Johnny always comes home straight after school. There is no gain in waiting till the dark hour. The days are evil and we need to take careful measures.
My mum will always say so to me.
I wasn't just stubborn to listen to my mum's words, I also felt that she was being overprotective, but I learned the morals behind her words the hard way. The fact that I am the only child of my parents never forced me to be careful in my dealings. We usually go to the stream from school, and we end the adventure on the mountain hill before returning home late in the evening.
Then, on a certain Friday evening, we went to the stream to enjoy some moments with nature and that day became the day that I met the consequences of my stubbornness. We finished swimming and we were on our way to the mountain top where we usually stand to have a clear view of the village. A group of hefty men with masks came out from the bushes and chased us. I wasn't fortunate to see them on time and so I was the first to be caught. My friend, Paul was able to escape leaving me and Jennifer as the scapegoat. We were taken to a bamboo-made house in the depth of the Shitima forest. There, we were tied to a tree with other children.
Mere looking at the children that were there before us, I can tell that they are barely fed, and just as I was wondering what our faith will be, an old man dressed in white clothing and with a staff containing a human skull came towards us.
Here they are, we captured them today.
With his fiery eyes, the chief priest came in my direction. He turned my face which was not only facing down but also wetted with tears.
This one has some strange spirit around him. He looks like one that will be a disaster to us. You have to take him away immediately. We can use him for sacrifice.
I became even more scared because being taken away could interpret different things. It could be my death or my redemption. I was untied from the tree and blindfolded. I couldn't remember anything else but I regained consciousness at the banks of the river. It was very dark, probably around 7 pm. I saw flashlights some meters away from where I was lying down weakly.
Help!!! Help!!! Please Help me.
I didn't consider the fact thay I might be entering into yet another danger. All I wanted was to be taken home. I know that my parents will be very worried by now.
The men with the lights came to where I was lying. Due to their torchlight, I couldn't see their faces but I felt a tight grip.
Thank God, you are alive.
Dad, I am sorry….
Shsss….. Is ok Son.
We have to save them, We need to save Jenny.
I replied with a faint voice.
We will save them but first, let's get you home. We are a small number to do anything, moreover, it is already dark and we may end up being feasted on by wild animals.
The next day, the state police were contacted and a search party went into the forest. The children were all saved but none of the culprits were caught.
I apologized to my mum for not taking heed to her advice and since then, I have never taken her words lightly.
—
My response to @shadowspub daily fictional prompt for Tuesday 23rd August tilted, "Mom’s always telling me to come straight home. I should have listened". Feel free to write on the prompt.