After Dark

Four

The first night in the new house seemed to drag on and on. This house was far darker than our old one and there was not a single sound to be heard. I tossed and turned in the bed sheets, too hot one minute and then too cold the next. I could feel Josie's warm body pressed up against my feet at the end of my bed, completely peaceful as she slept.

I lay there for a few more moments, thinking about the vast forest that wrapped around the whole of our property. Our house was like sitting prey surrounded by hungry predators just waiting for the perfect opportunity to commit the final pounce.

I got up out of bed and stood by the window. In the darkness, the trees now resembled large black columns that formed an impenetrable wall of black. I remembered the flash of yellow that I had seen earlier. It was too quick to be a person, but too large to be an animal and I knew something had definitely been there because of Josie's reaction.

I told myself that I'd go and explore the woods in the morning. Perhaps seeing it in the daylight would eliminate the feeling of unease I got whenever I looked out the window.

I was about to turn away when I noticed a subtle twinkling of lights nestled amongst the trees in the distance. You would have certainly missed it if you merely glanced out of the window. I stared unblinking into the darkness and watched as the specks of light flickered. What on earth was it? It was too bright to be coming from a house and the next nearest building was at least two miles from here. Whatever it was, I'd go and investigate as soon as it was light enough.

I lay back down on the bed and forced my eyes shut. Josie let out a low grumble as I nudged her accidentally.

"Sorry Josie, go back to sleep," I reached my arm out to stroke her head. "We're going exploring tomorrow."

The Next Day

I was awoken by the smell of fried eggs the next morning. I didn't remember falling asleep, but I must have done so not long after returning to bed. I opened one eye to see the sun streaming in through the curtains and moved my foot across the bed in search of Josie, but she was no longer stretched out beside me. She'd jumped off at the first sniff of cooking no doubt.

I reached for my phone and tapped the screen to check the time; 10:42am. I never slept this late into the morning. I pulled myself out of bed, wrapped my dressing gown around me and made my way to the bathroom. I turned the shower on and listened as the pipes groaned in protest. The water pressure could only be described as pathetic but it was better than nothing. I washed quickly, changed into my clothes and made my way downstairs. My dad was in the kitchen, enthusiastically whisking a thick beige liquid. He held the glass jug up in the air.

"Can I tempt you with some scrambled egg?"

"I thought I could smell fried?"

"Well, I did make a fried egg for your brother, but he said it wasn't the best and proceeded to feed it to that hoover down there." He pointed his foot at Josie who was lying directly underneath my brother's chair. "At least she enjoyed it."

"She'll eat anything, Dad. I wouldn't be too happy."

"If you say so. So, do you want some?"

"No, I think I'm going to see what Wooding has to offer. Hopefully it at least has a bakery."

"Don't hold your breath."

"If it doesn't have a bakery I'm going back to Lake Losque. The doughnuts from Angel's Bakehouse kept me alive."

"Well if you do find somewhere you'll have to let us know."

I nodded, ruffling my brother's hair as I left the room.