The Ladies of Horror
Picture-Prompt Writing Challenge!

Tommy
by Kathleen McCluskey

Tommy could hear his older brother’s words ringing in his ears, “You’re a coward.” Tommy knew he wasn’t a coward but he also knew that the old house in the woods gave him the feeling of needing to flee. His bright yellow rain slicker weighed heavy on his shoulders. He could feel the skin on his arms, covered in nervous sweat, sticking to the inside. He turned to see if his brother was still there. Hiding in the dappled moonlight of the forest sat his brother smiling. He mouthed the words, “Go on” and gestured towards the decrepit building.

Tommy cautiously walked closer to the house, he could feel the hair on the back of his neck standing at attention. He looked both ways, like he was crossing the street, as he stepped up onto the porch. The floor boards creaked and groaned as he ventured further into the blackness. Lifting his hand he reached for the doorknob. All he had to do was open the door and then his brother would leave him alone. He needed to have his approval. His palms were slick with nervous sweat as he touched the door knob, the door flew open and Tommy was consumed by the gaping doorway as the door slammed shut.

He opened his eyes and found himself on the floor of the dilapidated dwelling. He stood and looked around. He was shocked to see a man sitting in a fine, high back chair. The man put his hand out for Tommy to come in and sit. The man stood, “Hello, young man. You must be Tommy. We have been waiting for you. The master will be pleased that you have finally arrived. We can once again ravage this town as we did in the days of yore.” The man motioned with his hand and Tommy fell fast asleep.

He awoke in the forest. His older brother hovering over him, “Dude, what happened? You were there then you were gone. I searched everywhere for you.” Tommy stood and stretched, a stretch that he felt in every fiber of his ancient being. He knew who he was now, he spoke, “Jimmy, you will be my first.” He lunged for Jimmy and sank his razor sharp teeth into his neck. His true self had emerged as he threw his head back and howled. His brethren will never go hungry again.

Fiction © Copyright Kathleen McCluskey
Image courtesy of Pixabay.com

More from Kathleen McCluskey:

The Long Fall: Book 1: The Inception of Horror

Lucifer always cunning and intelligent challenges father to a battle of wits. Being the angel of light he casts a judgemental eye upon mankind. He begins a war with his fellow archangels and God. Michael, along with his siblings defend their home and mankind from their deranged brother. Broad swords and hand to hand combat drench heaven in blood. The four apocalyptic steeds are released, each having their own destructive power. Betrayal and lust are at biblical levels. Understand the very creation of evil and the consequenses that transpire in the first of THE LONG FALL series.

Available on Amazon!