Midnight Encounter: A Terrifying Delivery Run

I was engaged in a delivery task one late evening, which proved to be the most extensive drive I have ever undertaken for a pizza delivery. The distance from my workplace to the destination was approximately 20 minutes, which is not an unusual commute in my locality. Moreover, the order comprised four large pizzas, leading me to assume that it was a party, and I would receive a generous gratuity. However, traversing the unpaved roads at night was a vexing experience. Upon reaching the designated location, I encountered an aged and dubious edifice situated in the midst of a forest clearing.

There were no parked vehicles or illuminated lights in the vicinity. I proceeded to shift my automobile into a park and contacted my superior. I requested that he review the address multiple times to ensure that I had entered it correctly, which was confirmed. It was evident that he was in a disgruntled state, and he instructed me to at least make an attempt to investigate by knocking on the door. Typically, he would express dissatisfaction if we returned a single pie, but I was apprehensive about his reaction if I were to bring back four. Despite feeling extremely uneasy, I alighted from my vehicle and compelled myself to approach the entrance of the edifice.

As there was no doorbell, I resorted to knocking vigorously. Despite my efforts, I received no response, which was not entirely unexpected. However, I was left feeling disheartened, not due to the lack of an answer at the door, but rather because I had come to the realization that my journey had been futile and had consumed a considerable amount of fuel.

In a last-ditch attempt, I knocked once more, hoping for a response. To my surprise, I heard some commotion emanating from within the premises. I knocked again and announced my presence as the pizza delivery person but was met with silence.

I experienced a heightened level of discomfort compared to my previous state. However, before I could pivot, my attention was drawn to the window where I observed an individual peering through. The gender of the person was indiscernible, as my focus was solely on their eyes. Their ocular organs were agape to an extent that exceeded my prior knowledge. The individual's gaze was fixed on me with great intensity, which caused me to feel perturbed. Consequently, I relinquished the pizzas and hastily retreated to my vehicle. Regrettably, the engine failed to start until the third attempt.

I transitioned from the grass onto the dirt road, however, I perceived the vehicle to be unstable, causing it to shake and bump. This prompted me to realize that something was amiss. Shortly after departing from the edifice, I detected a piercing scraping noise emanating from the exterior of the car. The resistance was so intense that I was unable to proceed any further, and the car came to a halt. I alighted from the vehicle to investigate the issue, and an eerie sensation crept up my spine, causing my heart to palpitate irregularly. Upon inspection, I discovered that all four tires had been slashed, and had completely detached from the rims.

Upon approaching the building, I became aware of an individual's presence, prompting me to retreat to my vehicle and secure the doors. Despite the obstruction of trees, the building was within close proximity to my location. I promptly contacted emergency services and relayed the situation to the operator. She assured me that law enforcement would arrive expeditiously and advised me to remain concealed. Seeking further guidance, I inquired whether it would be prudent to flee or remain in the vehicle. The operator advised me to remain in the vehicle with the doors locked. She requested that I remain on the line until the authorities arrived. My physical state was one of tremulousness, as the surrounding area was enveloped in an unending expanse of darkness and forest.

I was cognizant of the fact that it would require an extended period of time for law enforcement officials to arrive at the scene. I was uneasy about remaining in the vehicle in such close proximity to the perpetrator. However, it was the subsequent events that completely devastated me. To this day, the memory of it continues to unsettle me, and I sincerely hope that no one ever has to endure such a harrowing experience.

Whilst conducting a thorough scan of all the windows to ensure that no individuals were present outside, my attention was drawn to the rearview mirror. To my surprise, the same individual whom I had previously observed at the window was now visible in the reflection. Upon closer inspection, I discerned that the person in question was a woman, whose eyes had widened considerably. Furthermore, I detected a faint smile beginning to form on her countenance.

I proceeded to open my door and immediately sprinted into the woods, disregarding any potential noise disturbance. I continued to run until I was completely out of breath, which did not take long, and sought refuge behind a colossal log on the ground. In an attempt to conceal my heavy breathing, I covered my mouth with my hand and waited for what seemed like an eternity. Eventually, I heard the distant sound of sirens, prompting me to summon all the remaining energy I had to run back towards the dirt road.

I proceeded to unlatch my door and expeditiously sprinted into the woods, without any regard for potential noise disruption. I continued to run until I was completely breathless, which did not take long, and sought sanctuary behind a mammoth log on the ground. In an endeavor to mask my labored breathing, I covered my mouth with my hand and waited for what appeared to be an interminable duration. Subsequently, I discerned the faint sound of sirens, compelling me to muster all the remaining vigor I possessed to hasten back towards the dirt road.

In due course, the luminous red and blue lights became discernible, and I experienced an unparalleled sense of well-being. The aforementioned lights were stationed in front of my vehicle, and the individuals in question were conducting an investigation with the aid of flashlights. I emerged from my car and vociferously implored their assistance in a manner that could be construed as irrational. Subsequently, I collapsed onto the ground and began to retch, nearly succumbing to the physical exertion of my sprint. The aforementioned individuals lifted me up and proceeded to interrogate me, to which I provided a detailed account to the best of my ability.

One of the two vehicles proceeded towards the edifice, and the two law enforcement officials commenced scouring the premises. Upon their return, they reported no findings, save for a pair of pointed implements. These implements were identical to the ones utilized in the vandalism of my vehicle's tires. The officers surmised that the perpetrators were likely a depraved couple, given that I had witnessed a female presence. Regrettably, the culprits were never apprehended, and the memory of this incident continues to haunt me. Subsequently, I resigned from my position and secured employment at a nearby grocery store. The image of that woman at the rear of my car is one that I shall never forget.