Prisonic Fairytale

Prisonic Fairytale1

Written by and starring AJ PEASLEE2

“You ever notice how much the town in this movie is like ours?” I asked while wrapping my arms above Grace’s breasts. 3

She let out a laugh and turned her head toward me. Grace was as angel’s name and she was certainly mine. I wouldn’t lie about her physical attractiveness, and besides, it really is in the eye of the beholder. But to me, her fiery red hair caught the sun more than flowers. Her green eyes rivaled an emerald’s radiance. Her figure was a cousin between curvaceous and petite. Her smile’s potency was enough to freeze you and say “She is wonderful.”4

Were we sprawled out on my white couch; she had been lying in front of me with her torso rested upon my chest. While holding her and watching the movie Jaws on the television, I had kept making comments about it. After laughing at the last, she responded. 5

“Yes I do. Like it says in the movie, if it weren’t for the summer dinks this town would shut down.” Grace lightly chuckled.6

As the screen changed and flashed colors I bent my head down. I pecked at her neck, trying to kiss ever so tenderly. She raised her arm up and rubbed my hair to let me know she liked it. After I lifted my head back and rested it on her shoulder, my eyes focused back on the screen. 7

“Remember the time we first met?” Grace curiously asked.8

=============9

I did remember. 10

It was roughly four years ago. I was nineteen and she was two years older. I wanted the mirror effect: My love would be equally reflected back.11

It was during the Homecoming campfire at high school. I was a senior at the time and Grace had already graduated. But, by Fate, karma or whatever have you, she decided to come anyway. I kept seeing her drift around the football field, her face coming and going like the fire’s sparks. It took my friend Ryan to get me to talk to her and to get the nerve to say something. Despite the fact that I loved to write, I couldn’t find the words then. 12

“My name is Grace. I was wondering would you would come over and say something.”13

These were the first things she said to me, and I was instantly relieved. We talked most of the night, about our habits, our goals, our dreams. It was one of the most pleasant conversations I ever had, and the best part was, a week later I was having them all the time. 14

============15

“You know what star that is?” I asked while pointing toward the starry sky. 16

“No, which one is that?” Grace replied as she pressed herself closer. 17

“It’s called Betlegeuse. It’s bigger than our sun, but you would never know since it is so far away.”18

We were sitting on the black shingled roof of my old house, starring at the night sky above. I thought it would be romantic to go star gazing after we ate dinner on a date. I had told Grace I would be her “Guide to the Universe.” We had been seeing each other for over a year and everyday I was growing more attached to her. I sensed the same feeling every time I looked into her eyes.19

I held her close and pointed to various stars and other things I knew, telling her the name or asking if she knew it. We saw a total of three shooting stars the night. I just loved having her resting against me; I loved the warmth she emitted.20

“See that one?” I questioned, pointing to a dimly red dot.21

“That is a plane.” Grace remarked. 22

“Oh….” Where were you there Mr. Cosmonaut?23

We laughed for a moment after that, poking fun at my mistake. As the night grew late, she was getting ready to head home. The time felt right.24

“I have one last thing to point out one last thing.” I stated while we stood up.25

“What is it?” Grace asked with that wonderful smile. 26

“I don’t know if you had happened to notice, but there is one lying on the roof here….” I knelt down and reached for a ring. 27

I placed part of it under one of the shingles, allowing the opal to shimmer under the moon. Her expression told me she had no idea what I was talking about or what I was picking up. I held my place with one knee as I stared up at her with the ring. Though it was pure white from the moon, I knew she was on the verge of laughing and crying at once.28

“Would you be willing to accept this star as a bond of marriage?”29

=============30

“Well, do you?” Grace poked at me with a smirk.31

“Yeah, it was at the Homecoming fire. You were wearing your graduation jacket and blue jeans. I was wearing a black shirt and cargos. You looked lovely then, and still do.” I smiled lavishly.32

We continued to watch the televison. By this point, the massive white shark tore the dock down with the two men on it after taking the potroast they used as bait.33

“That is so you and Ryan.” Grace pointed at the screen.34

“Yeah, but Andy would have been dragged along.” I added with amusement.35

Grace lifted herself up and shifted around to face me. Her face was inches from my own, and I had been captivated by those green eyes. I rubbed my hands gently down her hips and toward her buttocks as she slid her hand back and forth on my chest in waves of tingles.36

