The Winter Clock

The cold winter night started; another nightmare will come true. The big Christmas tree adorned with various balls and lights was surrounded by various people in winter clothes. The place was noisy and crowded. “What happened next?” The middle-aged woman asked him. A young boy restlessly lies on an uncomfy bed. He took a deep breath then sighed. His eyes were filled with tears and his head hurts so bad from slamming it on the wall. The warm blood that flowed from his head stained his duvet. The same scene from his dream flashed before his eyes. A woman was running in fear. The people were so busy adoring the big Christmas tree and dances of the little children. The woman reached a narrow street. There, a person in black hoodies captured her. “After that…” The young girl laughed happily as his father tossed her in the air playfully. But then she stops. “Honey, what’s wrong?” She did not respond. She tilted her head and tried to find the sound. The loud ticking of a clock that only she can hear. “Daddy… Mommy…” She stopped. Her eyes focused on the woman running so fast. Numbers were present on her forehead as her hair followed the flow of the wind. Tears escaped from her eyes as she tried to run and followed the woman. But her father’s strong arms overpowered her. “Honey, stay here.” She shook her head and sobbed loudly. Her mother then hugged her. “Someone will die tonight…” the little girl mumbled. A piercing scream shattered the peaceful yet gloomy basement. The woman tried to set herself free, but something was impending her arms. She was tied in a chair. At the corner of her eyes, she caught up a figure standing at the edge of the room, looking directly at her with an eerie smile. Her body trembled. She forcefully tried to wrench the rope, but it did her no good. The rope dig dipper on her wrist. Fresh blood dripped. “Hey, hey, don’t waste your blood. Every drop of your warm blood is precious to warm my body tonight.” The person grimaced.