The Cursed and The Innocent PART 1 : A Cold Winter's Day

Chapter 2 - The Body

I looked at the note confused. All it said was a name, a familiar name, "Doug". Doug was at the top of my Math class, he aced every test. I had only ever spoken to him a few times when I needed some help in class. I had no idea why his name was written on the paper. I tried to push the thoughts to the back of my head and decided a walk might help to clear my head.

I headed towards Megan's house, which was about 15-20 minutes away. Megan was one of my school friends. She had shoulder length, turquoise hair and big, grey eyes. The sun warmed my skin, it was 5:00 pm, but it was still light outside. I had only been walking 8 minutes, when I saw something odd in the park. I tried to focus my eyes, but I had to keep inching closer to get a better view. I froze, numb and emotionless. I couldn't comprehend what was in front of me. Under the tree laid a limp body. I convinced myself to move closer, moving each foot cautiously. I gasped in shock as I deciphered who laid under the tree. I couldn't react. It was too much to take in. There lie Doug, lifeless, scarlett running down his cheek. Do I run to Megan's house and try to forget what I've seen? Do I tell someone? And what about that note? Something tickled my spine as I thought of the note. I tried to stop thinking about everything that had just happened as the paranoia came creeping in, but it was impossible to ignore. I didn't have the mental capacity to start investigating this right now. I walked to the swing where the body was completely out of view. I tried to control my breathing; slow, deep breath in and calm breaths out. 'Just stay calm, Luna, everything will be okay. You're just having a really bad dream'. I pinched my arm, but nothing changed, except for a little pink mark above my wrist. I was still sitting on the swing.

A soft wind started to pick up and become more violent. Sand stung my eyes as it rose and leaves flew above ground. 'I need to get out of here...' I thought to myself, '...last thing I want is to get caught in this storm'.

I felt bad leaving Doug's body there, but what was I supposed to do? 'Oh hey mum and dad, found this body at the park, can I leave it here?'. No. The wind hissed in my ear. Almost as if someone was rushing me home, the wind forced me forward, nearly causing me to lose my balance.

I picked up my pace until I was sprinting towards the end of the park. The icy air scratched my dry throat and my heart cut my chest.

Suddenly, a hand dug into my shoulder and yanked me back.