After my eyes recovered from the sudden flash I see a parked car---my friend! It was Joseph (see Everything Is Alive Pt. 2).
W-what just happened? I asked him still looking behind my back and out of breath.
What do you mean? Joesph asked.
I thought you ch-changed...back there. It looked like you transfor----
Don't be crazy, he said get in. I've been looking for you.
We drove for about half an hour or so until he parked in front of my house. I got out and looked through the open car window.
You sure you're okay? he asked me.
I...think so. I'm still not really sure what happened. I didn't really ask him many questions during the car ride home.
Yeah well get some rest, okay? he told me as he put the car in drive.
I slightly waved at him as he drove off into the night.
I have to find out what happened. Something did happen didn't it? I couldn't have imagined that. As much as I wanted to believe it I saw what I saw. Joseph transformed into a...well I'm not really too sure what it was to be honest. A strange-looking beast of sorts.
I walked to my front door. Locked. Of course.
Sometimes my mom forgets to leave the door unlocked when I'm out a little late. I wonder if she's worried?
Mother problems aside, I creeped around the side of my house----luckily I leave my window unlocked if something like this happens.
As I opened the window I saw my room----totally trashed! What happened here??
After clumsily climbing through the opening I saw that things were all over my floor; drawers were opened, bed unmade---well that's not necessarily unusual----pictures strewn everywhere...
It'd have to have been my brother, Max. I'm going to kill him! I opened my door and headed for his room. I didn't even bother knocking----don't care right now---and went straight in.
The light was on but he wasn't there...M-Max? He hardly ever leaves his room unless it's to mess with mine. I quickly went to my parents' room. Peeking in, I tried to see if they were sleeping. It was too dark to notice so I tip-toed quietly toward their bed but found no body-lumps to speak of.
Where could they have gone?
I ran to the living room, everywhere near pitch-black in lightness. I almost tripped on a few things before I saw it---a note. A note laying on the coffee table. After fumbling with the switch I turned on the light and read it:
We have your family.
My heart felt like it stopped. This can't be happening, this can't be happening!
Stop! Do not fear, they are incredibly safe. For now. Follow these instructions and everything might turn out as well as you could hope for.
I continued to read. There was a whole page full of directions----directions to get my family back.
To be continued...
