I had just dropped off my last passenger, concluding my grueling 12-hour shift. Enduring through relentless traffic and miserable tips, all I craved was the solace of my home, where the promise of a cold beer and snug bed beckoned me. Just when I thought my day was done, she leapt into my cab. The back door behind me opened, heavy rain becoming more audible catching me off guard.

"Hey, uh-uh" I began "I'm clocked out for the night, find another-" The sight of four crisp Benjamins in my rearview mirror cut my words short. Her hands were shaking and I could hear the desperation in her tone.

"18th and Harris! Please, I can give you more when we get there." She made eye contact with me as she pleaded. "Just get me out of here." I looked at her and back to the greedy Franklins staring back at me. As much as I wanted to selfishly kick her to the curb, I could sense that something wasn't right. Call me old fashioned but I couldn't turn down a damsel in distress. Her blue eyes pierced into mine, mascara running down her cheeks. The extra cash could sweeten the bitterness of my day.

"Alright..." I sighed, shifted into drive, and rolled away. A relieved exhale escaped her as she settled into the seat. 'Just drop off the girl, pocket some extra money, and go home,' I repeated to myself. It was only a 15-minute detour, and if it meant ensuring her safety, my conscience could rest easier.

As a seasoned taxi driver, I've cultivated a knack for keeping my nose out of others' affairs. Meddling often leads to more chaos and confusion, and I've learned that sometimes it is best to stay in your own lane. The last thing I needed tonight was an angry boyfriend at my doorstep. Yet, it didn't mean I couldn't show some concern for my passengers.

"Are you hurt?" I asked, the abrupt sound of my voice causing her to jolt. Her eyes met mine in the mirror.

"No. I'm alright. Just one of those nights, you know?" She said behind a fragile smile.

I chuckled. "Oh believe me I do. Nothing a good night's sleep can't solve" At that, her body language seemed to relax and I could see her smile. Assured she was psychically fine, I eased back into the seat and turned on the radio. I turned to the final direction which led me into a dark alleyway.

"Alright, time to pay up, deals a dea-" A sudden alarm blared from the radio, catching me off guard.

"Authorities are currently on high alert for a young woman spotted fleeing the vicinity of a crime scene. The circumstances following the crime are said to be extremely graphic and deranged. The suspect is believed to be unpredictable-" the radio continued.

The hairs on the back of my neck rose in silent alarm, and I shot a quick glance at the rearview mirror. In its reflective depths, cold beastly eyes fixed onto mine, sending fear through me. The once fragile and scared girl had been replaced by a predatory aura.

I raised my hands shakily, a desperate plea escaping my lips. "Hey look, I don't want—"

She moved with an almost supernatural swiftness. A gasp escaped me as her hand tore through the seat, plunging into my chest. The pain was sharp, quick, and then—gone, replaced by euphoria. I could feel her breath on my neck, warm lips pressed against my cheek. I could feel her relax the grip of my heart and release me. Without a whisper, she vanished into the heavy rain. As the rhythm of the heavy rain eased me, a peculiar calm washed over me. I found myself sinking into the seat, the sleep I longed for beckoning me.