Far Horizons: Tales of Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Horror. Issue #21 December 2015 | Page 7

they were in the hallway, Laura grabbed her brother’s
arm desperately. “I’m scared. What should we do?”

afterimage of the monster’s evil grin remained seared
in his brain.

“We better do exactly as it said,” Brian gasped.
He hustled up to the third landing, tossed the game
on the floor in front of 3A, and rang the bell. As fast
as his legs could move he ran back down the stairs,
taking them two at a time. “Okay, that’s done,” he said
breathlessly. “Let’s tell it that we did what it wanted
so we can go home.” He opened the door and strode
through appearing braver than he felt.

#
“Nana, kids, we’re home!” Mrs Klein called
as she entered the abode. “We brought pizza!” When
she got no response, she glanced quizzically at her
husband. “Do you think Nana took them to the store to
buy Halloween candy?”
“She knows better than that. They need to be
home promptly for dinner, and candy gets them all
riled up. Perhaps she got tired of baby sitting and went
for a walk,” Mr Klein replied. “Kids, where are you?”
he boomed. When he also received no response, he
turned left and went into the kids’ bedroom. He stood
there puzzled at finding it empty. A moment later, Mr
Klein heard a small whimper coming from under one
of the two beds. Donning a devilish grin, he crept
silently towards the sound and leaned down. Slowly
he reached for the bottom of the bed skirt. “Boo!” he
shouted as he yanked up the cloth.

The demon still floated in the dim light.
“Excellent,” it grated.
“We did what you wanted; can we go now?
You promised,” Brian said loudly.
“Foolish children,” Zog barked. “The one who
delivered the board may leave, but the other will be
consumed to expand my reach over this world!” The
demon drifted forward as it blocked the children’s
escape. Slowly the creature reached out with its misty
talons. Green goop oozed from them. “This little
one will do nicely,” the creature droned horribly as it
reached for Laura. “I will take her now.”

“Aieeee!” blood curdling shrieks blasted him
in the face. His two children scrambled out the other
end of the bed and ran through the apartment howling
in fear.

At that instant, a whisk bro