“Where are we going?” Asked Tom.
“Skating fields, you’ll enjoy.” Said Bruce lending a hand to Tom and helping him walk.
“But I can’t skate, you know I’m, I’m, and I’m blind.” Said Tom, becoming glum.
“You don’t.” Said Bruce “Just come and enjoy.”
Tom didn’t understand what Bruce meant by enjoying in the ice skating when he can’t skate at all. Is there any fun for someone so blind not being able to skate?
The skating field was a skating area over a frozen lake, in a ring. It was pretty to see youngsters and teens skating blissfully, and it was worse that Tom couldn’t see the big trees shed their pink flowers, and large pumpkin blasting from every side, by Geri. (It means a sudden change in weather with causes some plants to blast off, in Eric only).
“Here’s Candy.” Said Bruce, as Tom sat down in a bench, beside Candy who had her face blue.
“You two enjoy.” Bruce said again.
“How?” Inquired Tom.
“Candy and you can’t skate so you’ll sit and talk. “
As Bruce went flying into the frozen lake, Candy uttered “He’s so selfish. He should think about us.”
“Why can’t you skate?” It was irregular for Tom to think that Candy can’t skate even if she has good eyes.
“From the age of 6 when I had my second limbs badly affected after a minor accident. And then an awful fever and from then I can’t skate at all.”
“And in my case I’m blind to skate.” Said Tom, grudgingly. “Are you going to school?”
“Yes, with Bruce in Omega.”
Tom opened his mouth at the name of Omega. “I wonder if I can go to school.”
“I doubt if you could be educated.” Said Candy, sulkily.
Tom stopped dead. He can’t be educated? That’s a tragedy! He needs to go to school because he can’t live without education at all. But he had read in Scarlet letters, there was a blind and a deaf and dumb and he was educated and was even graduated. So, why not Tom?
But then it struck Tom, that it was a story. Anything is possible in stories.
They chatted for long and then when it was eleven, Tom was at his storeroom window, bidding Bruce and Candy farewell. It was an excellent morning, nattering with Candy.
“Goodbye!” Tom roared.
“One thing more, “Bruce stumbled upon Candy but shouted “My dad’s second marriage on this Sunday, you’re invited!”
“But I can’t go.” Tom pointed at his eyes.
“Candy will come to receive you.” Candy screamed.
“Don’t shout so much I’m not deaf.” Replied Tom.
And they laughed for a bit and Bruce and Candy were gone, as Tom feeling what will happen next strolled into the kitchen.
“Aunt Julia?”
There wasn’t a sound. It seemed like everyone died.
“Uncle Beautix?” Tom screamed, dizzily.
No sound. Not a mice even stirring. What happened? Has they gone out? But Aunt Julia can’t walk in ice, so…?
“Gaylord? Katie? UNCLE! AUNTIE!” Tom bellowed feeling if the Brackenstalls abandoned the house no.4 at all. There were the only the footsteps of Tom, who stepped into every room feeling very petrified.
Tom hastened into the balcony at last. This could be the only place where his uncle or aunt maybe.
“Uncle? What’re you doing here?” Tom asked, but he could feel someone else there too…
There was his uncle and Aunt, but someone most special, Tom never knew. Tom stopped dead at the sight of that creature, even if he can’t see him at all. It was a man, not very strong or did he had burly muscles like Uncle Beautix, but was fairly weak and crazy but looked very active and smart. There was a look of a gleaming happiness in his eyes, his curly black moustache trimmed nicely and black hairs beautiful than ever.
“I’ve been waiting for this boy.” The man said to Tom’s Uncle. “Just give me him or allow me to express my words to him.”
“You would leave our family and never come closer or…” Uncle showed a deadly threatening finger. But the man smiled. “You can do nothing to me. You’re powerless, weak. Give me Tom and I’m not an inch interested in your cock and bull family.”
That was too much disregard for Uncle Beautix. He shivered in cold or with anger but kept his voice low and spluttered “You-You c-could talk to him, but t-there was a treaty by his mother that we shall keep T-Tom.”
“I’m not kidnapping him or taking him for his rest lives.” Said the man, smartly “I just need to introduce him a bit to our circumstances.”
“But we don’t permit unknown strangers to talk to anyone here. Said Aunt Julia.
“But I’m not unknown. I’m known to the world and Tom may remember me.”
At this, Uncle Beautix turned to Tom and asked “Do you know this man?”
“But I can’t see him or I remember his voice.” Said Tom.
The man gawked at Tom for a few minutes. “Yes...he’s the boy I knew…but he can’t see me?”
