AN ANTHOLOGY BY JESLYN KAUR, LAASYA PARUCHURI, TANYA AGARWAL, YASNA RAMAZANI

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. Copyright © 2022 Laasya L., Tanya A.,Yasna R. & Jeslyn.K

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or used in any manner without written permission of the copyright owner except for the use of quotations in a book review.

For more information, address: [email protected], [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

First online edition November 2022 Book design by Jeslyn K., Laasya L. & Tanya A. IISBN 747-1-453-2999-4 (ebook) www.yasnajeslynlaasyatanyaauthors.com

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AN ANTHOLOGY BY JESLYN KAUR, LAASYA PARUCHURI, TANYA AGARWAL, YASNA RAMAZANI

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CONTENT THIS BOOK SHALL BE READ AT THE BEGINNING OF OCTOBER

Uncovered October 1 October 2 October 3 October 4 October 5 October 6

Trailer October 7 October 8 October 9 October 10 October 11 October 12

Elijah October 13 October 14 October 15 October 16 October 17 October 18

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CONTENT THIS BOOK SHALL BE READ AT THE BEGINNING OF OCTOBER

Trailer October 19 October 20 October 21 October 22 October 23 October 24

Elijah October 25 October 26 October 27 October 28 October 29 October 30

Forever Home Halloween FINALE

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UNCOVERED - OCT 1 John scrunched his eyes adjusting to the sunlight seeping through his window as he further indulged in his bedsheets. The doorbell echoed throughout the empty house, distracting him from his lazy thoughts. He unwillingly left his bed before jogging downstairs to open the door to find two officers standing steadily on his porch. The only people that he was dreading to see.“ We are here under the investigation inquiry of the missing case of Mrs Marrisa Fernandez, your premusmely wife and want to take a few hearings from you, before asking any other questions know that you are being recorded for security purposes” The officer states in a firm tone before taping a red button to his left pocket. “Sure come in” John replied holding out the door for the two to walk in. As they got seated, the officer seated to the left introduced himself as Greg and the other as Amanda and pulled out a pen and a notepad. “ So when was the last time you’ve seen her John ?” Amanda asks.

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UNCOVERED - OCT 2

“ Last time I saw Marrisa was when I left for work Friday morning, she seemed normal when I left. She’s a housewife so she doesn’t go out a lot and even if she does she always leaves a message or calls before doing so. When I came back from work she wasn’t there so I rang her a few times and also left some messages. After about 3, or 4 hours it was getting dark and I started to get worried, so I called up some of her friends and family members, asking if she was with them assuming her phone died or something but everyone one of them replied with the same answer saying they haven’t seen her ” John explains. “Alright, John, do you two fight often or are there any domestic-related issues going on at home ?” Amanda asks clicking her pen and writing away. “ No ma’am nothing of that sort, I take care of her well” John instantly replies, almost as if he was offended that the woman was insinuating that he would lay a hand on her.

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UNCOVERED - OCT 3

“Alright John, don’t mind us but we are just going to take a look around the house for investigation purposes” Greg remarks as he gets up. The two officers walk along the hallway leading to the kitchen. Utensils were lined up neatly and cutlery was visible on the glass cupboard, nothing out of the ordinary. The officers examined the rooms upstairs not finding any unusual things and started heading back downstairs.

“Thank you, John, we will continue through the investigation and keep you updated” Greg reassures before making his way back to the kitchen, picking up the notepad he had left earlier. Greg then noticed another door towards the right-hand side, he called out to Amanda immediately but John dashes to Greg before her, almost as if he was hiding something.

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UNCOVERED - OCT 4

“Oh sir, that’s just the storage room there are just some suitcases and some luggage in there from our past trip” John replies before Greg even asks a question.

