ASH

Chapter I

It was a cold winter night in our small town, and everyone was out, having fun. Because our town was so small, everyone knew each other, and we all got along well. 8 years ago, I had been lost, wandering hopelessly. I was too young to know what had happened. But then, two brothers of our town had taken me in and looked after me. To this day, I still don't know what happened, but i'm glad my two brothers, Ethan and Chris, took care of me and still do. Chris is 17, and Ethan is 18, while i'm 12.

Our town isn't that known. It makes sense, it's hard to get in or out of our town due to certain conditions. It also isn't suited for many people either, since it snows often. The warmest it's ever been here is 63°. Yeah, not exactly the best place to live for many. But the ones that do live here enjoy it, and that includes me.

It was a saturday night, which means most were out in the center of town, having fun, playing music and games, and more. It was 11:56pm, and I was starting to get tired. I told Ethan I was going home, and he responded with his usual 'Be careful'. He tried to hide how overprotective he was of me, but it always showed. It was comforting, knowing he'd be there for me. Then again, we don't have much to worry about, as crimes are almost non-existant here. I got to the house, walked up to my bedroom, and feel asleep the minute I touched my bed.

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I abruptly woke up. I rubbed my eyes and looked outside. It was snowing as usual, but it seemed worse today. I proceeded to get up, and walk downstairs. Everything felt eerily quiet. Knocking on my brothers doors brought no response. Usually when they left early, they would leave a note. Well, at least Ethan would. I searched the house, and found nothing. I then stopped and suddenly realized that the outside was quiet as well, aside from the snowstorm. No matter how early I got up, I would always hear people chatting outside, or the sound of machinery working. But there was nothing. I started to feel scared, and quickly went to go change. I put on my jacket, and went outside.

There was nothing. There was no-one. Which each passing second I became more and more afraid. Each step I took made me want to cry more. Where was everybody? I was in the center of town now, and still, there was nothing. But then I saw a brief shine in the snow, and remembered Chris' locket he always wore. I ran towards it, but quickly recoiled back in horror. In the snow was Chris, covered in blood, stab wounds all over. I fell into the snow, losing every bit of hope I had. I tried resisting the urge to scream, but I did anyways. I began sobbing uncontrollably, looking helplessly at what was once my brother. I heard a footstep behind me, but didn't bother looking. I could see Ethan's shadow, knife in hand. As I took a final breath, the last words I heard broke me.

"I'm sorry, Ellie."