Shadows Across Her Heart

15

April 9, 1978

Katy started early, having spent a restless night pondering over the ominous discoveries from the previous day. Her first stop was the local library, collecting any book with relevance to pagen rituals.Arriving at the Hart's residence, Katy was greeted by the warm embrace of sunlight filtering through the curtains. The atmosphere, however, carried an underlying tension from the events that have unraveled. She found a quiet corner in the living room, the same space where the group had gathered the day before, and began her exploration of the origins of the Midnight Man.Soft music played in the background, a subtle melody chosen to ease the tension in the air. The needle gently caressed the vinyl, producing a soothing ambiance that intertwined with the rustling of pages and Katy's furrowed brows as she delved into the arcane knowledge.'The Midnight Man, it appeared, had its roots in medieval European practices that sought communion with the spiritual realm. The ritual was believed to have originated in pagan traditions, where communities engaged in ceremonies during specific celestial alignments, particularly on nights when the boundary between the living and the supernatural was said to be at its thinnest.As Christianity spread, many pagan rituals were either suppressed or adapted. The Midnight Man ritual might have evolved during this time, incorporating elements of Christian iconography and demonology. This could explain the ritual's shift towards a more ominous and foreboding nature'.The books sprawled around her were a mix of scholarly works on pagan practices and handwritten journals, possibly from those who had encountered the ritual in various forms through the ages. The information was fragmented, cloaked in allegories and warnings, but Katy was determined to piece it together.She discovered that the Midnight Man was not just a simple entity to be summoned and dismissed at will. The ritual, with its roots in complex spiritual beliefs, had evolved into a game of survival against a malevolent force. If the ritual was performed incorrectly or disrupted, the Midnight Man could manifest in unpredictable and potentially dangerous ways.Katy's heart raced as she read about the consequences of a failed ritual. The Midnight Man, once invoked, could linger, attached to the place or the individuals involved. This could lead to a series of unexplained occurrences, heightened paranormal activity, and in some extreme cases, death.The key to stopping the Midnight Man, she learned, lay in understanding the ritual's dual nature - as a bridge between worlds and as a binding contract. To break this contract, one would need to perform a cleansing ritual.As Katy was engrossed in her research,she was interrupted by the gentle sound of footsteps approaching. Raising her eyes, she found Lorraine. The A-line skirt she wore, in a soothing chocolate shade, swayed with her graceful movement, her presence a comforting interruption in the midst of the paranormal.Lorraine's smile, warm and inviting, momentarily lifted the weight of Katy's worries. There was something about Lorraine that always managed to calm her, a sense of familiarity and safety that Katy found herself increasingly drawn to."Thought you could use a break," Lorraine said, placing a cup of tea on the table beside Katy. The aroma of the freshly brewed Jasmine tea mingled with the musty scent of old books, creating a surprisingly homely atmosphere in the otherwise tense setting.Katy's heart fluttered slightly as she thanked Lorraine, her cheeks warming up with the memory of their almost-kiss just two days prior. She caught herself just before biting her lip, suppressing the gesture. A mix of bashfulness and longing flickered in her eyes. xe yet attentive, an open invitation for Katy to share her thoughts.She met Lorraine's gaze, finding solace in the genuine concern mirrored in those eyes. "It's... intense," Katy confessed, her fingers tracing the edge of the research notes. "The entity isn't just a fleeting threat. It can linger, and the consequences of a failed ritual are... severe.""How severe are we talking about, Katy?",Lorraine asked. "The consequences can range from disturbances and heightened paranormal activity to... death," she explained, her voice carrying the weight of the potential danger.Lorraine shifted in her seat, a troubled expression crossing her face as she processed Katy's words."I've been having trouble seeing this entity in my visions," Lorraine began, her voice tinged with concern. "Usually, I can get a sense of them, a glimpse, at least. But with this one, it's different. It's like it's shrouded in darkness, elusive and... powerful."Katy, sensing the depth of Lorraine's unease, leaned in closer. "What do you see instead, then?" she asked gently.Lorraine took a moment, collecting her thoughts before responding. "It's strange. When I try to focus on the entity, I don't see it. Instead, I keep seeing Emma," she explained, her brow furrowed in concentration. "But it's not just Emma as we know her. There's this... overwhelming sense of a dark, demonic energy surrounding her, almost like a shadow that's clinging to her soul."Her voice was tinged with worry, not just for the situation at hand, but for Emma's well-being. "It's as if this entity is using Emma as a shield or a vessel, making it hard to separate the two in my visions. It's clever, using Emma's innocence as a cover while it strengthens its hold." their subdued hum of conversation was interrupted by the brisk entrance of Drew. His eyes held a mix of urgency and trepidation as he approached, calling for Lorraine and Katy to join him immediately."Lorraine, Katy, you need to see this," Drew exclaimed, gesturing towards the small screen displaying footage from the previous night. Ed was already in the room, his furrowed brows signaling the severity of what they were about to witness.The room seemed to constrict as they gathered around the screen. The footage, though not running, froze on a haunting frame. Emma, her eyes vacant, was seen walking down the dimly lit hallway, a glint of silver in her hand. The atmosphere tensed as Emma approached her mother's room, the implications of the scene sending a collective shiver through the group.Ed's voice was laced with concern as he explained, "This was recorded last night around 3:00 am". Katy's hand instinctively covered her mouth, a gasp escaping past her fingers., Lorraine discreetly moved closer, her presence a source of comfort amidst the disquieting revelation. With a subtle