Calm Before The Storm

The woman looked down at the raging waves below as she stood by herself on the riverside, her heart pounding with panic and despair. She felt an overwhelming sense of fear as the child had been carried away by the relentless tides. She stared anxiously looking for some indication that the child was there. The sea, however, was ruthless and dark, its waves slamming relentlessly against the rocks.

Her heart raced as she realized how big of a task she had ahead of her. After everything she had already been through, she could not stand losing another child.

Still, as seconds passed, the child did not show any signs of coming back. She was on the verge of giving up and started walking along the shoreline helplessly, her eyes scanning the stormy sea for any indication of the child's presence.

A flash of hope snapped her attention. Amongst raging waves, a little person could be seen fighting against the rapid current, beaten and wounded and for some reason still alive.

The raging waves threaten to suffocate the mom as she stretches out to save the child. Desperate to save him, she struggled against the strong currents. As the tips of her fingers met the child's trembling hand, a terrifying insight struck her.

The child, once more, went under the waves as he was dragged toward the rocky edge jutting out from the river. The woman pushed herself forward, her heart thumping in her chest.

Though… It was already too late. The child faded into the rough seas and was nowhere to be seen by the time she arrived at the rocks. Her mind became a thick forest blocking all the light of truth. Her heart strained against the darkness as she continued to look for the child.

After hours of helplessly searching for the child, a small person could be seen struggling against the current in the distance, among the breaking waves. It was the child, carried tightly in the arms of a gloomy man that stood along the riverside.

A feeling of anxiety came upon the woman as the storm passed and she found herself standing by herself on the lonely riverside. The ruthless stream had taken the child from her hands.

A shiver ran down her spine as a voice emerged from the shadows. "Looking for someone, dearie? You're lucky he survived – barely," the shadow quipped. The men around him laughed.

Looking around in shock, the woman saw that she was facing a man who was cloaked, his eyes hidden by the shadows. The men surrounding the shadow varied in height and age. They all were weak and malnourished, their skin pale, the innocence of their childhood sold to the devil.

Her heart raced with suspicion and fear, her muscles instinctively moved for a weapon that was not present. The shadow moved forward revealing his face. His hair black and devoid of color. His eyes, bloodshot and pupils pitch black. The man chuckled darkly. As his mouth opened to speak, his tongue had a peculiar shape. His tongue had a slightly large cut in the middle, it eerily resembled a snake's tongue. His face was big and his skin showed age. He was the leader of this clan and is also the one who previously attacked the women. Words formulated out of his mouth and bit the woman like a mosquito trying to feed on its host. "No sweetheart, no need for weapons. I have something to tell you – a proposition, if you will," the leader spoke.

The woman demanded, "Give me back my son!"

"Whoa, hold on there! It isn't that simple sweetheart. As I was sayin', I have a proposition." The leader said.

The woman inquired "And what is this proposition?" The women listened to the man explain their offer with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.

"There are those who would seek to do you harm, "he explained. "But I can offer you protection, a safe haven from the dangers that lurk in the shadows."

Intrigued, the women pressed for more details. "And what do you want in return?" she asked.

"You'll do anything to get your son back right?" the leader asked with an odd and creepy tone.

The woman paused for a moment and then answered, "Yes."

The man leaned in close, his breath cold against her skin. His blood shot snake-like eyes surveyed her entire body. "Simply your presence," he whispered into the woman's ear. His words felt like a cold hand gently stroking her spine. He then continued, "Come to the old mill tomorrow at midnight, and all will be revealed."

The women thought about the proposal. Undoubtedly, it was a risk, but she was willing to take it in exchange for the opportunity to keep the child safe. She then proceeded to nod her head.

The leader turned back and ordered the other men, "Take the kid to the old mill! And keep him alive!"

The following day, as the sun was setting below the horizon, casting long shadows across the desolate landscape as the woman got ready for her encounter. On the dresser, in the place of makeup there were two guns, and one scissor. She took the scissor and fitted it in between her skin and the strap of her underwear. The cold metal touched her skin, but rather than giving her a cold sensation, it gave her a warm sensation of peace. The woman proceeded to wear jeans and put both guns in both sides of her pocket. Deeming herself ready, she wore a pure white shirt and exited her house.

The woman made her way to the old mill. The air was heavy with the scent of damp earth and decay, and a sense of unease settled all over her as she approached the destroyed structure. A shiver ran down her spine as she stood in front of the mill, raising the hairs on the back of her neck. She felt as though there was a sense of dread in the air itself, warning her to the danger that might be ahead. She was nervous, but she persisted, her heart pounding with determination. She would face the devil who had stolen her child, and she would do whatever it took to bring him back.