The June Pearl

Laura… I heard a chilling hollow call of my name in the darkness of a
deserted beach. I trembled with fear and ran. Darker clouds moved on. I
believed shadows stalked me in the vanishing moonlight. My sight
blurred, and the sound of the surf clogged my ears as it spread white
foam onto the sand. I could ‘feel’ a shadow running behind me but I was
afraid to look.
The wind howled and beat against my face and at my salty lips. I
gasped for air and I smelled fish. I caught a glimpse of my pursuer, a
hunchback with his black cloak flapping in the wind. His eyes were
raging and his white teeth laughed. I stumbled and froze.
Little stars twinkled in the dark skies, indifferent to my plight. The
ocean battered over the sands as I made an effort to get back up on my
feet. The black cloak behind me opened like vampire-wings ready to
catch me in its folds. Before I could run, a clammy hand grabbed the
back of my neck, digging tightly into my flesh. My heart squeezed
painfully. My knees weakened, my legs wobbled and I was once again
completely immobilized by fear. I needed a miracle to save me. It was the
end!
One hand, gloved in shiny black leather, opened and exposed a large
white pearl.
“My pearl!” I screamed as I raised my hands to snatch it, but he
pulled away from me.