Chapter 1
Darkness...
It is not something that can be seen. It is not something psychological. It’s the absence of visible light. If you’re in a place surrounded by darkness, and everything appears black...
Yet, you can just barely see your hand as you wave it in front of your face...
That means there is light. It is important to see everything if all light has been diminished.
Somewhere... There must be light. And if there’s LIGHT... There’s HOPE.
....
That night was terrible. A storm brewing the sky rumbled, and heavy rain plummeted against the windows. An elderly couple named Britney and Ben lived in a small apartment on the second floor.
Room number 21 of Bright Wood apartments. It was an old building that had not clearly taken care of. It was dark and gritty. Wallpapers stripped from the walls.
Most of the lights in the hallway weren’t even working. It was always very dark and cold.
Brittany, sat on her wooden rocking chair; her husband, Ben, was on the leather sofa next to her. Other than the howling of the wind and the pitter-patter of the rain against the window, it was quiet out.
Too quiet...
The couple sat watching T.V. There was a game show on Steve Harvey’s Family Feud to be more specific. It was the only thing illuminating the room.
Brittany took a sip from her cup of tea and placed it on the small, square table next to her.
“Sounds like we’re having a storm tonight dear.” She leaned back in her chair and began to rock forward and backward. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.
Brittany leaned forward and glanced over at Ben. Ben didn’t budge
He was too focused on the tv.
“I suppose I’ll get the door.” Brittany feebly got to her feet and slowly and carefully edged her way to the front door. She opened the door to find a police officer standing on her front porch.
“Good evening ma’am.”
“Oh hello, officer.”
“Sorry to bother you this evening, but there has been an incident. I’m going around to each door asking a few questions if that’s ok?”
“Oh, what happened? Is it something serious?”
“Well, there’s been a murder outside the building.” Brittany gasped and puts her hand to her mouth.
“Oh, God this is terrible.”
“Yes, it really is.”
“How is it that I can help you?”
“All I need to know is if you’ve seen or heard anything strange this evening.
Perhaps you’ve seen an unusual character walking in or around the apartment.”
“No, haven’t seen anybody.”
“Any weird or loud noises?”
“No nothing. I mean, we’ve haven’t left our room all day, so we haven’t seen or heard anything.” The officer did a quick scan of Brittany’s room.
“When you say “we” I’m assuming you mean you and your husband?”
“Yes, sir. He sat her watching T.V hasn’t moved all day.”
“Right.”
“Well, if you do see or hear anything at all, or perhaps suddenly remember something please the police a call.”
“Of course. Well, do.”
“Thank you for your time, ma’am. I advise for tonight, you stay inside and keep your door locked.”
“Don’t worry we will.” The police officer walked away and Brittany closed the door. She slowly and carefully made her way back to her seat and sat back down in her rocking chair.
She turned to Ben, who still sat watching tv.
“That was the police at the door. Apparently, there’s been another murder. Ben didn’t reply.
“This really getting out of hand now... Are you still not going to talk?” No reply.
“Why do you never listen to me?” Brittany became infuriated. This is all your doing. You did this. I’m not going to talk to you for the rest of the night. Let’s see how you like it.” Brittany leaned back in her chair and began to rock it forwards and backward.
Ben didn’t move.
His eyes didn’t blink.
His shirt has been white, but now it was red. There was blood trickling down the sofa and staining the carpet floor. And there was a knife sticking out of Ben’s stomach.
Brittany rocked in her chair ever so gently. She smiled to herself.