“Could you open up the door please, we have a right to look through the whole house?” Amanda demands as she too enters the kitchen. Hesitantly John opens the door of the storage room revealing small suitcases and then a larger navy blue one in the left-hand corner. John's hesitancy didn't go unnoticed by Greg as he got a feeling something was wrong with the storage room, he glanced over to Amanda for reassurance that he wasn't the only one with the feeling. She nodded towards him and started unzipping the blue suitcase. Almost instantly, John jumped towards her as he pressed both of his hands over her hands trying to stop her.

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UNCOVERED - OCT 4

These are filled with personal items. Don’t worry about it!” John reassured trying to hide his hostility.

“Sir please move out the way, this is a necessary search if you don't move, it will be done by force” Amanda firmly stated gesturing her arm out so he would move out of her way.

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UNCOVERED - OCT 5

Pushing her way through Amanda starts unzipping the suitcase and to their surprise it revealed a body squished into the small space, it was a female, it was Marrisa. Amanda's heart dropped at the sight and immediately put two fingers over Marrissa’s wrist, she waited for any sign of life, but there was nothing. Marrissa was dead. Amanda discreetly nodded to Greg, communicating to him that she was dead. John rushed out to reach the door of the room and tried to close the door on them attempting to slow them down so he could escape but Greg was fast to move too, he pushes with all his strength opening the door Immediately. Greg grabs John and pins him to the floor as John continues to kick in an attempt to escape. Greg twists his hands behind so that they are crossed over each other and cuffs them together.” You say anything and it will be used against you at court, John you are under arrested”

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UNCOVERED - OCT 6

Greg yelled in a athoritative tone. He then drags him to the Police carand he shoves him inside turning on the locks. He then buzzes onto the walkie talkie “ We need additional force and paramedics to come to the Fernandez House immediately ,we have found the murderer ”. Another officer’s voice amplified through the PA system straight away, Sirens soon follow through the streets and word spreads fast.

17th October 2011, John Fernadez has been charged guilt for the murder of his wife.





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TRAILER LAASYA PARUCHURI

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TRAILER - OCT 7

No matter how hard I try the memories lurk in the back of my mind and I got nothing but disturbance from the events. It's like trying to hide something under a transparent blanket, but it's still there. Just thinking about what happened sends shivers down my spine, there is no explanation that gives a fulfilling understanding of what happened. It remains plainly a mystery. I’m sharing my story hoping someone has an explanation for what happened to my friend Roman. It starts 4 years back when I moved out of my parent's house after I turned 19 and went to live with Roman at his trailer. He was a chill guy and to be honest was like a brother to me and also my best mate, I love that guy.

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TRAILER - OCT 8

I stayed at his trailer for over a year and I became quickly attached to the place, it felt like home. After settling in with my work, I got a call one day, from home saying my father was sick and had no choice but to visit home. I told Roman I would stay with my parents for a few months just to make sure my father was okay. Roman wished me luck and helped me pack my bags and we said our goodbyes. Three months later i decided to go back and live with Roman since my father recovered quite quickly.

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TRAILER- OCT 9

I needed help with some luggage moving

back in as there was quite a lot so I asked

my friend Andy to help. He agreed to

straightaway as he took the day off work

anyway and didn't mind helping out.

Around 3 pm we started driving with all the

luggage in the trunk. Once we reached

Roman’s trailer it was 8 as Roman’s trailer

was pretty far from my parent’s house so

our plan was for Andy to stay over for the

night and we unpack in the morning. But

something about the atmosphere of the

trailer seemed off, there was an

excruciating smell coming from the small

trailer.

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TRAILER- OCT 10

I thought it was just me but when I looked over at andy he was scrunching his nose trying to cover his airways from breathing in that intoxicating smell. We both climbed up the stairs that led to the front door knocking a few times. No reply. This time Andy knocks on the door. Still nothing. Maybe he wasn’t home I assumed but was revealed when I realised I still had that spare key in the car. I quickly got the keys and rushed to open the door as it was getting chilly outside. As the keys unlocked the door created an opening as we stepped into the deserted house, each step we took echoed through the empty trailer.

