Sunday August 28th
Grandad parked in front of Mrs. Red's house after trying without success to get her on the phone. The yellow Mercury Skylark parked in the driveway confirmed what he already knew.
"Stay here while I go check things out." Grandad instructed David.
They both got out of the car, but David hung back by the curb while Grandad went to the front door. Grandad knocked on the door and waited to hear Mrs. Red's footsteps and the familiar sound of her unlocking the door. Silence. He knocked louder.
"Mrs. Red! Mrs. Red!" Grandad's voice was forceful enough to bring the neighbor, Mrs. Chestly, outside.
"Good morning, Dr. Johnson, is everything okay?"
"Sorry to disturb you ma'am. Mrs. Red was not feeling well yesterday, so I came by to check on her. I'm a little worried since she's not answering the door."
"I noticed she did not leave yet. She leaves pretty early on Sunday mornings. I've got a key to her house, do you want to check on her?"
"Yes, just to be safe."
Mrs. Chestly retrieved the key and hurried over to unlock the door. She held the door open while Grandad stepped inside.
"Mrs. Red?"
David watched Grandad disappear into the house. He held out hope that maybe this was all just a big misunderstanding. A bad dream. But what about the gem? A few minutes passed and Grandad came out and spoke to Mrs. Chestly who burst into tears. He made eye contact with David as he walked towards him. David wept.
Grandad folded David into his arms. "We'll wait here for the paramedics, but I'm afraid she's gone."
YOU ARE READING
The Heart of Elysium
FantasyAiken, South Carolina 1983. David Hudson should be out making friends, but he isn't. He is struggling with the nightmare world and creatures of Purgatory, 3rd grade, and finding his own identity. But his life changes when a family friend gives him a...
