Whisper Whisper

"Claire, I am leaving once again for work, remind me of the rule you must follow while I'm gone," my mother's voice was harsh, I hated when she left.

"Stay inside the house," I whispered.

"Say it again Claire, louder so I know you understand!" her voice was louder, it made my ears ring.

"Stay inside the house!" I exclaimed, hoping she wouldn't yell again

She leaned down to match my height, "Thank you, I apologize for yelling. Do you know why you never leave the house?"

I shook my head, I've never known why. I'd just listen to what she said and never asked questions.

"There's a voice, it's very dangerous. It messes with children's heads and makes them leave their mommy. You mustn't listen to this voice," her tone was now soft yet worried.

"Alright Mommy, I won't listen to it," I said softly while staring at the wooden floorboards.

"Thank you my Claire, I'll be back in a few days ok?" She stood and grabbed her coat.

"Goodbye!" I spoke while running to embrace her. I'll be just fine by myself, I always have been.

"Goodbye, my sweet girl," she whispered while pulling away from my embrace and stepping outside. She closed the door softly, leaving me alone once more.

I did everything as an ordinary child would do while alone, I played with toys, read some of my picture books, and snuck snacks from the pantry. I was lonely, sure, but at least I was safe. The day carried on as usual, after I ate my snacks I ran around the house singing my favorite song then sat by the grimy window to watch the sunset. The elements that clung to the screen made it difficult to see, but it was the best spot to see.

An idea struck me like a bullet, I could step outside, just for a quick moment. That would be fine right? Just for a split second is all. As long as I stay on the porch and don't listen to any voices. I just won't tell Mommy, I know keeping secrets is bad but it'll be worth it to see the sunset without a film covering its beauty.

As I walked towards the door, I jumped at every noise. I knew no one else was home, but the fear of being caught took over my mind. The door scolded me while I opened it, creaking loudly like an alarm. Like it knew I was disobeying my mother's single rule. I stood in the doorway, wondering if it was actually worth it. Then I stepped onto the porch, pushing away from the world I'd been stuck in for eight years. I felt the crisp autumn air against my skin, it felt magical. I took it all in at once.

I stepped to the wooden railing and gazed at the warm hues coating the once-bright sky. The trees poke through the colors yet they don't disturb the clouds. I realized there were no other houses nearby, I felt even more isolated and alone. The sun set quickly, and as stars appeared I rushed inside and straight up to bed. I hoped to dream of a world where I'd watch the sunset every day with friends, even though I didn't have any.

I pulled the covers over my head and shut my eyes, suddenly whispers came from outside my window. "Claire, outside was so beautiful wasn't it?" The voice sounded so soft, kind, and trustworthy.

"It was," I whispered. "I hope you know I won't fall for your trick, my mommy warned me of you."

"She won't be home anytime soon, I'm not dangerous like she tells you. Let's go outside again." It had a very persuasive tone, but I objected. I already did once, it'd be wrong to do it again.

"My mother told me not to, I shouldn't be listening to you," I mumbled. I rolled into a ball under my sheets and covered my ears. I didn't want to listen to the voice anymore.

"But Claire, your mommy is lying. I don't want to hurt you. You loved the outside, I can tell. You want to go back out there, it's obvious. You want to be a normal girl, it's not that difficult to see." The voice was right, of course, it was. I still chose to ignore it, squeezing my eyes shut. "Please don't ignore me, you know you long to go out once more," the voice kept talking, trying to persuade me.

"I'm not going to listen to you!" I shout.

"Claire, please lower your voice. Mommy doesn't like screaming, does she?" whispered the voice.

"No, she doesn't," I whispered. It was right, mommy hates screaming.

"Did you know there are these things called fireflies?" spoke the voice in a motherly tone. "They glow a beautiful green and light up the dark woods.

"A firefly? Those sound dangerous. It has fire in the name after all."

"They are actually very kind Claire, not harmful at all. Maybe you could catch some and use them as a nightlight." The voice's tone was deeper, evil sounding.

"I suppose, you won't tell Mother if I go out will you?" I questioned, the fear of being caught creeping up again.

"I'm positive she will not mind, she leaves the house all the time, doesn't she?" The voice was right, she leaves and returns just fine. So I will as well.

I pushed myself out of bed and ran for the front door, disregarding the scolds as I threw it open. I snatched a jar from the porch stairs as the air hit me hard.

"Claire, this way, I found fireflies! Come this way!"

I ran to where the voice was coming from, I turned the corner quickly as a hand grabbed my shoulder.

"Claire, why didn't you listen to your mommy?" The voice asked. Their tone was low and deep.

I had frozen in my tracks, trembling with fear. I shook so much I dropped the jar on the grass. "Where are the fireflies?" I asked while I turned to face them. I noticed the axe in their hand.

They gripped the axe tightly, "You'll meet them soon enough Claire." 

I screamed as they raised the axe towards the sky. I didn't know where to go, I was frozen in place. They sliced right through my head. I felt all the pain, fear, anger, and betrayal. I felt my cold blood running down my body. I felt guilty for not listening to my mommy and for leaving home. Then I felt nothing, nothing at all.