I can feel him behind me. His breath on my neck. The tingle across my skin. Not fear as such. Just an understanding that if he gets any closer I will be destroyed.

My feet are getting sore and my mouth is dry. The forest is dark. It feels hostile. Even though I have been through it many times. The trees are getting thicker and my vision is starting to blur with the effort of the run.

I know I shouldn’t, but I turn to look behind me and I run smack into a tree. I fall hard on my back. I can feel the damp leaves underneath me. Soaking through my cheap white shirt. The cold of the ground draws the last bit of strength from me.

I can feel his cold breath caressing my face. As if a great frozen hand is closing around my mouth and nose. He can not be seen or heard but as the darkness closes in on me I swear I can see a great smile shining down upon me.