“He’s blind.” Answered Aunt Julia.
“Blind? “ The man thundered “But when I saw him he was not blind! That’s supposed to be Junodise affected with the Mirage’s power and then due to the uncommon-“
“STOP IT” Uncle Beautix bellowed” Say whatever you want to say to him, quick and leave.”
“I’m not here for leaving, Mr. Brackenstall; you leave this place at once and let me talk to him.”
Beautix shot a curious eye to the man, Aunt Julia shaking and they left at once. The man walked to see if they had properly gone and then turned to Tom.
Tom could feel he was now alone with a stranger and he had never felt so. Petrified, he was thinking of those worse and stupid dreams he had several years ago. How could this inexplicable man know Tom?
“Are you really blind?” Asked the man, in a stunned tone.
“Y-yes. I was born blind.” Said Tom.
“No, no, no, you were not blind when I visited you at your father’s chamber. You talked with me, played, wait, and wait were you affected with Mirage?” Said the man, super-fast.
“Father’s chamber? Mirage?”
“Yes, you had a father, everyone has Tom.” The man said foolishly.” Henry Gray that was his name and your mother was Helen Gray.”
Helen Gray? Henry Gray? Tom’s parents? But it all seems too difficult to think, when there’s a fire of anguish flowing through Tom. “But they died.”
“Yes they died. You’re a Gray.” Said the man now in an amused tone. “Tommy Gray, shortly call Tom Gray.”
Everything seems to leak out of Tom’s head. He was so confused that he asked “but who’re you?”
“Some sensible question after all. Just Mr. Hunkering Typhoon.” The man moaned.
“What? Mr. Bunkering Typhoon?”
“No, no Hunkering Typhoon. Call me Uncle Hunk if you want. I’ve been a friend of your father.”
“Oh...” Said Tom. He wanted to ask why he is here but he didn’t.
“I’ve seen you, and have come to see you. The people you live with are really rude I think?”
Tom nodded while Uncle Hunk said “Tom...you’ve been my one of my best friend’s son, Henry Gray and Helen Gray. I’ve come here for some important occupation.”
“What is it?” queried Tom, feeling dazed.
“I’ve come here for your enrollment in Omega, school Tom.”

An earthquake hit Tom massively. A school? This is again a tragic! The thing Tom’s been anticipating for so long can’t be so much true! It’s like a nightmare that he heard about his parents with a smoldering thought, about his school with jovialness running through him. It is unbelievable! Dream, he bets.
“I need a signature from you.” Strutted Uncle Hunk “Here on this paper, o no, no here, over here good.”
Tom gawked at Uncle Hunk, trying very hard to say thank you. “T-Thanks to you.”
“No thanks. “ Piped Uncle Hunk “I’m not cheating with you Tom. Has Pearl visited you yet?”
“Pearl?” Tom stared. “Yes…”
“Oh?” Uncle Hunk doubted “I think he would arrive by tomorrow, I doubt. He’s a bit irritating but is greatly engulfed in his work. “
Tom nodded, as Uncle Hunk presaged “don’t let a word slip to the Brackenstalls passed between us and farewell! Your typewriter with all school information will be given by Pearl.”
And then with a crack and luminosity which Tom couldn’t see but could feel Uncle Hunk gone. He also had vanishing powers like Pearl the Gentle Giant.
Slowly and steadily, Tom paced into the drawing room, his uncle and aunt lunging towards him.
“What the man told you?”
“Looking for a Tommy.”
“Not a Tom?”
“No, he wanted someone else not me, Aunt.”
“But he took you so long.”
“He was asking how many Toms and people I know, Uncle I didn’t tell him about Katie and Gaylord.”
“Good, now run off.”
Tom never conjectured he could make up so good stories so elementarily. But the thing had taken another position. How will the Brackenstalls allow him to go to school? This is awful for Tom to go bugging them about Omega. And will a blind get a chance to study there?
But Tom will have to wait. Patience is a virtue and virtue is a grace. He must be optimistic in this issue.
The crack of dawn and hooting of owls were enough to rouse up Tom, in the chilly snowfall day 2. He wasn’t excited for going out with Bruce for playing Dukes but for the coming of Pearl and bugging his uncle and aunt to go to school at last.
He goggled at the main door whole time when the whole Brackenstalls were away for morning walk. They say it’s important for keeping the doctor away and also saving their priceless money.
Whoosh!
A sound of an irksome giant told Tom that Pearl was at his service once more.
