Christmas Home Coming!

End of the first year of her university course

now it was Christmas holidays

excited to be going home to see mum and dad

her big sister would be there to

dad said he would pick her up from the station

filled with festive anticipation!

 

Tried to phone home that day but got no reply

getting on the train so worried

the normally quick trip slow in this demeanor

unable to comprehend a reason

she could see that there was nobody waiting

phoning her friend now debating!

 

A hug from her best mate glad to see somebody

they headed home in a car

approaching the road became aware of no lights

pulling up outside was fearful

of what she would find when opening the door

turning the key in the lock unsure!

 

Tried the light switch but there was no power

the street light gave some illumination

made their way to the cupboard in the hallway

where the fuse box was situated

a torch was on the top checking fuses were fine

the electric switched off by design!

 

With the house illuminated everything was tidy

so neat her mums handy work

as if it had been prepared for her home-coming

checked the bedrooms perfect

what was happening had thoughts of slaying

or kidnap nerves fraying!

 

Enquired with neighbours said they heard noises

went around knocked on the door

nobody replied then called the police concerned

but when they came all was quiet

now ready to tear out her hair fearing the worst

in her mind came a word cursed!

 

In the lounge the christmas tree stood in the corner

presents spread around the base

decorations lovingly placed cards hanging over string

just as she had waited to come and see

dad was a history teacher who enjoyed Egyptology

specialising in anthropology!

 

He had been on several archeological study trips

and brought back several artifacts

the thought of this made sense but was terrified

a smell of mould made them both

felt nauseous then she remembered the basement

were none of her family went!

 

But now there was no other choice it held the key

holding each other for comfort

through the entrance in the kitchen descended

the narrow creaky dusty stairs

uncertain of what would greet them down there

taking the guise of an ancient lair!

 

Having to use the torch there were large photos

of pyramids and artifacts

shelfs with real items placed neatly on long tables

the air had that mouldy odour

stifling hot and dusty made it hard to breathe

their calmness gone began to seethe!

 

There was  a strange atmosphere they had to go

as they did heard faint whimpering

aimed the torch there saw her mum and sister

petrified afraid to move a muscle

helping them up quickly left the weird basement

away from that sense of encasement!

 

In the warmth of her best friends car she spoke

of her husbands involvement

with artifacts being taken from ancient tombs

and ignoring the stern warnings

how several hooded figures seem to materialize

their bodies and minds did paralyze!

 

They were forced down the stairs to the cellar

were they took several items

and with the girl’s father went as they had come

leaving them traumatized

helpless they cried uncertain what to do next

leaving them all perplexed!

 

Not the Christmas Home Coming she expected!

 

The Foureyed Poet.

 

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