ORPHAN TOWN

CHAPTER 8

Cindy's POV 

 It is so dark that I can't even see my hands anymore. I can hear some rats skittering around. Damn, the one day I didn't bring a hoodie. I've been here for maybe ten minutes or ten hours.

There's no clock here, but the sun is down, and I've been lying on an old, dusty bench. My stomach is growling. I wish I had eaten before I left the house. It is so cold. But as I'm shivering on the ground, the doors fling open. Oh, thank God!, I can go home, I think, but before I can get up. Drumming and humming fill the room. When I look up, I see some people coming in. '' Hum...'' they continue as they come through the door. I don't think they know I'm here. As they move to the front, I hide under the seat. They're putting grass on the ground, 

and candles illuminate the room. Most of them wear green cloaks and white sandals, but one man wearing an ocean-blue one with green sandals moves to stand in front of them. He blows a wooden horn, and the drums and hums stop. I thought to take photos, but my phone died, and my camera's flash will sell me out. Two women are assisting a woman in a white gown. She appears dazed like she's been drugged out.

They carry her to the front and place her on the ground. He removes a big hunting knife, lifts her, and turns her head to face her chest. Then he stabs her in the neck like an animal.

 I cover my mouth to prevent a scream. My dad used to do the same when we went hunting. Despite my mother's objections, I've pursued it since I was only six. He used to say while holding the deer in a grip, ''Aim for the jugular in the neck so it can be quick and less bloody.

'' But this is very different. That isn't a deer. I just witnessed a murder. As she jerks on the floor, as they drum and hum... I wish I were at home... I miss my dog, and I miss my brother.