"Urgent update: A dangerous serial killer armed with a cleaver has escaped from the central jail. For your safety, it's crucial that all residents remain indoors, ensuring doors and windows are securely locked. Authorities have identified the last known sighting of the suspect in 'Larz Colony'. They are actively monitoring the situation and will share any updates promptly. Your cooperation and vigilance are essential at this time. Stay tuned for further updates and instructions."
Lilly (fearfully): "Oh no! He's in our neighborhood."
Rosie (urgently): "Lilly, we need to inform Mom and Dad."
Lilly (anxiously): "But it's midnight. How can we wake them up at this hour?"
Rosie (urgently): "We can't afford to wait. What if he comes to our house next?"
Lilly (calmly): "Okay, let's stay calm and think logically. We should secure all the entry points and follow the safety measures advised by the police on TV."
Rosie (determined): "I'll check the balcony and the upstairs windows. You check the main gate and the downstairs windows."
Lilly (worriedly): "Be careful, Rosie. And hurry back."
Rosie (assuringly): "I will, Lilly. Stay alert."
Rosie hurried upstairs while Lilly rushed outside to check if the main gate was locked securely. As Rosie closed the balcony door behind her, the sound of barking dogs startled her. Peering cautiously outside, she spotted Lilly sprinting from the gate towards the house. With a sense of urgency, Rosie descended the stairs and reached the ground floor just in time to see Lilly closing the door firmly behind her.
Rosie (concerned): "What's going on? Why were you running?"
Lilly (breathlessly): "I saw him, Rosie! The killer was right outside."
Rosie (panicked): "we need to wake up Mom and Dad, now."
[Suddenly, on television: "Attention viewers, police dogs have located the suspect, and law enforcement has entered Larz Colony….]
Rosie: "Wake them up, Lilly, this is serious."
Lilly (calming down): "No need, Rosie. The police are here, and we've secured the doors and windows."
Rosie (concerned): "But what about Bella? She's still outside."
Lilly (determined): "What should we do?"
Rosie (decisively): "We'll have to go out the back door and bring her in."
Lilly (urgently): "Let's go, quickly."
They ventured outside, cautiously avoiding the lurking presence of the killer. In the dim light, they spotted Bella, the adorable puppy, peacefully sleeping. With careful movements, Rosie gently scooped her up, while Lilly grabbed a small bowl of dog food. Just as they were about to retreat indoors, the sound of footsteps shattered the silence.
Lilly's voice quivered in the tense night air. "Rosie, let's watch him from the window."
Rosie's heart thudded so loudly she was sure the killer could hear it. She leaned toward Lilly, her whisper barely audible, 'Did you hear that?'
Lilly nodded, her face pale, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. 'Yes... it's him,' she murmured, her voice trembling.
The cold air seemed to tighten around them as Rosie's hand fumbled with the door handle. Her breath caught in her throat. 'We need to get inside—now,' she hissed, her urgency sharper than the icy night.
Rosie's eyes widened with disbelief. "Lilly, are you crazy? I've been telling you to wake Mom and Dad, and you want to watch him? He's a killer, Lilly! Do you even understand? He could wipe us out in seconds, and you're suggesting we just watch him from the window?"
Lilly's hand trembled as she pressed a finger to her lips. " Shh! don't scream. He might hear us."
From the darkness came a bone-chilling laugh, jagged and hollow. 'Hahaha! Kids, where are you?'
Lilly froze, her eyes darting to Rosie, her voice cracking as she shouted, 'Get in! Now!'
The air seemed to vibrate with the sound of heavy footsteps closing in. Just as the killer stepped into view from the wall of the house, his silhouette sharp against the faint moonlight, the wail of sirens ripped through the tense silence, scattering the shadows.
The police's commanding voice boomed through the chaos. "You've been spotted! Come out!"
Defiance laced the killer's words. "I'll come back for you!"
With swift agility, the killer retreated as the police descended upon the neighborhood, knocking forcefully at the main gate.
Mr. James! Open the door! Mr. James!"
Panic surged through Rosie. "Mom, wake up! Dad!"
Christine's voice, fraught with concern, called out. "Wait! I'm coming!"
Fear gripped Rosie's heart. "The police are at the gate!"
James's confusion was palpable. "What? Why?"
Lilly's voice was urgent. "Open the door, Mom!"
With trembling hands, Christine swung open the door, and James rushed to unlock the main gate. The police streamed in, their presence both reassuring and unsettling.
James's confusion lingered. "What's happening? There's nothing here! What are you searching for?"
Berlin, the senior, urgently spoke, "An escaped killer was attempting to scale the walls of your house. We must find him."
Christine exclaimed in shock, "What! A killer?"
James questioned, "But why was he trying to climb our house?"
Rosie, with a sense of concern, replied, "Because of us.'
Christine countered, "But weren't you two sleeping?"
Rosie intervened, "No, we were secretly watching TV when we heard news about the escaped killer."
Lilly added, "So, we checked the doors and the main gate."
Rosie admitted, "I repeatedly urged Rosie to wake you and dad up, but she seemed to be enjoying herself, thinking she was some sort of heroine."
