Shatter

Chapter 1

     The silvery glow of the full moon streams through the window illuminating the otherwise dark room. The blankets rise and fall in rhythm to steady breathing. The house is silent, save for the rustling of leaves and tree branches outside due in part to the summer breeze.

     In an instant the air is pierced by an ear shattering scream. It echoes eerily off the walls. As I jerk upright I toss the blankets aside. Eyes wide in terror heart hammering in my chest I slip from the comfort of my bed to the door. On the way for safety I arm myself with the metal baseball bat in which I always keep next to my nightstand.

    The door swings fluidly open on it's hinges into the hall. Paranoia of the unknown takes hold as the shadows dance across the walls. They hauntingly taunt me to step out and into the barren chilled pathway. Tentatively my feet shuffle down the corridor. Suddenly a soft timid voice breaks the silence.

    "Ahlorah?" My heart rate skyrockets, pivoting quickly around I come to face my younger brother.

    "Timothy?!" A sigh of relief passes through my slightly parted lips. A small dim light flickers on to reveal his shadowy figure.

    "I heard mom scream... ." His tone is hushed to a whisper. I nod.

    "Yeah I did too. I'm going to go check it out." I see him frown with what little light shines on his tiny pale face.

    "Ok should I stay here?" I hesitate.

    "No, not unless you want too. While I would feel much better if you did I also wouldn't mind you coming with me." Sapphire orbs lock with light blue as they exchange a silent agreement.

                                                                           Click!

    The light disappears darkness engulfing us once again. Slowly we progress towards the stairwell. Upon arrival we cautiously descend. With our footsteps light we test every stair hoping it'll hold our weight without a sound. Upon the last step just as my weight presses onto my foot the stair moans out in protest.

                                                                         Creak!

     We both inhale sharply holding our breath. The tension continues to build as we stand still as statues. We are left stranded on the last step.

                                                                        TickTock!

     The clock on the wall counts away the minutes. Straining our ears we listen for any movement. Waiting anxiously for anything to jump out from the dark abyss and attack... nothing. After what feels like ages we both release a silent sigh of relief. Now at the bottom we stand in the dark living room. The faint yellowish orange glow from under the kitchen door beckons us forward and we comply.

    Just before I reach toward the door the sensation of a warm sticky liquid tickles the bottom of my foot. Quickly I jerk it back in surprise and disgust. Tim turns on his flashlight and our eyes widen.

    "What the?!" I whisper in shock. I look at my brother. He is wearing a similar expression to mine.

    "Is...is that blood?!" his voice quivers.

     "Yes... ." I shudder as a chill goes up my spine. Reaching for the door again Timothy stops me. His tiny hand grips my own. I look over to see him gazing at me with terror in his eyes.

    "Loa I-I'm scared!" I kneel down to his level and hug him tightly.

    "Same here." I say in a quiet tone.

    "Be careful." He mumbles into my shoulder.I meet his gaze once more.

    "I will." With that I slowly open the door and peer inside.