The Summoning

Chapter One

I grew up on a farm in the south, it was hard. When one got sick you feared for their life. I was always the one to go hunting after father got injured. I wasn't good at first but once I got the hang of the bow and arrow I was able to catch enough food. We lived well until the virus started in the small town a few miles away. It started out like a common cold, but grew into something more. The doctors couldn't find a cure. Causing the town to enrupt into chaos. Killing off the infected at first everyone was disgusted by this and banishing the families that killed their loved ones. It was hard to see this happen and I feared we would be attacked but it never came. Father apologized every time he looked at me. I never understood. It confused me. How could he apologize so much when he hasn't done anything wrong. Or so I thought. It never accored to me that the virus was something to fear. Something so bone chilling that I shudder at the thought.

It was hard to wrap my mind around the symptoms. I racked my brains every night as I laid in bed listening to the breathing of my twin sister. My mother and father in the next room there voices hushed as they talked. I stood up and walked to the door making sure not to wake up Stella. I walk with light feet to the door peeking out. My father sat at the table his head in his hands. My mother stood behind him her hands on his shoulder. She was whispering something I couldn't hear. My father sobbed and pounded his fist on the table making me jump. I've never seen father angry. He is a patient man. And to see him angry and frustrated by something was unnerving.

Father muttered something causing mother to gasp and take a step back. It was hard to make him mad. But to see him upset, it scared me. I watch their movements and mother is waving her hands around fast. Father is shaking his head his face getting paler and paler. What could they possibly be talking about. I wanted to hear so I crept more into the room. The floor board creaks under my weight. I freeze and hold my breath praying my parents don't see me. Mother looks toward the room where I'm standing but she doesn't see me neither does father as they both continue to talk. I let out my breath and hurry into the room making sure to stay hidden.

"We can't be sure!" Mother whisper yells.

Father stands up glaring at mother favoring his left leg. "I know what is going on, you don't. It was all because of that..." He trailed off sitting back down and placing his head in his hands. "Oh, Bonnie I messed up bad. Bella and Stella will be harmed. And i-i don't know what I can do."

Mother touched his cheek, "Bella can take care of her and herself. She's a strong girl. After... After the accident she stepped up and I'm proud of her for that." Mother smiled gently.

I smiled my heart warming, I've never been told that by my family and to hear it made me lightheaded. I crouched down and hid behind my mothers table in the kitchen. I pressed my head against the wood to hear a little better.

"I caused all this and you still love me... How can I ever forgive myself." Father said as he stood up rubbing a hand through his greying hair.

Mother sighs and wipes her tears, "I have no idea what you mean by how you caused this virus but I will always love you."

I tilt my head and go back to my room. What could he have meant I crawl into the bed careful not to wake her and wrap the blanket around me. I sigh and fall into a dreamless sleep.