The Curse

An Unknown World

A heavy gust of wind sprang up . It rattled the doors and windows . " I think I should bring the washing in," said Jillian as she rushed outside with a basket in hand . But as she stepped outside she got her first shock. Why does everything seem so different? She called everybody outside . Everybody was flabbergasted . Filip spoke up . " Where did all the houses go?? This doesn't look like home . We have our house ...... but.....but where is the neighbourhood? And this forest is thicker than ever." No one knew how to respond to that . The night sky was overcast with clouds. It was pitch dark outside. The wind was making a sad, howling noise. It was as if they had all left the earth and had come somewhere else - the earth that they knew so well . Filip tried to maintain his composure . It just wouldn't do to lose his head in a situation like this! As they all tried to figure out what was happening , they heard a rustling noise . It seemed to be coming from the bushes nearby . What was it? Jackson looked at Filip , fear imbibed in his eyes . "It's probably just a squirrel or something," said Anthony in a very unconvincing tone . "Anyway, let's go inside," Jillian suggested," It's too dark out here to see anything and I don't want to get bitten by a snake or anything." Everybody followed suit . It was cold outside and the warmth of the house was welcoming . Everyone was silent for a while . Finally, Sophie spoke .

"Why is this happening? Do you think the box has something to do with this?"

" I don't know ," said Jackson," But how can that box be involved? It just doesn't make sense. Magic doesn't happen in real life."

"Well, then how do you explain all that's happening?"

Jackson didn't have an answer to that . He looked over to the window . Filip was standing there , squinting at something . "What are you trying to see?" he asked him. "That creature ," Filip replied," It cannot be a squirrel . It was as big as a dog."

"It might have been a stray . Why do you even care?"

" I care ," retorted Filip, looking at his brother," Because dogs don't walk on two legs and have proper arms . And something just isn't right in here."

"Let me see," said Jackson , who tried to see through the window . And at that very moment, that creature decided to make an appearance. Jackson felt goosebumps on his skin . That creature was about 4 feet tall and was brown in colour . It's skin was wrinkled and its face was horrible and unearthly . The others also crowded around the window, trying to get a glimpse . " Do you think he is dangerous?" Anthony whispered . But before anybody could answer , something lit up in the creature's hand . Everyone inched forward towards the window , trying to get a better view . An uneasy stillness hung about the room . Nothing could be heard , except the short breathing of five people . And then it happened . The creature fired that light towards a tree nearby . Instantly, it was on fire . It was just a matter of a few seconds before the tree was reduced to ashes . Everyone was horror struck . " We have to call 911 ," hissed Jillian , reaching out for her phone . But what was this? She could only hear a few beeps before her phone showed " Call Failed". Damn it! " Does anyone have service on their phones?" she asked.

But nobody's phone was working . What the hell was happening? " Umm I guess we should use the telephone," said Jackson , dialing 911 on the telephone . But even the telephone wasn't working . " What the hell is wrong with all this thing?" he muttered trying to tighten the wires on the phone . " Guys, I...I... think you should come and see this," Anthony called out . He was looking out to the front porch, his face white as a sheet . The telephone box had been burned down . The flames hadn't died down as yet and it was giving off the foul smell of burning plastic . Then it dawned upon them - They were trapped, with no means of reaching out for help . "Oh my god......oh my god," Jillian kept chanting . Speechless, they all sat down on the couch. Jackson broke the silence . "What do we do now? We can't call anybody either - not even mum and dad."

"Let's just stay in here," Sophie said, her voice shaking a bit ," I wouldn't want to get caught by those weirdos. Do....do you think they might have to do something with....with the disappearance of your neighbours ? But what are they? I have never seen these kind of creatures, except in movies . Hold on, have they done something to the other townspeople ? What about my parents and Fred? Where are they ?" She broke down . Jackson awkwardly put and arm around her and patted her back as she sobbed into his shoulders . But he was himself worried - What if they never got out of this mess? He shuddered to even think of what would happen . Meanwhile Filip and Anthony were pulling down the blinds . " I don't want them to spot us - not yet," he explained .

They all sat in stunned silence, trying to take in what might have happened . Everyone put forward their own theories - what those creatures were , what might have happened etc etc. But nobody could think of how long they would have to shut themselves in the house . If they couldn't get out, how would they buy food? Filip was supposed to go grocery shopping the day after , so they had less food to begin with . With five people in the house, their supplies would barely last for two days . This news dampened the already depressive mood in the room . John had been silent all through the ordeal . Finally he spoke up. " Whatever happens, we'll still be together right?" he said, managing a small smile . This was too much for Jillian . Tears streaming down her face, she wrapped him in a bear hug and kissed him passionately. "OK everyone," began Filip after the lovebirds broke apart," Let's get some dinner. We can't fight the circumstances on empty stomachs, can we?"

"Aye aye , Captain," Anthony exclaimed, making everyone laugh. One could always count on him to lighten the mood, however grave the situation maybe. With nothing else to do, everyone retired for the night after dinner. Anthony was sleeping with Filip, while John and Sophie slept with Jillian and Jackson. John broke into snores as soon as his head touched the pillow. Jillian stayed awake for sometime, lost in her thoughts. One side of her mind dwelt on the sad and fearful side of the situation while the other part of her mind kept telling her " At least you are not alone". Smiling a little, she turned over and dropped off to sleep.