The Thirst

by Eduard Joseph

“Are you sure you want to do this?” The bank assistant asked.

  She sat behind her desk and stared at the sexy man in front of her. She glanced back at her PC screen and waited for Benny to give her the go ahead.

  “Yes.” Benny said.

  “Well, I am sorry we are losing your business.” She said

  The bank teller pressed the enter key on her keyboard and his account was closed.

  Benny stepped out of the bank with a suitcase full of money. It contained his entire life’s savings. He did not know what he was going to do with the money, but one thing was for sure. He was going to make every minute count this time. He would not do anything mundane from now on. His second chance would not be wasted.

  He walked down the street with his head held high and smiling at the world. The world smiled back; especially the younger women that passed him in the street. For the first time women noticed him. He was oozing sex appeal. Every woman that passed him wanted him for some inexplicable reason and he could see it in their eyes as they checked him out. He was enjoying every moment of it and completely forgot about Emma.

  As he came up to a corner a woman and her toddler came round the corner. She did not seem to notice him, but the child noticed him. The little boy looked up at Benny as his mom lead him by the hand. Benny noticed the little boy looking at him and stopped walking. He watched as the boy and his mother passed him and then he turned around. He watched as they walked away.

  A very strange feeling came over Benny. He did not see a little boy walking with his mom. He saw blood; juicy and refreshing blood in a useless vessel with two arms and legs. He could barely fight the urge to feed on the boy right there and then. It was like the boy’s blood was calling out to him to drink the boy dry.

  As the woman and the boy disappeared around the corner, Benny snapped out of his state of mind horrified. That was a child and all he could think of was killing the boy. But Zaman said that the victims would survive, right? Stop it! Benny thought.

  Benny took a deep breath and continued walking down the street. He tried to forget what he just thought about.

  The wind started picking up and whispered to him. At first he could not make out what the wind was whispering and tried to ignore it. He continued walking along the sidewalk, but as he continued down his path, the whispering became more and more and grew louder until it sounded like a hundred voices whispering all at once.

  Up ahead the buildings gave way to a garden with trees and bushes. The whispering got more intense the closer he got to the garden. Finally he saw a sign on the garden gate that read Joyce’s Kindergarden.

  He stopped in front of the garden. It was only then that he could make out what the whispers were saying. He slowly turned to his left and glanced at the children playing in the kindergarden. The voices were whispering, Come and feed upon us. Drink us dry. You will live forever if you feed on us.

  He stared at the children for a moment and knew that if he did not continue walking he might do something he will regret. He walked away and picked up the pace as he walked. The whispering didn’t stop. Instead the whispers began calling out to him like children in agony. Feed upon us! Don’t leave! The voices sounded desperate for him to go back.

  He had to keep his mind occupied if he was to keep his sanity. He glanced back over his shoulder. An ominous glow at the kindergarden gate was pulling him back. He tried to resist, but the hunger was strong and growing stronger with every whisper. The Glow intensified and the whispers turned into deafening screams only he could hear. Everyone else seemed to be oblivious of the screams and the glow.

  He grasped tightly onto the briefcase and started running down the street trying and hoping to outrun the deafening screams. All of a sudden the screams stopped abruptly. Benny stopped and listened. All was quiet. He glanced back over his shoulder. The glow was out of sight and the screams were no more. He was relieved that the urge was gone.

  A honking sound made him turn around with a jerk. An oncoming truck slammed on breaks as it came heading straight for Benny standing in the middle of the road. Without thinking twice he jumped out of the way just as the truck reached him. He gasped for air and watched as the truck came to a screeching halt.

  “Are you insane?” The driver yelled out of his window.

  Benny stood in the road for a while, trying to catch his breath. This was not what he signed up for. It was not what he wanted.

  He knew if he were to keep his sanity he’d have to get away to a secluded place. He saw a yellow cab taxi approaching and waved for it to stop.

  6.

  The cabin stood at the edge of a forest that gave way to a peaceful lagoon. The cabin was built from big logs of wood and was quite old. Creeping plants clung to the logs which made it blend in quite nicely with it surroundings.

