Page 123 of Trick or Stalk

Tonight, it makes me feel like I'm inside one of the horror movies I keep insisting on watching despite all evidence suggesting I shouldn't.

I slide the book onto the shelf.

A thud comes from somewhere behind me.

I whip around, searching the store for the source.

Nothing.

My heart pounds faster as I slowly move down the aisle.

“H-hello?”

Seriously. Why am I asking that?

If someone says hello back, I'm going to shit myself.

I keep moving, eyes searching, finding nothing.

When I reach the end, I finally see it. A book lies face down on the floor.

I stare at it for a few beats. “It’s only a book.”

It’s an old building. The shelves are crooked. A book could randomly fall for no reason.

Right?

I bend and pick it up.

The cover shows a dark forest. Naturally.

“Why couldn't it have been a cookbook?”

I find its place and shove it between two other books. Then I test it, making sure it’s secure. “Stay.”

I turn away.

The floor creaks behind me.

I still... then slowly look over my shoulder.

The aisle is empty.

My heart begins beating faster.

“Old building. It’s just an old building.”

The words sound too loud in the silence.

I don’t move, just keep listening.

Nothing.

After several seconds, I force myself to move.

I shelve another book.

Then another.