“I never want to lose you, no matter what comes.” Grace gave me a sentimental look.37

“And I you.” I replied while leaning in for a kiss. 38

Our lips connected in a surge of passion, a surge that only seemed to grow as the months went on. Saying I loved her was an understatement. The kiss started slow and clam, gaining speed and intensity like a flame. I was ignoring my surroundings, until a blaring sound disturbed my ears.39

Why is every time you have a moment with your lover, you’re in the middle of something or trying to concentrate on work, a phone needs to be answered? Always.40

Before I even fully realized it was the phone ringing, Grace had gone to the kitchen. I could vaguely hear her talking, but judging by the tone of her voice it couldn’t have been too serious. I gave the clock a glance: 7: 45 at night.41

I recollected myself as I took a sip from my Coke, relaxing myself to watch the movie again. Though my eyes were settled on the screen’s action, my mind wasn’t. I was thinking about what I would do tomorrow while Grace worked. It was my day off and I wanted something to do. I was in the middle of a novel, not my first but my most precious at the moment. I had hoped to have it published and I was on a bit of a deadline. The other things that needed to be done included fixing one of the porch steps and whipping something up for dinner. I certainly wasn’t a master chief, but I knew a thing or two.42

I heard Grace’s footsteps coming toward me, and the sound of her jingling keys made my eyebrow rise. 43

“That was mom. Her eye prescription didn’t arrive in the mail, so I am going to go straight to the pharmacy to get it for her.” Grace explained while slipping her coat on.44

Grace’s mother had Multiple Sclerosis, and as such she could barely walk. Just trying to stand in place was a struggle for her. She had her neighbor Mr. Carver get the mail and other things for her if one of us didn’t. She relied on prescription eye drops to relieve her strained and aching eyes. At least the pharmacy here stayed open until nearly nine, and he already had some other medications. I always felt a deep sense of pity for that woman.45

“Why didn’t she call sooner? I could have gotten it.” I wondered.46

“She waited most of the day until Mr. Carver got out of work. It should only take a few minutes to get that done. Why don’t you make up some popcorn and we can watch another movie when I get back?” Grace stated while planting a kiss. 47

“Alright, love you babe.” I said, even though she wouldn’t be gone long. 48

How wrong I was.49

==============50

Smoke heaved outward from my mouth and languidly vanished into the cool night air. I was the only smoker in this relationship and refused to smoke indoors. I was trying to kick the habit, and amazingly, I was starting to lower my count total.51

I was sitting on the deck of the porch, overlooking the forest that surrounded the log style cabin. It wasn’t in the middle of nowhere in Maine, but it was a short drive into the woods from the rest of town. I liked the peace and quiet, so my father and friends helped me build this place. 52

I was brushing my ruffled brown hair back as I inhaled another breath of smoke. Upon release, I rubbed my face and knew that there was something else to do tomorrow: shave. I hated how it was every other day.53

The other thing I felt was a patch without hair on my eyebrow. I had already known what it was, a scar from childhood. I had fallen and smashed my forehead on a table’s edge. I don’t remember it, but I was told I cried for a millisecond and passed out. Ever since then, that spot has never grown hair. 54

I stopped reminiscing and squashed the cigarette in a nearby ash tray. I had yawned while opening the door and entered the house. I walked through the kitchen and peered at the clock: 9: 47. Well over an hour. Maybe Grace was talking with her mother, or perhaps something came up. Whatever it was, I was worried, but disregarded it at that moment. I told myself it was probably just my nerves.55

I passed through the kitchen’s green countertops, wooden cupboards and black appliances. Most of the house was of wood, namely because it was a log cabin in a sense. 56

A bowl of half eaten popcorn was on the coffee table in front of the television. I stopped gorging on it when I noticed how much was gone. I sat down on the couch once more, but not even a minute had gone by and I was up again. I was pacing around the room, still worried about Grace. The drive to the pharmacy only took roughly ten minutes and the drive from there to her mother’s even shorter. She should have been back within an hour. It wasn’t like her to be late. 57

It sounds ridiculous to get worked up over it, but she was my wife, I loved her more than I could ever convey and I didn’t want anything to happen to her. I reached for the cordless phone near the fridge in the kitchen and started to dial her cell phone. 58

