Strangers.

"Stay with mommy."

"Don't wander off, sweetie."

"Don't talk to strangers, kids."

Strangers.

What is a stranger?

Someone you do not know.

"What's wrong with that, mommy?"

What's wrong with a stranger?

Perhaps nothing. Perhaps a kind soul. A new friend. Doesn't everyone start out as a "stranger" to others?

Marriages.

Friendship.

Even family.

Why must you avoid the strangers in your world?

Me.

Yes.

I am that stranger.

I am the stranger you dream of every night, fearing to wake to blood curdling cries because of my presence.

I am that stranger.

I am the reason you tell your children not to walk home alone.

I am the stranger.

I am the reason you lock your doors, you windows every night.

I am that stranger.

I am the stranger that you fear will steal all those that are dear to you.

You cannot stop me.

No matter what you do, I will always win.

They will wonder astray.

They will be left alone.

They will be tricked.

They will be snatched.

Their screams will go unheard.

Until it's to late.

Only to be dragged away to never be seen again.

A trail of blood may be your only clue.

To what has happened to them.

I lurk in the shadows.

I wait outside your door.

I hide in the dark allies.

I lure the innocent into darkness.

I wait.

Wait.

To steal your child.

Who am I?

I am the one that you know is waiting for you to slip.

I am the one that you watch on the news, only hoping it will happen to someone else.

I am the one that will ruin your love, and your life.

Forever scaring you of happiness.

I am.

I am.

The stranger.