He hadn’t changed at all, standing inside glancing at Tom and were bearing a large package and a paper and lots of books proving Tom’s school books.
“Welcome again, Tom.” Said Pearl.
“I was-“
“Supposed to say so?” Inquired Pearl and smirked “Here your typewriter, the greatest brand, and now about time to ask you your school subjects. What’re you taking eh? “
“Dex-“
“Demo ok next.”
“Rory-“
“Rorsology, I knew Shamanism?”
“Ye-“
“No monk-“
“No, okay...Space?”
“No…Pl-“
“Plant alright. So, I’ve had you signed all and when you get next year two more subjects unlock, Monk Lessons, Mechanical Studies. Enjoy your time!”
“School-“
“School session? Beginning from April 1st.”
Tom was getting to much impatient with Pearl snatching all his sentences. “Pearl now you need-“
“To persuade your uncle and aunt to let you go. No worries.”
Saying so, he dumped his heavy body into the sofa, the TV on and watching a ballet show. Tom sat next to him, enjoying the music as there was a clatter in the doorbell.
“They’ve –“
“Come. I’m going.” Said Pearl awkwardly dragging him and last the door was ajar and Aunt Julia screamed to see such an outsized giant, Katie murmured the giant needed a diet; Gaylord fainted while Uncle Beautix pulled out a nice poker.
“TOM!” Was the only thing Aunt endeavored and could say clearly.
Uncle Beautix spluttered” You- Go- A-away, W-who are y-you?”
“Just Pearl. “ Greeted Pearl, having a handshake and told Beautix about his occupation. He burst with ire.
“No this is Dire! This is terrible! Gay, see here Tom’s got a letter from Omega! This is terrible, Tom’s selected for Omega? What rubbish he‘s blind!!
“We’ll manage.” Grunted Pearl.
“This is worse than a nightmare.” Katie said in a tiny voice.
“Of course he’s not going. Then who’ll clean the kitchen counters, our toilet, and will prepare the foods? He’s not going, nothing to buzz about.” Beautix said angrily.
Tom protested, at this thing, he knew he’ll have to go since he’s selected for Omega. Nothing will be stopping him. And now he’ll be in between of friends, will have real fun, have super class which he always dreams of and will live in harmony.
“You Beautix,” Tom had never seen Pearl so sullen and out sizing like that. Pearl turned to Beautix who ducked, Katie trying to fight but got a harsh blow, Aunt Julia wailing for Gaylord as Pearl beamed angrily and said “That’s enough. I’m coming to take Tom to school April 1st if you don’t take him kindly. Goodbye and Farewell.”
As Pearl was gone, Tom knew it was a mistake. Aunt Julia thrashed upon Tom, asking him numerous questions, what the Giant stole, and what he said Tom as Tom told big and big lies.
At least’s he’s happy to be away from the Brackenstalls, and the day worn out quickly, with Tom mulling over Omega, starving whole day, stealing some water, and getting five real hits from Aunt Julia and three punches on the nose by Gaylord, and cleaning the garden and the whole house which surely put the hoarse thrash out of Tom’s mind.
‘Tom looked upon his shoulders and gazed into the big park, feeling very independent for the first time in his life. He ambled away happily and hummed a very gay song and bought an ice- cream by the 5 flicks Beautix had given him.
Sauntering with enthusiasm, he spotted a very shattered, jade, broken shop called ‘Witchcraft’ looking very gloomy and it seem to catch Tom’s eye suddenly.
‘Does it matter to check the shop? The name’s nice, Witchcraft ‘thought Tom, cheerfully. He hadn’t got any idea of what could be inside, waiting for him.
Pressing the cold door, Tom raked inside. There wasn’t much stuff. There was a small, pesky- looking Witch, with a tan skin and two tiger teethes in front. She looked very unkind as she sat in her chair glazing at the TV. There were only a few finger nails in the front and a box of stinky- smelling chocolates. The witch looked at Tom suddenly and said with delight “Woo- Hood”
“Hi, err” Tom muttered.
“What brought you here, boy?”
“ I’m not boy, I’m Tommy and I came here, to just see, and I’ve seen” said Tom, feeling very unsafe.
“No, dear, you haven’t” said the witch, grabbing Tom’s arms, tightly “You are to stay here”
“No thanks... Let me go “Tom struggled on as he solicited loudly.
“No one leaves my shop, dear”
Tom asked in alarm “What you sell?
“I sell? “ The witch chortled out, seizing Tom hard” I sell small boys like you “
Tom felt he had done a great err.
“Oh, do you really? “ Tom thought, if he’s about to die by getting sold, then why worry to have a simple chat with this witch?
