Darkness Falls

The siren sounds, ringing through the town like a crescendo. My bedroom door swings open with a loud squeak. I'm already awake sitting up in my bed, I lock eyes with my five-year-old son Tyler.

"Mom there's a strange show on TV." I glance over at my alarm clock wondering if that's where the loud noise is coming from, 8:43 a.m. "Ty, is your sister up?" I knew it was a stupid question, she's fifteen and thinks no one understands her.

"No, Quinn threw a shoe at me when I tried to wake her." Tyler sniffles, I know it's time for me to get moving and deal with Quinn.

"I'll get her up, why don't you get breakfast and I'll come see the TV in a few moments. You can leave it on the odd show." I can only assume it's the news, maybe they can explain what is going on. The house is dark like it's still night time. Must be a bad storm coming, probably why the siren is sounding. We don't get tornadoes here, mostly just hurricanes so it can't be that serious. I think as I get up grab a pair of jeans and a T-shirt and throw them on. I quickly exit my room. I make my way to Quinn's room and knock on the door.

"Quinn I'm going to need you to get dressed, I don't know what's going on but we might have to move." I announce sternly hoping it will get her to stir.

"Mom it's probably nothing, everyone overreacts about everything. When has anything serious occurred here in this tiny town?" Quinn sighs and I can tell she rolled her eyes.

"Why don't we watch the news and find out? It is kind of odd how it's so dark outside." I reply not expecting an answer.

I walk away quickly and head downstairs to watch the news with Tyler. A woman is on the screen, she looks ashen and completely terrified. "There seems to be a strange darkness that has descended upon our town. We aren't sure if it's a toxic gas or if it's something else. It seems to be flooding our streets and closing in fast. The authorities have requested everyone to stay in their homes until further notice. There have been reports of people going missing soon after entering this fog like substance. Military personnel have been called in to offer their assistance in this matter. Please everyone lock your doors and stay inside. Do not leave under any circumstances. We will be providing updates as they come in, please standby." The announcer finishes, I stare at the screen in a daze trying to collect my thoughts.

What does any of this mean? Is this some kind of early Halloween joke? I decide to look outside to get a glimpse of this for myself. As I pull the curtains back I can see only darkness. I can see the streets, vehicles and houses, but it's as though time has stopped and we are stuck in the dark. I can't help but look around for any indication that something is amiss, when I spot a strange being across the street hiding behind a car. It appears to be human, but something is off. As it stands up, it begins crossing the street towards my home. The being gets closer and I can get a better glimpse of what it looks like.

It's fingers are tipped with long claws, it's face is elongated with small black eyes. The beings hair is long and black that is thinning in areas. It's skin is alabaster white, but around it's mouth is a dark reddish black color. The creature is extremely skinny, it's bones show through the thin skin. It doesn't have a nose and it's lips were removed exposing it's teeth. The teeth are unnaturally sharp, with a few longer ones. The being suddenly stops and lets out an ear piercing screech. I shudder drawing the curtains closed and retreat backwards away from the window.

I jump when I feel someone touch my hand, I look down realizing it is only Tyler. A sigh of relief escapes me as I hug him close to me. "Mommy what's happening outside?" A cold chill creeps its way down my spine as I hear scratching at the door. I run towards the door and ensure the lock is secure.

As I check the locks a hoarse voice whispers "let me in".

"Mom what is that?" Quinn asks, I whip my head in her direction. I can see her standing on the stairs still in her pajama shorts and T-shirt.

"Don't open the door. Can you check the windows upstairs and make sure they are all shut and locked? I'll check the ones down here. If you see or hear anything don't let anyone inside." I snap, I suddenly feel horrible for snapping at her as she gives me a worried look then runs upstairs.

I can hear her moving around above me as I start checking every window on the first floor.

When I hear the announcer return, "we have new information. There are strange creatures outside, they can talk. Do not let them in! I repeat do not let them inside! I have received word that they can mimic the voices of loved ones. They lure you out of your house hoping to gain access to your loved ones. These creatures are dangerous. Some of the missing members that entered the darkness seemed to have become like those creatures. The military is investigating as we speak, more updates will follow as they report their findings to us." A shudder escapes my lips after hearing those words.

Tyler starts crying, I look down at him and hug him tightly. "It's going to be okay. I have to check the rest of the downstairs. Stay on the couch in front of the TV, do not answer the door. Stay away from the windows and if you hear anyone outside that you know don't answer it." I try to explain the urgency and seriousness of the situation. He sniffles and returns to the couch. Tyler grabs the blanket and pulls it over his head.

I rush into the kitchen to make sure the backdoor is locked tight and to check the windows. Everything appears set and secure, when I hear a thud come from upstairs. I quickly make it upstairs hoping Quinn is alright. As I make it to the top of the stairs I see Quinn on the floor in the hallway. I quickly make it to her side and try to get her to stir by shaking her. As I shake her I feel a slight breeze, I turn my head towards the source and see the bathroom window is open. My heart skips a beat, I move away from Quinn, enter the bathroom and shut the window. I turn around and see a creature kneeling in Tyler's room.

"Help me, please." The being utters sounding like my husband. Victor passed away two years ago, I know this thing can't possibly be him, but hearing his voice causes tears to stream down my cheeks. How did this thing get inside? Did Quinn let it in? Maybe she thought it was her father and she let this thing inside. What am I going to do? We can't leave and I don't know if we can kill these things.

I hear Quinn stir suddenly, I step between her and the creature. I stare at the creature as it begins to stand up. I can see Quinn crawling towards my bedroom, she knows I have a gun in there; I am a police officer after all. To buy her sometime I rush towards the door and slam it shut. I hear Quinn's footsteps slam against the floor as she runs into my room.

The wooden door creaks as the beast hits it, I watch the door for any sign of shattering. The creature howls on the other side of the door as it charges the door again. If it hits one more time the door is going to splinter.

"Quinn hurry up, we don't have a lot of time. Everything is on the top shelf in the back, they're in a locked box. The key is in my jewelry box, bottom drawer." I shout to her hoping the information helps her move faster.

"Got it mom, how do you load this damn thing? It's too dark in here." Quinn announces as she rushes back to me. She drops the gun and ammunition into my hands. I quickly load it as the door splinters into pieces, showering us with shrapnel. Quinn screams and puts her hands over her ears. I finish loading the handgun, turn the safety off and aim at the creature. I pull the trigger releasing a loud bang as the bullet hits it right in the side as it rushes towards us. I continue pulling the trigger, emptying an entire clip before the creature drops at my feet.

Not waiting for the creature to stir, I grab Quinn and we rush downstairs to her brother. The announcer is back on TV. "...things are not looking good. The military units are calling for an evacuation. If anyone can make it to their cars do so and head to the the nearest city. There will be a bunkers waiting for all refugees outside of the city. Please be safe out there." A tear streams down the woman's face as glass is heard shattering in the distance.

I usher Tyler and Quinn out of the house and into the car. As I sit down in the driver's seat, I realize I forgot my keys. Shit. When I hear the jingling of keys behind me, I turn my head to see Quinn holding them up with a slight smile. I grab the keys from her and start the car. The world around us appears draped in a permanent night. The sky is a dark black that seems unnatural. People are running around in the streets trying to get to their vehicles or running in a panic. A creature tackles a man to the ground ripping his throat out. Blood spurts up and splashes some cars. I slam my foot to the floor and gun it heading for the interstate highway.