Written by Aaron Rodriguez
“We look forward to working together.” I say aloud as I type, victoriously announcing the final sentence of my email.
The only sound in the vast room of cubicles around me is the clacking of my fingers hitting the keyboard on my desk. I look at the clock on the wall: 7:46 PM. I’d rather be at the office late than have to keep sorting through the pile of work tomorrow. I can’t help but look at the tall windows on this floor and see how dark it’s gotten outside. The downside of October is how quickly nighttime takes over.
“Finish up and go, Ali,” I say beneath my breath. I type “303 Magazine Editorial” into the subject line, click SEND, and grab my black denim military jacket off the chair before stepping into the hallway. My cellphone rings and my roommate’s face lights up the screen.
“Hey! Yes, still on, did you decide where you want to go?” I press the neon green arrow button for the elevator.
“Mediterranean sounds great.” The black 303 Magazine letters at the office entrance still gleam despite the dim lighting, before the elevator doors close.
“I’ll just meet you there. No, I’m barely leaving the office right now.” The 6th floor button lights up, followed by the 5th. I tuck the corner of my polka dot blouse inside my red belt when I notice it sticking out in the elevator door’s reflection.
“Yeah. Okay, see you soon.” I put my phone in my red leather purse. The bell for the first floor rings and the elevator doors open. I notice that Andrew, our front desk personnel, is gone for the day. He’s usually the last to leave but his empty chair faces a computer that’s turned off. Maybe he had somewhere to be? I walk through the back door that leads into the building’s parking lot and reach for my keys.
“Tomorrow’s a new day,” I say. Outside, the cool wind pushes my hair around as I zip up my purse and spot my car at the far end of the lot. The streetlight shines on the damp parts of the black top where it rained earlier. I stop in my tracks when I notice a man in black standing on the opposite end of the lot. He is perfectly still. With my feet still planted, I try not to panic and squint into the darkness, unable to make out his face. When my eyes finally adjust I notice he’s wearing a clear mask, jet black eyebrows and pale lips surround it. I’m about at an equal distance from the car and the office building. And I’m alone. He only stands there. Maybe this is a bad prank? I walk towards the car. As soon as I start moving, so does he.
“This isn’t happening,” I say, and quicken my pace. He moves a skeleton gloved hand from behind his back and I immediately see the glare of a knife reflecting the streetlight. I run.
“Please, this isn’t happening!” I feel the fear rise in my throat. My eyes tear up and I click the key’s remote to unlock the car. I can hear his pounding footsteps and I swing open the car door. My shaking hand drops the keys as I all but throw myself in.
“Shit,” I yell and scrape them off the black top as fast as I can. Then I catch a terrifying glimpse of the masked man running at the car. I slam the door shut.
“Come on, Ali. Come on!” I say and shove the key into the ignition. But I can see him out of the corner of my eye. It’s too late. As I turn the key to start the car, a black crowbar slams into the window and sends shards of glass flying everywhere. I dive into the passenger seat and his hand comes through the glass, reaching for my foot. I kick as hard as I can and open the passenger door. Knowing he’s going to be after me, I reach for the crowbar that’s landed into the driver’s seat and the driver’s door opens. I scream. He takes the opportunity to lunge with his knife, but I leap through the passenger door and run as fast as I can.
“Help!” I yell as the mixture of fear and adrenaline pumps through my veins. I run towards the adjacent office parking garage, hoping to God there’s someone around.
“Help me please,” I yell at a car that’s exiting the towards the opposite end. The driver doesn’t hear me and the car leaves. And the masked man is right behind me.
“Please leave me alone,” I scream and run towards the stairs, knowing that risking the wait for an elevator would end in death. The realization sinks in as I will my legs to climb the stairs quickly. This is someone who wishes to hurt me, who wants to kill me. The mask taunts me with its ever present smile. I make it to the second floor and bust through the access door. I know that he isn’t going to stop until he gets me...kills me.
“Make it out of this alive,” I say, under my breath. I stand on the opposite side of the door and grip the crowbar as hard as I can. A moment later, the second floor door flies open, the man in the mask spots me and I swing with all my might. The crowbar spears his eye and he recoils, shouting but still swinging his knife. It slices through my palm as I try to defend myself. I withdraw the crowbar and blood spurts, spilling over his mask. He holds a hand over his damaged eye and I run again. I leave him behind and sprint back down the stairs. He’s momentarily down but I’ve seen the movies. I know how this works. He’ll get back up.
“Someone help me!” I yell when I make it outside again, hoping anyone hears me. I spot my car with both doors open under the moonlight and run back towards it. I step over my red purse on the ground among the shards of glass.
“Just drive,” I tell myself, allowing a brief glance back at the parking garage. I can’t see him but I’m not taking any chances. I close the passenger door, sprint to the driver’s side to get in, and pick up my purse from the ground. Blood from my palm stains the steering wheel and I’m glad to see the keys are still in the ignition. I turn on the car and reach for my phone.
“Where did he go?” I dial 911 and look in the rearview mirror.
“911, what is your emergency?” I hear the operator on the phone say.
My heart stops when I see a shape rise from the back seat wearing the same mask.
But it’s not him.
A woman? Her eyes taunt from behind the same jet black eyebrows and pale lips.
I scream.
I feel the blade pierce my neck and the sting when she pulls it back.
I can only see the moon in the night sky and I know that my story is over.
Emma Moody as Ali
Jantzen Hawkins as The Man Behind the Mask
Alisha Light as The Woman Behind the Mask
Fashion Styling by Aaron Rodriguez
Photography by Alisha Light