“Ah, yes and I think 70,000 burgs would be your ideal price. “
“I don’t think I’m that much worth. “ Tom said stridently.
“Ha, ha. “ The witch murmured “And until you are getting sold, I‘ll keep you in the storeroom so you can have a feast with the rats. I really detest the rats; they scare me so much and I faint. But no problem now, because you are going to eat them up.”
Like lightning, a flash of inspiration conquered Tom’s mind. Tom’s got a brilliant idea.
“Hey look!” Tom shouted madly “A rat, a tidy big, large, noxious rat, just behind you, look!”
The Witch released the firm seize from Tom’s hand, and cried and perhaps fainted and Tom taking this golden chance, threw his tall legs into the air, and like a bullet train, leaped out of the Witch’s shop and took three great bounds and then stopped.’
“Whoa!” Tom shouted out, feeling him inside the storeroom, it was just a dream. A dire one. He had had many dreams like these. As he looked around he remembered what Mr. Hunkering Typhoon told him about his parents and school. He anticipates it hadn’t been a dream again.
It was the last snowfall season day and also Bruce’s father’s marriage day. Tom stared out of the window feeling if Bruce‘ll come. Meanwhile his Aunt had permitted him to go but only after he had scrubbed the kitchen counters three times. After his work which he complete led almost half, and leaping into his room he waited edgily for Candy.
“Tom… come on!”
Tom felt a tiny voice squeak. It was Candy hyena, dressed in all blue looking nice. Tom held out his hand so Candy can help him out through the window but Tom could no connection for getting out like a thief. When he and Candy were in the roads, they started towards the marriage ceremony, chattering all the way.
In Eric, marriage custom was different. Boys will wear all white and girls a black gown and the Eric holy book of Marriage, Bee will be read by the Marriage Peon (like church fathers.). It was decorated brightly, with white and black tables, beautiful paintings of Bruce (he paints a good deal) were hung all over as everyone were enjoying themselves. Many people were invited, only Tom looked very different from all, his dress was poor, and his only best dress. But none seem to mind.
“Tom!” Bruce wailed. “I know you’d to come. Let me introduce you to Blanche. “
A short girl with crazy long blonde hair was presented, her cheeks were red and eyes were green, but Tom didn’t enjoyed her beauty, easy to say: he was blind.
“She’s Blanche Swift, my dad’s friend’s daughter. Her father is a great inventor.” Candy said in a matter of fact.
“Hello.” Blanche’s voice was tiny. “You’re Tom, a blind, Bruce told me about you.”
“Yea.” Said Tom. He couldn’t wait to tell Bruce about Uncle Hunk. “Come here, Blanche if you want.”
He went on explaining about Mr. Hunkering Typhoon, about his parents, and how he’s going to school using a typewriter.
“SPLENDID.” Bruce screamed louder shaking people from tables.
“Well, keep your voice low.” Candy murmured “Blanche’s coming too, right?”
“Yes, “Blanche said.
“Wish we have classes together.” Blanche said.
“Can’t wait for the school term to start!” Candy roared.” Come here, the marriage has started.”
Watching the marriage, Tom only thought about his parents and school and nothing else. He was contented poor bulging Dex wasn’t there to annoy them anymore but a marriage cake and dishes were there. And it was the only thing Bruce enjoyed.
The day leaked out soon and it no sooner than afternoon. Tom and Blanche were supposed to leave, “We can go together.” Tom said. He needs help for his direction to his house.
He and Blanche paced together nattering about what classes they’ll have. Blanche seemed very interested in talking about studies, just like Tom did.
Qui…
“What!” Tom shouted wheeling as Blanche guzzled “What’s it?”
“I can feel someone following us...” Tom added, shakily.
“Following? Stalking us, you mean?” Blanche guessed.
“Yes...” Tom drawled a heavy breathe “Let’s go.”
The footsteps of an invisible man followed them. Tom panted and told Blanche to look if anyone was there, but she reported that no one might be stalking and it’s nothing. It was hardly night, when Tom shoved it away from his mind.
But the voice he heard in his birthday? That one? And then a creepy footstep...of someone coming nearer and nearer…
‘But time was moving on as slowly as possible. But really so, the day to go Omega, really did appear. Tom wore his school dress which was just like a cloak but could only reach up to your knees and trousers.
The busy station of Red cat Village was teeming like a sea full of sharks. There were lots of students shoving each other in the crowd, trying to find an empty compartment with their bag packs. Tom, Bruce and Candy were already there with Mr. Hyena and Beautix.
