Picture Perfect

The Arrival

Can you picture it? 1950s, new town, new house, new people, new life. This picture perfect family moment was not supposed to end the way it does...

It was a chilly November day. The crisp orange, brown, red, and yellow leaves fell around the Abner's rusty car. Jan dazed out the car window thinking... Something was not right but I can't put my finger on it. Barely any cars were on the street, you could feel a presence like people were peeking in from their shutters to see the new people, or should I say victims.  This was not a great impression for a new neighborhood... Jan's dazing was interrupted by her moms tired yet excited voice, "We're here..." The Abner's bright smiles were ripped from their faces. They entered at their cold empty house. Mrs. Abner propped up her camera stand trying to lighten the mood."Smile!", her voice echoed through the house along with the flash of the camera. Mr. and Mrs. Abner tried to bring a smile, as Jan, Sally, and Ned's faces stayed gloomy. A photo popped out of the old polaroid and Jan pocketed it.