Ring.59

Ring.60

Ring.61

“Hey, you have reached Grace Peas….”62

Damn, voice mail. Grace, what was going on? Could there have been an accident? 63

The message cuts away for a moment, filling with the sound of a connection. 64

“Is that you AJ?” Grace answered and asked.65

“Yeah, I was wondering what you were doing. I was worried since it seemed to be taking awhile….” I stated with a sigh of relief. 66

“Oh, I got held up at the pharmacy for one thing. And I am going to stay the night here with her, she is has been having trouble sleeping because of her legs, back and eyes. I am going to take the day off from work so I can run her over to the Hospital to get checked out.” Grace explained. 67

Something was a bit off. Her tone was different, her voice a little deeper. Maybe she was just stressed. 68

“Oh, okay. Tell her I hope she feels better. Sorry I got so worked up over things…” I replied while shaking my head.69

“It’s fine. I’ll be back something in the late morning to early afternoon. I’ll see you then babe.” Grace blew a kiss into the phone.70

“Alright, I love you and kisses back. See you in the morning.” I ended the call with a much needed weight removed.71

With the reassurance that she was alright, I decided to go to bed. I walked through the kitchen and down the hallway that lead to the bedroom, study and bathroom. Our bedroom was a decent size. It was made up of magenta carpeting and wooden stain finished wall panels. A queen size bed, matching cedar dressers, a big mirror and a large closet full of clothes made up the biggest part of the room. I stripped down to my boxers and sat on my side of the bed. Even though Grace wasn’t here, it would have felt odd to lie on her side. I lifted up the blue comforter and stretched out on my back, feeling my muscles settle in thanks. It wasn’t long before I fell asleep, but I was surprised I did so easily. Even though I knew Grace was fine and with her mother, I couldn’t kick the cold feeling in my chest. 72

============73

It was 7:46 the next day and I rose early, despite knowing it was my day off. I wanted to get things done. I stood up in a state of bed head and dreariness as I slipped some clothes on. 74

Coffee sounds good. The hell with shaving and fixing my hair at the moment. It can wait. 75

I walked back out into the kitchen and took in the morning’s white light. The sounds of birds singing and the quieting of the crickets were a welcome chorus. I turned the coffee machine on, hearing it start up with a sputter. 76

I felt my lower abdomen recoil and warn me that I needed to go to the bathroom. Complying, I heading toward the bathroom. I turned the light on and was somewhat blinded by the pure white tiling as the door closed behind me. I stood in front of the toilet and feel the pressure in my side start to fade. I let out a quiver as I finished up and washed my hands. I heard a shifting noise and became startled. Could it be Grace? How did she go through the kitchen without a sound?77

I came out of the bathroom with a quickened pace and a light grin of anticipation as I peered into the kitchen and living room. 78

No Grace. There was nobody but myself. I had heard something, or perhaps I thought I did. I shook my head and decided that some early morning brew would help push me out of the dream world. I lifted the pot up and poured it into a generic white mug. I sat down at the counter and blew on the black liquid. I continued until I felt it safe for my taste buds, and took a much needed sip. As it went down my throat, I noticed it tasted a little bitter. It shouldn’t have been, the grounds were new and the coffee appeared normal. I continued to drink off it regardless, slugging it down and pretending it was tasty. 79

After I finished it I washed it out and prepared for the coming day. I was craving a cigarette and since I had to fix the porch’s third step, I would be outdoors anyway. I sprinted to the living room and grabbed the smokes off the table with my lighter, but as I did I paused for a moment. 80

Whoa, that was unnerving. My heart just skipped a beat. 81

My chest felt like it was floating and yet, heavy in some unexplainable combination. I tried to calm my breathing by taking long breaths. I think it jumped me more than anything, but….82

Jesus! My head! It throbs as if it were liquid. My eyes seem like they are going to burst from the pressure. 83

I fell in a mass of dead weight, unable to brace myself since my arms were rigidly wrapped around my skull. It hurt like nothing before. If a migraine was severe, this was the forgotten big brother that had a temper. I wasn’t able to open my eyes; the pain is being so intense. My stomach feels like it if filled with rocks, my head is of anguish, my heart bounces and seems determined to break the chains holding it in place.84

