Back When the Lights Shined

Chapter Three

Motionless, I stand there, too afraid to move. All I can think of is danger. Fear takes over, immobilizing me. My arms hang by my side, dead from shock. Numb from the coldness of fear, my legs will not run like I wish they would. My mouth is ajar, letting out the warm breath and turning it to a fog. I see it float away, along with all of my courage. In the pit of my stomach, I feel the awful, dreadful feeling of the lack of hope. I’m caught by the one thing worse than being caught by a CT.

            The same terrifying words are running through my mind, over and over. Savages. Crazies. Monsters. Cavemen. Cannibals. Barbaric. That’s who live over there. That’s what occupies those woods. The scum of the Earth. No one wants them here for a reason. That’s why those fences stand there, to protect us. But as of right now, I feel so exposed, not even the fact that the fence stands between us can comfort me. I have no protection here. There are no CTs or Officials to call out to. No one will be listening for my screams of horror. I’m trapped, all alone, helpless.

            I refuse to move. Without flinching, I watch as my window slams shut in front of me. Curfew is now in effect, and I’m still out here. I’ve never been so terrified in my life. I pray that a CT will turn the corner and see me. That they’ll start yelling at me, asking why I’m still out. I’ve never wanted to be caught breaking a rule so bad. To be arrested seems like a dream. One that I don’t have the privilege of living. No one is out here at this time of night. My luck ran out long ago.

            A minute or two passes, then I hear the unmistakable sound of a creaking door behind me. I squeeze my eyes shut, praying that it’s all a dream. I hear footsteps crunching the leaves on the ground behind me, and I want to cry. The door to the boundary is open. There’s no barrier anymore. Wide out in the open, as vulnerable as can be, I am alone. All alone, besides the presence of the Crazy. The monsters are now being let in, and I’m their midnight snack.

            Still squeezing my eyes shut, another loud footstep on the dead leaves approaches. I am so petrified, I am shaking. My hands tremble uncontrollably, so I form them into fists to hide my fear. It’s no use, I know. Creatures like them can taste fear, and even smell it. The Crazy knows I am afraid. It’s too late to fake bravery now.

            All I can think of is why I deserve such a punishment. I must deserve it. I didn’t listen. I wasn’t back before curfew like I should have. I should have ran home. I shouldn’t have tried to sneak in. I should have sucked it up and taken my father’s scolding like I deserved.

            “The Caretakers warned us never to be late,” he would say. “Never even to be close to late. It would only cause trouble.” They had said we could never imagine the trouble we’d be in. They we’re right. I would have never imagined being murdered by a Crazy, simply because I was a couple minutes late. I didn’t listen. I’m late, and I’m being punished. It’s my fault this is happening to me.

            I was warned.

            I try to hold back the tears and refrain from screaming. I open my eyes a bit, wondering if it is at all possible for the beast to be gone. Instead, it takes me by surprise. I let out a small, quiet cry when a strong hand grips my arm and covers my mouth. The intruder pulls me back into the woods. I squeeze my eyes shut again. I’d rather not see what my end will be. In front of me, I hear the creaky fence door swing shut, blocking out the rest of the world. Now, I truly am trapped here. The strong hand gripping me finally lets me go. Careful not to make the slightest move. I listen as I hear them take a step back, the leaves and snow crunching beneath their feet. I keep my eyes shut, but my head held high. Sticking with my plan, I do my best to show no fear.