OCTOBER 30th-"My sister says our mom killed her. My mom says I do not have a sister."

(Last one! Happy Halloween everyone!)

My sister says our mom killed her. My mom says I do not have a sister.

Technically speaking, neither is wrong and neither is right

My sister is not dead, but my mom does kill her little by little by denying who she really is. Biologically speaking, I do not have a sister, but if my sister says she’s my sister then, to me, she is.

I feel for my sister, who suffers endlessly in her male prison. Everyday is a struggle for her identity to be recognized, and acknowledged for what it truly is: female. It’s hard watching her cry because she wants to wear a tutu to school like all the other girls, but my mom telling her to stop that nonsense and forcing her into a little league uniform. 

I tell her I love her, and when she was forced to get a haircut, I made sure to buy her a wig she could wear in secret. It was black with long curls and my sister was delighted. It made me happy to see her eyes light up at such a simple gesture. That’s the thing though, what she wants is so simple. Let her be. She’s one of the sweetest kids you’ll ever meet, and she’s very funny (regardless of gender).

I’m worried though. Everyday her smile is sadder, her laughter is quieter and her presence is smaller. So maybe she’s more right than I thought, our mom is killing her.

Well, I simply won’t let her.

OCTOBER 29th-"Mum always had a strange habit of stroking my hair while I was sleeping. I never really minded; it actually started to become reassuring. That all changed when she died and the stroking didn't stop."

I try to relax in my bed, and fall asleep. It is proving difficult. I have a chemistry test in the morning, and need my rest, and at this rate it isn’t happening. Mum always had a strange habit of stroking my hair while I was sleeping. I never really minded; it actually started to become reassuring. That all changed when she died and the stroking didn't stop.

Now I try my best to keep my eyes closed and bear through it. I can almost pretend nothing is happening, except for the cold that comes with the stroking. It’s not freezing exactly, but it’s enveloping and penetrating. It gets right to your heart.

I tried asking my brother if he’s been having similar experiences, but he started crying and I got in trouble.

I suppose I’ll just have to get used to it again. It is my mom after all! Perhaps I can invest in an electric blanket? I can see my breath, so make that an electric blanket and a new quilt. Maybe she’ll leave on her own? Oh good, the stroking’s stopped. Time to get some proper sleep, and hopefully remember my periodic table in the morning.

OCTOBER 28-"When I was young and stupid, I sold my soul to two different demons. Now both have come for their claim."

“Don’t get that door!” I yell, as my roommate got up to answer the knock. I ran past him and blocked his way.

“Woah!” Craig exclaimed then went back to lying on the couch.

After checking through the window and considering the coast clear, I took my seat on the smaller couch, rewrapping myself in the blanket.

“Someone’s edgy!” Craig remarked, then handing me a can of Tennent’s asked, “Ex?”

I laughed harshly, if only. I could handle an ex. An ex would be cake compared to what I was dealing with.

“Worse.” I responded.

“Aye?” he prodded.

I contemplated telling him the truth. It was a crazy story, but I was so restless it couldn’t hurt sharing my impeding doom. After a few more moments of thinking it over I came to a decision, “When I was young and stupid, I sold my soul to two different demons. Now both have come for their claim.” I said flatly.

Craig looked at me silently, took a long sip from his can, and finally started laughing.

“Good one.” He said.

“Yup. I’m hilarious.” I stated without expression. I saluted him with my Tennent’s and downed it fast.

Craig looked at me in alarm, “You’re serious?” he asked.

“Deadly mate.” Came my reply.

Craig stared at me in silence, I could tell he was trying to formulate sentences, but what did you tell someone who was about to be condemned to hell under the cruel dictatorship of not one, but two demons?

When I could no longer take the silence I said, “I left you next month’s rent in an envelope in my room. You should probably start looking for a new flatmate.”

Craig blinked at me. I could tell that was the last thing he expected me to say, but hey! I was responsible...two demon deals not withstanding.

“So…” I continued to end the silence between us.

“So, when are they supposed to get you?” Craig finally said.

The question caught me off guard, “Umm...well, if I remember right…the end of the week.” I answered.

“What are their names?” he asked, all serious.

Again, I was too shocked to respond elaborately, “Devlin, I think and Nerd-catch? I was seven when I met them okay!” I finished lamely.

“It’s Nurbatch.” A voice behind me growled, “And we weren’t coming at the end of the week.”

I looked at Craig’s face and he was frozen in terror. I turned around and was met by two ugly, and unfriendly looking monsters.

“Sorry.” I let out meekly.

“So Nurbatch, how do you want to do this?” The one who must be Devlin asked his partner.

“I don’t know Devlin. Persephone type split?” Nurbatch responded.

