The aging rocking chair cracked and moaned as Mr. Banks sat his large and sizable frame into it after placing another piece of oak into the fireplace. A man of eighty-seven years had seen more than his share of loss in his days on earth. He moved his cold feet closer to the fire and remember when his life was quite different. He had married his high school sweetheart at eighteen and began a life that was straight out of fairy tales. Sure he'd missed the birth of his son while serving his country but Mary's letters painted such a wonderful picture of things that he could almost forgot the jungle he was in had death behind every turn. He knew with every ounce of his being that he would indeed play catch with his son and take advantage of every moment to remind Mary of just how much he loved her. When he got off the plane the first thing he saw was his Darling Mary and his son, who was now waking with no issues. Oh how grand life was! At that instant Mr. Banks forgot all the deeds he begged God to forgive him for as it was either a them or him choice to be made. Life was new and the past was the past. Soon Mary, Henry, and young Henry, began their new life and the dream. They bought a nice home with a big yard and even had the white picket fence they had once joked about having. He started his own real estate business and Mary was making a name for herself in the local PTA and garden club. Soon he was a deacon at the church they attended and Mary taught an Sunday school class. Mr Banks had long since got into the habit of pinching himself when he awoke each day to make sure it wasn't all just a dream. Some of his friends use to chide him about the marks on his arm being made by Mary, but he took it all in stride as he knew the were self-inflicted.
Time went on at a mad pace of delight and business and soon they were caught in the cycle of life that we all find ourselves in. Both had been too busy to see the darkness that was engulfing young Henry Jr as he was well into his teen years. Sure they knew he was sneaking out for a smoke but Mr. Banks seen to reason to yell at the young man since he too had smoked before him all his life. Drugs were unheard of in the "Rockwell" like town and no good citizen would sell a child the devils drink. Henry's mood became darker and the once talkative young man would now just set and stare at nothing for what seemed like hours. No longer did he want to play with the other kids or go fishing with Mr. Banks as they'd spent many Saturday's past. Soon they would hear the floor creek in the hall in the daylight hours and seen young Henry slowing moving toward his bedroom. When as about this Henry would become agitated and grumble about he knew of no law against going to the bathroom in ones own house. Indeed there wasn't but why did he feel the need to be completely dressed for a journey of ten yards? Mr. Banks had spoken to a Doctor friend about young Henry, and the Doctor had assured Mr. Banks that it sounded like noting more than teenage growing pains and he was sure it would pass
. Mr Banks thought he heard something near the door but soon told himself it was just the wind on such a windy evening. As much as he tried to bypass the next memories it was not to be. Mr Bank's remember the newspaper that would soon turn his word to a dark abyss that seem no escape from. The headlines told the story of a manhunt for a 4 year old blonde girl from the other side of town. The screen in the window had been cut and the girl was gone without a trace. The Odd thing was when he told Mary at the breakfast table of the news that young Henry started laughing to the point of tears. Seeing not the humor in the events, Mr Banks demanded to know the reason behind it. "Sorry, I just remember a joke I heard." He told his father as the smile left his face and the stare came home once more. Mr banks was in his office later that day when a State Police Officer entered his small office. "Mr Banks, may I ask you a question?" The man said while showing no emotion at all. Mr's bank though noting of it since people came to his office often in search of someone. He lay his paperwork aside and nodded that he could. " By any chance to you know this item?" The officer ask handing him a open knife sealed in a bag. Mr Bank's was thankful to be setting at that moment because the bag contained a bloody hunting knife that was inscribed "Happy 16th Henry Jr" Of course he knew the knife! He also knew the price and the place of purchase, since it had been less than a year.