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TRAILER- OCT 11

That horrendous smell shot right through my nose again it was far worse this time, I glanced at Andy to make sure I wasn’t the only one. The smell was definitely coming from the bathroom, so we both decided to see where it was coming from. We both walked steadily covering our noses as we couldn't bare the smell twisting the doorknob to open the bathroom door. I look around the sink nothing out of the ordinary, but the smell was definitely coming from the bathroom.

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TRAILER- OCT 12

Suddenly I heard a loud scream from

andy peering into the tub. He was

mortified as he was pointing at

something. I rush over to see a body. A

corpse dried out, it was Andy. His eye

bulged out his skin his skull was

completely smashed. There was a trail

of dry blood along the glass panel. Who

did this to him? Why? I couldn’t

protect my friend, my best friend. Andy

reached out to his pocket and pulled

out his phone dialling 911 trembling in

fear. No one knows the killer till now..

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ELIJAH TANYA AGARWAL

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ELIJAH- OCT 13

Doctors and nurses came running through the hospital doors, as my screams and cries echoed within the small dimly lit room. Panic flooded through my veins as several doctors strapped me to the bed, my parents handing the corrupt doctors bundles of cash, as my vision slowly blurs into darkness, I see blood oozing out my stomach, my unborn baby soon to meet his demise of abortion.

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ELIJAH- OCT 14 There wasn’t a single day where I would not dream of my unborn child, Elijah was what I would’ve named him. My room was covered with drawings and vision boards of how Elijah would’ve looked like and how different life would’ve been if I didn’t experience the betrayal from my parents, who took my child away from me. Years pass and I still feel the same, as I did the moment I woke up that night, after learning that my parents aborted my child. Today marks the four-year anniversary of my unborn child, and the voices in my head punishing me for not doing more that night. As I sing happy birthday, a slight breeze blows out the candles. I hear a faint giggle coming from behind me. I turn around and spot a small figure no more than 4 feet tall emerging from the side of the kitchen table. As my eyes adjusted to the darkness, I saw more of the figure.

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ELIJAH- OCT 15 It was a boy. He had glittering brown eyes, smooth fair skin, and short silky black hair that fell perfectly on his oval face. “Elijah?”, I call out. I slowly get up, my heart racing, but not with fear, with excitement. My body paralysed still shocked by the sight in front of me, I slowly bend down and hug him. His tiny arms wrap around me as he giggles some more. I felt whole again. I let go and run to my parent's room, jumping with joy that my child was back, I open the door to see two figures laying on the ground on their stomachs. Mum? Dad? No reply. Shaking their bodies, I turn them by their torso, to notice that their head didn’t move. Moving their head, I jump at the sight of their heads rolling away, a smile carved on their face. Elijah leaps into the room, jumping around, until he spoke “I did this for us, they had to die for us to be together”. I smiled. My child would do anything for us to be together. “I forgive you, my child, let me wash the blood off your hands,” I said.

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ELIJAH- OCT 16 I run Elijah’s bloodied hands under the tap where I notice small amounts of blood coming from the tap. Taken aback I decide to check the water tank, opening the barrel, I peer inside to see a large body floating on top of the water. Grandpa? I slam the door shut, still processing what I saw, I hear Elijah speak. “I did this for us, he had to die for us to be together.” “I forgive you, my child, let us get some fresh air.” We walk outside, towards our car, where I see a small figure squashed underneath the car. Peering at the figure's face, “Grandma? “I killed her for us, she had to die for us to be together”. “I forgive you, my child, let us just stay here.” As I sit there with my child, a woman in the distance is frantically running, hungry animals chasing her as she yells in agony. One dog gets on her. Then another. Then another. Peering at her familiar face, I realise. Doctor Cash? It was the doctor that took my child away. “Should I save her?” “No, leave her. She has to die for us to be together”“Yes my child".