  The yellow cab taxi slowly rolled up to the cabin, driving carefully not to get stuck in the sand or unearthed tree roots that overflowed across the pathway.

  Benny paid the driver and got out. He stood staring at the old cabin as the yellow cab drove away. It’s been years since he’d been at the cabin. He inherited it from an uncle he barely ever knew.

  The cabin seemed cold somehow – a bit neglected, but all the windows were intact. This was exactly what he needed. The cabin was at the edge of the lagoon and was the only cabin for a mile in every direction. There would be no distractions and most importantly no children to fuel his hunger for youth.

  He walked up to the front door, unlocked it and went inside. The cabin seemed a bit cozier on the inside, though the rustic charm seemed just as predominant.

  He placed his briefcase of money down on the table next to the door. He closed the door and looked at his surroundings.

  Oh, the memories this place held. About seven or eight years earlier just after he inherited the place he and Emma had their second honeymoon there. It rained that entire week so they just stayed indoors by the fireplace reading books and enjoying each other’s company.

  Emma was probably worried sick about him. He just left without a goodbye or leaving a note. He just had to get away. He could not see her. How would he explain his youthful appearance?

  The cabin smelled moldy as the windows haven’t been opened in years. He walked over to the nearest window and drew back the curtains. Just as he reached to open the window, he noticed his reflection. He stared at it for a moment and still could not believe that his appearance was that of a twenty year old. He ran his hand across his face and was thrilled not to feel any wrinkles or dried out old skin.

  He smiled at himself and then opened the window for some fresh air. He heard a rumble nearby the window. Something was rustling in the undergrowth.

  “Hello?” he heard a voice call out from outside.

  He stood for a moment. Maybe it was his imagination. His cabin was a mile away from any form of civilization. Then he heard the female voice call out again.

  “Hello?” the girl called out, “I’m lost and need help.”

  He walked over to the door and opened it. He stepped out onto the porch and saw a young woman approaching from the nearby bushes.

  “Oh thank goodness.” She exclaimed, “I’ve been wondering around these woods for hours.”

  She walked up to the cabin with a smile of relief on her face. Benny did not know what to make of her. His face was expressionless.

  “Do you have a phone I could use?” She asked.

  “Sorry.” Benny said, “No phone here.”

  She seemed disappointed as she shifted her backpack strap on her shoulder.

  “Damn.” She said, “I was hiking with my friends and got separated from them. I’ve been walking for hours trying to find them. They must be worried sick. It’s almost dark.”

  She glanced back over her shoulder at the woods and then at Benny – hoping he would take pity and invite her in.

  “Would you like to come inside?” Benny asked.

  The girl smiled.

  “Sure.” She said.

/>   Benny stepped aside and allowed her to enter the cabin. As she entered, she studied the décor inside the cabin. She placed her backpack down next to the door and walked over to the couch. She sat down and let out a sigh of relieve.

  “Thanks.” She said, “My entire body is aching.”

  Benny closed the door and walked over to the couch. He stood there watching her, not sure what to make of the situation.

  “Sit.” She said, “I don’t bite.”

  Benny hesitated a moment and then sat down next to her.

  “My name is Lucy.” She said.

  “Benjamin.” Benny said, “But people call me Benny.”

  Nice to meet you.” Lucy said with a smile, “So are you here alone?”

  Benny nodded.

  She seemed intrigued with him, but he knew that should he have looked his age she would not give it a second thought.

  “Interesting.” She said with a wink, “You wouldn’t be out here disposing of bodies or killing camping teenagers, now would you?”

  “What?” Benny gasped. “Why would you say that?”

  She punched him in the side with her elbow.

  “I’m kidding.” She laughed.

  “Oh.” Benny said and faked a smile.

  He wanted to be alone and figure out what to do. He did not want company. But he was never a rude man and could not tell her to leave.

  “What are you doing out here alone?” Lucy asked.

  “I just had to get away from the city.” Benny said.

