Death's Embrace | Sim Jaeyun

two.

"Thank you, champs. Go and collect your snacks from Jay" Jake said and closed his 'bible for children.' Today was Sunday school with the little kids in the church and being the church boy he is, he agreed to volunteer. He watched the kids disperse, making them go on a line, to his other friend who volunteered himself for this.

Jake stuffed his phone inside his pocket and greeted the remaining priests and storde towards Jay, his other friend. He tapped the other's shoulder. "Hi bro." Jay's expression was neutral, his lips pressing into a thin line. "Hi Jay, you coming with me?"

Jay's tired eyes shut and open. "Nah, I'm going to my girlfriend's house." He said and fished his phone out of his pocket. "Oh.. take care, Jay. I'm leaving." Jay nodded, dialing his girlfriend's number. Jake walked, disappointment and loneliness blooming in his chest. Sunlight glided his skin, hotness spreading over his body. He walked faster, to the pavement where the tree is located.

He reached the road and stepped on the pavement, wiping his sweat off. Before he could rest some more, he heard a wailing sound. He whipped his head around to see across the road was a dog whimpering and limping.

The dog was clearly a home brought up one, the collar was so battered with wet mud and its white fur was dirty, its foot bleeding so bad. Jake hurried, crossing the road. He lifted the wailing animal in his hands and it shivered against his hold. He tried not to cry much seeing its brutal state.

He coaxed the puppy as much as he can, his heart quivering the way the puppy whimpered.

"Need help?" A voice appeared through thin air making him startle. You stood there with eyebrows lifted at the dog.

"Uh um, no t-thanks." Jake muttered cursing himself for the stutter. "Sure about that? Need me to take him to the vet?"

"Do you know where the vet is?" He asked and you nodded. Jake gulped. Your vibe is completely different, he sense something,

Evil.

He nods regardless feeling intimidated by your beauty and voice. "I- can you take me there, please?"

"Sure. I'll take you there. Follow me." You said and walked forward, making him paddle behind you.

He clearly has no idea where you're taking him.

As Jake followed you, he couldn't help but notice the way you walked with confidence and purpose. Your long strides ate up the distance, and Jake had to quicken his pace to keep up. The dog, still whimpering in his arms, seemed to sense his unease and nuzzled its head into the crook of his elbow.

As you led him through the winding streets, Jake's sense of unease grew. The buildings seemed to loom over them, casting long shadows that stretched and twisted in the fading light of day. He glanced around, trying to get his bearings, but everything looked unfamiliar.

"Uh, excuse me," Jake said, trying to sound casual, "but where are we going? I thought you knew where the vet was."

You didn't respond, didn't even acknowledge his question. You just kept walking, your eyes fixed on some point ahead. Jake's heart began to race as he realized he was completely at your mercy. He didn't know where he was, and he didn't know where you were taking him.

The dog, sensing his fear, whimpered louder, and Jake stroked its fur, trying to comfort it. But his own comfort was dwindling by the second. He thought about trying to make a break for it, but his legs felt heavy, as if rooted to the spot.

Suddenly, you stopped in front of a dilapidated building. The sign above the door read "Veterinary Clinic," but it looked like it hadn't been used in years. The windows were boarded up, and the door hung crookedly on its hinges.

"Is this...is this the vet?" Jake asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

You turned to him, a smile spreading across your face. But it wasn't a warm smile. It was a cold, calculating smile that sent shivers down Jake's spine.

"Welcome to my clinic," you said, your voice dripping with malice. "I'll take good care of your little friend here."