yo I just made myself cry

I imagined myself shopping at a large grocery store late at night, perhaps 2am. I'm listening to my music and browsing the aisles. There is but one employee present. She stands bored at one of the cash registers. All is well. As I head towards the back through the canned food aisle, I get a strange feeling, like something is moving out of the corner of my eye. I pause and remove my earbuds. My head swivels. Nothing, no one. Not a sound. I continue forward, only to be confronted with the distant sound of circuit breakers disconnecting, one by one, as sections of the store become consumed in darkness. I freeze, motionless yet panicked. I can't see a thing, my sweaty palms grasp the handle of the shopping cart. The air is tight, like a vacuum, no sound escapes it. It's dead quiet, all that accompanies me is the ringing in my ears and the wind of my breath. My eyes strain to make anything out of the void surrounding me. But I can feel it, like a strong hand wrapped around my throat, the cold fear running through my veins and down my spine--I am not alone in here. I am being hunted. Not by someone as disinterested and tired as the woman up front, but my something unknowable.

I begin to think of places I can hide, if I can get there without my vision. I figure the bakery department would be a good choice, rather dry, lots of obstacles, and free cookies! I just have to get there. I abandon my cart, cheez-its and vitamin water are the last thing I need right now. My boots are heavy and loud, and if I am to avoid being picked off, I must treat carefully. My heart pounds and my ears strain to verify my light steps, but every movement is like thunder. The ruffle of my jacket, the tense exhale from my lungs, and clack of Vibram on the linoleum floor tiles--all of it was far too much and I felt it drawing near. I froze up. I couldn't take it any more. I fell to the ground and pressed my back against the shelves, burying my head in my arms, thinking I was safe to hide here in the open. At least I felt safe. And what of the woman up front? Surely, she would have made a noise, screamed, even! Perhaps it started with her. Maybe she is cowering behind her desk, as I am in this aisle, and all we must do is call out to each other! Safety in numbers. But what if the creature that stalks this interior tracks one of us down in our attempt?

What if I call out, and no one answers?
I can hear it breathing now. I haven't much time. The fear is paralyzing. Just end it!