Lilly, defensively, retorted, "He climbed the wall because of you; you screamed?"
James interjected, "Stop arguing and narrate the whole incident."
Lilly continued, "So, this coward left Bella outside and insisted that we both go out to bring her in. Then she heard footsteps."
Rosie elaborated, "I told her to come inside, but she insisted on watching him from the window."
Lilly, impatiently, said, "Don't interrupt! Then she started shouting."
Both Lilly and Rosie chimed in, "And then the killer demanded to know where we were, and then a siren sounded."
Rosie concluded, "Finally, the killer jumped back onto the street and threatened to return for us.
Christine, with a worried tone, exclaimed, "Oh no!"
Berlin reassured, "Don't worry; we will arrest him soon."
As the police left their house, everyone remained stunned.
James, in frustration, shouted, "Christine! How could you be so careless, leaving the children alone to watch TV?"
Christine defended, "I had put them to bed."
James questioned, "Then how were they watching TV?" Christine replied, "Forget about the TV. The killer might return. I refuse to stay in this house any longer; I'm leaving, now!"
James sighed, "Leave it for now; we'll discuss it tomorrow."
Christine persisted, "How can you be so casual? I won't stay here; we all need to move to another house.
James conceded, "There's nothing we can do now. It's midnight. I promise we'll find a new house very soon."
Lilly and Rosie snuggled up with their parents that night, seeking comfort from the shadows that haunted their dreams. Christine's heart raced with fear, her mind plagued by nightmares, yet somehow they found solace in each other's presence, drifting into restless slumber.
Morning broke, and James, sensing the urgency of their situation, swiftly secured a new home in the heart of New York City, a haven nestled next to a bustling bank, far from the haunting memories of Larz colony. Months passed, and their new abode became a sanctuary of joy and laughter.
Amidst the chaos of another day, Christine's voice pierced the early dawn, urging her family to rise.
Christine: "Rosie, Rosie, wake up! Lilly, you will be late."
Lilly: "Mmm, it's too early."
Rosie: "Mom, what is the time?"
Christine: "5 minutes to seven."
Rosie: "What? It's too late."
Lilly: "Let me sleep."
Christine pulled the blanket from Lilly, and meanwhile, Rosie had worn her uniform. Christine went to the kitchen and made their breakfast. James was also in a hurry. He left quickly without taking his breakfast. Lilly and Rosie also left the house. Now, as usual, Christine was alone in the house. She sat down on the sofa and turned on the TV.
On TV, the news anchor's voice rang out,
"Breaking news: Damon Darkwood, the notorious killer who managed to escape from prison just a few months ago, has finally been captured."
The words echoed through the room, punctuating the morning stillness with a mix of relief and lingering unease. The mention of Darkwood's name brought back memories of fear and uncertainty, stirring emotions that Christine had hoped to leave behind in their old life.
Berlin, in TV, "After a hard struggle, I and my team have again caught the most wanted serial killer of New York and now you all are safe."
Christine, with herself, breathed a sigh of relief. "Finally, we are safe now," she murmured, her voice a whisper of gratitude as she absorbed the news unfolding on the TV screen.
The anchor's voice filled the room, "But Berlin is not revealing his latest videos or images in jail. He is just saying that Darkwood has been caught."
Deciding it was time to focus on the present, Christine went outside to feed Bella and switched off the TV. With a determined resolve, she began packing their bags, the weight of anticipation heavy in the air.
As she finished, the doorbell rang.
"Who's there?" Christine called out, her curiosity piqued.
"Any guesses. Who I am?" came a voice Christine has heard before.
"Oh, come on, James, you just scared me," Christine chuckled, opening the door to reveal her husband's smiling face.
"Scared you? Why?" James questioned, stepping inside.
"First, do you want some tea?" Replied Christine, already heading towards the kitchen.
"Yes, of course," James said, settling into a chair.
As Christine brewed the tea, she recounted the news she had heard earlier. "I was watching the TV and heard some news about the killer."
"A news about the killer? What was that?" James inquired.
"Berlin was saying that he has caught the killer, but the reporter was saying that Berlin is not revealing him. Isn't it strange?" Christine remarked, a furrow forming on her brow as she pondered the implications of the conflicting information.
James: "Turn on the TV again."
TV: "... revealed his picture as proof of his capture, The screen showed Damon Darkwood, a man whose very image sent shivers down everyone's spines. His face was everywhere, a symbol of terror.
The camera zoomed in on his haunting features: a long, wild beard that framed his thin face and black, soulless eyes that seemed to pierce through the screen. Despite being only 25, he looked much older, with pale skin and dark circles around his eyes making him look even more eerie.
Damon was now dressed in a standard prison uniform, but clips of his arrest showed his signature black coat. This coat, worn and torn, had become part of his frightening persona, making him look like a figure of darkness.
Christine: "Oh! He doesn't seem human."
James: "Yes, look at his face. He doesn't seem to be 25. By the way, why are you packing the bags?"
Christine: "Oh! I forgot to tell you that the killer has been caught, so we can go back to Larz Colony, to our old house, isn't that right?"
