The Stranger at the Gate
320 Words
The Stranger at the Gate
Morning came with a strange silence over Willow Creek.
Usually, the birds sang loudly near Clara’s cottage, and the wind danced through the trees. But today, even nature seemed to be waiting.
The mysterious child sat quietly by the fireplace, holding the warm cup of milk Clara had given him. He had barely spoken since arriving.
“Do you remember your name now?” Clara asked gently.
The boy looked up. His eyes were deep and distant, as if searching through fog.
“Eli,” he whispered.
Clara smiled softly. “Eli. That’s a beautiful name.”
Before she could ask another question, three loud knocks shook the front door.
Clara froze.
No one visited this early.
She opened the door carefully and found a tall man dressed in a dark coat. His face was sharp, serious, and unfamiliar.
“Good morning,” he said. “I’m looking for a child.”
Clara’s heart pounded. “Many children live in this village.”
“This one does not belong here,” the man replied coldly. “He came through the forest last night.”
Clara’s grip tightened on the door.
“And who are you?” she asked.
The man gave a thin smile.
“Someone who has been searching for a very long time.”
Behind Clara, a cup shattered.
She turned quickly.
Eli stood in the doorway, pale and trembling. His hands shook violently as he stared at the stranger.
“No...” Eli whispered.
The man stepped forward.
“There you are.”
Clara moved between them.
“You’ll leave now,” she said firmly.
The stranger’s smile vanished.
“You don’t understand,” he said. “That child carries something dangerous.”
Eli suddenly cried out and clutched his head.
The room darkened.
The fire roared higher on its own.
And the windows burst open with a violent gust of wind.
- Writer
