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The rain begins to come down in thick streams. It doesn't pay attention to the rain. It is only here for one thing and it never loses focus. It will not and cannot be stopped. Its meticulous nature produces nothing but cold success. The flame is now out, and now it is time. It begins to move slowly across the parking lot. Timing is everything to it. The hunger is much stronger now, but it forever stays calm. It never fails.

Inside, Joe loosens the strap from his right arm and slowly leans back and rests against the cold hollow wall. The needle dangles from his arm but he doesn't care. Not now. Now that he's taken his medicine. It's his own stupid version of alchemy. His troubled thoughts disappear. All that remains is mindless glee. Reality doesn't matter because it doesn't exist, for now. Joe opens his eyes and surveys his happy home. This is his. He is finally alone. Away from everyone who has hurt him. Away from the authorities, whoever they may be. Away from everything. His worries are left behind and prays they don't come back. His prayers will soon be answered.

It is at the base of the building now. It can feel Joe's presence now. It can't sense his feelings or pain, but can sense his being. The rain slows down to a drizzle. It is now time to climb. It knows exactly what to do. It has been in this situation many times before. Coughing escapes from the third floor window. It is feeding time. The brick wall is steep and flat, but it scales it with ease. It's almost to the window now.

Joe can't stop coughing. He can't catch his breath. His heart is beating much faster than he had ever felt before. Sweat pours from his body profusely. The sweat leaks down his forehead and straight into his eyes, burning the whites to reds. He grips his chest tightly and tugs at his shirt. Joe's heart is beating so fast that he can't even distinguish the separate beats. He pulls his rigid body off the wall and slumps over on his side. He continues his prayer.

It enters through the window and finds Joe lying there, crumpled in the fetal position. It moves swiftly toward Joe with lightning speed. It knows this is the end. The end of the chase, the hunt. It has finally caught up to Joe. It welcomes the end.

Joe knows what's next. He knew this was always a possibility. Deep down, he knew it was more than just a chance if he didn't cut it out in time. He knew he needed to stop but didn't care enough about himself to try and didn't have anybody who cared enough to help. He decides to turn and face his demons for the first time. Now he sees it. And like that, death is upon him.

Learn more about this author, Seth Newton.
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