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ELIJAH- OCT 17

Walking back to our apartment, I wake up to the sound of our doorbell ringing. Leaving Elijah to sleep, I get up and peek through the door. Police Officer? I open the door. “Hi Ma’am, your neighbours reported screaming? Is everything okay?” “Yes, you must be at the wrong house.” “You wouldn’t mind if we had a look around?” “No, but don’t wake Elijah.”The police officers inspect the area, as I fall back asleep. I wake up to the sirens of a dozen police cars. I walk outside and begin to say “What is ha-”. Before I can ask, several officers tackle me to the ground. “What are you doing!” “Who are the dead people in your living room?”“My grandparents, parents and my doctor? Why?” “Did you do this?” “No it was Elijah, he had to so we would be together forever!”“Who’s Elijah?”“My son he’s right there” I pointed towards where Elijah peacefully slept.“Ma’am there's no one there?”

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ELIJAH- OCT 18

Another policeman walked in, “I’ve looked at your file, you don’t have a child, only a miscarriage that you had, when you stabbed yourself, killing your child.” I stood there in disbelief, “my child is right there, stop messing with me”. I turned my head to see no one. “Elijah? Elijah? Elijah stop hiding come out?”, I yelled as I desperately scanned the apartment. “My parents, Grandma, Grandpa - was that me? No, it can’t be, Elijah did it, for us!”, I thought. I looked down at the dried blood on my hands and smiled, Elijah must have painted my fingers.

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SIREN TANYA AGARWAL

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SIREN- OCT 19

Night after night, Eli walked along the isolated beach, grieving the loss of his son, who had drowned not metres away from where he was standing. Not even two years later, he still blamed himself for not being able to hear those horrifying screams as his son yelled for help as waves crashed over him pulling him under. Only to never come back out.

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SIREN- OCT 20

Walking along the terrain, looking upon the dark gloomy night sky, and waves crashing against the edge of the cliff, Eli was used to hearing the constant blame he put on himself. ‘It should have been me’. His thoughts drove him crazy, as he yelled in agony trying to get the voices out. ‘It’s not my fault’ ‘It’s not my fault’ ‘It’s not my-”. Disrupting his thoughts came an enchanting angel’s tune from a distance.

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SIREN- OCT 21

Looking up, squinting, Eli ought to see a naked female figure in the distance. As the moonlight's rays shined, he was able to see the outline of the woman, her skin gleaming, hair long and luscious. ‘Who was this beautiful woman singing?’. Inching forward, Eli watched as the woman turned around to look at him before jumping back into the ocean. ‘Beautiful’. He watched mesmerised, with a sudden-driven desire and temptation. Who was this woman? A new feeling of excitement coursed through his veins, as he felt another emotion besides grief after a while. Eli wanted to know who this woman was. He needed to. That's when he made the decision. ‘I will return to this location every day until I see her again my love’.

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SIREN- OCT 22

Same location, same routine, Eli walked along the isolated beach, however instead of feeling grieve he felt exhilarated at the thought of this woman. Weeks passed. Eli still maintained hope. It was the only thing keeping him intact. Finding the women. Another day, same location, same routine. That’s when a mesmerizing alluring sound echoed from the distance. Hearing this glorious tune, Eli’s heart skips a beat. Can it be her? As if instructed too, Eli whisk fully turns around towards the direction of the sound to see a figure in the distance, waving at him, signalling that he should follow her. As if in a trance, Eli turns around and follows her, heading towards the dark forest. Far from salvation. Although warned never to go in there, Eli’s control had already disappeared.

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SIREN- OCT 23

Eli followed the woman deeper and deeper into the forest. He watched the transition of bits of moonlight in the distance to pitch black. This is not a good idea. But for once. Eli felt safe. Enchanted by the mysterious womans music, he dances to the tune and hums along. His eyes filled with lust he pranced around behind the woman. Until she came to a halt. Still singing, the mysterious woman turns around looking directly at Eli. Eli feels his body freeze. Unable to move. Eli looks at this woman and admires her as she walks closer to her. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. She inches his face and grazes her hand along his cheek and down his chest. Before hearing voices. “Dad GET OUT” he hears a sound from behind him. “DAD GO SAVE URSELF” it sounded like his dead son. “Dad what have you done” it is his son. “DAD.. DAD.. it’s too late now”.