“I believe Bruce this year, you’ll not mess about. “ Mr. Hyena was a man of 50, with strapping arms like Beautix, and a cluster of white hairs shining as he spoke diligently to Bruce. No one knows why, he was getting red and redder on the nose.
“I never mess about, daddy; you know Candy will only muddle things up. And I don’t find trouble, trouble always finds me. “
“And there, Tom! “ Mr. Hyena spoke to Tom “Candy is starting her first grade in Omega too. I believe you can get lots of help from Bruce, the Fifth grader. Oh yeah, Bruce, it’ll be a pity Brownie became the prefect, you know. “And he broke into chuckles.
The three friends went inside to find an empty compartment. There was one at the middle, packed with a snoozing boy and a dour girl sitting beside him. Tom, Bruce and Candy sat down.
“Goodbye!” Candy called out.
“Bye, have a good year, and oh yeah- best wishes until we meet again “Beautix said softly to Tom, who gazed at Beautix, joyously.
“Who’s Brownie? “ Tom asked to Bruce after the taint departed from the station.
“Well, it’s Brownie. “ Said Bruce with extreme dislike.
It was the snoozing boy. Brownie had a long, crooked nose, which was at least broken twice and a stiff smile, still playing while he slept.
“Looks like he’s having a fine dream” Candy joked out, jerking Brownie to get up.
“Whoa! “ Brownie called out, his voice was even lighter than Bruce “Hey, Bruce and Candy, what’s up with you? Eh, and –“
“Tommy.” Tom said, stiffly.
“Your friend, I see.” Brownie stated “Did I introduce myself? I’m Brownie Hyena, a 4th grader, and here’s my prefect badge! “And pulled out a shiny prefect badge, and struck it in his chest.
“You’ve been bustling about it for a year, Poops.” Candy declared “WE All know you are a perfect and I think poppy School Captains can’t help you being that there because you are a sword, after all we are archers, we are best”
“Excuse me. “ Just then, the girl beside Brownie exclaimed. She had beautiful scarlet eyes and lots of bushy hairs emerging from her head “I think it’s unfair for me to speak, because you can’t insult the School captain out here”
“When did we? We never talked of a sword captain” Bruce articulated.
“Didn’t you? “ The girl expressed “I’m Elena Campbell, the eldest in the school an 8th grader and also the whole school captain. Hope I don’t need telling twice that I’m also a sword. “Said Elena briskly, and went out of the compartment.
“Who’s that eh? Rather severe and unsympathetic” Tom said hurriedly as Elena was out.
“I know her. “ Brownie said instantly “She is the daughter of the greatest Witch, I don’t know her but she was given the title Wizard. Unbeatable. Don’t go disarraying in front of her; she’ll ruin your image.”
“That sounds interesting. “ Said Candy as she looked out from the window, into the big patchy fields, in which the cattle’s were grazing. They’ve just crossed the Red cat village.
“The train will stop in the beast forest, form where we will get weaps through a weaps test. “ Bruce replied after a long pause.
“A test? “ Tom trembled.
“Yeah. “Said Bruce.
A test? What kind of test? After all, tom hadn’t even studied? If they ask him to perform sword attacks? Tom understood his legs had turned not a lead, but then he understood that not his legs only perhaps his heart too.
“What will they ask?” Tom asked miserably.
“Don’t know.”
Qualms and worries began to rise in Tom’s heart. What if he couldn’t answer and he’ll be sent back home? Completely unfair.
Soon, they had left the patchy fields.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“We’re nearly in the beast forest. We’ll call out your names and you’ll leave the train to meet Hunkering Typhoon.” Tom led out a cheerful laugh, Hunkering Typhoon? What sort of name is that? But soon he grew petrified when he mused about the weaps test. Contemplating deeply, Tom was in dread. A test? What will that Typhoon ask him? What if Tom fails in his weaps test? What if he’s sent back home? If he’s sent back home, all will laugh at him, Dex will deride nicely. Even his friends may not talk to him! Before Tom could go out to meet Typhoon, the door was clang opened. A very thin, thinner than a skeleton, an elf raked inside, He had an extremely terrible face, and that was perhaps why he’s called so.’
“Nook!” Tom wailed, over his storeroom, feeling another crazy dream surround him. He has such a bad tendency of having nightmares. Uncle Hunk can never be an elf. Never, for worlds. After all, the crazy dreams of Tom are never true, and I think you readers are getting perplexed in finding which one is dream and which one is true, but forgive me for that and Tom, intricately we ask.
