The Nearness of You

The walkway offered one of the most magnificent views in one of the most architecturally rich cities in France, but Nicky's eyes stared out, unseeing.  She kept her feet moving forward, one after the other, and didn't stop to look down for fear she might find the prospect tempting.  This wasn't how she'd wanted the trip to end.

The cold stone of the elaborate gargoyles passed under her hands; sloping backs, rough and weather-pitted rock, a brief bristle of sparse and wiry hairs...

Nicky paused.  Hairs?  She whirled.

Nothing was there.  All around her, the night was silent and still.