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SIREN- OCT 24

Eli shifted his gaze forward as the beautiful woman he saw before turned into a hideous creature. Her face morphed, teeth growing metres long, her smile turning into a devious smirk her hair raging curly her nails now strongly grabbed on his shoulder. Her nails dug into his shoulders, breaking the skin barrier, breaking the bone. Eli could do nothing but just stand there. That’s when she opened her mouth before speaking “thought you’d be smarter than your son”. Before she opened her mouth wider, one hungry pls teeth uncovering, before munching upon his head and devouring his body. Never trust a siren.

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WHEN A PSYCHO SINS YASNA RAMAZANI

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WHEN A PSYCHO SINS- OCT 25

Can’t live without funk dancing through the tight streets of New York with my headphones ripping my ears, the music so loud. There we go day already ruined, we here at the big, bad, tall building I stare at and it glares, hate this guy, ruined my day already. Packing my fun stuff in my grey, boring case I enetred the big, bad, tall guys body, God if only I could kill it, too bad there ain’t any blood coming out of it. The elevator gives me mummy headaches, that piece of crap, I’m using the stairs. I watched a film once, she was screaming on top of her lungs, scratches on her face, her legs were sore from running away and there he was a tall handsome guy chasing her around with that beautiful knife, I liked it.

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WHEN A PSYCHO SINS- OCT 26

If I gotta be honest with you, it probably wasn't a movie, because I was in it, and like I said I liked it. Sitting down my desk, I twisted myself around on my chair, looked over to my other side, Miss Hanna’s desk. I miss her. It's been a long time since she left this world, Hanna’s at hell now, it was even more heartbreaking taking her there. Such a shame she was pretty, but a pretty, so just like that I wanted her gone so I got her gone. What a dnagerous thing love is, I’ve never seen true love only in my favourite movies like 10 things I hate about you or The Notebook but none of these seem true because in the world we live in, no one should be trusted but yourself, no one you should love but yourself. Do you know where I learnt that? It was that time, I was little only about 4 when I was first beaten, half dead.

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WHEN A PSYCHO SINS- OCT 27 Waking up everyday but with scars, bruises and going to school hidden making sure not one person noticed I was there. One of the teachers said there was something wrong with me, she came to me everyday and asked if I was fine, gave me food if I was hungry, cured my bruises, she did everything for me! After her, I felt like I was being saved, it felt as if there was nothing to hurt me anymore, but too much hope kills the heart.I wondered all my existence if that one night was too never happened. Would I have been like this, that one night that teacher knocked on my door to see the reason for my pain, when my dad opened the door and rejected her entry, when she refused and stubbornly came inside. Dad closed the door with that frown on his face, I know that face, that teacher she called out my name, “Reid!”, she’s looking for me but I cowardly run to room and shut the door, “Run miss, you can’t be here!”

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WHEN A PSYCHO SINS- OCT 28

I yelled in my thoughts. Then I heard her scream, through the key lock I saw my father pull her hair, he dragged her and threw her into the living room, “He can’t do this” I thought to myself. I opened he door, running and pulling my father away from her, it was for nothing she wasn’t breathing. With tearful eyes I stare at my mother tragically, she stood there with a smoke while my father was choking a women who has done more for her son than she has, that weirdo

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WHEN A PSYCHO SINS- OCT 29

From then on, i knew my ways, it went from killing my father to drowning my mother, to stabbing kids at school who were assholes, being in jail and not learning my lesson because that is the way I am now, and I like it. I can’t help myself, I love the way people scream while scare them around, it’s just fun and I could do it all day. You know I still remember, it was the day of my birthday, my mother had just come back from work. “Happy Birthday Son” she speaks plainly. She doesn’t know yet, I killed her little toy, my father who she pretended to love.