What the fuck was wrong with me? 85

It was like being kicked in the head by a relentless assaulter. My vision moved inward and outward in a vortex whenever I opened my eyes. The once insignificant ticking of the clock became a drawl booming and the world around me darkened. The misery began to subside and I was glad for it, but quickly went back to unease once I noticed the shape my home was in.86

The furniture, doors, windows, everything of that sort remained the same. But there was no color to speak of; it was like watching a black and white movie. The light outside was gone, replaced by an endless sheet of darkness. No sounds came to my ears either. It was as if the world had frozen before me. 87

A flash filled the left side of the room and I looked to see that the computer monitor had come on. I hesitaintly walked to over while my eyes bounced all around the room. It was just pure white, nothing else. But once I started to move away, a series of words appeared.88

G is for Gone.89

R is for Ravage.90

A is for Astray.91

C is for Consternation. 92

E is for Effusion.93

What the hell?94

My mind was pulled away due to a bizarre sound coming from the kitchen. As I gained more ground it grew louder. It was labored breathing, somewhat nasally heaving. Of all places, it was coming from the floor….underneath a vent cover. I peered down into it but saw nothing. I remembered that I had grabbed the lighter so I flicked it on and held it near. My eyes were still null to what was down there, so I pulled the covering off to get closer. My chest seemed to bounce from my heart’s quavering as I held my face against the hole. The flame from the lighter revealed a compressed and bent body of pale and red skin. I let out a gasp and fell backward with scrambling hands of panic. 95

Before I could understand what was going on, above where the ceiling fan should have been in the living room began to drip. The ceiling itself was melting, hitting the floor in white drops. A large bubble began to materialize, creating the shape of a person. Despite gravity, it dropped gradually until the feet touched the floor. It was a being of pure white matter, but the screech it created told me it wasn’t peaceable. It came toward me without eyes or even a nose. Its mouth would open in a gapping hole of dripping paint. I slid to my feet and pulled myself up with the countertop, running for the bathroom in a mad haste. The slimy footsteps of the creature were close behind as I slammed the door and turned toward the window. I ran toward it, not even noticing that the faucet was spewing water that had covered the floor. My feet lost their grip and I flew into the air for a brief moment as my head crashed into the tub’s side. The last thing I remember was the brief moment of pain that came before everything got dark.96

============97

Though my eyes were shut, the brightness of the day shone through the skin. I opened and closed them in an instant; the sunlight was too strong. That and my head hurt like hell. I touched above my brow and my fingers rolled over a sore lump. I jumped up quickly and remembered the creature from before. But when I looked toward the entrance to the room the door was wide open and everything look normal. I walked out in a daze of confusion and pain, wondering just what in the hell happened to me. 98

It couldn’t have been a dream. The bump on the head confirms that. How long had I been out?99

The clock told me that it was five hours later. Evidence in the kitchen sink further proved that what took place was not a dream. The mug I had drunk coffee out of was in it. Upon that notion, I checked my pockets for the cigarettes….and there they were. My sight then looked down at the vent where my lighter was. I bent down to get it and peered down the vent hole with caution. There was nothing but dust bunnies and dirt. Thank Christ.100

Was something wrong with my brain? Did I have some kind of disease, tumor or…?101

The morbid landscape that had been my home shook me to the core. It was like it was real and yet, not. I decided the best thing to do would be to see a doctor within the next few days, especially if it happened again. Then the thought I had nearly forgotten came to the front.102

Grace still wasn’t home. 103

I picked up the phone once more and dialed her cell. This time it went straight to voice mail. My worries getting to me, and wanting to get away from the house, I walked outside and down the porch to my jeep. 104

I turned the key and let it rumble for a moment before I backed out and away from the driveway. I sped up the dirt road, leaving a cloud of dust in my wake. As I came around a sharp and blind curve, another car was coming at me. My arms gripped and pulled the wheel away from the car, nearly hitting its side. I hear the driver yell out what was more than likely something along the lines of “asshole.“105

The accent of the tires change once I hit the main road’s pavement. Grace’s mother’s house was down the road a ways. Most of the ride was a blur; my thoughts were too powerful at the time. Between my episode at the house and Grace not being around, I was flustered. 106