Meanwhile Tom had looked into his books:
1) ‘Space ology 1’ by Retek Horsham
2) ‘Demo Grimes’ by Lamellae Leo
3) ‘Rorsology : A legend’ by Terra Campbell
4) ‘Shamanism Grade 1’ by Terra Campbell
5) ‘Plant dictionary’ by Susan Bones
6) ‘Dragonish’ by Sir Blake Burns

Tom wondered who’ll help him in his daily school affairs. He can’t read the school books at all! Because I repeat once more: He’s Blind.
Gaylord and Katie were also changing schools. They were also coming to Omega most probably to punch Tom. On a bitter afternoon, 8 days before he starts for the school year, Gaylord and he chattered:
“Gay, why are you switching school?”
“None of your business.”
“But tell me.”
“Mom knows, are you hungry for a punch? OUCH!”
Gaylord screamed bringing the whole family and before Aunt can start beating Tom badly, Gaylord pointed to his black teeth.
“Oh, you need to go to the dentist.” Said Tom, logically, “Because you have cavities.”
“MUMMA! It’s Paining.” Gaylord didn’t heed Tom but kept on yelling more by every single millisecond.
“Shut up, plaques. “ Katie yowled at Gaylord “We’ll get your teeth out.”
“Really?” Gaylord focused on smiling.
“Yes. W A I T and see.” Katie groaned bringing a string.
Then, she asked Tom to bring Gaylord in the garden and she and Tom to play a prank tied the string in Gaylord’s molar tooth and then together heaved with all their might.
“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO” Gaylord screamed on and on.
“Tom, haul more!” Katie shouted as Gaylord yowled in pain,” We’ve got it out, see here, Gay.”
Weeping, Gaylord gawked at his forced- pulled out tooth, painfully, “Oh my tooth…” And he went on wailing.
“Enough wailing, crybaby.” Katie reprimanded “If you hadn’t eaten all my birthday sweets and had brushed you wouldn’t had to see such an awful tooth- broken day. TOM, get him some soap.” With the soap, Katie scrubbed through Gaylord’s mouth, making him real clean, as Tom heed Gaylord’s piercing shouts.
Hearing the shouts, Aunt Julia had arrived on the spot, inquiring what made her honey cry.
“Mamma, it was Tom who told me to do so, so I did, or else he’ll k-kill m-me.” Katie wept and lied as Tom grumbled “N-No! Don’t tell lies.”
“Tom! Go to your storeroom and don’t fight!” Aunt Julia snapped “You murderer!”
Tom whimpered “NOO! You think your children can never lie, you’re a fool, a stupid no brains!”
Too much for Aunt Julia. Thrashing Tom into the cupboard she went away, groaning that no food for the rest of the day. Tom really did a very bad thing, which made him starve like that.
Alicia was away for holidays in the Magic Isles and now Tom was to live here with no food and water for the rest of the day for griping. Sadness shouldered through him at once.
Feeling stricken, he turned on the radio (which was in the cupboard) to hear weekly stories. It was the only thing he enjoyed somehow.
‘My school teacher says we should be sentient to our surrounding as appalling things are happening everywhere. Well, my brother jack takes no notice of such dreadful things and insists those are just some phony tales. But I who has always seen strange things outside fears those ghosts am not real.
It was Tuesday, 9 December, 1999 changed everything. Well, it was not the best days to start my, Anna’s story but was a middle of Christmas vacation. I was roused by the loud knocking at the door. Mother and father said they’ll come next day. Then it’s not jack, and then may be someone else? But who has that nerve to visit someone at 6 in this chilly December morning?
I have been living alone for more than 6 years since there has been a terrible meltdown in father’s power plant and they needed to support it so they sent me and jack here to study and forget about the meltdown. I didn’t want to leave my dear parents in that fatal state but I was compelled to do so. Then for 3 years I heard nothing from my family. I sent them 100 letters but no answer came about them. I was alarmed of their danger and was keen to know if they are okay. Then yesterday a phone call came saying that my parents are going to visit me tomorrow.
The speaker looked very anxious as he spoke with great alacrity and was constantly telling me to be alert of any danger.
I asked his name but he said it will not count me in any danger and it is very risky for him to tell his name to me. It was so comical that made me broke out into chuckles.
My only brother Jack had visited me often but he is very bulky which the only thing I hate in him is this. But he protests he’s not bulky but a very kind, caring, sympathetic, and gentle, worthy, pleasant, fine and a brilliant boy. In other words he loves to be coddled.
But it’s been a month he has not paid me any of his spoiled visit.
