We Were Enjoying a Stroll In Our Neighborhood Just Past Dark

We were taking our nightly walk in suburbia. Every evening after dark, the same routine- Well, that night we were in for a surprise Every light in the neighborhood went out! Right then, I slipped off of the sidewalk. Excruciating pain radiated from my ankle. Even though I could see nothing, I reached. Never had I felt so helpless, in my life. Just when I was about to lose my balance again, I felt his hand. Obviously, he saw that I needed help, I, screaming loudly. Yet, again he calmed me, pulled me close, and held me. I knew we had to look at my leg. Not that it was broken, but probably sprained. Getting home seemed like it would be impossible, ominous. Almost apocalyptic! Strongly, he shouted, “Come on, we’ll make it if I have to drag you.” To my surprise, I felt his big hairy hands grab me. Right as I was about to sink to the ground again, Over his shoulders I was tossed! Like a sack of potatoes, I hung there…not walking. Laughing inside because I knew I was safe with him, I clung on for dear life! Not knowing what was next, and scared. Ominous thoughts began to flood my imagination. U. F. O. s appeared in my mind’s eye…abduction! Reality turned fuzzy. Nuclear invasions by aliens seemed factual. Explosions boomed all around. I Screamed, not with pain, but with terror. Gasping, I cried, “Get me out of here! “ “Hurry, please!” Blackness everywhere and he looked at me weird. Oh, how I wished for a flicker of light. Raw fear was overpowering reason. He, on the other hand, seemed to brave it well. Often, in the past, he had shown courage, too. Oblivious to the real world, I pounded his back. Delighted to be safe, although half upside down! Just then, he started hysterical laughing. Usually, he was calm in every situation. So, I wondered what was going on. Terrible thoughts intruded; even shadows frightened me. Practically frozen with fear, I could hardly breathe. Afraid my heartbeat would be heard. Sane, but wondering if I were crazy. Trying to talk, but my voice kept cracking. “Desperately,” I shouted, “Look up in the sky! Aliens are coming to get us. We are going to die! Reassuring me, he said, "You are going to be all right. Keeping hope, he took me down the dark streets to the hospital! ©February 18, 2011 Dane Smith-Johnsen