A long yellow house that looked similar to a trailer was my destination. Around the house were lilacs and crab apple trees that make the house look more pleasant. I got out of the jeep and ran up the concrete steps that lead to a brown deck. I knocked and waited for a response and got one. I entered to see Grace’s mother, Sadie sitting at the kitchen table. I gave her a smile and said a hello. She asked me to sit but I stood, telling her I would only be a moment.107

“When did Grace leave?” I asked.108

“What do you mean?” Sadie replied with a quick shake of her head.109

“She told me she stayed her last night. I called her on her cell….”110

“Grace was never here, though she was supposed to be! I was waiting for my medication when Oliver, the head pharmacist came with it. He said Grace had came in and asked for it, but she needed to wait for it to be processed. She never came back for it.”111

“So she wasn’t here at all last night?” 112

“That is right. Why, did something happen?”113

“Get on the phone and notify the police right away! Tell them to meet me at the pharmacy. Something is very wrong!”114

I ran out the door before even explaining myself. I knew Sadie would call them and ask them to speak to me. I had to talk to Oliver and see if he knew anything. I wanted the very idea out of head. 115

Grace was missing.116

I leapt into the jeep, leaving as quickly as I came. I was speeding all the way to the middle of the rural town. The large white building of the pharmacy came into view and I pulled into it. The sliding doors were barely open as I dashed through them, nearly bumping into an elderly man. I said a swift apology as I ran to the back of the store where the pharmacy section was. A man a few years older than me stood behind the counter with a white coat. He looked pleasant enough with his finely combed hair and calm visage. He glanced at me when I approached with gentle eyes.117

“Are you Oliver?” I was quick to the point.118

“No, he is out for the day, I’m Heath. Can I help you?” Heath asked while adjusting his coat.119

“Did you see a woman here last night with red hair, green eyes? Her name is Grace, my wife.” I questioned him.120

“I think I know who you are talking about. She came in last night to get a prescription I believe. Oliver told her it would take a bit to get it together so she walked around the store. We were closing up and Oliver didn’t need me, so I left.” Heath explained while pointing around the store.121

“Damn. Any idea when Oliver will be in?”122

“He has to come in tomorrow. You could try then. Sorry I wasn’t more helpful.” Heath frowned as he looked away.123

I turned around and walked right back out of the store with more questions than answers. When I enter the afternoon air, two policemen in blue walk up to me. I can’t see their eyes thanks to the sunglasses, but I know who they are. Officers Gavin and Blackman, good cops. 124

“I would ask how things have been, but by the sound of Sadie’s voice…” Blackman sighs.125

“Grace is missing. Gone since last night, she was supposed to…”126

“Sadie already told us about that. What else happened?” Gavin cut me off as he pulled out a PDA.127

“Well, before she left we were watching a movie and just spending the evening together. She left to come here for Sadie and that is the last time I saw her.” I stated while rubbing my brow.128

“Has she called you at all?” Blackman asked with an inquiring look.129

“Yes and no. I called her cell last night and she told me she was at Sadie’s. But Sadie said that Grace never showed up.” I threw my hand into the air from frustration.130

“That sounds suspicious but we can try and locate the cellphone. We will also scout around the area for the next few days to see if she turns up.” Gavin elucidated. 131

“Do you have a photo with you?” Blackman pointed toward my pocket.132

“Yeah, in my wallet. Here.” I replied while pulling the small photo out. 133

“We will spread some posters around. In this kind of town, it shouldn’t take long.” Gavin finished writing on the PDA.134

“Please, just find Grace. I am sick with worry and fright. I won‘t rest until I know she is safe.” I looked away with a saddened stare. 135

“We will keep you posted. And AJ, don’t worry too much. I am sure it is nothing serious.” Blackman reassured me. 136

I certainly hope so…..137

I watched them drive away, wondering if I should have mentioned the incident earlier. I was torn between the worry for my wife and myself. I just drifted off into my mind, not caring what people did around me. I stood in that parking lot as the cars went by, the people passed and talked, the dogs barked and world moved. 138

Dear God Help Me.139

=================140

It was night by the time I made it home. I just drove around looking around for Grace with no luck. I even asked some acquaintances but still got the same “no..” I didn’t want to just stand by idily. If I knew there was a chance I may see her, I had to take it. I was in the kitchen gazing out the window. I had all intentions of setting back out the next day to continue the search. 141

