Demon's Alley

I wondered why I was there. I crept down, my heart thumping fast. The leaves were so dense they blocked out the sunlight and it felt cold beneath the canopy of trees.

This place had been mere legend, or so I thought. Something told to the kids to scare them, but now I found myself there, I wasn’t so sure. Goose bumps rose on my flesh, from the cold or the fear, I wasn’t sure.

It’s just a dare, I told myself, then I’ll be out of here.

The road on which I stood was known as Demon’s Alley. It was a small neighbourhood that had been abandoned, the houses that stood there now derelict. I knew it was stupid but I couldn’t help myself. I’d wanted to hang with Mike since first school. And this was my chance.

“The last place on Demon’s Alley, torch it,” he’d said lazily. “And you’re in.”

It had taken a while to decide but I knew I would do it. As I walked along that path I knew they waited for me.

I’d said, “How will you know I’ve done it?”

“I’ll see the smoke.” He told me as he combed his slick black hair.

The petrol can in my hand sloshed as I walked. I felt the weight of the matches in my pocket.

I looked up and saw it; the huge house at the end of the block directly in front of me. It was white in places but most of the paint had peeled leaving rotten green wood beneath. I stopped at the porch and felt a shiver travel up my spine.

The door stood open, the windows manky with years of dirt and grime. I swallowed, licked my lips and stepped forward unscrewing the cap on the tank. I tilted the bottle to pour it onto the old wood when a movement out the corner of my eye grabbed my attention. I jumped startled staring at the spot.

For a few moments I held my breath, expecting a tirade, but none came. I have to do this, I reassured myself and began to pour the liquid.

Suddenly I was knocked from my feet as something barrelled into me. I fell, the green ceiling above me in view until a head obscured my vision. I thought it was a man but my eyes told me otherwise, thick tangled hair almost touching my face. His beard a web of food.

“Stay away.” His voice was gruff, warning. He only had two teeth left, his tongue yellowed and covered in boils.

“This is my place. Come back here and die.” His voice rose. I saw his eyes flash red.

I nodded frantically as he stepped away, feeling grateful he’d let me live. I jumped up, running back the way I’d come, forgetting about my task and the gang I’d wanted to be part of.

It’s not worth my life, I told myself as I whizzed past their sneering faces in the gloom.



Word Count - 500