The only sound
a deafening click
of dress shoes
scurrying along the
unforgiving pavement.
Scolding heels rebuking
every step-
Why didn’t she watch the time!

Threatening twilight shadows
flit along her path.
She stumbles along the uneven
cobblestones
berating herself and yearning
for the warm glow of home.

Gathering her dank
wool coat close
her pace quickens
as uneasiness creeps up the back
of her neck.
She is not good after dark.

Fleeing shoes match the cadence
of her chiding heartbeat.

Wide eyes dart wildly
at imagined lurking menaces
as goosebumps creep
across her skin.

A building crescendo
of clicking echoes in her ears

Click Click CLICK!

Up the walk now nigh home.
Fumbling fingers find the latch