Dark of the Moon

Before the Start

Birds chirped in the distance on Sunday morning. The sky was bright with white fluffy clouds, drifting across the sky along with the gentle breeze. The wind pulled at the leaves on the trees and made the branches dance across the sky. Not a soul could be seen on the street as the bell chimed in the church steeple. Inside the church, the entirety of the town was gathered behind a tall woman with neatly pinned up salt and pepper hair. Her plain hat sat just above the sizeable bun on the back of her head. 

She clutched her chest leaning forward, the tears streamed silently down her cheeks as the minister spoke softly. She lifted her face to look up as he finished his sermon. She wiped her eyes with the already damp handkerchief. "let us gather 'round Miss Linda and pray that her child be returned to us." the minister called to the congregation and strode toward Linda. He put his hand on her forehead and closed his eyes, lowering his head, his lips moved silently as he prayed. Linda felt other hands gently touch her shoulders, back, arms. She lowered her head but her chest felt hollow. Her breath caught in her throat but she managed to maintain a strong facade in front of the entire town. They all knew the truth, Linda was sure. She wondered how many of the prayers were that her daughter would never return, now tainted by the devil. She felt a flash of anger, it didn't matter to her how her daughter came back... as long as she did. It had been almost a month since she had disappeared without a trace, not so much as a footprint.  Everyone had given up searching for a body. The hands lifted and the prayers ended, people came up to Linda and offered condolences and comfort. She nodded to each one, making her way toward the door through what seemed like a sea of people. A feeling of helplessness filling her body as the momentary anger faded. The hopelessness consumed her thoughts, this service felt final, the chapter was being closed on her child.  

If Erika had really been carried off by the mountain witches there was a chance that she would one day return to her. Linda felt her feet follow the road toward her now empty home. She had nothing left to do... except wait.