By Igor Dyachishin
Indistinguishable and unpretentious, a plain-looking one-storey house sits among many others like it in the suburbs. Its front door is open, allowing just a little warm light to timorously pour out into the darkness of this early autumn night.
“I’ll just throw these bags of trash out, and I’ll be back, Margo,” Artur assured his wife, already heading out the door, gripping the bags firmly in his hands. The garbage containers were on the other side of the street. Out there, away from the streetlights, was an ominous, almost chilling, darkness. With his sharp memory, Artur easily found his way. He had done this many times before.
But Artur was oblivious to the fact a vicious predator lurked on the other side of the road, eagerly awaiting him.
Springing from behind a tree where it had been hiding, the predator pounced on Artur like a bolt of lightning, clamping its hand over Artur’s mouth so tightly he let out only a dull moo instead of a scream. Quickly and quietly dragging Artur a little to the side, the predator began to drain and empty its victim of all his essence. The predator hoped no one was watching.
Having assumed a brand-new identity, the former predator stood still for a couple of moments with his eyes closed, savouring the novelty of his new lease on life and everything that came with it — new memories, a new body, clothes, you name it. The hunger was gone.
His victim, on the other hand, lay motionless at his feet. But not for long.
Best not to linger, and not just because Margo will be worried.
The former predator was satisfied with his new name, Artur, and quickly disposed of the trash bags and hurried back home.
***
As it slowly came to, the devastated victim found itself on the grass next to the dumpsters. As it stood up, it caught a glimpse of the door of the house across the street closing. For some reason, the house seemed strangely familiar.
But that familiarity would soon pass.
It had already transformed into something and someone completely different. Its appearance had changed — in many ways similar to a human but still not exactly human.
Hunger started to bite, and, with it, the urge to devour and take possession of someone else’s life grew stronger. This new predator would make great use of the abilities and instincts it had just inherited from its predecessor.
About the Author
Igor Dyachishin
Igor Dyachishin lives in Bryansk, Russia.
He prefers to write science fiction, and his interest in science and philosophy is often reflected in his works. Among his favourite authors are Peter Watts, Greg Egan and China Miéville.
His flash fiction story "Not alone in the universe" previously appeared in <https://365tomorrows.com/>.
E-mail:
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