  “The city?” Lucy said impressed, “What do you do there?”

  “I am a doctor.” Benny said.

  Lucy giggled and said, “My mom always wanted me to meet a doctor.”

  Benny smiled foolishly.

  “I’m taken.” Benny said.

  “I bet you are.” Lucy said unconvinced, “So where is your better half?”

  “At home.” Benny said, “We’re taking some time apart.”

  Time apart meant Lucy stood a chance and upped her game.

  “That’s too bad.” Lucy said, “One should never leave a good looking man like you unattended. You seem awfully young to be a doctor. How old are you? 25? 26?”

  Benny smiled foolishly again. He felt a bit uneasy and wanted to change the subject.

  “And what do you do?” Benny asked.

  “I am a secretary.” Lucy said, “But I work in town. I’m not from the big city like you are. I am a just a girl from a quiet town. I still live with my parents, but I guess most 23 year olds do.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with living at home.” Benny said.

  “I know.” Lucy sighed, “But sometimes I feel so trapped. I still get treated like a child. I just wish my parents would realize I am not a baby anymore. Sometimes I just want to move out and leave my childhood behind.”

  “Sounds like your childhood was rough?” Benny asked.

  “On the contrary.” Lucy said, “My childhood was a very happy one. I only have fond memories of growing up.”

  There was a moment of silence as Lucy thought back to her childhood. She glanced over at Benny and smiled.

  “And what about you?” Lucy asked.

  “What about me?” Benny asked confused.

  “How was your childhood?” Lucy asked.

  Benny seemed reluctant to share.

  “I’m sorry.” Lucy said, “There I go again prying into other people’s lives. My therapists says it’s a condition.”

  “You’re seeing a therapist” Benny asked.

  She nodded. Benny felt a bit more relieved. They finally had something to talk about.

  “So am I.” Benny said

  Lucy smiled.

  “Do you have daddy issues?” She asked.

  “No,” Benny said, “I have a fear of growing old.”

  Lucy chuckled.

  “You are still way too young to worry about growing old.” Lucy said.

  Benny knew he could not tell her the truth and nodded.

  “I guess you’re right.” Benny said, “I have these really insane dreams and my therapist thinks it has to do with my fear of growing old.”

  “What dreams?” Lucy asked.

  “As a child I used to have night terrors.” Benny said, “I guess just like all kids growing up. I had this one recurring dream of a monster in my closet.”

  “I used to have the same dream.” Lucy said.

  Benny stared down at the floor in thought and continued.

  “The only difference is,” Benny said, “Now in my dreams I am the monster.”

  Lucy stared at him – unsure as to what to say.

  “That is weird.” Lucy said, “I’ve never had that dream.”

  “Be glad.” Benny said, “Sometimes it feels so real.”

  “It’s just dreams.” Lucy said trying to reassure him.

  Lucy glanced at the window. It was already dark outside.

  “Do you mind if I stayed here tonight?” Lucy asked, “I’m tired of walking all day looking for my friends. I will be gone by sunrise tomorrow.”

  Benny nodded.

  “Sure.” Benny said, “The cabin has two bedrooms. You can use the one on the left. Just ignore the stuffy smell.”

  Lucy smiled and stood up.

  “Thanks.” She said.

  She leaned in and gave him a kiss on the forehead.

  “You are a gentleman.” She said.

  Later that night as Benny lay in bed listening to the nature sounds of the night, he could not help but think back to the kindergarden. He was still very disturbed at what he experienced and wondered how he could make it all go away.

  Only you can stop the monster. Those words still echoed in the corners of his mind. What did it mean? Did he have to commit suicide? He didn’t want to die, so what other options were there? He would have to go back to Zaman and get more answers.

  Benny stared up at the ceiling unable to sleep, but decided to force himself to sleep. He closed his eyes, but they refused to stay closed.

  He opened his eyes and found himself standing in a hallway of a house. Confused he looked around him. Where was the cabin? How did he get here? The hallway was dark, except for a faint glow down the hallway to the right. He turned and walked towards the glow. He could not stop himself. He was being dragged towards it against his will. He did not want to do this anymore.

