Foreboding

by Val Evenstar

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Author's note: Written a month or so before How the Horse Came to Be. Assignment: write a build-up to an unanswered question. So, no, you won't get any answers from reading this.

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Heavy footsteps on the stairs. Subconsciously, my mind recorded that information as I continued to read my book. They came closer and louder, a little faster and louder than usual, I thought. Louder, faster, closer and closer - I sat up and slammed my book shut. Something was not right.. Immediately I began to run over a checklist in my mind, asking, "What did I do? What did I not do?"

I risked a quick glance at the clock, and as I realized what I had left undone, the door opened and I saw the - ouch! - the look on my mother's face. Oh, help! My mind began rapidly forming an excuse, but I was too late - too late to avoid the inevitable.

This was going to hurt.