The Homecoming – Act one
Helen was driving slowly home after picking up the presents for her
husband’s homecoming. Mike had been away on business for a week and she
wanted his returning to be special. He was due tomorrow night, but she
wanted to be ready ahead of time so the girls were readying the house
with banners, bunting and lights and she was going to prepare the food
as soon as she got home. She pulled into the driveway, parked in the
carport and got out of the car. The night was cool and the sky was
clear, it would soon be winter. Helen opened up the trunk, retrieved
her packages and went to the front door.
Karen, the oldest girl at fourteen, let her in. “Hi, mom. Did you
get everything?” Her voice sounded strangely raspy.
“Sure did, sweetie. Are you getting a cold?” Helen always worried
about her girls.
“No, mom. I’m ok.” But she wasn’t and Helen could see it in her eyes.
She put down her packages and placed a hand to Karen’s forehead and then
she saw it. Behind Karen, through the doorway into the next room, stood
a man. He was holding Susan, the twelve year old, by the hair and had
a gun pointed at her head. Helen looked in disbelief at Karen, who was
now crying, and then back at the doorway. She opened her mouth to
scream, but thought better of it.
“W-w-what do you want?” she somehow managed to ask through a dry
throat. Read more »