It was a starless sky. There’s no moon either. Everything was dark, blanketed by a sea of clouds. They loom over slowly, hiding any ray of light that passes through. When I looked beyond the window, all I see was black. Gone were the lush grass, the apple trees, the things I usually see at day. As if they’re consumed by the blackness, devouring anything it could get its grip on.
And then, the lightning flashed.
I looked away from the blinding light. I don’t want to expose myself, I don’t want to be found out where I was. It’s the last thing I needed right now. I backed away from the window. My steps were as slow as it could get, must conceal myself. I must use the darkness to conceal myself.
There were already two dead in the house. I must find the others before it’s too late.
I can feel something cold in my face. I wiped it off quickly. It was water from the rain. Some of it flicked through the window’s gaps, finding its way on my cheeks.
It has been raining hard lately. And today it lasted for hours. The ground outside has now been flooded. The water was knee-deep. It’s like a swamp. The dirt has turned into a pulpy mush, the worst mud there is. And it blended with the grass, making it a nightmare to walk outside.
That’s the last place I want to find myself in. The ground was soft and slippery. It’ll pull you down with every step you take. The grass will also be a burden, the long ones tangling your legs up and dragging you, pulling you back. The rain on your back also felt heavy. There were just so many things that will stop you from running away outside. It’ll make you easy prey. There was no choice but to stay inside. Muffle up and hide somewhere dark, where the lightning’s flash won’t find you.
I learned to time my steps with the thunder’s roar. It could cover the noises I made, hopefully. The floorboards were creaky. And they’ll make a sound no matter how light you are. I hold my breath before taking a step, waiting for another roar of thunder.
My steps were light. And my movements were cautious. I wait for the lightning’s flash to set up a path before everything gets dark again. It’s the only source of light I have right now. With darkness like this, it’s impossible to search for a lamp. It’s probably in the kitchen. But I’m not going to bother getting it. As I said before, exposing myself was the last thing I needed right now.
Despite my slow pace, I finally made it to those stairs. I crouched when the lightning flashed again. I used the cover of the wall beside the stairs. In the darkness of the storm, you don’t know if there’s out something there looking at you. I’d rather not risk it.
I looked at the steps from below. I gave out a long, uneasy sigh. This was going to take a while. But still, I must hurry. I have to get there before them. But I must also be slow and careful, lest I get found out, and it’s the end of it all.
I slipped my head off the wall, just small enough so my eyes could see. I spied for the closest window. I waited for another bright light.
And then, another lightning flashed.
I looked back at the stairs, taking my first step. I timed it well with the crackling thunder. The sound of it was much louder when you’re in a nearly enclosed space. I decided to use it to my advantage. My creaking won’t be heard that much anymore. I can now land my steps a bit comfortably.
Climbing the steps was an arduous task. I’d blame it on myself since I was the one responsible for it. My pace was slow, slower than a snail’s. It’s a price I must pay to keep myself from getting found out. After I placed a step, I’d look down below. I may not see the window anymore, but at least the light was bright enough to illuminate where I was going. I had to time my steps alongside it as well.
Sometimes the thunder wasn’t as loud as I hoped it would be. After a series of thundering crackles, it occasionally lets out a low rumble. It’s one thing that I should be careful of. I took a step once when the thunder roared weakly.
My teeth gritted as the wood I’m stepping on gave a worryingly creak. It’s much louder than the rumble. My face began to pale. I held my breath at that time. My body was steady. I swallowed hard as I listened to any sound of walking around me. I closed my eyes as I listened close. And slowly, I breathe out. I can’t call it a sigh. It sounded more like shivered panting. Thankfully, no one noticed.
I finally made it halfway up the stairs. Considering the speed that I was moving in, I was surprised to get this far in a short amount of time. I can now hear something from above. Though the sound was faint, it seemed like tiny tapping on the wood. I leaned my ear against the wall, hoping I’d hear the sound better.
They were footsteps. And it’s pacing everywhere, never still, never resting. I reckon they’re coming from the room closest to the stairs.
I must get there. And fast.
I still depended my pace on the sound of thunder. And I kept a steady weight in every step I take. It’s not heavy nor light, just enough to keep me balanced as I take another one. Little did I know that it would cause me problems in the following steps.
The only light I relied on was the brief flashes the lightning provided. I had all my eyes focused down the stairs, as my pace goes along with what’s coming after the bright light. I did not notice the small puddle that was forming on the step that I was about to take. It came from the ceiling. There’s probably a leak up there. I unknowingly stepped on it.
And I slipped.
My body tumbled. I came rolling down the stairs fast. The thuds were loud, like thumping boots running down. It was louder than the thunder, or the ever-falling rain hammering down the roof. I landed hard at the bottom. A groan escaped my lips. My head was pounding. And my body was splayed in an awkward position. Every part of me was hurting. It’s a pain to move. I’m pretty sure there was bleeding, somewhere.
I struggled to get up. The pain was ringing in every part of my body, but my head was affected the most. I had to lean on the wall because my eyes were spinning. I wiped the sweat off my forehead. It was blood. My head was heavier now that I’m standing.
I hear the sound of steps all of a sudden. They were coming from above. Every creak it made got me colder than ever. Am I too late? Is this it? I snickered silently. All those hiding and crouching that took forever to do were for nothing. I crouched down and hid behind a wall. I made myself as small as possible. This was my last resort. Maybe if I made use of the darkness, then I can have the element of surprise.
The steps stopped at the bottom of the stairs. I held my breath again. The creaking sound pierced my ears with fear. My chin was now touching the floor. I hoped that I didn’t make any sound.
Everything was silent in the house. Only the shower from the rain outside can be heard. There was no movement whatsoever. The figure in front of me didn’t move. I did my best to reciprocate. Despite the chilly atmosphere, I am now sweating feverishly.
Here I am now lying in the darkness. My body draped flatly on the floor, making myself as small as possible. The figure and I were just inches apart. Both of us were never moving. I prayed silently, hoping it would never notice me.
And then, the lightning flashed.
The brief moment of light was enough. We have finally revealed ourselves to each other. I got up slowly. Our eyes connected as I did so. The thunder roared a second after.
In front of me was a little girl. She has red hair and a large ribbon tying it. She wore a nightdress and was holding a pillow. She looked up to me the way a prey looked at its hunter. Her legs shivered slightly and she hugged her pillow tight. My shadow cast darkly upon her as another lightning flashed.
I raised my knife.
The sound of her screams mixed well with thunder.
Author's Note
As you can see, I may have used a lot of repetitions in this story just to keep the word count up to a thousand. It's just an idea that came up recently I can't really wait to use it. The execution sucks balls right now but I'd like keep it here in case I'll polish it in the future. And if you're reading this now, then congratulations for enduring this story of mine. And thanks for reading.
