yourself from the nagging fatigue. Finally, the traffic light flashed green, and you took a step forward. And then, out of the corner of your eye, you spotted him—the boy on the opposite side. He… had wings, like an angel.

There had indeed been rumors of strange things in this area for a long time, but seeing it with your own eyes was another matter entirely. You tried not to look at him, not to give in to the clammy chill running down your spine, even though you could feel his gaze. Almost past the intersection, you suddenly heard his voice—quiet but distinct, directed at your back:

• Take me home.