One Night

13:00

Hello! This is the first part to my first short story, ONE NIGHT. Hope you enjoy it! Feel free to leave any comments below.

He edged closer to her with his knife raised overhead.

"No, please no! Why are you doing this?" she screamed.

He approached his victim like a tiger approaching its prey.

She raised her slashed arms in a feeble attempt to shield herself. "Why me?" she whimpered, her voice shaking helplessly.

He smiled.

--

BREAKING NEWS: THE RIPPER STRIKES AGAIN, NEW VICTIM FOUND IN MARIAL CANAL. "Again?" Jane's eyes were glued to the TV screen, a chill running down her spine. She couldn't believe it. It's been three weeks since the first murder and yet, this "Ripper" remains uncaught. "What exactly are the policemen doing?" As if it had read her mind, the news cut to the official report of the police.

Jane adjusted her glasses.

"Our deepest condolences to Emma's family and loved ones. Rest assured we are doing all we can to apprehend the criminal."

Another one of those vague, politically correct statements. Jane frowned.

"Right now, there is much to investigate. However, one thing is for certain." Jane leaned in towards the TV screen. "The criminal is still at large. The public is advised to keep your doors and windows locked. Watch out for your loved ones and take extra precautions to ensure one another's safety."

Jane peered over at her front door. Locked.

As the news cut to Sports, Jane switched off the TV, uninterested. She was never a sports person. The last time she tried playing soccer, she scored own-goals, thrice.

Sinking her head into the back of the sofa, her eyes fell on a family portrait hung next to the TV. The photo was taken during one of her family's beach outings. It was a perfect day. She cracked a smile.

Mum. Jane gazed at mum's beautiful smile, deep wrinkles and long black hair swaying in the sea breeze. How Jane missed her. By the time mum had found out about her third stage cancer, it was too late. The doctors all tried and not a single one succeeded. Mum was too far gone.

Jane bit her lower lip as dark memories started flooding in. Her vision blurred as tears welled up in her eyelids. "Don't cry my dear, I'm with you. I'm always with you." Those were mum's last words as she heaved her dying breath. Jane recalled the way mum smiled - or struggled to - before she closed her eyes for the last time. Jane took off her glasses to wipe off her tears. A shame Jane, in her temporary moment of weakness, failed to notice the slight movement behind the sofa, in the reflection of her blacked out TV screen.

Jane sat up and took in a deep breath. Putting her glasses back on, she took one last glance at mum. She was so beautiful for her age. Dad was a lucky man. Jane checked the calendar. Three more days till dad returned from his business trip.

Dad worked in the public relations of Maxes Goods Company, constantly travelling overseas. Jane had complained to her dad countless times before about how his job was unhealthy for the already broken family. "Someday, when you grow up, you'll understand," he always replied, oblivious to his daughter's genuine concern.

Dad was never the same after mum's death. Even when not overseas, he worked late into the night. On some days, he returned home reeking of alcohol.

Just then, Jane felt a hand grab onto her right shoulder. "Ready to die?" a sinister voice whispered into Jane's ear.

TO BE CONTINUED

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