James: "Well, but we won't stay there for too long. We'll just go there for the vacations."
Christine: "Yes, I think today or tomorrow Rosie and Lilly will be given their vacations."
James: "Ok! I am too tired. I am going to sleep."
Christine: "Fine, I am in the kitchen if you need something, then call me."
Hours passed, Christine was cooking when the doorbell rang again. With a furrowed brow, she approached the door, her heart skipping a beat with each step. Christine: "Who's there?"
Rosie's voice came through the door, filled with excitement, "Mom, it's me and Lilly."
Relief washed over Christine as she swung the door open, a smile spreading across her face at the sight of her children standing there. Welcoming them inside, she couldn't help but feel a rush of warmth knowing that they were all together again, safe and sound.
Christine: "I have good news for you two, guess what?"
Rosie: "Is George coming?" Christine: "I think so, but I have something else."
Lilly: "Has Darkwood been caught?"
Christine: "Yes, but I have another piece of news."
Lilly: "Come on, Mom, don't make it suspenseful. Tell me quickly, what's the news?"
Christine (Laughing loudly): "Ask James!"
Both of them ran towards the room with their bangs in their hands, pushing each other and screaming, "I will tell first, I will, I will!" And with a crash, the door swung open.
Lilly (with a shout): "Dad! What happened?"
Rosie: "Dad, tell me first."
But James was still in a deep and peaceful sleep.
Christine (watching from the door): "Lilly, pull the blanket from him."
And as she pulled the blanket, the doorbell rang again. Rosie rushed to the door, jumping on cushions and sofas.
Rosie (with delight): "George! Is it you?" But instead of George, a heavy voice commanded, "Open the door!"
Rosie (horrified): "Who's there?"
Now a shrill voice came, "It's me, Rosie. You forgot me?"
Rosie: "Emily, is it you?"
Rosie opened the door her heart raced when she saw a strange person in a horror outfit standing at the door as she stumbled backward, her breath caught in her throat. The person's grip tightened on her arm, their eyes flashing with an intensity that sent shivers down Rosie's spine. In a moment of panic, Rosie's eyes met theirs, but she couldn't place the familiarity in their gaze. Suddenly, the figure's expression shifted into something ghostly, a dangerous look that made Rosie's blood run cold. Before she could react, the person's grip tightened, pulling her closer with a force that startled her. Just as Rosie's fear reached its peak, George stepped forward, his familiar grin breaking through the tension.
"Surprise!" George exclaimed, wrapping Rosie in a tight hug. "We couldn't resist scaring you a bit." Relief flooded Rosie's senses as she laughed nervously, still shaken from the encounter.
It was only then that she realized the person holding her tightly was Emily, her aunt, who had managed to startle her with her eerie expression.
Emily holded Rosie's ear tightly, "Will you take my name again? I am your aunt, not your sister.
Rosie dodged her and rushed towards the house screaming, "Mom, Mom, George is here with your sister?"
Emily to herself: "She won't understand."
Christine came out, hugged Emily, and kissed George.
Christine: "Come in, why are you standing outside?"
All of them sat in the lounge laughing and enjoying, but they were unaware of what would happen next.
Christine: "Lilly, did you forget the good news?"
Lilly: "Oh, please tell us now."
Christine: "Tomorrow, we are going to Larz Colony."
Rosie was stunned because she was still in shock, and Lilly screamed with happiness.
Rosie: "Why that house again, Mom?"
Christine: "We have our old memories there, and now Damon is in jail, so we shouldn't be scared."
Christine was expressing herself this way because she was suffering from psychological distress. Her mental health had deteriorated after the incident at Larz Colony.
Christine: "Emily, I think if you join us, then it will be good because Edward is abroad, and you will be alone in your home."
Emily: "Yeah, sure, I will."
Christine: "All of you come to the kitchen; lunch is ready, only to be served."
The next moment,
A voice on the mobile phone: "They are coming."
Another voice: "I am ready."
And,
Christine: "Rosie, hurry up."
Rosie: "I am coming."
Rosie rushed towards the garage with Bella in her hands, and the next moment, she stepped on the stair, and with a crash, she fell.
Christine: "Rosie!"
Christine rushed to pick her up and found her head bleeding. The situation became panic.
Emily: "Come on, James, take her to the hospital."
Lilly: "What happened to her?"
George: "Put her slowly in the car."
After everything that happened, Rosie found herself in a daze, surrounded by echoes of voices in her head. Inside Rosie's mind, a chorus of voices clamored for attention.
Lilly: "Rosie, come here! Rosie"
Damon: "Hahaha! Kids, where are you?"
Berlin: "We will catch him"
James: "What? Why?"
Christine: "I won't stay here"
"Open the door! Rosie, do you forgot me"
And in the last a strange and a heavy voice, "Don't go, don't go there. He's there!"
Suddenly, Rosie's eyes flew open, finding herself in a hospital bed. Fear surged through her as she cried out, "Don't go, don't go there. He's there, Mum, don't go!" And with those word hanging in the air, she slipped back into unconsciousness.