[recluse]

1979. Every teen in my neighborhood was talking about the movie "When A Stranger Calls". Including my sister's extremely annoying friend, 'Vicki'. She had just gotten a babysitting job, and was bragging about how nothing scared her.
That night, as a storm rolled into the city, I called the house that Vicki was babysitting at and whispered "Have you checked the children?". All I heard was "recluse, you're an..." right before the lights went out. Then I heard a scream, followed by dead air. Naturally, I was concerned. So I grabbed a flashlight and went to the house, where I found the front door wide open, the kids in bed, but no Vicki! Being a decent guy, I watched over the children until their parents arrived. I learned then that the entire city was blacked out. I came up with a quick B.S. story to explain Vicki's absence, got paid, and went home. I found out the next day that Vicki ran straight home and locked herself in her room. She never spoke to me again.
I think about her sometimes, on dark and stormy nights.
She's got kids now.
Maybe I'll give her a call.
Just wanted to share.