"Has something happened to my son?" Mr Banks stuttered as the tears began to flow. " I just need to ask him some questions, Mr Banks, so if you'd come with me, it would be a big help." The officer said as he held opened the door and motioned toward the door. Somehow Mr Banks made it from behind his desk and into the patrol car before the young officer. As they began to drive toward the Banks home, the officer began to paint the most horrid of sites. The missing girls body had been found on a rock and her heart had been removed and was missing. Various symbols of reference's to Satan had been painted in the area using the victims blood. A hunter had found the grisly scene by happenstance and had ran to a homestead and called the police. The knife had been found at the scene. " No way my boy no way!" Mr. Banks said as they rounded the last corner and pulled into the driveway of the Banks home. Mr Banks hurried from the car in such haste that the door standing open had not struck him as odd. He fell to his knees as he found his darling Mary, sitting rocking in the living room floor, laughing with a glazed look in her eyes and blood on her face. There's no way of knowing how long she had set there but there were mounds of her hair pulled out and thrown all around her. She never seemed to notice Mr banks or the officer before her. She just continued to rock and pull hair out by the hand full and toss it to the wind. Mr. Banks threw his arms around his wife as to try to bring comfort but Mary's manner changed not. The officer we through the house and lastly checked the upstairs. It was there the he found the body of young Henry. Henry had cut his own wrists with a razor and had left a note saying he was going to take his rightful throne beside his dark lord. The young girls heard was found in his coat pocket cut into several pieces. The days ahead grew even darker for Mr Banks as the town's folk looked and whispered behind his back that he was the one who brought the devil to their village. Doctors told him that Mary was insane and no hope of recovery besides an Act of God could be wished for. Three years later Mary passed away in her sleep without ever being the love of his life once more. It was then that Mr. Banks had become a recluse in his own him, only to venture out when one must. He had lost all track of time and not took time to notice the storm that was traveling headlong into the valley. Suddenly a loud bust of thunder pulled Mr. Banks from the horrors of the past and the front door sprang open with a large gust of wind. He struggled to rise from his chair to close the door and that's when the smell hit it. Such an odd smell as it was the smell of burning and the odor of something dead at the same time. "Have you missed me old man?" a voice ask behind him. When he turned to look a figure stood in the door way but no features could be made out. Kids had taunted Mr. Banks ever since the death of his son so he wasn't scared since he'd been dealing with it for years. "You've picked the wrong night for such foolishness!" Mr Banks said while talking hold of a stick of firewood.
The front door shut as if blown closed and the figure stepped forward. Mr Banks dropped the piece of wood and fell back into his chair as his aging knees failed him. "No warm embrace for you son?" the figure said laughing as he came close enough to the fireplace to be seen. It was Henry Jr. Or it looked liked him at least. The creature had the biggest black dog at his side that Mr. Banks had ever seen, and the eyes of this phantom matched the dogs, both being black as coal. He wore a long black cloak that he saw maggots fall out of what seem to be pockets. It then smiled and Mr. Banks saw teeth that no human could ever possess. W.......What are you?" Mr. Banks ask as the foul smelling creature leaned forward and licked his cheek. "You called me son once upon a time you silly old coot. And you made the whore you married call me that too." It said as it became enraged. " I was NEVER yours you old fool!" It said as it slapped Mr. Banks in the face. " what happen to you son?" Mr Banks ask while wringing his hands. It was at that that the creature let out a growl so loud that pictures flew off the wall. " Say that once more and I'll have my way with you in hell before the dawn!" It said while contorting it's hands into un-human shapes and fire flew from the claws at the ends of the fingers. "This is a special day for us or have you forgotten?" It ask as it cut Mr. Banks cheek with a nail. At this moment it dawned to Mr Banks. No wonder it was on his mind. He'd not noticed that this was the day his life came to an end. " I've come to offer you a deal." It said as it threw an arm around Mr. Banks and sat in his lap. "You took everything from me years ago so what have you to offer devil!" Mr. Banks said through clinched teeth. It then placed a hand around Mr. Banks throat so tight that he thought his eyes would burst. " Simple really. I have the power to give it all back to you. Your stupid little house and business, even that slut of a creature you called a wife. It can all be your's once more." It said as it blew him a kiss. "This cannot be!" You haven't the power!" Mr Banks shouted. When it rose to it's feet and stomped. it was then he noticed the hoofs where feet once was. Plaster fell from the roof, a crack went up the wall, and fire flew from the outlets in the house. " Do not test me old man as I've power that your God lies when he claims he has! It paused and straightened it cloak and took a breath.
