The Maple Murders

Chapter 1 - A Flouted Promise.

Please be advised that this novel contains explicit language and scenes that may be disturbing to some readers. Furthermore, I apologize for any inconsistencies or lack of realism; my research was limited to Google. Additionally, I lack experience in graphic design and lack the funds to hire a professional, so I apologize for the awful quality of the cover. I also have no idea what I'm doing.

Thank you for your understanding.

Anyways, enjoy! <3

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"Bad things happen to the people you love,

and you'll find yourself praying to the heaven above.
But honestly, I've never had much sympathy,
'Cause those bad things, I always saw them coming for me."
--Bad things, Cults

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Friday, 25th of November 2022.

The trees sounded static as the rough wind forced itself past the branches. The droplets of rain raced down the window as a result of the harsh stormy weather outside – and the loud beeping noise that came from Ellie's heart monitor every time her heart beats. It's almost like a countdown, but nobody knows when that countdown will end, or if there even is an ending. Perhaps this beeping will exist for as long as Ash lives, like a constant reminder of Ellie's struggles. Or maybe the beeping will come to an end. For better, or for worse.

It was two o'clock in the afternoon. Ash was sitting on the baby-blue leather chair, across from her daughter, Ellie's bed. Dark, heavy bags were swelling under her eyes, and her black, knotted hair was a testament to the long nights she spent at the hospital. She wore her usual oversized black and grey stripy jumper, dark ripped jeans and worn-out converse. The exhausted look on her face is enough evidence to tell that she hasn't rested in days, but there is no such thing as 'rest' when your 6-year-old daughter is dying on a hospital bed. There's no break from the constant anxiety which flows through your veins, as if it's become a part of your blood. There's no break from the overwhelming thought of your own daughter's grave. But here Ellie was, lying peacefully in her bed like there's not a problem in the world.

Ash was startled by the knock on the door. A tall, young woman who appeared to be no older than 30, entered the room. "Good afternoon, Ash," The woman said with a gentle smile. It was Ellie's doctor, Doctor Nia Quinn. She was wearing a long polyester lab coat, a dark blue scrub shirt, black trousers, and a high-quality pair of shoes - so high-quality, one would think they were brand new. Her long, black hair was tucked behind her black glasses, and a facemask hung from her ear. "How's Ellie holding up?" She asked.

Ash gave a blank, tired stare. "She hasn't moved in days."

"Fortunately, her condition is improving." Quinn replied. "The X-rays confirm that the fluid is slowly disappearing, and she's responding well to the digoxin."

They remained silent for a moment before Quinn sighed and looked at Ash. "You've been sitting in this room for days, why don't you get a snack from the café?"

"No." Ash snapped. "I'm not hungry." The growl coming from her stomach says otherwise.

"Come on, Ash." Quinn explained. "You know it's important to look after yourself." Quinn gave Ash a reassuring smile. "Ellie will be completely fine in the short time that you're gone. I promise."

After another short moment of silence, Ash stood up and approached Ellie's bed. She bent over and kissed the child's forehead lightly. "Mommy will be back soon, okay? I love you." Ash then turned around and left the room.