Red Eyes

Urban Legends

"You ever hear about those stories of black-eyed children?" Timmy suddenly asked, breaking the silence.

Mitchel stopped stirring his mashed potatoes looking at his brother, puzzled why he would ask about that on a night like this. He crossed his arm and leaned against the kitchen counter.

"Sort of. It's some sort of internet urban legend about creepy kids, right?"

Timmy moved his candy to the side as he adjusted his chair to face his brother.

"Yeah. Basically some kids show up on your door or by your car if you're on a deserted road and ask you for help and to be let in. they even may be able to influence you to open the door and let them in where they do god knows what to you. Some people managed to snap out and stop themselves before it's too late."

"Jesus man, where did you hear about this?"

"...Shane Dawson on his conspiracy channel."

Mitchell shook his head. "Of course it was Shane's channel. Listen, I know you're scared but I don't need you freaking yourself out okay? How do you expect to get any sleep tonight with thoughts of little black-eyed kids running through that big head of yours? Hell, how am I?"

"Sorry Mitch. I just had to look into it, to see if anyone else has seen what I've seen you know. It kinda freaks me out that no one has. I just see stories of the black-eyed kids and well, I don't know...gave me some comfort I guess."

Mitchel nodded his head showing Timmy that he understood and turned his attention back to the stove. Timmy got up and went to the living room turning on the television to distract himself. He finally decided on the channel playing Hocus Pocus when his brother brought in the food. They normally wouldn't eat in the living room but given how uneasy they felt, Mitchel decided against being a complete nag. Sarah Sanderson had just started to sing her song to bewitch the children when Timmy suddenly sat up straight. Mitchel's heart sunk into his stomach.

"what is it?"

"Something's wrong," Timmy replied slowly looking towards the living room window. Suddenly, the lights inside the house shut off. Only the dull black, orange, and ghostly blue glow from the Halloween decorations outside eased the darkness. Mitchel quickly stood up reaching for his brother and dragged him upstairs. Using his cellphone to light the way, he looked in his closet searching for the bat he had thought about before.

"D-d-do you think it's them?" Timmy stuttered. His fear practically permeated the room.

His brother turned to look at him, gripping the bat tightly in one hand and illuminating him with the other.

"I don't know. It could be anybody. It is mischief night after all. For all we know it's some stupid kid playing a prank. But just in case it isn't, we have this." Waving the bat for emphasis. "If anything happens you go to your room, lock yourself in the closet, and call 911 okay?"

"But what if they get inside? What if I- "

"Don't think about the negatives Timmy!" Mitchel took a breath and gathered himself. He lowered his body so that he could maintain eye contact with his brother.

"Look, take my cell phone. That way you can call using the emergency dialer. Stick to the plan, you hear me?"

Timmy nodded his head. Mitchel then stood up and slowly made his way downstairs, his younger brother in tow. The house was eerily silent as he made his way to the kitchen. They normally stored the candles and flashlights in one of the kitchen drawers. If he could light a few his brother could relax, and they could continue their evening as normal until their mother got home.