Page 2 of Fruitbat

I lean on the closed door, blowing a long exhale to express my aching lungs.Have I been holding my breath all night?

The refuge of my room is intoxicating, or maybe that’s the contact high from the smoky bathroom?

I scoop two bottles of tequila off my computer desk, and set them on the floor outside my door, before barricading myself away from the muffled chaos.

Someone will find them, eventually. I just want to disappear for the rest of this night.

A draft of chilly air sneaks under the cracked window, carrying faint voices that fade in passing, as people make their way down the sidewalk outside.

I haul the window open and slink out to the fire escape, closing my eyes, and drawing the autumn air into my nostrils. I fill my diaphragm, hoping to steady my sloshing mind from the four vodka-cranberries I had earlier.

Wrought iron clinks and moans as I descend into the dark shadows of the narrow alley.

The street is abandoned and barely lit by a sparse scattering of streetlamps. I live on the second floor of a three-story industrial-style building, sandwiched between Mallory and Damien’s condos on the other two floors.

I round the corner and follow the sidewalk, toward the park, that’s only three blocks over. It’s a nightly trek I startedseveral months ago. —Doctor’s orders. Exercise and fresh air are supposed to help me sleep. Insomnia is a total nightmare.

I knot goosebumped arms around my naked waist, wishing for a moment that I had grabbed a coat. —It’s freezing tonight.

Meh—the exertion will warm me up eventually.

Passing through a gap in the split-rail fence that surrounds the park, I trod along the crushed gravel path, stones popping under the rubber soles of my sneakers.

Distant voices chatter but move away, as I stroll into the forested oasis at the center of the city. When you venture deep enough, modern civilization disappears from view, more-so after dark.

The new moon is bright, casting looming shadows behind bare trees. Petrified leaves flit across the path on whispering wind, escaping piles, waiting to be collected and hauled away. A fluffy pair of raccoons rummage through a trash bin, pausing to gawk at me, before carrying on when I’m clear of their territory. Glancing back over my shoulder, I spy ringed tails flitting from the top of the can.Too cute.

Typically, I turn left at the fork, and loop back home, to climb into bed and stare at the ceiling until morning, but tonight I veer right. The party will go on until daylight, so I’m in no rush to return.

This path leads to a bridge that crosses into the grittier half of the city, over the river that cuts straight through. I’ve got nothing else to do, so might as well explore the other side.

A packof monsters and ghouls are draped over a park bench, up ahead. Their beastly leader prances around them, reenacting a tale that has the group cackling like a clan of hyenas.

I approach cautiously, trying to maintain a confident stroll. Their gossip simmers, as they focus on me, interrupting the fun.I should have looped out around them and hid myself in the shadows.It's too late now.A nervous grin creeps up my cheeks and my heartbeat is thumping again.Please be friendly.

They’re in their late teens or early twenties, I can’t tell anymore. I’ve reached an age where young people are suddenly intimidating.

My face is hot and I chew my lip to still the quiver. My throat tightens, but I force a swallow, so my voice is clear.

“Hey.” I manage a smile.

“Hey.” The flanneled furry storyteller studies me.

His curious pack stares me up and down with narrow eyes as I pass.

Hold it together Si.

Once I reach a safe distance, they carry on with their cackling, like I was never there.

Heavy air squeezes from my gut and I drop my shoulders with relief, exiting the opposite side of the park through another gap in the split-rail fence.

The wide stretch of highway is clear, when I check both directions, and step into the crosswalk.

The bridge is straight ahead and the other side of the city is just past the river. I have no idea where I’m going, but I guess I’ll Know when I get there.

Headlights sweep the road in front of my feet as a grumbling vehicle barrels around the corner.

I turn my head toward the dark-tinted SUV, that’s headed straight for me. Its LED bulbs are blinding, and screeching tires echo over the river.

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