Chapter Three
Evelyn hummed to herself as she nipped home. The night was brewing, she had about thirty minutes or so to reach home so she didn't have to worry about getting caught in the curfew. She didn't understand why there was such a rule in the first place. Curfew begins at 7 in the evening and ends at 5 the next day, which is unreasonable because that is the most appropriate time for a cool and peaceful environment. It seems like the mayor had deprived the townspeople of that as well. It's always so nice and quiet during the curfew, she always thought about what it would be like to venture out into the cool night. But of course, she never had enough courage, the fear of getting caught always haunts her.
As she walked home, she noticed that no one was on the streets. All the usual vendors had retired, not even a dog was in sight. Has time somehow managed to skip? Or had she miscalculated the time? She hurried her steps, feet smacking on the pavement below. She clutched her satchel tightly, hoping it would make her feel more comfortable. She even thought she heard something behind her, but when she glanced back there was nothing but her shadow. She must have heard her footsteps, she sprung around and began walking faster. The faster she walked, the louder she heard footsteps behind her. The contorted noise of her harsh breathing scared her into running. Suddenly, she heard shackles heading in her direction. Not knowing what to do, she ran into a corner and sat down. Her heart pound against her ribcage as she waited for whatever it was it was to pass. The clanking sound approached faster and stopped right where she sat. Was this the bad everyone feared? No, it was normal. Evelyn herself further in the dark, she peeped out only to see General McCullough and a few horsemen searching around the area. What was he doing here? Was there some sort of change to the curfew she didn't know about?
General McCullough looked around the area, his head high in the air and his mustache flying. General McCullough was a handsome fellow, his masculine physique was in the dreams of the town's women. He had long golden hair and beautiful tan skin, it was a shame that his work had ruined his reputation. He wasn't necessarily mean nor nice— he was there to do the mayor's bidding. Evelyn subconsciously pitied him.
Her breath hitched when he turned and looked in her direction, her head tucked in fear. Please, Lord, don't let them find me, she silently prayed. I don't want to spend a night in a dungeon somewhere. That was the penalty for not abiding by the curfew law. As simple as it sounds, it was not. It was not a normal dungeon, no it was a dungeon filled with rats, sewage water, and bones of the dead—all the misery of the unknown. Relief flooded through her body as his horse kicked, neighed, and rode off into the night. Evelyn Placed a hand on where her heart is and sighed, that was a close call. Flo would surely faint if she knew that her precious child had spent the night in a rotten dungeon, that was something she would never want to see.
She stood up and peeked her head into the streets. They were gone. She sprinted home. As she went into the house, she pressed her back against the door, catching her breath.
''Evelyn?''
Her mom's voice startled her. ''Mom, you frightened me.'' There stood Flo, absently standing in the kitchen doorway. Her hair was tied down with a cloth and she had a small lit candle in her hand. She had on the clothes she normally wore to bed.
''Oh, thank god you made it home safe,'' Flo said, her voice filled with worry.
''I'm done mum, is there some sort of change to the curfew rule I didn't know about?''
''Yes, it was announced earlier while you were away. I wanted to come and tell you but it was already too late.''
''It's ok, I'm fine.'' Evelyn Didn't forget to mention that she was almost caught, she didn't want to tell Flo. Flo is always worried about her, and she always overreacts.
''Where's pa?'' She questioned, was he not home?
''He's asleep, it's been a long day. Your dinner is on the stove, get some rest .'' Flo announced before walking away.
Evelyn quickly ate her supper and went to bed. She cuddled up in her small but cozy bed, the window was wide open and the moon shone inside. She wondered if Luke had made it home safe. She hates to think something happened to him. Her thoughts were cut off by the sound of howling—so loud, so fearful that it made a jolt of chill run down her spine. Nervously, she plodded over to the window, cautiously. She never heard something so breathtakingly frightening, it was like a rabid animal in pain. After she closed the window, she went to her bed. Before she closed her eyes to sleep, she remembered the moon shining brightly outside—A full moon.