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WHEN A PSYCHO SINS- OCT 30

I shouted at her for bringing a new man every night and killing the heck out of me, she told me I was lucky that she is letting me live while she was getting the bathtub ready. I had my chance so i took, I drowned in water the last thing she said to me was that I was a psycho and I will sin to the day I go to hell. That is my favourite sentence, I’m a Psycho Sinner, and I will be that to the day I go to hell.

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FOREVER HOME FINALE JESLYN KAUR

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FOREVER HOME - OCT 31

He locked the door and heard the first cry. Deep inside the forest where the light of the day is blanketed by the high tree canopy, and where the blood of animals soaks the roots of the thorns decorating the entrance to “forever home”. The child inside still screaming for her life, he grinned knowing that from now, she would never be able to live her perfect childhood or any other part of her life for that matter.

As he came home he turned on the TV to find the same lost child poster they made for every kid. Stupid children, fall so easily into any trap you make. He felt his happiness emerge once more, the crying mother on the TV pleading for her dead child to suddenly come back. Flashbacks of his own unsatisfactory childhood intruded him with the same mystery of who was taking all those children away in his hometown. He quickly diverted his attention with the pleasance of knowing who the kidnapper now was and laughed at the innocence of his victims.

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FOREVER HOME - OCT 31

There was one child, he hated, even more than any other, the hideous child would walk around the rotting gates of the playground dashing his eyes through his soul like he knew what he was doing, as he sat glaring at the other oblivious children. “Henry, let’s go!” the child's mother said. This was his routine from the past month. As Henry would go home, soon would he too.

In a sense, he had felt that Henry overpowered him, whilst he was supposed to be the man with all the power. Next victim.’ he stated.

He made his way through the dim night with the flickering lamp posts revealing the damp cobble-stoned concrete path to his home. Whilst taking details on Henry. ‘Name: Henry Age: 9-11 yrs Hair: Ginger Protection: Mother (easy victim), Father (distant) Locations: Ralbury Boys School, Hemson Playground, Murray Residence’

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FOREVER HOME - OCT 31 He anticipated his next kidnap, especially this one, it was special because of the extra hatred he had felt. Inside the deep intertwined forest, he would suspend Henry’s breathing before welcoming him into his last home, “Forever Home”.

Forever Home wasn’t only his business, but also meals that fed the wild mice, snakes and insects. He would then see his mother on the TV trying to find her son which was nowhere. Sometimes he would go visit all the children from outside of their forever home. Just like the villagers looked upon him when he was in an orphanage. Glaring at the remains of the children which usually consisted of just some bones through the cracked dusty glass. He then imagined visiting Henry, his next goal was going to be achieved very soon.

He sat outside the school on a bench with chipping green paint. With his fingers intertwined he was ready for Henry to exit. He would take him into the dark bush and continue his journey into the forest.

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FOREVER HOME - OCT 31

‘RING!’ The bell sounded and he peered out looking at every kid who exited the school gates. He walked right behind the bush ready for Henry. In the distance, he spotted the ginger. He waited for his arrival at the bus stop. Ready to capture his last breath.

He walked up to the bus stand and grabbed a hold of his shoulder, pulling him away from the rush of children. “Would you like to be friends?” Henry questioned. “Of course, you fool, let’s be friends I’ll take you to a nice home for your comfort!”

He was surprised, Henry didn't even run away, or spoke. As they continued their walk, through the damp soils of the forest Henry held onto his hand. “Would you like to visit my home instead? It is right on this path, then, we can enjoy tea if you …(inaudible).” he innocently questioned. “My house first Henry,” he ordered.



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FOREVER HOME - OCT 31

“Forever home” approached “Here’s my house, just for you Henry!” he said with a furtive glance. “Funny, we have the same home? Would you like to visit me and my friends?” Henry questioned. Henry’s eyes gave him a wide-eyed glare through his soul. Henry’s tanned skin started becoming pale white, with blood streaming from multiple cuts appearing on his neck and face.

Henry pinches through the skin of the owner of “Forever Home”, let’s taste your own medicine!

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