“Oh, that works. You made the first deal, so why don’t you take her Spring and Summer?” Devlin suggested.

“Works for me. I’ll try not to have her too flayed by the end, I know how much you like your autumn bonfire nights, and the sound of crackling in the flames.” Nurbatch reasoned.

While this was going on, I was trying to get Craig to move. I didn’t know where we should go, but he didn’t deserve to be caught up in this.

“Craig, come on! We need to get out of here, or at least you need to! I’m not sure I can escape them. Move!” I urged.

“So it’s settled?” Devlin asked behind me, “Settled!” Nurbatch agreed.

“You’ll be coming with me.” Devlin stated matter-of-factly and an invisible force dragged me towards him. I tried not to cringe, or pee myself.

“Listen, can’t we renegotiate?” I asked, “I mean, surely there’s clauses against making deals with minors?”

“Nope. We’re demons. The vulnerable is kind of our thing.” Nurbatch piped up.

“Thanks Nerd-batch but I wasn’t talking to you.” I retorted angrily. At this point, I was getting really ornery about this whole soul selling thing and going to the underworld for all eternity.

Devlin began laughing, “Should I give you her tongue?” he asked his fellow demon.

I gulped, clearly not having thought that through. He took out a knife and pulled my face towards him. I struggled and evaded as best as I could.

“Put the knife down ugly.” A voice echoed loudly through the flat. A ray of hope reverberated through me. I knew that voice. I loved that voice!

“Buffy! You’ve come to save me!” I cried happily. Buffy the Vampire Slayer winked at me and then proceeded to kick ass. When she was done, we both surveyed the guts adorning my place. Craig had come too and was making tea.

“You are amazing!” I gushed. She smiled, “Shucks, you were pretty sassy yourself there!”

I beamed even harder, not only was I saved, but my hero thought I was cool!

“You know,” She continued, “I could use a feisty person on my team. How would you like to be my apprentice?” 

"Hells.Yeah."

OCTOBER 27th-"How many times have I died for you... And you STILL question my loyalty..."

"How many times have I died for you... And you STILL question my loyalty..." 
I look him in the eye and respond, "You may have died for me many times, but it's the one time you killed me that I remember."

(A short snapper!)

OCTOBER 26th-"I burned the dolls even though my children cried. They did not understand my fear because they assumed I moved the dolls into their beds each night"

I burned the dolls even though my children cried. They did not understand my fear because they assumed I moved the dolls into their beds each night
 
I never wanted the dolls in the first place. They were broken, creepy, old porcelain things, with frayed velvet dresses, and eyes that blinked periodically. Who would want them? I told the owner of the antique shop we weren’t interested. That we were just there to find a new coffee table, but the kids saw them. The kids saw the freaktastic dolls, and begged for them. My husband caved. We left the store: up one relieved husband, one annoyed wife, two excited girls, two ugly dolls, and down one coffee table.

In the first week that passed my children were transfixed by the dolls. The house was filled with tea parties, fashion shows, and other make-belief games. The dolls never left the kids sides. I thought, at least they’re not on their tablets anymore! Maybe this isn’t so bad. The next week, the same thing, but it was different. Although the enthusiasm was the same, the zeal wasn’t as strong. The children looked tired and drained.

By the third week, both of the kids had small fevers. I tried to take the dolls away. I said it was so the dust off of the dolls wouldn’t make them worse. Which was true, I had no reason to think the dolls were otherworldly. Creepy? sure! But "evil"? The kids refused to be parted from their beloved "dollies". I watched the fever grow worse. 

The fourth week took a turn for the worse, the kids could barely get out of bed. My husband sneakily took the dolls while the kids slept, and put them in a trunk in the garage. Almost instantly the girls got better! Once they were alert enough to leave bed, they demanded to know where their dolls were. We, my husband and I, wouldn’t say. We said they’d had enough play time with the dolls, and could only play with them once a week.

The girls were mad. That was an understatement, they weren’t mad they were livid. It was like watching two angels turn into demonic hell hounds, who could not be reasoned with. The change in their demeanor frightened me. We vowed not to let the children near the dolls again. They were going straight back to the shop. The girls went to bed after tiring themselves out from their fits.

In the morning we were expecting more of the same but they came down smiling. Their eyes were a little red and glassy, I assumed from the crying the night before. I was about to wish them good morning, when I saw each holding a doll. I glanced at my husband and he shook his head no, indicating he hadn’t moved them. This happened again, and again. So I took out the gasoline and blowtorch; I wasn’t taking chances. They'll get over it!

OCTOBER 25th-"I am lying in bed in the dark and I glance over to see an odd shadow in the courner of my room. I am about to turn on the light to see what it could be, when a voice in my head whispered: "Don't move. They are watching you."