I opened the door, hastily. To my surprise and making my nerves stun, it was…………
My parents! Unbelievable!
I remained astounded till father tried hard to smile.
“It’s been 6 years we have met!” I cried.
My parents showed no change. It was as if they don’t know me. So strange. Mother made a scornful look and father looked very stern as he snapped the door shut. Coho, my parents are looking so ugly!
My father’s long neck looking like a giraffe’s neck was getting brownish. His hairs were no longer whiter but a little greenish and his eyes half blue and green. He looked so absurd and cruel I think I was about to cry out. My mother was uglier. Her hairs were now blue, and a blue glow peering from her back. She looked cruel as snow white’s step mother and showered her pitiless look upon me. Both of them were dressed in light colored clothes, glittering vividly.
“Are you all right, dad? Mom? You look strange and so malicious! What happened to you? Please answer me!” I exclaimed loudly to them.
“Hmm” nodded father as if to say they are okay. Mother stopped glowing and now an ethereal look shattered from her body. She quickly hugged me and began to weep.
Then I knew she is all right. I knew nothing could happen to my beloved parents! I quickly showed my room and other thing which I have bought to my father and mother. They didn’t make a smile but tried hard to be okay. At least, they are all right.
“What about the power plant?” I inquired while serving breakfast to them. “Dad?”
“Nothing much” he answered in a pale voice.
“What about the meltdown??”
“It was not all right… it got exploded and everyone died...” said father
“How were you saved?” I asked
“We were not saved.”
“Then how you came to me, being not saved at all?” I was rather startled.
“Long story.” Said he
I understood he didn’t want to tell me the full story or how they were saved. Well, that doesn’t matter how they were saved to me when I see they are all right.
“I don’t like bread….” Said mother
“Then will I get you some chapattis? Or rice? Or just something else?” I asked.
“Get us some meat.” Said she.
I quickly checked the fridge and took out some raw meat to cook for them. Suddenly father said “give it”
“Wait till I cook them, dad. Then you can have it with bread or will I make a sandwich?” I asked as I knew father loved sandwiches.
“Don’t give it with bread or make sandwich. Just give it.”“Ok, but let me cook it first” I tried hard to make them understand it.
“Cook it? What do you mean by cooking it? You will cook?” asked mom.
“Yea, I know how to cook mom, don’t you remember you taught it to me when I was only thirteen? How can you forget, mom?” “Not that. Why will you cook, Anna?”
“What a question!” I started laughing. “How can we eat raw meat without cooking it?”
“Don’t cook it, give it raw”
“Whaaaaaaaaaaat?” I cried, “Have you gone mad?”
I wondered if mom had taken a leave for her senses. “Mad? What raw has got to do with mad?” asked dad “We are not animals that we will eat raw meat, dad!
”Father left his seat and came near me. His blue-green eyes were so sturdy that it was about to make me faint. “Will you give IT?” he asked.
“But… if you please… then take it” I trembled, passing the plate of raw meat to him. Then, horrific. As dad hurried to his seat while mother’s mouth watered, they hurried after the meat. Father with his teethes biting off the raw meat leg while mother hastened to the raw meat with her face sparkling with a nasty smile which played from her lips.
I quickly walked into my room with dread in heart.
“It………… can’t be… they are not my parents if I’m right”
I whispered in mind. “They must be some phantom in dress of my parents or else why will they eat raw meat?”
A tingling shock played me from head to foot as someone pat my back. I cried and stopped as I recognized it as father. Blood coming out from his ghoul face as he spoke up
“You are all right? Na? Come on, let’s a play a small game.”
“No! I’m in no mood of playing games, d-dad”
“A small game in which we will see who can eat faster. I’ve made some dishes for you and mom, come on”
He forced me to come to the table and terrible. The plates were stuffed with raw meat and human skulls. There were human bones and a glass filled with human blood.
“Let’s see who can eat faster” cried father as he jumped to his seat. Shall I have those?
May be my phantom parents could have those skulls and blood but never me! I’m not a ghost or a spirit that I could have human meat. This is horrific... they are not my parents but dressed in my parent’s suit … some spirits… and my parents were already dead in the explosion of the power plant… My father (or ghost?) quickly hastened with his food, when began to mould up a plan to save myself…
“Dad… I feel ill and tired… maybe I’m having fever… d-d –aid can I p-lease lay to my b-ender I’ll die...” I murmured shaking my head trying to look as sick as possible.


The plan worked.” All right. Go and sleep.”
