Nightswim

Back home, mom had a fit and scolded me good for going down that mine. But, she sat me down in my underwear- a major embarrassment for me- but she didn't seemed to care- and wiped alcohol over my scrapes and cuts and bites. She virtually screamed when she saw my calf but I had to talk her out of calling the doctor. I went to bed that night but couldn't sleep. I kept waking up and seeing that big bat with those beady eyes. I couldn't get it out of my mind. I could just feel it attached to my leg, sinking its big teeth into my skin and drinking the blood that poured out. Several times I woke up drenched in sweat though it really wasn't that hot.

The next morning, I was sleeping late when mom came in and shook me awake. She was saying something that I couldn't fully understand- I still had cobwebs from the lack of sleep- but then I could see someone behind her. It took a few moments, but I could recognize Dr. Burgess.

They both explained to me that those bats might have been carrying all kinds of diseases and the doctor had to give me several shots just to be sure plus take some of my blood for testing. I hated it and it hurt like hell, just like I knew it would- how else is a needle in the butt supposed to feel? But in the end, the doctor got what he came for and was on his way. I don't know if it was because of the lack of sleep or the shots or maybe even something those bats gave me, but I felt awful all morning and lounged around the house all day. I went to bed early that evening- didn't even eat anything for dinner. And the next morning when I woke up, it happened.

I got up before sunlight and was restless. Not just restless, excited. My heart was racing. I felt great otherwise- just hyper. I had to get out of house. I put on some clothes and Tubby followed me out into the dark. I couldn't quite explain it- I had always been a little timid of the dark- mineshafts excluded- but that morning I was just fine with it. It felt, I don't know right.

I walked a little while and made my way over to the ball field. Of course no one was around and I just occupied my time throwing some rocks at the scoreboard. Someone yelled at me. I turned around and there was some big man in ratty clothes. He came up to me quick and before I knew it, he knocked me over and was on top of me. He was dirty and I could smell the rot and the alcohol. He was saying something- I couldn't understand him exactly because I was pretty scared.

Then, I caught hold of his neck and squeezed. Immediately, he grabbed at my hands but he couldn't get them free. I thought he must have just been weak from hunger or drunkenness. But, for what ever reason, he couldn't get my hands from his neck. And what's more, I was able to throw him off me. Just a fling- like throwing a stick, really. He landed a few feet from me with a thud and was rolling on the ground, holding his arm. I guess it was hurt pretty bad because he was screaming.