"Must you upset me or our special day seeing as how I've even come bearing gifts?" It said as it pulled up a chair in front of Mr. Banks. "You see...ahem, father, I knew that all you had was mine except that faith that you proclaimed and clung to so tightly. Just like that silly child that helped me to cross over." But I taught you the truth..." Mr Banks said as looked directly in it's dead eyes. " It then pointed a finger and a flame hit the wall directly in from of them! "Lies! All you taught were lies! It said as it pounded it's fist on the arm of the chair. "Where was this God when your darling Mary went mad when she saw the truth? Neither did he show up in the whimper of the child as well." Now I suppose you will say that He has His ways and that sort of thing, am I right? It said with a smile. I've grown tired of this so I will get to my point." It said as it rubbed the head of the beast at it's side. "Renounce this silly farce and I will give it all back to you for your normal span and then I shall return to take what is mine." It said as it reached a hand toward Mr Banks. He thought that all he longed for would be his again. All the walks on long summer days holding her hand would be his again. It seemed so easy. " It is easy old man," it said as if it was reading his mind. "We've all our paths to choose and some, well, are a bit messy. I've come to make things right, father." It said as it healed the cut in Mr. Banks cheek that it had made. "What is it you book says about hate?" It ask. Just then the doors and all the windows imploded and Mr. Banks threw his arms over his face for protection. It was then that he saw a burst of light that seemed as bright as the noonday sun. "My darling Henry" came a voice that still made him giggle even it his present state. "It cannot be, it simply cannot be!" He said as he feared to look. Just them he felt a warm embrace that held his heart since long ago. As He lowered his arms, before his eyes, stood Mary in a glowing robe and more beautiful than even he remembered. " Go away you bitch! the thing shouted as it rose to it's feet. It then made a quick swipe with it's talon like nails that met nothing but air and left no damage. "It's a trick father!" The thing yelled as it shook Mr. Banks. " We have a deal and he was in the process of shaking on it, tell her father!" It said as it jumped in the air. "Is that really you Mary?" Mr. Banks ask as he through his heart wold burst from joy. " Yes darling it is I, and I've come to take you home." Mary said as she kissed his forehead. "He belongs to me you whore! It said as another swipe done no damage as well! " Our son made his choice dear and we must make your's the correct one." This night love is your last night on earth and he knew it. " Mary said while pointing at the beast now starting to smolder. "You would have been happy but a moment and it would be gone. He's claimed many with such tricks!" "Mary said while making a fist. "I'm burning! Was the last statement it made as it went up in black smoke. "Come Henry, home awaits!" Mary said as she reached her hand toward her beloved Henry. Just as he took her hand, he took his last earthly breath and entered the land of the Eternal as promised so long ago.
Time went on at a mad pace of delight and business and soon they were caught in the cycle of life that we all find ourselves in. Both had been too busy to see the darkness that was engulfing young Henry Jr as he was well into his teen years. Sure they knew he was sneaking out for a smoke but Mr. Banks seen to reason to yell at the young man since he too had smoked before him all his life. Drugs were unheard of in the "Rockwell" like town and no good citizen would sell a child the devils drink. Henry's mood became darker and the once talkative young man would now just set and stare at nothing for what seemed like hours. No longer did he want to play with the other kids or go fishing with Mr. Banks as they'd spent many Saturday's past. Soon they would hear the floor creek in the hall in the daylight hours and seen young Henry slowing moving toward his bedroom. When as about this Henry would become agitated and grumble about he knew of no law against going to the bathroom in ones own house. Indeed there wasn't but why did he feel the need to be completely dressed for a journey of ten yards? Mr. Banks had spoken to a Doctor friend about young Henry, and the Doctor had assured Mr. Banks that it sounded like noting more than teenage growing pains and he was sure it would pass
. Mr Banks thought he heard something near the door but soon told himself it was just the wind on such a windy evening. As much as he tried to bypass the next memories it was not to be. Mr Bank's remember the newspaper that would soon turn his word to a dark abyss that seem no escape from. The headlines told the story of a manhunt for a 4 year old blonde girl from the other side of town. The screen in the window had been cut and the girl was gone without a trace. The Odd thing was when he told Mary at the breakfast table of the news that young Henry started laughing to the point of tears. Seeing not the humor in the events, Mr Banks demanded to know the reason behind it. "Sorry, I just remember a joke I heard." He told his father as the smile left his face and the stare came home once more. Mr banks was in his office later that day when a State Police Officer entered his small office. "Mr Banks, may I ask you a question?" The man said while showing no emotion at all. Mr's bank though noting of it since people came to his office often in search of someone. He lay his paperwork aside and nodded that he could. " By any chance to you know this item?" The officer ask handing him a open knife sealed in a bag. Mr Bank's was thankful to be setting at that moment because the bag contained a bloody hunting knife that was inscribed "Happy 16th Henry Jr" Of course he knew the knife! He also knew the price and the place of purchase, since it had been less than a year.
