Category : Stories

Sub Category : Thriller

   “Hey Lou!”
   “Hi Geri.”
   “Uh- why are standing out here on the sidewalk? What are you reading?”
   “Oh, just some book I picked up down at the store. It's pretty cheesy, but I was bored, so I thought I'd get it just to kill time.”
   “But why are you reading it out here? I mean, you're standing in the middle of the sidewalk and- well? I'm confused-.”
   “Oh. Yeah, I guess it seems weird. You'd better not stand too close to me. It might get you also.”
   “Might get me? What will?”
   “Oh- I thought it was obvious. Sorry. Should have explained.”
(Lou looks around and whispers to Geri)
   “I'm being attacked.”
(Geri looks up and down the street, seeing nobody.) 
   “Excuse me? Attacked?”
   “Yeah. Don't stand too close.”
   “Attacked by who?”
   “No no. By ‘what’.”
(Geri looks around again. Sees no people, no vehicles, just a trash can, small tree, light post.)
   “Ok. I'll bite. Lou, What is attacking you?”
   “There's a sloth in that tree. He's been attacking me now for, uh, oh, about an hour and a half.”
(Geri looks into the small tree and sees a small sloth v e r y slowly climbing downwards.)
   “A sloth-”
   “Yeah. It's kinda funny actually. I was just walking by, and I guess I got too close to its tree or something. But then it just lurched and started to attack me. I always figured sloths were pretty mild, but this one is fierce!”
(Geri looks at the sloth, which has climbed down another inch or two, in its rush to confront Lou.)
   “Anyway, he's been attacking me for a while now, and just standing here was way dull, so I got this book. See? Makes sense, right?”
   “But, it's a sloth… Why don't you just walk away or something. At this rate, you might be standing here all night…”
   “Awww no! I couldn't do that. I mean, look, he's putting so much effort into the attack and everything. I kinda feel obligated to just wait it out. Besides, what could he do, scratch my foot or ankle? Imagine how slow he'll be once he's on the ground…”
   “Well ok then. I guess I see your point. Well- I've got stuff I need to get done, so I suppose I'll just leave you to it then. Give me a call when the attacks over, maybe we'll get lunch or something.”
   “Probably dinner. I think I'll be here awhile.”
   “Yeah, dinner sounds good. Anyway, shoot me a text or something, we'll get together.”
   “Sounds good! Have a great day, and don't worry-”
(Geri looks at the sloth who has climbed down another inch or two.)
   “Oh no. No worries.”

NEW YORK CITY: “ MAN FOUND DEAD AFTER BRUTAL MAULING ON EASTSIDE. LOCAL YORKSHIRE TERRIER SUSPECTED OF HIDEOUS CRIME”