Mother turned up the volume on the television as I dug into my bowl of Captain Crunch.506Please respect copyright.PENANAd2yUBCDT4H
The news blared on the screen as a grim faced newscaster explains they had discovered the body of a missing Caden Smith, a local elementary schooler. He had been reported missing for two weeks before authorities had found his mutilated body fifteen miles from his hometown, in the river.506Please respect copyright.PENANAYQVRsimtlj
The banner below the newscaster’s name simply read “Fourth Similar Murder in Small Town County, Middle School Murderer Claims Youngest Victim Yet. County Police Now Considering A Serial Killer.” 506Please respect copyright.PENANAxmWuV8U18h
Mother shut off the television, grasping onto my shoulder. “This is so crazy. We moved to Small Town to get away from all this crazy! And to think this evil man is targeting kids your age..!”506Please respect copyright.PENANAejJ0it1syP
I shrugged, shoving another spoonful of cereal down my throat.506Please respect copyright.PENANAEQbve6j2vN
Mother placed a heavy kiss on my head. “Abigail, you stay inside all weekend, alright? Do not go anywhere! I have another long weekend at the Hospital Emergency Room, and I won’t be back until Monday, after school.”506Please respect copyright.PENANArMxYJ5WcRj
The plus of having an E.R. Nurse as a mother: drugs were so easy to come by. A small jar of chloroform stolen on any extended check-up could last a whole year.506Please respect copyright.PENANAAwtl33iUNZ
She walked around the table, tossing her hand purse around her arm. “Dennis will be here to take care of you.”506Please respect copyright.PENANAH75znDdj5q
I watched as mother gave a large kiss to her boyfriend of five whole years.506Please respect copyright.PENANAJngXh5BWnl
Dennis then gave me a warm smile, setting down his large cup of coffee. “Alright, just me and Abby, doing all the cool things all weekend!” he cheered. Mother only gave a small wave goodbye as she shut the garage door. 506Please respect copyright.PENANA5BZV3OulNn
And the house was silent, listening as she drove away.
ns 172.69.7.63da2