Love Under The Siege

PROLOGUE

"Rav, no matter what happens, don't come outside," my father said softly, his voice laced with anxiety and fear. He was looking at me, holding my hands as I sat on my bed. I couldn't explain what was happening. Just moments ago, we were having dinner. Why were we rushing into my room and locking the door?

"Why, Dad?" I asked worriedly, a sense of foreboding washing over me.

"Ravenna, do you understand me? Stay here!" He tightened his grip on my hands, his own trembling.

"Yes, Dad, but where are you going?" I asked, feeling increasingly worried. Why was he acting like this? Why was he so scared? It was just the two of us in the house; Mom was at work.

It was 8 PM. Rain lashed against the windows. I felt cold because my window was open, and a chill wind blew into the room. My father looked pale. I felt a strange presence in the room, as if someone else were in the house. Then, we heard footsteps approaching. Terrified, I hugged my father, but he released my hand and headed for the door.

"Stay here, Rav. Remember what Daddy told you, okay? I love you, my little Ravvy. Please tell your mother I loved you both. I'm going to be fine. You stay here. Don't ever come outside," he said, releasing my hands as he moved toward the door. I started to cry. "Daddy, I'm scared!" I watched him leave. Before closing the door, he paused, his hand on the frame, his eyes fixed on me. He smiled, then turned and left. "Dad, please don't go outside! I'm scared!" I cried, but he didn't listen and locked the door.

I sat on my bed, terrified and crying. I didn't know what was happening outside. I stayed in my room until I heard something in the living area. Ignoring my father's warning, I quickly opened the door—he hadn't locked it properly. I knocked over the small table he'd placed against the door in my haste. I cautiously stepped out, and there, standing before me, was a man in black, holding a knife. He lunged at my father. Panic seized me. Terror consumed me.

I could only hide under the table, tears streaming down my face. "Dad... Dad..." I stifled my sobs, watching helplessly as my father fell, lifeless.

The killer quickly left. I noticed something unusual in his hand. Once I was sure he was gone, I approached my father.

"Dad, please... Daddy... Daddy, help! Help..."