Life and Death {Enoch O'Connor}

13

'Plip'

'Plip'

'Plip' 

'Plip'

Water dripped down in a rhythmic fashion, falling into a bucket from a small leak in the ceiling. Rain pattered on the tiled roof, sharp and intense, as if glass marbles were dropping from the sky. The old house creaked as thunder shook the small island and the wind whipped, sending sticks and twigs flying and snapping as the hit the house walls. Each time lightning struck outside, light broke through the windows like the flash of a camera, brightening the room even through the curtains and shutters.

'Plip'

'Plip'

'Plip'

The drops splashed into the bucket, the noise keeping Enoch wide awake. Although it was almost two in the morning, he didn't mind the disturbance of the storm. In fact, he enjoyed a good thunderstorm. The raging downpour brought a sense of comfort to him, knowing he was safe inside the cozy home. 

Sliding out of his bed, he approached the window across the room, throwing open the curtains to watch the torrential storm blow over the island. Trees swayed, branches threatening to snap. Water gathered in large puddles on the ground, appearing to be like tiny lakes from his vantage point in the upstairs window. The fallen autumn leaves looped and swirled through the air as the wind tossed them about. In the distance, Enoch could see the ocean, dark and menacing as it smashed against the cliffs. The waves were choppy and would surely make even the most experienced sailor seasick. The fog settled low on the horizon, making it almost impossible to see very far at all. One could get lost in the ocean so easily, never to be seen again.

But Enoch loved the thunderstorm and the terror and destruction it brought as mother nature beat down on the earth. With a bit of strain, he pushed open the window to take in the full experience. The wooden window frame creaked loudly, stiff from hardly ever being opened. The sounds of the storm filled his room and he took a deep breath of the thick, damp air. There was still the chill of an autumn wind that gave him goosebumps but still not cold enough to feel any more than a slight shiver in his bones. 

Enoch leaned against the windowsill for a few moments taking in the storm. It brought him new energy and he decided he wouldn't be able to sleep until it was over, so he decided he would go try to catch a better look at the weather. He slid his feet into a pair of slippers, trying to quiet his footsteps as he walked down the hall. As he passed the other children's rooms, he wondered if they were sleeping through the weather or if the storm kept them awake in their beds. Stepping on the outer edge of the wooden steps to try to prevent them from creaking, he tiptoed down, headed for the conservatory where he'd have an excellent view from the large windows. 

There was something he loved about the house at night when it was empty and quiet. For a building that was usually so full of noise and life as children ran about, it was almost a bit eerie for there to be no one around. The rooms were empty, no kids laughing, or little ones chasing each other down the hall. There was no warm fire crackling in the hearth, or savory scents from dinner cooking in the kitchen. There was no Gloria to whine or Abe and Emma to exchange whispers. Even Miss Peregrine, who was a constant figure around the house, was nowhere to be seen. It was just him alone with just the sounds of the rain to keep him company. Or so he thought...

 As he passed the lounge, he heard something that made him stop in his tracks. In between the rumbles of thunder, he could swear he heard something of a soft whimper. He backtracked, peering into the room. At first, nothing looked out of the ordinary. It was dark and seemingly empty. The clock on the wall ticked peacefully, the fireplace was empty, the logs next to it untouched, all the paintings on the wall seemed to be in place. If it wasn't for a flash of lightning brightening up the room, he probably never would have seen the flicker of gold on the sofa.