The Scratching Sound (5-minute Freewrite Prompt: Scratch)
Scratch. Scratch. Scratch.
"Gem, look into my eyes. Here, here, mummy's eyes. Rock-a-bye baby on the tree top. When the wind blows, the cradle will rock," Gem's mummy sang gently into her as she gazed into mummy's loving stare.
Her mom knew how to comfort her when her panic overrode her neurosenses and she started scratching frantically, sometimes till the skin bled. Autistic. Mary became a mother to an autistic child since Gem's arrival. Gem's inability to express herself correctly often landed her in a self-ferocious skin scratching.
Scratch. Scratch. Scratch.
The scratching started all over again.
"Mum, I am scared. I can hear someone scratching at the wall," Gem remarked with her frail shaky voice.
"I didn't hear anything, daughter," Mary replied. "Let's get some sleep, maybe your neurotransmitter is overloaded and becomes sensitive. Pop this pill in and sleep."
Just when Gem fell asleep, Mary heard something. Something beyond the wall.
Scratch. Scratch. Scratch.
She walked gently to the wall and leaned slowly till her ears pressed against the wall.
*Scratch. Scratch. Scratch. "Get me out of here. Or I will scratch off your skin."
Mary heard this weak, slow and low voice of a woman from the wall. Beyond the wall.
So, it was not just Gem's autism. It is something inside or behind the wall. But Mary had been staying there for years. This was her first time encountering this scratching sound. And that eerie woman's voice.
Selfie for the contest by @freewritehouse
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art and flair courtesy of @PegasusPhysics
What a spooky story! My heart goes out to autistic children. I have met a couple in my lifetime. It takes a loving a patient parent. Nice selfie!
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Eek, a hair-raising tale indeed
It’s your Wednesday prompt support service here with your challenge for today:https://steemit.com/freewrite/@mariannewest/day-230-5-minute-freewrite-wednesday-prompt-wet
Its spooky!! I really love it though and I hope there is a continuation.
I got goosebumps and this story stays in my mind for a whole day. That means you are really good so I make sure I come back to upvote and comment :P
scary and intriguing story, I enjoyed it :-)