This was an essay topic handed out to the Grade Elevens of my high school. It was not allowed to be longer than 450 words, so I did my best with it. How come the younger kids always get the best essay topics anyway? If I'd been given this topic, this is what I would have handed in. Hope you like it…

The telephone rang. I picked up the receiver and froze as I heard a frighteningly familiar voice say: "Hello there, I'm back!"

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The phone drops from my nerveless hand. I can hear his laughter echoing as it hangs from the twisted cord. Recovering my wits, I swoop down and slam the cursed thing back on the hook, cutting him off in mid-chuckle. Heart racing, I sprint for the front door, the only entrance to my cozy apartment. Locking and bolting it, I sigh and lean against the wall. Now he'll have to break down the door to get in. Not that that would stop him, but it would slow him down long enough for me to call the others.

My trusty baseball bat is still standing in the corner. I could definitely get in a few good hits if I need to.

As my breathing slows, I realize that I should warn the others. If he is back, then his two counterparts are probably around someplace as well. My fingers tremble as I pick up the phone and dial a familiar number. A comforting, cheerful voice answers.

"It's me," I say, my voice sounding weak.

"What's wrong?" he asks, concern immediately evident in his tone.

"They're back," I reply. I know that no other information is needed. He'll know exactly who I am referring to. I hear the hiss of indrawn breath and I can picture his childish face, skin pale and eyes wide.

"How?" comes his tortured whisper.

"I'm not sure, but…I received a phone call. I never wanted to hear that voice again!" My control breaks and I feel the tears roll down my cheeks as I choke back a sob. I hate appearing so weak, but this is one circumstance where I can't help myself. Something about that harsh voice on the other end of my surprise phone call drags me back into a cold, dark place that I'd fought for so long to escape from. I keep seeing his malevolent eyes glinting with sadistic pleasure as he mocks my pathetic attempts to beg for mercy.

"We're on our way," comes the soft, soothing sound of my best friend's voice. Those four words bring a relief so great that my knees turn to water and I have to grip the wall to keep myself upright.

"Thank you," I manage to say before hanging up and sliding to the floor. I don't know how long I sit there, but I rouse myself when the doorbell rings. Finally!

I fling open the door. The person standing there causes me to gasp and fall back in horror.

"Miss me?" The insane laughter that follows is straight from my darkest nightmares.

That was 450 words exactly. I had to cut out so many words to make it fit, but there you go. Now I have to go and listen to some more depressing music and make my teachers even more worried! Until next time, goodbye!

DeadFoxy