The street was dark , illuminated only by the flickering street lights that cast shadows on the concrete . The thud of loud , unwavering footsteps drowned out the light noise of the city beyond.


    Yumiko Takahashi ran as if her life depended on it -because it did. Her mangled black hair clung to her sweat drenched face , and her dark eyes darted around frantically searching for some type of escape. Clutching her belongings tightly to her chest , she felt as if it was the only way to subdue the fear radiating from her. Her breathing was sharp and jagged as she continued running , her worn down shoes slapping against the pavement with each step.


    Her mind raced , her thoughts a jumbled mess of terror and frustration.


    Fuck, he found me....I didn''t think he''d actually find me.


    A voice, dripping with venom and disgust , roared behind her , cutting through the thick night like a blade.


    "YUMIKO! You can''t run forever , you ungrateful bitch !"


    She risked a glance over her shoulder , and her stomach immediately dropped. A massive shadow emerged from the dim light , her attacker stepping into view. It was her father.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    His burly frame loomed like a demon ripped from hell , his crazed expression twisting his face into something almost inhuman. In his hand , he gripped a bloodied crowbar , the dark red liquid dripping echoed in the quiet streets.


    For a moment , Yumiko froze , her heart beating so erratically, she might explode .


    I knew he was dangerous but this.....has he no morals ? He''s lost his damn mind!


    Her hesitation cost her.


    Her foot caught on a pothole , sending her sprawling to the cold , unforgiving concrete. Pain radiated through her palms and knees as she skidded to a stop. She scrambled backwards , her breaths coming in shallow, panicked. She gasped for air as she looked up at the monster looming over her .


    His face twisted further, a terrifying mix of rage and desperation.


    "You will never escape me , girl ! Do you hear me ? Did you think you could just ruin everything and get away with it ?!"


    His voice rumbled in her ear drums , the words sharp and final.


    He raised the crowbar high , his shadow contorting ominously across the ground. Yumiko''s scream tore through the night as she instinctively brought her arms up the shield herself , bracing for the inevitable


    Time slowed, her fear paralyzing her as the weapon descended upon her.


    And then— BANG.


    The world seemed to stop, everything blurred , save for the ear rattling echo of the crowbar. Darkness crept in the edges of Yumiko''s vision , and the last thing she saw was her father''s shocked expression , his weapon frozen mid-swing.


    And then , there was nothing.