Silent Moonlight

Thunder boomed in the distance, a jarring warning to those listening. The moon was obscured by a thick cover of clouds. Nothing moved and all was silent, except for a shadow. The silhouette of a stealthy man crept forward toward an isolated darkened house. Soon after, another movement occurs, this time it is lightning and an evil grin can be seen from our shadow.

Another sound from the door, “Creak!” Soft pitter patter footsteps and a great pause. The world holds its breath. A bedroom looms before our shadow. Another brief pause, as if the shadows lurking needed a minute to gather their strength. The door is opened and soft snoring can be heard. It comes from a small youthful child, fast asleep in her bed. She drifts undisturbed amid sweet dreams.

Our dark figure is seemingly in a trance, having floated inaudible to hover by her bedside. Within the folds of penumbra a glint of sharpened steel is seen and it is adumbrated what comes next when the blade is raised above. The innocent’s breaths quicken and sweet eyes widen in alarm. They pierce our villain and he freezes-until her scream alerts the cosmos. With a swift motion, her voice is permanently silenced forever more. The clouds overhead continue to move and all is inaudible again.