WHAT TO DO IF.......

Everyone eventually returned to their rooms, the house growing quite as the night deepened.

Clarabelle lay awake on her bed, staring at the ceiling. Her mind refused to rest. The news report, her uncle's warning, the unspoken fear in her eyes, everything replayed again and again. She imagined every possible way of "WHAT IF-S", every consequence she wished she could push away. The thoughts slowly tangled together. Until exhaustion finally pulled her into sleep.

A sudden "thud" against her door jolted her awake.

Clarabelle gasped, her heart was racing. Fear flushed across her face as she sat up abruptly. A thin layer of sweat had formed on her forehead and breath came unevenly.

"Clara!" her father Roberts voice called. "Get up. you'll be late for school".

Realizing it was already morning she let out a shaky sigh and rubbed her face and got out of bed. After getting dressed, she went downstairs. The smell of breakfast filled the kitchen. Margaret was already settling plates on the table.

A few minutes later, Robert picked up his bag. Before leaving for his job, he kissed his wife on the forehead. Then gently patted both his children's heads.

" Be careful. "

Clarabelle felt the words as if it was carrying more chilling and heavyweight than unusual.

Clarabelle nodded.

Soon after Clarabelle and jackson grabbed their bags and stepped outside. The morning seemed ordinary. Yet the unusual feeling of fear and anxiety was more heavy to shake of for Clarabelle. Something was wrong in the air. Clarabelle felt like someone was watching her like a leopard and waiting for the right time for ambush.

As they walked toward the school, the memory of last night lingered in her mind.

The classroom buzzed with whispers that morning. Every corner of the grayhavan high seemed filled with the same topic, the police investigation, the unknown serial killer and the fear slowly spreading through the heavenbrook city. Teachers tried to maintain orders but they seemed distracted as well.

During the break, a boy from Clarabelle's neighborhood Jason approached her. He lived just few houses away and has always been curious.

"Your uncle is a cop, right?" He asked casually. "does he know anything about what's going on?"

Clarabelle hesitated for a moment, then slowly shook her head. Jason studied her face for a moment. He was hoping for more than a nod eventually walked away.

A few moments passed as the break ended and class resumed. The lessons passed in a blur, barely registering in Clara's mind. When the final bell rang, the students began packing up. Everyone was tired and happy to go home.

But no one was allowed to leave.

An announcement echoed through the halls,informing students that they were required to attend an additional lesson organized by the police authorities. It was an awareness program focused on Youths safety.

They were gathered in the school assembly hall. Clarabelle's eyes drifted towards the stage. where several officers were standing. Near the corner, she noticed her uncle. Daniel looked distant, repeatedly checking his phone. His attention was clearly divided, as though he were waiting for something more urgent than the session itself.

The lesson ended with warnings. reassurances and advice meant to calm the students and people's anxious mind. As the students exited the building, police officers stood by the doors, handing out safety items. Each student received a bottle of paper spray and pocket teaser The presence of a teaser and a paper spray gave Clarabelle a strange reassuring feeling, but the fear of ambushed by a serial killer who killed several older and teenage women never left her mind.

outside, students scattered quickly, eager to return home.

Clarabelle and little brother Jackson walked together. Jackson examined the item with interest.

"Do you think this even works without instructions?" Clarabelle asked quietly.

Jackson grinned and carelessly said, "I think it's kinda fun. Now we can scare anyone we want."

Clarabelle looked with confusion and annoyance at Jackson but kept quiet.

When they reached home, Jackson went straight to their mother to explain about the extra session. Clarabelle drained and uneasy headed upstairs to her room without a word. She closed the door behind her and leaned against it. Exhaling slowly as she realized she reached home safely.

The day had been normal on the surface but beneath it, something sinister was luring under the city's air. The feeling of being watched 24/7 never left.

WRITTEN BY: TWILIGHT RAVEN

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