I am lying in bed in the dark and I glance over to see an odd shadow in the corner of my room. I am about to turn on the light to see what it could be, when a voice in my head whispered: "Don't move. They are watching you."

I resist the urge to scream in surprise at the mental intrusion. I take some time to settle my thoughts, and let my eyes adjust to the darkness. If I can’t turn on the light, I’ll need all the vision I can. Clearing my thoughts, “Who’s watching me?” I have no idea if my attempt at telepathic conversation worked, but it was my best hunch.
It doesn’t take long for a voice to respond, “The spiders.”

My body tingles. The spiders? Frigging spiders? I probably shouldn’t be so disturbed by spiders, as I was expecting something a little more ominous, but I hate spiders.
“You’re kidding right?” I think back,
“No. They’re watching you for their master.” Is the response I get.

I consider if I should ask how many, but decide it’s best not to know. Instead I ask, “Master? They have a master?”
“Yes, a powerful warlock, who sold his soul to Beelzebub centuries ago.”
Before I can wonder what a warlock wants with me, I notice the odd shadow is moving and writhing…like a mass of spiders. I keep in the vomit I so badly want to spew.
“So what exactly should I do?”

“Just follow my instructions. Everything will be okay.” The voice mentally consoles me.
“Are...Are you God?” I don’t know why I said that as soon as it leaves my brain.
“What? No!” I actually feel their exasperation in my head.
“Nothing. What’s the plan?” I know it sounds crazy to trust a voice in my head, but there’s something so strangely intimate about it, that I can’t help it. I can’t explain it.

“You need to leave your room. Make it look natural. Act like you’re going to the bathroom.” Instructs my brain buddy.
“Okay, I can do that! Actually, now that you say it I probably could use the-“
“Do not actually go to the bathroom!”
“Yeah, yeah! Okay.”
I stir out of my bed, out of the corner of my eye I see the shadow has become still. They’re watching me. I can’t stop the slew of colourful profanities that goes through my head.
“Woah…” I get from the voice in my head.
“Sorry!” I think back, but secretly pleased with myself. I make cursing an artform.
“No problem. Wait before you begin walking, it is important you keep your eyes half shut. The last thing you want is to make eye contact with a minion. It will link you directly to the warlock.” I’m warned. Darn right I don’t want to make eye contact with a minion.

I take a few steps out of my bed. I’m keenly aware of how silent the house is and how loud my footsteps are. The shadows seem to grow larger around me, and for a second I am unable to move.
“You can do this.” The voice reassures me.
I move forward again, making sure my eyes are half closed. The floor creaks and I’m momentarily startled. Calm down, you’ve got this I tell myself. Until I hear the crunch under my foot. I scream and my eyes pop open. I meet the eyes of a large wolf spider and almost instantly hear laughter all around me. The spiders multiply and begin to surround me.

“Plan B” says the voice in my head. “Run!”

OCTOBER 24th-"Her smile was a bit too wide, a bit too cheerful, considering the blood on the walls."

Her smile was a bit too wide, a bit too cheerful, considering the blood on the walls. Artistic crimson splashes adorned the otherwise bright white walls. The way she sat back down and started on dessert, it was clear the walls would remain that way.

Dinah sighed, it was going to be up to her to clean up her mother’s mess again. She put down her glass of milk, and went downstairs to get the bleach.

“Oh Din-Din, what’s that for?” Her mother exclaimed seeing Dinah come up with the bleach, and a bucket with a sponge inside.

“I don’t know, Mother. For fun.” Was Dinah’s curt reply, “I love pretending I’m your maid.”

“Attitude, my dear.” Her mother scolded, “We have a family reputation to withhold, and scowling is a no-no.” Her mother grinned widely again, two neat lines of straight pointed teeth gleamed at Dinah. The corner of her mother’s mouth had a speck of blood on it, making Dinah want to wince.

Instead Dinah rolled her eyes, prompting her mother to smile harder and break out in a delighted chuckle. “Dinah, honey, turn that frown upside down and disappear with me! Wheee!” Her mother cried happily. Then Dinah watched her mother’s body disappear, until nothing was left but her big smile. The smile spoke, “You know, you wouldn’t be so cranky if you ate proper food!” then made a kiss noise, and then also disappeared.

Dinah sighed again, and went to mix the bleach with water. She filled the bucket and started cleaning up the walls. It was so hard to get her mother to be serious, for even a second.

“The third one this week,” Dinah mumbled to herself between wipes, “Poor things didn’t stand a chance. Now I have to clean up the mess. Guess that’s what I get when my mother’s Wonderland’s dreaded Cheshire Cat.”