Just A Scratch
A short story where the worst is yet to come
This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 (Attribution, Non-Commercial, No Derivatives).
Just A Scratch
by Trevor Mendham
Mary! So good to hear your voice. I’ve been meaning to call you for ages but, well, you know how it is. When was the last time we got together? It must have been our girls’ night out for Erin’s 40th. Too long…
Sound croaky? Do I? Well, I had a bit of a coughing fit just before you called, so it’s probably that. I’m fine. How about you? Good, good. What about Steve? Is he still in that job? Not found anything else yet? Shame. I don’t know how he stands that commute, crammed into an overcrowded train carriage for an hour.
Yes, we’re fine. Gary’s out of town on business for a few days, so it’s just me and the kids. At least they’re old enough to walk home from school by themselves now and they have their own door keys. They should be back in an hour or so.
So life just keeps on going. But I had a really horrible experience this morning.
I was in the supermarket, picking up a few bits and pieces, when I heard a crashing sound from the end of the aisle. I turned round and saw a guy lying on the ground, surrounded by tins of food that he’d knocked off the shelf when he fell. He was just lying there, not getting up, so I went to help. Yes, you’re right. Always sticking my nose in - but I couldn’t just ignore him.
So I walked down the aisle and, as I got closer to him, he started twitching. Like he was having some sort of fit. Well, I’m no doctor but he needed help from someone. So I leaned over and reached down to help him up. You know what happened then? No, he didn’t kiss me, silly! Though actually you’re not that far off. His head jerked up and he tried to bite me!
Yes, bite me. Fortunately, I snatched my hand away in time and his teeth only left a scratch. I’m sure it was just an involuntary movement, he wasn’t consciously trying to bite me. But whatever, it frightened me. By that time some of the staff had arrived on the scene, so I just abandoned my shopping trolley and got out of there as quickly as I could.
So the kids will miss out on their planned tea tonight, we’ll just have to eat whatever we can find.
Yes, I did wash it thoroughly. Yes, I did use antiseptic. No, I didn’t call the doctor. It’s just a scratch. Although, it does sting a bit. And it’s definitely a strange colour - I think the bruise is spreading.
OK, OK, you win. If it’s still looking bad tomorrow, I’ll call the doctor. Happy?
Anyway, it’s been great chatting. I’m feeling a bit tired after all the excitement, and I’ve got a bit of a headache, so I think I’m going to take a little nap now before the kids get home. Yes, really, I’m fine.
It’s just a scratch.
The End
Author’s Notes:
I do like a bit of dramatic irony. If only the MC had watched some horror movies or read some horror stories, she’d know what was happening. And get out of their before the kids arrive!