The Legend of Wahkan

The rain was pouring heavily as second shift neared its end. The locker room was beginning to quiet down as officers were rushing to get home. A few other officers were walking in, about to begin third shift. Alyssa was grabbing a few items from her locker, ignoring the commotion as she hurriedly shoved the items into her bag. She didn’t want to get caught up in a conversation with the other women who took their time dressing and putting their belongings away. Alyssa zipped her bag and stood, tossing the strap over her shoulder. She refused to look back as she walked around the corner and pulled the door open. It made a soft screech as she stepped into the hall and halted, allowing the door to close gently behind her. “So is it true?” a young man asked. Alyssa took in a deep breath and rested her body against one side. She stared at her former partner and sighed. He was a great friend but at times he could be quite a nuisance. “Kevin, I really didn’t have much of a choice,” she replied. He walked to a nearby window and leaned against it. “We’ve been partners for a couple of years now, right?” he asked. Alyssa nodded and remained standing near the door. “I really hate what you are going through, but I don’t think I am ready to find a replacement.” “Look, this was really hard for me to decide, but my doctor suggested it,” Alyssa stated and glanced down the hall, hoping no one was around to hear. “What are you going to do?” Kevin asked. Alyssa approached him. “My father thought it would be best for me to come and stay with him and my mother, which means I’ll be breaking my lease, but you know it just might do me some good. I think my father is finally going to try and give me…some answers,” she replied hesitantly. Kevin looked a bit confused. Alyssa cleared her throat and glanced at her watch. “Answers to what if you don’t mind me asking?” “You know it’s been a difficult topic, and it’s very hard for me to explain and go into detail without you wondering if I’m going insane. Besides, I need to get moving. With these few tremors we’ve experienced today, I’d hate to get caught up in a panic with the residents while trying to get to the highway.” Kevin nodded and pushed himself away from the window. “I understand. I’m sure these tiny quakes are nothing to be concerned with,” he said and looked at Alyssa. He was going to miss having her alongside him in the patrol car. “Well at least give me a call sometime if you want to go grab a beer. We’re going to miss having you around here,” he added. Alyssa smiled and leaned towards him, giving him a friendly hug. “I’ll definitely stay in touch. Just remember that this is temporary, okay? I need to figure some things out right now,” she said and Kevin patted her back. “Alright. Well, take care,” he said and watched Alyssa walk down the hallway. “I will. Bye,” she said, looking back at her former partner. “Bye,” he responded and stood there as Alyssa disappeared around a corner. Millions of thoughts raced throughout her mind, questioning her decisions and the possible consequences as she approached the lobby. She wasn’t sure if it was going to be the right choice. She was nervous and afraid, her heart fluttering away, but she knew that it was a done deal. There was no turning back now. “You remember what I said, Alyssa…” Alyssa’s thoughts were interrupted as she glanced up to see the chief of police standing near the exit, smiling back at her. He was a happy, good-hearted person, a close family friend of her father’s. He had been around long before she was born. “You come back when you are ready,” he added. “I will. Thank you so much for everything,” Alyssa replied. She knew she would miss Robert and the rest of the precinct. They were all close, a family of their own. “You’re welcome. You just take care of yourself. We’ll see you again soon I’m sure,” Robert said and opened the door for her. “Of course. I’ll see you guys later,” Alyssa replied and waved to the secretaries behind the counter. “Bye honey! We’ll miss you,” one said, looking up from behind her computer, waving. It was Kristin, the only secretary to acknowledge her since the accident. Alyssa never knew why the others kept quiet. Alyssa smiled after saying her goodbyes and stepped outside. The door carefully closed behind her, and the rain began to kiss her face gently. The weather was finally beginning to calm down, and she could remember what a relief that was… Chapter One Night was soon to arrive and the fatigue was already setting in. It was the daily routine Alyssa dreaded the most, sleep. The frequent underworld and haunting town she seemed to visit every night became certain, a ritual almost. They were to be expected… She could recall the constant night terrors and awakening to sweat on her face and chest, her heart beating rapidly, and her breaths panting as if it happened moments ago. The images were too difficult not to dwell on. They quickly crept into her mind the moment she sat on her bed to prepare herself for what was to come later that evening. Alyssa was extremely nervous about this one, and it had nothing to do with the nightmare that was sure to torment her. It was actually her father, James. He had been extremely difficult to talk to since the accident, but she believed tonight was going to be different. There was a change coming. She could feel it.