The phone rang and I was fast to get it. Officer Blackman was on the line. I took a deep breath of anxiety before I answered.142

“AJ? We have some information. A woman who was walking her dog saw Grace the night she vanished.”143

“What? What did she see?”144

“She stated that Grace was with another man. She described him as portly with brushed back blonde hair, glasses and in casual clothing.”145

“Why would Grace….?”146

“AJ…This is a personal and hard question. Did you get the impression your wife was having an affair?”147

“No, I highly doubt it. This is the only time something like this has happened.”148

“We are looking into this suspect. If you come across him, notify us on the double. We want to question him.”149

“I will do that….”150

I said goodbye and sat on the couch, staring at a photo of Grace. I missed her, but most of all I was nervous. What if something terrible happened? I hated thinking of that, but my mind refused to let it be. Who was this man she was with? Grace would never have cheated, never. So who was he and what did he know? I only pray that she…..151

I had gotten a drink of green tea from the fridge but had not taken a sip yet. I was getting thirsty due to my constant smoking, so I took a heaping gulp. Once more, I found the taste to be odd. I continued to look at Grace’s photograph, my eyes fixated on it. I turned away to take another sip and when I looked back my ears were filled with a scream. 152

Grace’s face was raining blood and I threw it out of disbelief and disgust. My head began to throb again, my eyes felt like they were aflame. I fell to my knees and let out a wail of agony. This time I forced my eyes open and regret that I had. The walls were cracking and breaking away, but the cracks themselves looked like a pulsating vine. The windows were covered over by flesh, the ground beneath me a bloody rust and the doors were faces of open mouths. Portraits on the wall dripped blood and the furniture became outlandish shapes. Scratching noises came out from underneath the floor, and from above, the sound of stomping. 153

Reality had become a nightmare.154

The pain dissolved as quickly as it started. I looked around at this once familiar area that was now a dark image of itself. I trembled as I lessened my pace and took my time surveying everything. I was masking the fear that another creature would appear, and this time I may not escape. 155

I wanted to run outside, but imagined that it would have been far worse. I strayed toward the kitchen with a rapid heartbeat. As I did, I noticed words had been scrawled all over the countertop. It was just words, it was unintelligible. I began to wonder if they were even there at all, or if this was all just my imagination.156

“AJ!”157

“AJ!!”158

“AJ!!!”159

I leapt into the air with alarm; someone was calling my name. It sounded like it was originating from the bedroom. Wide eyed, I followed the raspy voice through the hall to the room, pushing open the now gaping mouth of a door. The room was completely empty….save for the mirror. I was drawn to it, like a trance that forced me. My image was not copying my movements; instead it just stood there staring at me. It just looked at me with this emotion I couldn’t decipher.160

In a swift swoop, it shoved its fingers underneath the eyes and began to pull the skin forward. Muscles began to show along with parts of the bone. I tried to scream but couldn’t force one out. The image began to ravage and tear away at the flesh in a storm of blood until it exploded in an upsurge of tissue and red. 161

Run Goddamnit!162

I was in a state of urgency as I slammed through the hallway, my body weaving around in panic like a confused animal. The door shut behind me and the mouth’s teeth clamped up and down. I ran into the study and saw that the room was empty. My bookshelves were gone along with the desk that I wanted to take cover under. I pressed myself into the corner and cowered like a trepidation filled child. I just wanted it to all go away.163

I stared in horror. The walls began to liquefy and the shapes of heads poked through like the monster from before. They stopped and turned toward me with blank slates for faces. They just glared at me and did nothing more but laugh and giggle at the site of a young man trembling with terror. I grabbed my ears and pleaded with them to stop. 164

As if they had listend, the chortling ceased. I didn’t dare to open my eyes; I didn’t want to know what was going on. I was trying to find a secure place in my head that I could hide in, hide until something killed me. Crickets began to whistle and sing for the night, and I thought it was a ruse. But it continued as I opened my eyes to see that the kitchen light was shining down the hall. Everything was the way it should have been. I was wedged between the large bookshelf and desk that made up most of the room. How was this possible? Even conceivable?165

This can’t be some kind of medical condition. No….this is something else.166

==================167

I refused to sleep. Fuck it, I thought. 168

I was too stricken with worry for Grace to even think about it. And I was petrified to go back to that hell I had visited twice. I waited until the morning came and began to move about more freely. I refused to drink anything other than water. It seemed like the dread started after I drank things that were in the open.169

