1 Prologue - Step, Step, Click

It started with that noise.

Step, Step, Click.

It was the first day of school, for me anyway, and I was already settled in my seat. Not knowing anyone at a new school allows that, not having to catch up in the hallways with people you only saw a matter of days ago.

Step, Step, Click.

Ah yes, but back to that pattern of noises. It was unusual, the extra limb colliding with the floor every other beat.

Step, Step, Click.

And the owner had just stopped at the other side of the door. The person that pushed the door open however was not an old teacher that used a cane as you might expect, but a student.

Step, Step Click.

He made his way into the room, allowing me to view his frame. He was lanky and pale, with messy hair matching his half tucked shirt and wonky tie. He looked ill. Ill enough to stay off school, why would he turn up?

That question ran through my mind for the rest of the day, past the school bell and family dinner, right up until the second I fell asleep. It returned when I heard the pattern again the following day,

Step, Step, Click.

and the one after that.

Step, Step, Click.

But on the fourth day I didn't even notice him enter the room, as all I heard was,

Step, Step.