TRYING TO STAY CALM

The night was unusually dark, the kind that felt heavier than it should. Outside the wind whispering through the trees making an unsettling sound. inside a modest house Williams family sat together in the living room in front of the glow of the television light.

Their programme was suddenly interrupted by "BREAKING NEWS".

When the news reporter announced her tone grave. " over the last few days, several people have been found dead in the different areas of heaven brook city. The police are actively investigating the cases, although no concrete clues have been discovered yet."

Margaret lowered the volume of the television when silence fell over the room.

"This again?" Robert muttered. "that makes three weeks."

Clarabelle shifted uneasily and stared at the television screen where brutal crime scenes were showing. The screen was filled with flashing lights of police vehicles ambulance and Officers were standing with Grief and Sorrow while forensic investigators were collecting important proofs. The authorities were asking people to remain indoors at night and report anything suspicious to nearby authorities.

Robert turned off the television, "from now on, we are being careful." said firmly, "no going out alone at night."

"And even during the day." Margaret added turning toward clara, "you will keep something with you. a safety alarm paper spray,anything that can help you survive any casualties."

clara nodded though a knot had formed in her stomach.

Just then, the doorbell rang. The sound of the sudden ring echoed sharply through the house, making everyone in Williams family flinch. Robert stood up and walked toward the door. He tried to master up courage and open the door. his hand was shaking. He tried to grab the door knob with a shaky hand when again someone knocked on the door.

His hand stopped and heart was beating loudly. Robert was hesitant for a moment. Despite being hesitant he mastered up.courage and opened the door when,

Relief crossed his face.

It was his brother Daniel. Daniel standing at the doorstep in a police uniform. His eyes looked tired, hollowed by grief. A few weeks earlier he had lost his wife Lillian . soon after his daughter Grace was found dead as well taken by the same unknown murderer that terrorized the heaven brook city.

Robert asked daniel to come inside the house when they sat together in the living room with others. No one spoke first when daniel broke the silence and said,

"I won't stay long here. I came to warn you guys about a dangerous serial killer who's roaming in this city feely."

The room grew tense when Robert replied, "yeah, we were watching about that killer just now on the television."

Daniel continued saying, "all the victims have been girls and women.different ages, different neighbourhood. But there is a clear pattern on their bodies."

Margaret's breath caught, "what kind of pattern?"

"I can't explain everything here." Danien replied. "This case is still being investigated. But police have come to one conclusion that these killings are not random. The killer has some motive behind these killings."

his gaze settled on clara. "Please be careful. Do not go out alone. And always carry something to protect yourself clara."

Clara nodded unable to speak when Daniel stood up and adjusted his jacket, "I have night duties. i had to come here before it went too far. i'll come here to check whenever i get a chance."

At the door, he paused. " Lock everything. doors, windows everything. Do not take any chances."

Then Daniel stepped back into the darkness. Robert locked the door behind him, turning the key slowly.

outside the street is silent. inside no one spoke.

Yet all of the Williams family felt the unsettling certainty that whatever was haunting the heaven brook city was no longer distance.

WRITTEN BY: TWILIGHT RAVEN

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