Light in my Dark

Chapter 1: Past

I sat on my father's lap as he told me the ancient stories about Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, and the Sandman. He told me these stories so much that I could recite them word for word when asked. Sadly, Father had vanished and left mother, myself, and my newly born baby brother Hunter alone.

Mother raised us the best she could and when I turned 13, I took up an apprenticeship at the local seamstress to make some extra money. We may not have a lot but we were happy and together. When Hunter was 5, he came with me to the dress shop and helped me and the dress maker organize the shop. The dress maker would give him a few coins to get some candy from the candy shop nextdoor but he would save it. He wanted to save his money and use it for his family. He was stronger than anyone else I know.

Now, to where my story begins. Picture this, autum, October 31st, My brother and I are at the dress shop. He was helping us by fetching the fabrics we needed and getting us new needles. He's now 6 and I'm 17. I was working on a new dress for a governess in town while the dress maker was working on a child's costume. Hunter was a big help because we had a lot to get done today.

After it was time to close up for the day, Hunter and I said our goodbyes and left to the market. I gave Hunter the list and he read off the food we needed. Once we had everything we needed, I took out the last little bit I had earned that day and bought us a plump pumpkin.

"Why are we getting a pumpkin Evie?" Hunter asked me as we walked home.

"Why? We have to put a funny face on it remember?" I replied.

When we got home, I placed the food on the table and got out some knives. I walked over to the table and got out the pumpkin. Hunter got the bowls and we started carving. The pumpkin looked perfect. I picked it up and placed it outside the door.

"Come on Hunter. Let's get dinner ready for Mom okay?" I said as the two of us waked back inside.

I had just finished cooking dinner when mom waked inside. She looked worried about something. I placed the food on the table and we all sat down. I grabbed mom's hand and Hunter's and spoke.

"Over this Night

All Hallows Eve,

We bless this feast

Meant to eat.

I ask that the moon above,

Keep us safe until the sun's shone.

May the dark not harm my family,

And if so, my life will be owed.

So tonight,

All Hallows Eve,

We bless this meal,

Now mote it be."

We ate all the food after mom and Hunter said "Mote it be" as well. I put the plates away while mom got Hunter ready for bed. After I was done, I walked into his room and sat next to him. He was smiling and sitting up on his waiting for me. Mom walked out into the main room and sat down.

"What story shall I tell you tonight Hunter?" I asked.

"I want to hear the tooth fairy story. Could you sing too Evie?" Hunter replied laying back.

I sat next to him on his bed and began to tell him the story of the tooth fairy that father had told me and then sang him the lullaby mom sang to me when I was little after the story. Once he was asleep, I walked out of his room and closed his door. I walked out to where mom was and sat down with her.

"You're quiet tonight mom. Is there something wrong?" I asked as I picked up a notebook I had the stories written in and added more details to a picture of the easter bunny.

"Nothing dear, you should be heading to bed. You have work in the morning." She replied.

"I'll go when I finish these last few details." I said, focusing on the picture.

Once I was finished, the front door flew open and a shadowy figure entered the house. Mom stood up and went infront of me. I got up too and ran to Hunter's room. I picked him up and hid him in his closet. He looked up at me with fear in his eyes but I just swallowed my own fear and gave him a hug.

"Evie, I'm scared." He whispered.

"You don't need to be scared Hunter, just remember. You are the bravest person I know. Fear can not touch the brave remember?" I smiled back.

I closed the closet door and locked it. I then went back out to mom. Once out there, I saw mom being chocked by the figure. I ran up and pulled mom out of his grip. I was grabbed and then chocked as well. I kicked him and ended up being thrown onto the floor.

"Mom, go to Hunter." I yelled to her.

The figure walked over and pulled out his gun. I looked up in fear. He smirked and sat next to me. I looked over at him and saw how much he looked like my father. I was about to ask if it was him but he pulled the trigger first. I was shot in the right side of my chest and I slowly fell into my eternal slumber.