It was time to find out who this man was. Why was Grace with him, and most importantly, why had she vanished afterward?170

My body was aching from the lack of sleep and food, but my mind was too determined to find out what happened to my wife. I was out of the bedroom, through the kitchen and outside once more. The morning fog clouded most of the surrounding forest and my jeep. I couldn’t help but compare the scenery to how empty and dreary my life was becoming. I jumped back inside and left the house again. I drove through town, my eyes hoping to come upon the person Blackman had described. I knew nobody in the town that looked like that, so I wondered if he was a tourist. If so, I may be too late. 171

The park proved a failure; the sidewalks held nothing and the local bars were still just home to drunkards. I entered the banks, stores and everything else I could think of in hopes of confronting this man. I asked some of the locals and people I knew if they had a seen a man similar to the description. Nothing turned up and I was beginning to feel lost. I stopped at a local restaurant for a coffee and breakfast sandwich to ease my body. I sat outside on a bench and watched people come and go. I wanted that man to show, I wanted to find the bastard. 172

“AJ Peaslee?”173

I looked around for a moment, unsure of who said it. I looked to my right to see a husky man in a midnight green overcoat and nice black pants standing over me. His glasses reflected the sun and his face was a round, dimpled ball. He had a wedding band on his finger and looked like a gentleman overall. 174

“I am the man you have been looking for. Name is Carnby.” Carnby introduced himself with a guileful voice. 175

That sentence sprung me to my feet.176

“You were the last person to see my wife….what happened to her?” I firmly pressed.177

“Come with me and I will explain everything in full detail. Even your walks in the dark plane.” Carnby’s voice cunningly continued. 178

How did he know that? Just who was this man?179

“Is Grace…..alright?” I nearly choked on the words.180

“Just come with me. I offer this unique chance.” Carnby callously replied.181

I couldn’t trust him. He knew too much, and despite his unassuming appearance, there was a grim air about him. I knew if I tried to call the police he would go away and I would never know the truth. I HAD to know…..182

“Fine. Where are we going?”183

“Your home. I assure you, you will be safe.”184

I couldn’t give a damn. Just tell me what happened to my Grace!185

“Get in my jeep.”186

Taking this man, who may have done something terrible to my wife, with me was certainly out of character. But he had all the secret keys to the doors of truth. I was going to be prepared though; I would keep my distance in the house and close to the kitchen knives. If he tried anything it would be his last move. I felt safe in the jeep because if he tried, we would both be in an accident. 187

As we drove down the road back to my home, Carnby began speaking about various things. I was listening, but not responding. I was focused on the road and what may lie in store for me. 188

We pulled into the driveway and I let Carnby exit the vehicle first. I wanted to keep a close on him. I made him enter the house before me and allowed him to sit at the counter. He casually sat there and acted as if this was not unusual. He asked if he could light a cigarette and I allowed it, distrusting him completely. He looked around the home for a moment, and I got the impression he had seen it before. 189

“You are unsure what is causing the world you know to change into something unbelievable. I can tell you what it is.” Carnby blew the smoke through a fiendish grin.190

“Go on.” I replied while keeping my back pressed against the counter. 191

“It is a drug named Dramamine, or Dimenhydrinate. It is a delieriant and a potent form. It induces hallucinations, with the visuals seeming quite real. Many people see monstrosities, hear their names being called or inflict themselves with imaginary wounds.” Carnby pulled out a vial of clear liquid. 192

“Where are you going with this? Did you put…..?” I stopped, realizing I knew the answer.193

“I only wanted you to experience what Grace did.”194

If I am to take that the way I believe I was……195

“…….Is she dead?” My chest tightened as the words drifted into the air. 196

Carnby said nothing and just puffed off his cigarette and I couldn’t believe the way this man was acting. It was as if he was not bothered by his actions, like it was just another habit or day to him. Carnby was licentious the entire duration. There was a deep tension between us and all I knew what that I wanted to attack him. But I did not know if he had a weapon of some kind. I once more thought about trying to phone the police, but how would I get away with it? If I went for the phone, he would either run or kill me. 197