"Has something happened to my son?" Mr Banks stuttered as the tears began to flow. " I just need to ask him some questions, Mr Banks, so if you'd come with me, it would be a big help." The officer said as he held opened the door and motioned toward the door. Somehow Mr Banks made it from behind his desk and into the patrol car before the young officer. As they began to drive toward the Banks home, the officer began to paint the most horrid of sites. The missing girls body had been found on a rock and her heart had been removed and was missing. Various symbols of reference's to Satan had been painted in the area using the victims blood. A hunter had found the grisly scene by happenstance and had ran to a homestead and called the police. The knife had been found at the scene. " No way my boy no way!" Mr. Banks said as they rounded the last corner and pulled into the driveway of the Banks home. Mr Banks hurried from the car in such haste that the door standing open had not struck him as odd. He fell to his knees as he found his darling Mary, sitting rocking in the living room floor, laughing with a glazed look in her eyes and blood on her face. There's no way of knowing how long she had set there but there were mounds of her hair pulled out and thrown all around her. She never seemed to notice Mr banks or the officer before her. She just continued to rock and pull hair out by the hand full and toss it to the wind. Mr. Banks threw his arms around his wife as to try to bring comfort but Mary's manner changed not. The officer we through the house and lastly checked the upstairs. It was there the he found the body of young Henry. Henry had cut his own wrists with a razor and had left a note saying he was going to take his rightful throne beside his dark lord. The young girls heard was found in his coat pocket cut into several pieces. The days ahead grew even darker for Mr Banks as the town's folk looked and whispered behind his back that he was the one who brought the devil to their village. Doctors told him that Mary was insane and no hope of recovery besides an Act of God could be wished for. Three years later Mary passed away in her sleep without ever being the love of his life once more. It was then that Mr. Banks had become a recluse in his own him, only to venture out when one must. He had lost all track of time and not took time to notice the storm that was traveling headlong into the valley. Suddenly a loud bust of thunder pulled Mr. Banks from the horrors of the past and the front door sprang open with a large gust of wind. He struggled to rise from his chair to close the door and that's when the smell hit it. Such an odd smell as it was the smell of burning and the odor of something dead at the same time. "Have you missed me old man?" a voice ask behind him. When he turned to look a figure stood in the door way but no features could be made out. Kids had taunted Mr. Banks ever since the death of his son so he wasn't scared since he'd been dealing with it for years. "You've picked the wrong night for such foolishness!" Mr Banks said while talking hold of a stick of firewood.
