Darkness

Upon waking, the first thing that came to Josh’s attention was the throbbing pain permeating his skull. He groaned inwardly. Guess I got too drunk last night, he thought hazily. His hand automatically went to his forehead, as if it would numb the pain, and grazed cold metal along the way. This was definitely not his bed.1

Josh opened his eyes only to be met with darkness. He blinked, rubbing his eyes, though this did nothing to the unfathomable blackness surrounding him.2

Where am I? came his bewildered thought.3

He reflected on last night’s party. Well, he couldn’t remember anything after his second beer… which could only mean that he must have been drugged! Then was this some sort of kidnapping? 4

Fear held him in a vice. He wasn’t even rich … What could they want?5

Without warning, a flash of light blinded him and he automatically shut his eyes. Large, callused hands reached for him, carrying him roughly before throwing him through a door. Certain that bruises were forming along his back and torso, he could not help but cry out in pain. 6

“I said gentle,” a young voice chided. The door closed, and a soft scuffling noise near Josh’s face prompted him to open his eyes again.7

He gasped in fear; looking down at him was a smiling little girl, covered in splashes blood. She peered down at him cheerfully, holding a large knife over his head.8

“Hello,” she grinned toothily, as darkness overcame his senses.9