I hurried to my bed with blankets all over. I’m shivering with cold and dread. What can I do? They are not my parents and perhaps here to kill me...
And if I don’t escape they can kill me anytime. Only one idea… let the night come and then I’ll fled to jack... maybe he knows what happened to my parents. Wait, is Jack okay?

Or that phantom has visited him and killed him too and is jack now a ghost?
I quickly called him by phone. No one picked it up. Is he okay?
Only one chance… I saw mother coming towards me from the drawing room. Is this my last day?
“Are you okay, Anna?” she asked
“I’m feeling a little okay…”
“Will I call the doctor?”
“Yes, I can go out and call him.” I said eagerly.
“No way, you are ill, lay in your bed.”
She said fast and sprang out of my room.
No way to escape... what will happen if I’m trapped here forever with spirits telling me to eat human bones and blood? Impossible! Let the night comes and I’m going to escape…
The night fall fast. As the clock struck twelve, I started climbing out from my bed, silently.
With cold and numb hands I ran towards the door to open. Just one more step and I’ll be outside, free from ghosts and phantoms…
“No…” I cried as I say dad clasping his fingers in my shoulder. I turned back. The specter’s eyes met mine filled with cold and evil. His long hands started gripping my neck, tight as he cried. “You were ill right? Ill? And now where are l you going? I’ll make you more ill and ill and will force you to… DIE”As his cold soulless hands gripped my neck tightly and tightly, making me suffocates…I understood
I am about to lose my breathe and…’
Hearing that Ghastly story, Tom turned his face, closing the radio and thinking to have another nightmare, locked his eyes into a good night’s good sleep, ready for a school year.
He yawned gladly walking heavily towards the breakfast table. He jerked his head and lost his sense of direction. Was it right? Or left?
Catching a chair he felt someone was sitting there, and he had mistakenly put his hands on that person’s place, no wonder it was Gaylord, he put a thump on the boy’s head.
Tom sat next to him. Katie was in her bed, and Uncle Beautix was feeding her Brackenstall special Pork Soup.
“Tom…you must learn temperance. “ Aunt Julia began, “Can you understand what wicked thing you did with poor Kat? You should solicit God to change your malevolent and stone heart and give you a heart of kindness and honesty, of pure flesh. “
Tom went out of words. Aunt Julia seems like in a better mood.
“Are you very happy, Aunt?” Tom asked, all of a sudden, carefully making out with bread with cheese. “Oh, I just bought a new dress!”
Tom sighed. So, this was the reason for her lecturing mood.
“Actually, Mamma I was thinking if we could lock the boy in the toilet. He’s worse than monsters, he’ll turn very vile.” Gaylord complained, gladly.
“I know.” Aunt Julia hissed, “But you can’t have everything in life. And Tom, you mustn’t really be so cruel.”
“I’m not cruel. “
“Shut up.” Aunt Julia muttered sternly, “It’s my duty to make you know that these foul pleadings will never help.”
“I’m not pleading.” Tom said, angrily. “And I’ll never plead, at least in front of you.”
“You should be generous for your keep; you do nothing for your keep, Tom.”
“Who does the dishes, and cooks the lunch, dinner , washes clothes, cleaned the house, your precious bedrooms, does your evil babies’ homework, dust the rooms, add colors to your old clothes to make them new, and goes to markets to buy a loads of vegetables, fishes, meat, in the lowest price possible with Alicia?” Tom asked very nattily and quickly. Aunt Julia goggled and replied chicly,” Shut up! Do you get us gold? Silver? Diamond? Burgs?”
“First give me my burgs for my thirteen years of robotic household chores, and I’m gladly bringing you some gems, as you are very poor, I promise.”
Tom knew himself he was in a mood of jokes.
“What!?” Aunt Julia shouted, “Do you think we will be begging for burgs to you? We’re RICH I already told you.”
“Rich people who recolor their clothes to avoid buying new clothes?” Tom joked, “Are you planning to spend it all in the Paradise or perhaps, Hell?”
“TOM!” Aunt Julia clacked. “You’re in your limits?”
“Limits? Do I have limits?” Inquired Tom, innocently.
Gaylord shrieked, “Mamma, starve him for the next two months and he’ll learn how to speak politely.”
“You, Gay I’ll turn it very faulty if you say so, Aunt, you must know Gay’s recently is having a Girlfr-“
“NOOOOOOO! Stop!”
“Well,” Aunt Julia looked darkly at her massive son, “What’s it?”
“It’s a lie, I don’t have any.” Gaylord dissented.
“Well, whatever.” Tom sighed. He had a great funny morning