CURSED SHADOWS

PROLOGUE {WAKE UP}

February 9th, 1984

Unknown Residence

7:35am

"All ready, little one," Mama smiled, leaning in to kiss my cheek after she bundled me up in layers of coats and scarves. I giggled, my little hands reaching out to stroke her face. Mama smiled again, her eyes watering, taking my hands in hers. "We're going on a little adventure," she rasped, gently glancing into my eyes, "you like adventures, don't you?" I smiled, nodding my head up and down eagerly.

The sound of a voice being cleared was heard, making Mama stand back up from her crouched position and look behind her, finding a stern-looking woman with glasses perched low on her nose.

"You know the coordinates, or do I need to repeat myself again?" She questioned, flitting her eyes to me for a second.

"Yes, we memorized it," Mama replied, her voice slightly quivering. "Um, where will you be?"

"That, I'm afraid I can't say, sister," the woman murmured, her eyes slightly watering. She shook her head quickly. "Never mind me, please be careful, they're lurking everywhere, and if you step one foot out of place-"

"Yes, yes, I know."

"You have to understand the severity of the situation."

"Don't worry, I do- we all do."

"Oh, and please don't forget about the-"

The woman was cut off by Mama reaching her shoulders, pulling her into a hug.

"Stop worrying, please." She whispered, a sob overtaking her. "We-we'll be okay." She managed to hiccup the words between sobs. The woman pulled away, still holding her by the arms. She looked at her softly, wiping away her tears quietly with both of her thumbs.

"You have to remain strong, sister," She whispered, grabbing the sides of her face. Mama's hands were grabbing the woman's arms, tears still running down her round, doll-like face.

"But I don't think I can," She whispered, fear etched in her voice. "How am I supposed to live like this, worrying if he will find us? I can't eat, I can't even sleep, because every second I am away from her, is a greater risk of him taking her away-"

"He won't find you," the woman cut her off in a firm voice. "He most certainly won't take her away."

Mama bit her lip, holding back another sob. "But what if he does?"

The echoing of a door closing was heard, and another set of footsteps was heard entering in the grand entryway.

"I double checked the entire house, there's no trace left of us." Papa's voice was heard, making me glance away from Mama. He was adjusting his black trench coat, putting his wand away. The stern woman turned her head to look at Papa and nodded.

"Well I guess this is goodbye." She turned away from Mama and shook hands with Papa.

"We'll see you soon, Vera, thank you for everything." Papa nodded, giving Vera a smile. Mama cried, unable to hold back another sob as her sister turned towards her and gave her a final embrace.

"It's going to be okay," Vera soothed, her voice tightening. After stealing a few last moments with her sister, Vera pulled away, grabbing Mama's hand. "This is going to be possibly the hardest thing you have to do in your life, and you're so strong for doing that." Vera's eyes were filled with sorrow, taking one last glance, before finally releasing Mama's hand. Papa went over to Mama, kissing her forehead, and whispering some reassurance that seemed to calm down Mama a little bit. Sniffling, she wiped her eyes, and started towards the door. Papa came over to me and picked me up, giving me a smile.