[I wrote this story three or four years ago, and on a weird impulse, I decided to rewrite it.  So… here goes.  If you notice any glaring mistakes, feel free to review or e-mail me.  Thanks! ^_^  Also, if you have any good ideas for a title, e-mail me/review.  I’m really stumped as far as titling… anything goes.]

Prologue

The night wasn’t stormy, but dark and cold.  Clouds brewed overhead, but their threats of rain were empty.  Still, the air was tense.  Something wasn’t quite right.

A suburban street – no cars but those parked in their driveways.  It was about two o’clock.  One streetlight was out; the house by it was clothed in darkness.  A window was open, allowing the wind to tease the curtains.  Inside a five year old girl stirred in her sleep.  She rolled over, her back to the window.

A mistake – but she was sleeping.  A person was peering through the open window.  She stood there, watching the child’s slumber, before climbing in.

The child rolled over again and slowly opened her eyes.  There was a shadow hovering over her bed.  Mommy?  The figure moved forward - squinting, the girl could vaguely see the face.  It was not her mommy.

Her eyes widened; her mouth opened to scream – but no words came out.  The stranger’s hands were clamped tightly over her mouth.

“If you want to live,” the woman’s voice warned her, “then stay quiet.”

The girl merely whimpered.  Too scared to listen or think, she sat there, numb.  The lady was mumbling something strange.  The girl’s eyes drooped shut; her body relaxed.  “Sweet dreams.”