  The glow intensified and engulfed a bedroom door. He reached for the doorknob and slowly opened the door despite his best constraints.

  He stepped into the bedroom. Though the room was dark, he felt like he had been here before. Maybe it was the second time he came here for feeding?

  He saw someone tossing under the covers on the bed beneath the window. He stepped closer. He noticed in the shadows a poster of baseball player George Foster against the wall. He knew who it was as he was a fan of baseball and had a similar poster growing up.

  A floorboard creaked underneath Benny’s feet. Just as the unseen force was about to make an incision in the boy’s neck, the boy woke up with a jerk from the sound of the floorboard.

  The flesh on his arm tore apart and the boy screamed in pain. He hurdled up against the wall and pulled the covers closer.

  A moment later the boy’s mother came rushing in. It all happened so quick, Benny did not have enough time to think. The mother switched on the bedroom light and gasped upon seeing the strange man in her boy’s bedroom.

  Benny’s heart sank into his feet as he recognized the woman with the Bouffant hairstyle. With a jerk he glanced over at the boy. He noted that the boy’s wound was in the same spot as his scar. He realized that the boy in the bed was him. That’s why there were no reports of macabre happenings with children. He was traveling back in time for his feedings.

  “Who the hell are you?” The woman screamed.

  Without thinking about her own safety the woman rushed over and started hitting Benny.

  “What did you do to my son?” She screamed.

  Benny tried to shield himsel
f from every blow she delivered, hoping that he could somehow make everything stop. He pushed her away and she fell to the floor. The woman gathered herself and looked up at Benny with fear in her eyes.

  “Please.” She pleaded, “Don’t hurt my son.”

  Benny was still confused and flabbergasted at seeing his own mother and what transpired on the night he got the scar on his arm. He took a step back to assess the situation.

  Without warning the boy leaped out of bed and shoved Benny. He lost his balance and stumbled towards the window and went crashing through it.

  The boy stood in silence, blood dripping from his arm. His mother got up and rushed to his side. She applied pressure to the wound.

  “Are you alright?” She asked, gasping for air.

  The boy nodded. She took his hand and placed it on the wound.

  “Keep pressure on it.” She said.

  Once she was sure he had enough pressure on the wound, she slowly inched closer to the shattered window. She cautiously glanced out the second floor window and saw the man lying contorted on the lawn below. He did not move.

  She went back to her boy.

  “We have to clean your wound.” She said.

  She took the boy by the hand and led him to the bathroom. She washed away the blood and disinfected the wound. She inspected it closely.

  “The cut is not that deep, but it will leave a scar.” She said.

  She looked at her boy – relieved that he was alright. She embraced him tightly and picked him up. She decided to do what all mother do – protect her child. She did not want him to grow up having social or personal problems due to the events of that night and decided he was young and impressionable enough to lie to. The events would scar him and he would spend his life in therapy. She could not allow that to happen to her poor innocent boy.

  “Let’s get you back into bed.” She said, “You had a terrible nightmare.”

  “No.” The boy said, “It was real. There was a man in my bedroom.”

  “No.” She said as she carried him into her bedroom. “The wind blew a branch through your window and you imagined it was a man. Everything will be alright. It was just a horrible nightmare.”

  She lay her boy down on her bed in the dark bedroom and pulled the covers over him. She sat down next to him on the edge of the bed and ran her fingers through his hair.

  “Go back to sleep.” She whispered.

  She sat by his side until he fell asleep again. She was still rattled herself about the stranger in her house and what he might have done to her son. Who was he? Was he an escaped convict the police warned the public about on the news?

  She had to be brave. She had one of two choices; she could call the police and have them come over in the middle of the night and make a big crime scene of her house - crime scene that would definitely draw the attention of the media. She could not risk the chance her ex-husband might see her on the news and finally track them down.

  If only she could remember where in that untidy garage she last saw the chainsaw and shovel…

  THE END