Ramelan

YTZ#12: Another Inspiration, Another Fiction This year is about new beginnings. I began a new story series yesterday, you know, for the kids. And today, […]

Bobby Finn burst through the double door at the back of the cafeteria. He came running through the middle of the room screaming and waving his arms in the air. “They’re coming!” Bobby shouted. “They’re coming!”

“Whoa, psycho alert!” Grace yipped.

The memory of the bizarre scene of Bobby Finn hung heavy in the cafeteria air.

Other voices resonated the sentiment:

“What the hell was that all about?”

“Bobby Finn?”

“It’s because his mother’s like that, you know.”

But Purity was far more concerned by what the woman had run from. With extreme trepidation, she looked overhead where the clerk had fixed her gaze, trying to see what was there above her head…

Purity couldn’t understand what was happening, nor could she release the feeling of terror consuming her mind and body. Her hands were clammy, her heart beat like a racehorse, and her eyes were as wide as if someone had taped them open.

Still she could not manage to see what had frightened the clerk so much. She could not see whatever was above her. The thing she began to feel and perceive as there, lurking about, looking down at her. She knew something was there. She just wanted to know what it was!

Purity was so rattled that she hardly perceived what began to happen. The fear feeling overtook her again, but she was lost in thoughts. The world darkened, but she looked within. The screaming room became a thunder, but her ears grew muffled. The thing lurked behind her, but she looked towards the floor.

Everything stopped. Purity had this sense of ease overcome her. The shadow monster was still. A bright, white glow rose in brilliance, all the way from a spark into a massive orb of light that engulfed the entire area… basketball courts, side of school, and all.

A woman’s voice called out as if by some strange fluke, “Hi, dear,” it soothed liltingly.

Who was that? So calm…

“There is nothing to fear now,” said the woman…

And then it appeared. On the horizon, in the distance, one enormous clawed leg reached out and found footing on the rocky hills. It moved slowly, behemothly slow. And when it placed its sharp, pointed toe down, the sound reverberated out like thunder. Another leg appeared, then another. It was unclear how many, but Purity got the sense of something like an insect or spider with many legs. Only bigger than any creature she had ever imagined possible.

It was pitch black. Purity couldn’t see even an inch in front of her. She was overcome with fear. What if there were something in here? Where if there was some other spider monster, or worse? These thoughts did not console her. But the sound of thunderous booming outside reminded her why she’d ducked into this cave. At least she’d stand a chance in hiding. Outside had seemed a sure end.