There was a lot about the COVID-19 virus that wasn’t understood. For the health of the general population, being put on lockdown was completely understandable. But knowing the reason and even agreeing with it doesn’t make it any easier to endure.<br><br>Clay is beginning to feel the mental strain of being at home all the time. He is sick of his furniture, sick of his books, and sick of everything else in his bubble world. That’s the reason he sneaks out to go for nocturnal walks around the neighbourhood. And he isn’t the only one. One evening, he begins to regret he ever left the house.<br><br>As walks past an abandoned wreck of a building in a very unsavoury part of town at night, he gets a sense he is no longer alone. He picks up the pace and hurries away, but no matter what he does, he can’t shake the feeling someone, or something, is following him. He calls out into the darkness and immediately regrets it. Rather than knowing if anyone is there, he’d much rather know if he’s going to make it home or not.

The Visitor

“It’s okay,” said Vincent calmly. “It’s a fear response. Happens all the time.”


Clay stared incredulously at the figure for a moment.


“I must be going crazy. The lockdown has finally tipped me over the edge. I bet you’re not even here.” He threw up his hands in despair. “I’ve lost the plot.”


“Stop being such a drama queen or I’ll leave.”


“No. I’m enjoying this. Now come and sit down. Don’t worry. I won’t bite.” Vincent burst out laughing. “You see, I still have my sense of humour.”


Clay, who was starting to feel a little tired of standing, pushed the pillows out of the way and sat on the very edge of the bed, furthest from Vincent.


“Why are you here?” asked Clay finally.


“I like you. I was taken with you the first time I caught the scent of your pheromones. And then when you came into view, I was immediately taken.”


Chapter 4