Impersonating Oneself

Aurelius strode gracefully. Halloween was the perfect time of the year; men almost stood out more if they didn’t wear make-up or ape horrors. A time to hunt without the fear his appearance might reveal him. And even a few days after costume parties let him hide in sight.

Tonight it ended though. Tomorrow the fireworks with their searing lights and deafening sounds would mark another year of lurking.

Ahead his prey staggered and stopped almost perfectly for the alley he’d selected.

He lunged… pavement blurred…

Too easily.

Smudged pallor exposed skin paler still.

Two fanged maws gaped in dismay.