The End of the Beginning

I sit huddled in the corner, hands clenched over my ears. The room is dark and I hear no
sound other than my ragged breathing. My eyes are squeezed shut trying desperately to push
away the memories, the horrible thoughts. I hear a footstep, the hum of locks unclicking, and
then light pours into the room. I have to squint my eyes to see, but even then all I can make out is
a dark silhouette making its way to me. As it gets closer and closer details come into focus. A
sleek bun, a black, tight skirt, and I hear the familiar clicking of heels. My headmistress. She
comes to a stop before me and her glaring eyes make my body go cold. I cower under her stare.
She asks, What. Was. That?
I dont respond so she leans down, the two moles beside her nose too close for comfort. I
try to blend in with the wall. She harshly whispers, Get up! I lean back into the wall for
support and manage to push myself up. She repeats, What. Was. That?
I hold her gaze for a moment, afraid of the words I have to say. My sister, the screams,
the darkness that haunts me. Everything. But I cant say anything. So I laugh. And I laugh, and
laugh, and laugh. It seems to be the only way to escape the horror and fear that is building up
inside of me. Her hand whips across my cheek, silencing my hysterics. Listen to me!
I do.
She continues, but quieter. You will get another chance. Succeed and you are finished.
Fail-- She pauses. You are aware of the consequences. I close my eyes and listen to her walk
away, the clicking of her heels more inviting leaving than they were coming. The door shuts and
it is dark again. It is all I can do to hold in a scream.