Arc 2: Remember Clearly

Nell had turned the chapel into a makeshift greenhouse. I could imagine the sunlight shining through the multi-coloured glass above, heating the interior so the many plants could thrive. It wouldn’t work in the winter, there was no way to insulate the building with all the missing pieces in the walls, but for now she […]

“You need to remember.” I stared through the glass, viewing the frozen scene. Scientists with wearied faces, stuck in the middle of tasks I didn’t understand, holding vials of liquid or writing in notebooks. It was so vivid that it was hard to imagine this as a memory. How much of this was me filling

Beth was pinned to the porch beams and railing like a butterfly on a board. Her pale face gaped at me, like she wanted to say something but couldn’t find the words.  Julie lay on the floor, looking up at her mother. Blood dripped down Beth’s chin and landed on her. Julie didn’t react, just

I kept my eyes and ears tuned to any sign of Aaron and Beth as I snuck into the field. The fires would hopefully hold their attention.  All was quiet. Not even the sound of crickets or frogs broke the silent tension, like they knew something I didn’t. On my way, I tried to communicate.

There was a building excitement inside of my chest as I introduced myself, as if I had been trying something for years and a breakthrough just occurred. But even though I was feeling it, the emotion belonged to the woman in the chapel. “How does this work?” I asked. The sound of my voice was

Huh?  I stared at the poster that was taped to the back of the door. The woman on it had a large crown that rested over one of her eyes while she looked back at me with the remaining one. My hand still rested on the metal doorknob. I tightened my grip and opened the

I stared blankly back at Beth, trying not to give any tells on my face. “Jason!” Beth barked out. I heard his footsteps running away. She sighed. “That boy needs to learn to listen to his mother. Come along now.” She walked back towards the house. The circle of vehicles was still there, although some

I was still awake when sunlight began to creep up the blinds of the window. Every hour of the night Beth had come to check on me. Even without the constant surveillance, I doubted I would fall asleep, so instead, I schemed.  The visit from the neighbours had left an impression on me. They were

I couldn’t leave through the front door. That hallway was a minefield and without knowing where I should place my feet on this quiet night, any unfamiliar creak or groan of the house could tip off the Cathrows. They were keeping a close eye on me. After putting my shirt back on, I leaned out

“This is the last time. I promise.” I nodded mutely. Dad carried me to the car and sat me down. The scent had already invaded this space, like it knew where we were going. Sharp, acidic, metallic. It stung my nose and made my stomach twist into a tiny knot. I could do it. Just