Patches - A Short Story

            It hadn’t rained for months; the rivers and lakes were dry and the land was parched. The trees were looking haggard and naked without leaves. Many of the farm animals died of dehydration and Silver city was almost a graveyard. Many of the farmers and villagers had abandoned their lands and moved out… Everyone except Mystique and her two brothers along with their farm animals stayed back.

            One blistering hot night, Gordon couldn’t fall asleep and came down for a nightcap. He heard strange rustling sounds and the wind was gently howling. He heard bending and crackling sounds of twigs and straws in the cornfields. He gently peered through the kitchen window and beads of sweat trickled down his temples as his heart pounded in fear. He gasped in horror as he saw Patches, their scarecrow, twitching and stretching itself as if it was coming to life.

            Just then, its black beady eyes rolled like giant globes in the dark and Gordon knew that Patches was looking straight at him. He yanked out the stick that was restraining him in the air and flung it towards the house angrily. He started marching towards the front door.

            Gordon raced upstairs. He was frantic. He yelled out Mystique and Richard’s names whilst he looked under his bed for the sniper.

            Half asleep, Mystique and Richard followed Gordon down the stairs. Gordon didn’t have to say anything as Patches was almost halfway through the door, ripping it with his straw hands. They tried to get out through the back door.

            “Stop! It’s pointless guys. Look…” Mystique pointed towards their farm animals. They were all bulldozing their way into the backyard. They were in a trance-like state. Richard’s mouth dropped open as Patches grabbed him away from the others. In a split second, Richard lay on the floor lifelessly.

            Mystique and Gordon watched helplessly as their brother died and stood there motionless as Patches gently waltzed towards them…