The front door shut as if blown closed and the figure stepped forward. Mr Banks dropped the piece of wood and fell back into his chair as his aging knees failed him. "No warm embrace for you son?" the figure said laughing as he came close enough to the fireplace to be seen. It was Henry Jr. Or it looked liked him at least. The creature had the biggest black dog at his side that Mr. Banks had ever seen, and the eyes of this phantom matched the dogs, both being black as coal. He wore a long black cloak that he saw maggots fall out of what seem to be pockets. It then smiled and Mr. Banks saw teeth that no human could ever possess. W.......What are you?" Mr. Banks ask as the foul smelling creature leaned forward and licked his cheek. "You called me son once upon a time you silly old coot. And you made the whore you married call me that too." It said as it became enraged. " I was NEVER yours you old fool!" It said as it slapped Mr. Banks in the face. " what happen to you son?" Mr Banks ask while wringing his hands. It was at that that the creature let out a growl so loud that pictures flew off the wall. " Say that once more and I'll have my way with you in hell before the dawn!" It said while contorting it's hands into un-human shapes and fire flew from the claws at the ends of the fingers. "This is a special day for us or have you forgotten?" It ask as it cut Mr. Banks cheek with a nail. At this moment it dawned to Mr Banks. No wonder it was on his mind. He'd not noticed that this was the day his life came to an end. " I've come to offer you a deal." It said as it threw an arm around Mr. Banks and sat in his lap. "You took everything from me years ago so what have you to offer devil!" Mr. Banks said through clinched teeth. It then placed a hand around Mr. Banks throat so tight that he thought his eyes would burst. " Simple really. I have the power to give it all back to you. Your stupid little house and business, even that slut of a creature you called a wife. It can all be your's once more." It said as it blew him a kiss. "This cannot be!" You haven't the power!" Mr Banks shouted. When it rose to it's feet and stomped. it was then he noticed the hoofs where feet once was. Plaster fell from the roof, a crack went up the wall, and fire flew from the outlets in the house. " Do not test me old man as I've power that your God lies when he claims he has! It paused and straightened it cloak and took a breath.
"Must you upset me or our special day seeing as how I've even come bearing gifts?" It said as it pulled up a chair in front of Mr. Banks. "You see...ahem, father, I knew that all you had was mine except that faith that you proclaimed and clung to so tightly. Just like that silly child that helped me to cross over." But I taught you the truth..." Mr Banks said as looked directly in it's dead eyes. " It then pointed a finger and a flame hit the wall directly in from of them! "Lies! All you taught were lies! It said as it pounded it's fist on the arm of the chair. "Where was this God when your darling Mary went mad when she saw the truth? Neither did he show up in the whimper of the child as well." Now I suppose you will say that He has His ways and that sort of thing, am I right? It said with a smile. I've grown tired of this so I will get to my point." It said as it rubbed the head of the beast at it's side. "Renounce this silly farce and I will give it all back to you for your normal span and then I shall return to take what is mine." It said as it reached a hand toward Mr Banks. He thought that all he longed for would be his again. All the walks on long summer days holding her hand would be his again. It seemed so easy. " It is easy old man," it said as if it was reading his mind. "We've all our paths to choose and some, well, are a bit messy. I've come to make things right, father." It said as it healed the cut in Mr. Banks cheek that it had made. "What is it you book says about hate?" It ask. Just then the doors and all the windows imploded and Mr. Banks threw his arms over his face for protection. It was then that he saw a burst of light that seemed as bright as the noonday sun. "My darling Henry" came a voice that still made him giggle even it his present state. "It cannot be, it simply cannot be!" He said as he feared to look. Just them he felt a warm embrace that held his heart since long ago. As He lowered his arms, before his eyes, stood Mary in a glowing robe and more beautiful than even he remembered. " Go away you bitch! the thing shouted as it rose to it's feet. It then made a quick swipe with it's talon like nails that met nothing but air and left no damage. "It's a trick father!" The thing yelled as it shook Mr. Banks. " We have a deal and he was in the process of shaking on it, tell her father!" It said as it jumped in the air. "Is that really you Mary?" Mr. Banks ask as he through his heart wold burst from joy. " Yes darling it is I, and I've come to take you home." Mary said as she kissed his forehead. "He belongs to me you whore! It said as another swipe done no damage as well! " Our son made his choice dear and we must make your's the correct one." This night love is your last night on earth and he knew it. " Mary said while pointing at the beast now starting to smolder. "You would have been happy but a moment and it would be gone. He's claimed many with such tricks!" "Mary said while making a fist. "I'm burning! Was the last statement it made as it went up in black smoke. "Come Henry, home awaits!" Mary said as she reached her hand toward her beloved Henry. Just as he took her hand, he took his last earthly breath and entered the land of the Eternal as promised so long ago.
No comments:
Post a Comment