What the hell should I do?198

“If you want to know the full extent of what happened, you will have to take the drug once more.” Carnby rose to his feet as he pulled something from his pocket. 199

“The hell I will. I am not going to play your game anymore.” I retorted, keeping an eye on his hands. 200

Carnby took one final drag of the smoke and inhaled it deeply. Before I even knew he had put it out, he was at the other side of the counter and standing in front of me. He grabbed my shoulders, trying to muscle me down. I resisted with an elbow to the chest that saw my release. I ran for the knife collection and grabbed the butcher knife. I was sharply hit in the back and I dropped it with a groan. A cloth wrapped over my face and was tightly held. It was wet and the fumes were nauseating. I knew what it was, and what was coming as I stopped struggling. It only took a few breaths to induce the chaos once more. 201

===================202

“Welcome home.”203

Carnby had me bound to one of the stools. My arms were wrapped in an extension cord that went over my lap and around the stool’s legs. I tried to fight my way free but I knew it was no good. The kitchen was as it was before, of rust, flesh and blood. Carnby himself has even undergone a sort of transformation. His body was the same, but he was more like a silhouette. Entirely black, except for the round white eyes and gray hands. He was just standing there with a devilish smirk, getting a joy from this twisted series of events. The butcher knife was in his hands. 204

“I saw Grace at the pharmacy. I was sitting in the parking lot waiting for a chance to strike. Her red hair, luscious curves and green eyes were like a rose in a field of wheat. She stood out and that makes her a wonderful chance.” Carnby wickedly explained as he toyed with the knife. 205

“You fucking bastard.” It was all that came to mind. 206

“I am not done yet. I saw her come out of the store and I approached. I acted like I was a lost tourist. I told her that I was looking for the town of Gorham, and that I had a map in my car she could mark. Mistakeningly, she followed and I let her mark the area on the hood of my car. I grabbed her by the mouth and hit her over the head with my baton. I came back to dispose of her vehicle and then the night truly began. She was in the basement of my home for six hours of endless pill and vial feeding. How I wish I could have seen her visions. I even forced her to call you. I must express my gratitude, she was a wonderful actress.” Carnby continued in a perverse tone. 207

I wanted to cry, my eyes wanted to pour out until nothing was left. But the fury in me held it back, and I was in a shamble of emotion. 208

“Why?” I didn’t even think it, it just came. 209

“I wanted to see how far I could go. I wanted to know how diabolical and evil I could be. I am like you: I have a wife. I also have to daughters and a golden retriever. I used to work at that very same pharmacy, and that is where I discovered the wonders of deliriants and dissociatives. All I am doing is giving you the tools to enter the true pits of the mind, the true fear. You get to see a whole new world, one that is of my infernal domain.” Carnby perfidiously pointed out. 210

I kept on trying to wiggle out of the cord. I had loosened it some, but it was still wrapped tightly. I had to act fast; I had to get out of it before he….211

“The hallucinations should wear off soon. But, before they do, I am going to send you to a place where they never end…..”212

Carnby was walking toward me with the butcher knife I had dropped. It seemed larger than it actually was, and I shivered at the thought of what was coming. I expanded my arms and legs to their full strength, hoping that the cord would stretch. Carnby walked over in a sort of dance with the blade, his mouth nearly watering at the idea of my throat being slashed. He was inches from me, and I took my chance. Using my weight, I made the stool tip forward, smashing into Carnby as we both hit the floor. I began to jump and thrash in desperation and the cord was losing its hold. Carnby growled as he reached for the knife and I was finally free from the chair. 213

He picked it up, I was behind him, he turned with it, and I stopped. Our bodies had collided and we were frozen there. I looked into his gleaming white eyes, knowing that the true murderer of my wife was here, not in reality. I glanced down to see the knife was covered in blood that slowly seeped down…..214

From Carnby’s abdomen. 215

His body falls to the floor below in a heavy heap. I back away and slide down the side of the counter, my eyes never looking away from him. Whatever is in him twitches as it leaves, and I curl up into a ball. I weep in mixed tones of anger, sadness and loneliness. Even though this world will fade, the world will be forever gray and I will feel like I am caged in a dream. The light of my life has been stolen, the devil killed my angel, I was trapped and traversed the land of the damned. 216

It was a Prisonic Fairytale.217

THE END…..