The Lake Walker

It is about 9pm when the guys start trickling in to the cafe by the lake. It was their monthly TT, "teh tarik" session, basically a gathering to just talk about everything and nothing over a cup of foamy tea sweetened and muddied by condensed milk. They came from diverse background with differing careers. Only the car that they all drove became the bond that binds them. Sort of escapism really, away from wives and work they became boys sharing the fascination with their toys.

The cafe by the lake was chosen by a member known for his abhorrence to drive through KL traffic. It was close to his home, luckily the place was nice. A cafe right on the edge of the lake with its own pontoon jetty extending towards the fountain in the middle of the lake. Surrounded by greenery and at night lighted by pretty garden lights. That night the weather was nice with soft breeze blowing across the lake. As it was a week night, there were not many patrons there.

They were on their second round of drinks, laughter's abound and cigarette smoke wafting through the air. They were all in a place where their worries were gone, their mood is light and just enjoying the company and banter that is passing back and forth in all direction. It was almost 11pm when the cafe owner asked for any last call and told them that they could stay on but that the lights will be switched off. He then left, leaving them with someone who looked like a guard who promptly disappeared into the darkened cafe. Presumably to lock up and do whatever a guard is supposed to do.

As the lights in the cafe were switched off, a young man approached the group. Shook hands with all of them and just smiled. Their banter was never disrupted except to extend a hand to receive the young man's hands and say their name. It is normal for new members to pop in to these sessions as it was broadcast over their car club's discussion forum. All of them thought that the young man is a new member. All are welcome, they just need to fit in and go with the flow. The young man just sat, smiles and nod at their conversation. In the dim light they all noticed that though he seems fine, the young man's face seems a bit ashen. No one says a word, not even in jest as he is a new member. They just continue talking and laughing.

As the witching hour approaches, the young man stood up without saying a word and leave. No one notices at first but as he reaches the pontoon jetty, silence prevailed and all eyes were on him. Then he did the unthinkable, he just walked into the murky water of the lake and disappeared. Without a splash, without a sound. The group just looked at each other and without saying a word, each left for their own cars. They just drove off without the usual lengthy goodbyes or even inspecting each other's cars for the latest modifications or gizmo's as they were wont to do.

It was in the car that the actual horror begins. As each were driving alone, whenever they looked at the rear view mirror, there is the ashen faced young man smiling at them....