Submission novel Chapter 5

I'd never given much thought as to how I'd die. But dying in the place of someone I love seems like a good way to go.

I had just started watching the movie when the doorbell rang. I glanced at the old analog clock hanging on the wall.

10:30 pm

It was not that late but undoubtedly very late for someone to come to an isolated house amongst the woods with no other houses around. Lisa was not supposed to be home because she was spending the night with Max and there is no one else who is supposed to be standing outside my door at this time of the night. So I did what everyone should do.

I peeped through the peephole.

It was quite difficult to see who was on the other side because of the darkness but I could see a silhouette.

The silhouette of a man.

There was something just not right about the situation as a heavy feeling settled in my stomach or maybe it was just the cold and dark and fog that creeped me out. This person was lean but not lanky and I don't know why but I think he knew I was peeping. They must have understood that I was being suspicious as I didn't make any noise from the other side nor did I make any move to let him in.

"Hey uhm I am sorry to disturb you but my car is not working. Can you please help me? My phone... it's dead. I promise I won't take too long. I just need to make a call that's it. It will be quick I promise and I swear I am not a serial killer or any threat. I just need a little bit of help"

It must have been a very hard day for him because he sounded tired and exhausted. It was snowing outside and extremely cold too and so I felt sorry for him and opened the door to a total stranger. He sounded desperate and at a loss of words, saying things which were not exactly convincing but...it would have been heartless of me to leave them outside in such a weather. It was beautiful but not so much to a person struggling to survive the night.

"I am sorry for not opening the door sooner...it's just hard to trust people. Come on in."

He walked in with his snow-covered boots and greased hand clearly showing the struggle he has been through and confirming his previous statements. He looked not too older than me, maybe in his early twenties, with shaggy strawberry blond hair and light lavender eyes. Lean built but it made him look more handsome. He was wearing a denim jacket with dark jeans and boots with a print t-shirt of Bruno Mars's Lazy Song. All in all, he looked tired.

"I think it will be better if you go just wash your hands and get a bit fresh. I will make some tea or do you prefer coffee?" I asked him with a concerned voice. He had a black smudge on his left cheek which he might've not noticed.