In Search of Blood (1st Place)

The dark blood stain upon the sandy ground hinted at the danger. I could still see the groove-like tracks from where someone, or some thing, dragged the body toward the dilapidated home. The gutters hung on with just a few nails. The dark gray wooden siding matched the two broken windowpanes on the top floor.

I had to prove it was human. The blood could have been an animal's. I had to enter the dwelling. I hesitated. Swallowing hard I took a few steps forward. Evening encroached, and darkness would envelop me. I pulled my six-inch flashlight from my pocket. The rough plastic grip felt good in my hand.

Plodding up the weed-filled walk, I stepped upon the front porch. The tiny groans of the boards, I hoped would not alert the beast within. Turning the doorknob my heart pounded so hard I thought it might explode. I saw the same bloody trail in the dusty threshold. I gripped my flashlight harder as the rusty hinges protested my entry.

Dust-covered furnishings, undisturbed in the musty air, greeted me. The blood drained from my face and my hands. I heard gnawing up the stairwell. The stained steps testified that this was not his only victim. What was I thinking coming in here? Images of bloody scraps dangling from the bones of his victims flashed in my mind. I stood there – listening when the sound ceased. I could hear only the breeze as it stirred up the dust. It spun and twisted in the air amid the waning sunlight.

I breathed but a wisp of air. The beast clamored about up the stairs. My eyes adjusted to the light. I stood mannequin still. I heard the beast sniffing and coming to the top of the stairs. My eyes grew wide and my legs felt heavy. I propelled myself backward. My foot hit the porch planking and it let out an awful creak. The wolf-like creature bounded down the steps. I turned and in seconds he was on me.

The pain shot through me as his claws ripped at my back. The bright red blood mingled with the trail of dried blood. I struggled in vain. With all my strength I jabbed at the creature’s eye with the small flashlight. I heard the crack of the plastic lens. The creature fell backward clutching his left eye. Blood spouted from the wound. I spied a picket fence board lying in the grass. My wounds cried out in agony, but I knew this was my chance. I snatched the fence board and with the creature still clutching his eye, I stabbed with all my might into its abdomen.

The wolf-man howled, and stumbled into the grass and collapsed. I panted. My strength spent. I peered into its familiar eyes. The red pupils faded to white, and the creature shimmered and fell face first. Minutes passed and the hair fell away. My hand trembled as I reached over, grabbed his shoulder, and flipped him over.

I gasped at the sight of my brother.


498 Words
Flash Story in the Genre of Horror
Written for Hannah's Horror Rising Star Contest 1st Place