I checked my phone. Battery was dead. I glanced at the pulsing burlesque club behind me. Just a few minutes ago, I was dancing in the dark, getting lost in the music and good vibes. Now, I trod down Hollywood Boulevard. I had no money for the bus. Friends ditched me. Worst of all, I didn't know which way was home.  I was wrong. Worst of all was that it started raining. I pulled my pathetic jacket around me. My stomach dropped. Either I was going to have to sleep on the sidewalk with the rest of the homeless people or keep wandering until I found help. Anxiety crawled down my chest. Not another thing. 

Then a dark car slipped by the curb. A man called out to me, "You look like you need a ride." 

More anxiety spiked through my system. Stranger-danger bells rang in my head. However, what other choice did I have? I shook my head. I shouldn't do it. "Come on, I'll take you home," he assured. 

The rain fell harder. I shivered, and acquiesced. I hopped in the car. I inwardly berated myself for getting in this situation. My heart beat thumped against my chest. Anything could happen right now. He could speed off and take me anywhere he wanted. He asked me where I lived. I relaxed a little when he said this was no trouble since he was going in the direction I told him. 

Well, I tried to relax. My eyes were glued to the GPS, sharply watching him, praying he turned where I asked. Then, CRACK. In my peripheral vision, his neck warped and his head dipped over the steering wheel. Flecks of flesh elongated while other parts of his skin peeled and flaked off, revealing something slippery and restless. "What the hell?" I whispered to myself. Claws extended from his fingers gripping the steering wheel way too tightly. I was scared one of those claws would reach over and cut my throat. My anxiety was all over the place, but my anxiety made me freeze in fear. 

I didn't even reach for the door handle. I just accepted that this was what I deserved. I closed my eyes; everything in me flinched and tensed. Then, the car stopped. "You're home," it said, voice now gravelly and harsh. 

I opened one eye to see the monster unblinking at me. The door unlocked, and I stumbled out the door. I glanced over my shoulder, and the monster smiled, mouth now way too wide. Then, he drove off. Every night, I checked my window in case it ever came back.