" The monster doesn't like you very much, mother." Her daughter's dark words startled Ms Crouch as her hand froze an inch from the light switch. Behind her, the soft shifting of blankets pierced the sudden silence, as Raven turned from the window to face her mother." The monster thinks you're filthy and ugly, and I think they want to kill you. They don't seem to like you very much, because you're dirty and they don't like your scent. A good word would be repulsed, I think. I don't think you should be in here after lights out." Ms Crouch's frown deepened. For a long time, the Crouch family had heard stories of the monster underneath Raven's bed, and how understanding and compassionate he was. They'd appreciated that. Imaginary friends were usually a reflection of a child's personality, so they were confident that their daughter was growing into a fine young woman. But lately, she just realized that Raven barely told tales of her dear friend. In fact, she hadn't mentioned him for a long time indeed. She'd been an incredibly quiet, shy child for a long time, but they'd always been able to get her to open up over her various stories of the monster underneath her bed. But now, after she'd assumed that her daughter had grown out of such thoughts, as she'd seemed to be maturing so nicely after the stories stopped completely. She'd never expected to hear of it again." Raven, darling, that's not very nice at all." Revoking her hand, she walked back to the bedside and sat on the edge, forcing a small smile." It's been a long time since I heard about you little friend, and I don't mind you retaining your friend, but you shouldn't say such horrid things about other people. It's rather offensive to say that we're dirty and smelly and all those nasty words." For a moment, Raven simply stared at her mother, expressionless. And then suddenly her face twisted into a look of seriousness." It doesn't like you, mother. Stop talking to me as if I'm five years old. The monster hates you so much, and if I can't keep you away, it'll come out from underneath the bed to get you." Raven's behaviour was just abnormal now. Her eyes were like frost, without a single trace of humour in them. It was hatred that shined through her face. It send shivers down Ms Crouch's spine. She disliked these new thoughts of Raven's imaginary friend. Maybe she required a doctor? Or a day out to show her that they still loved her? Maybe she just wanted attention?" Goodnight, darling." She rose to her feet and slowly walked toward the lightswitch." Sleep well." The sharp click of the switch was the last noise Ms Crouch heard from the room as she hurried down the stairs. But Raven wasn't ready to sleep yet. She had someone to talk to." She didn't understand. What should I do now?" She blinked away tears and allowed her arm to dangle over the side of the bed." Isn't there a way to help her anymore?" She silently pleaded for reassurance, anything to ease her failure. We could show her kindness, Raven. We could show them all kindness. We could most certainly help her, but to do so, you'll have to call me. Do you think you can call me? A cold embrace seethed around her hand, drawing it closer, a silent calling from underneath. She closed her eyes and drank it in, sinking her fingers into the depths as she allowed the presence to warm her, bit by bit, replacing ice with fire, blinding darkness with forgiving light. She could feel it all over her body, a touch of raw power, seething through her blood with promise of strength and friendship. She wanted them both so badly, the strength to do what was right, and the friendship that she'd seen only from the window yet needed so badly. It was magic that she couldn't have imagined in a lifetime, feelings that she hadn't felt since forever." Save her. Hunt."
This is a scene from a book that I am writing. I'm still elaborating it, but this is it so far. It's a really old idea that I've finally started, and I'd appreciate feedback.
This is a scene from a book that I am writing. I'm still elaborating it, but this is it so far. It's a really old idea that I've finally started, and I'd appreciate feedback.