Chapter 48
I wake up in the middle of the night and know they’re out there.
I can’t explain how I know. I just do. It’s like waking up with a spider crawling on your leg. You instinctively scream and brush it off long before you’re awake enough to understand what’s going on.
They are not natural
No, they’re not. The water has shown me the truth, whispered of the crimes being committed against nature. Everything is polluted, poisoned, and corrupted. But the sea serpents are no better. They destroy everything in their path.
Half sitting up in bed, I hear a faint splashing outside my window. It’s coming from the dock.
It could be a bird or a fish gulping an insect from the surface. But I know it’s not.
They know I’m here. They are calling to me.
Come and play
Shadows dance on the wall. It’s a clear, starry night. Would I see them down there if I looked out the window? Would they see me?
They’ve been here before.
I recognize that splash.
Could it be just my imagination?
No.
I can’t help but listen for more sounds from the sea. The painting on my wall no longer depicts a sunset. Now the rough brushstrokes form a horrendous creature I’ve never noticed before. The duvet cover is rough and prickly on my arms.
I pull the covers over my head and shut my eyes.
I know they’re still out there. Waiting. Probably until the sun comes up.
Only one thing gives me comfort.
If they’re here, at least that means no one else is in danger for the time being.