The Gnashing — 4: An Ability Confirmed

A Story of the Shadows & the Devourer

Melanie’s date went well. When Kevin appeared at the door dressed in jeans and a sport coat with a tie, she nodded her approval. Relaxed but neat. When he said hello, it was in the warm voice she recognized from the grocery store, where they’d never been alone for more than a few sentences at a time. His newly-trimmed beard gave him an older appearance, and an open smile finished off her first real impression as he stood there waiting for her welcome.

They’d gone to a small café, nothing fancy, and she’d ordered a Cobb Salad while Kevin had hamburger steak. The meal had been just enough, since she was trying to maintain the few pounds off from her latest diet.

After they finished and were drinking their last half-glasses of iced tea, she broke her decision not to mention what was occurring in her apartment.

“You know I haven’t been long in my apartment. I found out this morning that someone who doesn’t live there may have been living in the downstairs apartment.”

“Really?” he asked. “You haven’t seen anyone come or go?”

“No, but I’ve heard plenty of noises. Water running in the pipes. That sort of thing.” She hadn’t actually heard running water, but she didn’t want to tell him she’d been…