She was in a good mood, judging from her expressions: smiling face and humming to herself. But something was amissed, she knew it, she just couldn’t figure out. She stopped and looked behind her. There was no one there; the alley was as quiet as the night.  

Where were all the stray cats? She wondered.  

A few more steps, she stopped again. She was sure that someone was watching her. Just to convince herself, she let her gaze skim over the dark alley. Nothing.  

I must be tired, she grinned and decided to dismiss the idea.  
   

“Thud,” a can dropped.  

She was certain she heard something, loud and clear: shuffle feet. She turned and wished that she hadn’t done so. Someone in a black hood, black trench coat was coming closer to her. Judging from the build, he’s a man. The woman gulped. Her heart was going faster and faster, she quickened her pace. The man followed. She broke into a run, her brain was whirring furiously: Think! But, she couldn’t. She just kept on running and running for what seemed like an hour when she finally reached the other side of the alley. Her house was just on the opposite street. There wasn’t a sound behind her more importantly no shuffling feet. Relief filled her heart. But, standing before her was the man in trench coat. The woman stopped dead and took a step back.  
   

“Yes?” I got to stay calm.  

No answer. He took a step forward.  

“Don’t come any closer, I… I… mean it! I’ll… I’ll… shoot!” she took out a pistol (it was only a lighter).  

“I’m sorry… dearrrrr… Nooooo… chance…” he took off the hood.  

Eyes widened in fear, the woman screamed, “AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!”