CHAPTER 1
DECEMBER 1ST
These are the events that unfolded, over the course of 25 days…as I remember them.
Whisper’s Creek always had this haunted stillness to it, like the town was trying its best to stay alive, but it continued to decay and degrade, all the same. Like a hidden darkness was trying to drag it down to the depths of hell.
One day it'll end. One day.
My wife, Angela, bless her kind heart, was doing her best to save it. She worked with Mayor Hamonte and wanted to restore Whisper’s Creek to something respectable—a place that you’d actually want to live in.
The joyous month of December had finally commenced, so that meant that Christmas decorations hung from every lamp post and window throughout the town square and shopping centers. I took it all in as I traveled through the outdoor plaza; I had planned on doing some gift shopping for Christmas.
The decorations reminded me of how dark the town had become, because Christmas was the only time when I felt a sense of peace and light. Throughout the year, it was like someone pressed pause on a place that should’ve been growing, improving, and getting better, but now, we all just quietly accepted our doomed fates.
I wanted to move far, far away and never return—never looking back on the dark, depraved town of Whisper’s Creek—but Angelawouldn’t have it. She was one of those people who liked to save things, to take matters into her own hands—the type of wonderful woman who uplifted the poor and innocent souls of the world.
I didn’t have the heart to tell her that I wanted to get the heck out of Whisper’s Creek. I told myself that as long as I was with her, I’d be okay. I’d live.So, I kept my hidden desires to myself.
What a goddamn mistake that turned out to be.
I tried to enjoy the tinsel, the red and green lights, and the holiday cheer as best I could. Christmas hadn’t meant much to me since...well, I didn’t like to think about it. Even in my 30s, revisiting those violent memories felt like I was stabbing myself in the heart with a jagged knife. In truth, Christmas hadn’t meant much to me for a long time.
But Angela? She loved it. The joy, the decorating, the same songs that blared from all the retail shops in town. I did my best to play along for her. She deserved it. What happened to me so long ago was not her fault; I didn’t need to punish her for it.
I stepped into a corner shop just as the doorbell chimed softly, bringing some swirling snowflakes alongside with me.
“Hello, Merry Christmas!” an elderly man shouted. “Merry Christmas,” I replied back softly. It was a jolly period of time and I did my best to play the part.
The shop smelled like a mix of cinnamon and pumpkin-scented candles. Fake snowflakes hung from the ceiling,colorful Christmas ornaments lined the shelves, and mechanical Santas twerked around in the front section of the store—behind the display glass.
My eyes immediately spotted the glass case where the bracelets were displayed. The one I’d been thinking about for weeks was right there, sparkling in the yellow light.
It was a long silver chain, with five small golden rings clasped to it. Angela loved things with meaning, things that were thoughtful. Five years was how many years we’d been married. How time flew when you tied the knot to the sweetheart of your dreams.
I went over to check out the silver chain when I heard a familiar voice behind me.
“Is thattheLenny? What’s up, little man?”
I turned and saw Joseph Candela, standing near the back of the store. He was a big, burly man wrapped in a black fur coat, holding a twerking Santa. I noticed that his rosy cheeks were bright red because of the cold. It made him look like a young Santa Claus.
“Hello Joseph,” I said, glancing at him. “It’s nice to see you.”
He inspected the twerking Santa further, his large dark eyes lighting up as it danced. Joseph was always a strange fellow. I couldn’t tell if he was just trying to be funny or if he was hiding something.
“Can you believe this wonderful Christmas technology? I know I’m the target audience for sure,” he said, referring to the Santa toy, heartily laughing at it. “So, you buying something for Angela?” he asked as he set down the twerking Santa and walked towards me.
“Yes, I am.” I nodded, tapping on the glass where the jewelry was. “Something she really wanted. She’s not that hard to shop for. She gives me hints.”
Angela made everything easy for me, and I always appreciated that about her.
Joseph gave a low whistle. “That’s one hell of a gift, man. Not every guy exerts that much effort or dollar bills. But Angela…oh man, she deserves it. I know what you’re doing.” He winked at me.
I don’t understand why Joseph has to say things like that—like he wants to sleep with my wife. I don’t appreciate it.
I shrugged, indifferent to his weird tone. “You’re right, she does deserve it.”
There was an awkward pause before Joseph continued, “Angela’s a pretty lady. Those beautiful eyes and that long, soft hair. Such a hard worker too. You’re a lucky little shit.” He noticed my silence and lightly bumped my shoulder. “Just messing with you, man, I’m keeping you on your toes.”
