“Hello.”

That’s how He started our first conversation. It seems innocent enough, but I would soon learn, it was anything but innocent.

“We don’t really know each other, but that’s ok. I’m sure we are going to become very good friends. There’s nothing else to do on this rock.”

I shook my head and looked around. “Don’t bother looking around. Ain’t nothing to see,” he stated. I couldn’t even really seem him, just the barest outline of a figure in the darkness. “Know any stories? Something to pass the time…”

“Yes.” I was startled by the croak that answered. Was that my voice?

“Good,” he replied, as his face emerged from the darkness, dripping in an evil grin. “Get to telling.”