yet reassuring gesture, she gently squeezed Katy's arm.Drew, with a somber expression, turned back to the screen, pausing before he spoke. "It gets worse," he said, his voice tinged with concern. He played the footage, and the group watched as Emma, still holding the knife, moved with an eerie, almost trance-like determination.The footage showed Emma navigating through the darkened house, her movements both deliberate and unsettling. She passed several doors, each moment heightening the tension in the room. Then, to the growing dismay of everyone watching, Emma stopped. The place where she halted sent a wave of unease through Katy and Lorraine.She was standing just outside the door to the room where Katy and Lorraine had been sleeping.The image on the screen was chilling – Emma, standing motionless in the hallway, her presence outside their door like a silent sentinel. Katy felt a chill run down her spine, her mind racing with what-ifs and the potential dangers they had unknowingly slept through.Lorraine's grip on Katy's arm tightened, a reflexive response to the unfolding realization. The fact that Emma had been so close, with such ominous intentions, brought a new level of urgency and fear to the situation.Ed, his face reflecting both determination and concern, spoke up after witnessing the disturbing footage. "We need to send this to the church immediately. This is undeniable evidence of a malevolent force, and we can't afford to waste any time."The recording served as a tangible manifestation of the supernatural activity that had gripped Emma and the house. It was a clear cry for help, a plea for intervention from higher spiritual authorities.Ed continued, his tone firm, "I'll make sure to send this footage to the church along with all the information we've gathered. We need them to understand the severity of the situation. Once they see this, they should grant us permission to proceed with an exorcism.".Katy, feeling a surge of emotions, excused herself and stepped outside onto the porch. The cool air brushed against her skin, a stark contrast to the tense atmosphere inside the house. She sat down on the steps, taking deep breaths, trying to steady her racing heart and swirling thoughts.The events of the past few days had been a relentless whirlwind of fear, discovery, and paranormal encounters. The weight of what they were dealing with, the danger Emma was in, and the looming prospect of an exorcism had finally caught up with her.As she sat there, the quiet of the outside world was a balm to her frazzled nerves. The gentle rustling of leaves and the distant sounds of the neighborhood offered a momentary escape from the high-stakes situation they were embroiled in.Katy's mind wandered to Lorraine, the warmth of her smile, the comfort of her presence. It was a rare moment of personal reflection amidst the chaos.Later, as the group huddled in the living room, Lorraine found a moment to talk privately with Ed. They moved to a corner of the room, away from the palpable tension that gripped the air.Ed, his expression a mix of concern and sincerity, spoke first. "Lorraine, I need to talk to you about something. I can't shake off the worry, especially for you and Katy." Ed hesitated before presenting his suggestion to Lorraine. "Do you think you and Katy should consider going to a hotel for the night? Just until we get a better handle on this situation?""No," Lorraine replied with a gentle firmness. "I don't think that's a good idea. We need to stay here, face this head-on. And I know Katy wouldn't want to leave either.Ed hesitated, a trace of uncertainty crossing his face as he gazed at Lorraine. The air between them was heavy with unspoken words, the complexities of their relationship casting a shadow even in the midst of their current predicament."I know things have been... complicated between us and we're in the middle of seperation ," Ed began, choosing his words with caution. "And I'm trying to understand...your preferences" He trailed off, on the brink of addressing a sensitive topic.Before he could finish, Drew's voice cut through the tense atmosphere. "Ed, can you come here for a second? I need your opinion on something." April 12, 1978In the wake of the unsettling events of the past few day, there was a glimmer of solace as they waited for the Church's response to the evidence. Emma, though still affected, appeared to be holding up, showing a bit more engagement and willingness to communicate, it was suprising especially after the haunting footage. Katy, taking it upon herself to bring a sense of normalcy, spent time reading to Emma.Emma, who had been mostly silent, looked at Katy and whispered, "I used to read this with my mom" Emma said softly. "It's a nice romance story."Katy smiled softly."It's one of my favorites," she replied gently, a warm tone in her voice.After a moment of silence, Emma looked up at Katy with an inquisitive expression. "Do you have a special person?" she asked, her voice tentative but curious.Katy paused, a slight flush coloring her cheeks. She wasn't used to discussing her personal life, especially in the midst of such a crisis. But looking into Emma's expectant eyes, Katy could see flickers of the young girl's humanity shining through the layer of supernatural influence that had enveloped her. It was like watching the slow reemergence of a submerged treasure, delicate and precious. "Well, I...," Katy started, hesitating for a moment. "I guess, sometimes, we meet people who make us see the world differently. People who... who make us feel more ourselves," she said thoughtfully, her mind drifting briefly to Lorraine.Emma, intrigued by Katy's words, asked with a soft curiosity, "What's it like to have someone like that?"Katy took a moment, her gaze drifting to the window as if seeking inspiration in the outside world. "It's like having a constant in the chaos. Someone who sees you, truly sees you, and accepts you. It's comforting and exhilarating, all at once. Like you're part of something greater, something that goes beyond the troubles of the moment. And when you meet them you feel as if all the scattered pieces of your soul suddenly align with them '. Emma's eyes met Katy's, and a soft smile began to bloom on her lips. "That sounds lovely," she whispered, as if savoring the idea in her mind.Later in the day, In a rare moment of respite from the supernatural turmoil, Ed found Emma sitting on the porch in the afternoon sun, a soccer ball between her feet. He approached her, a comforting presence amidst the chaos. In his hands, he held a candy bar – her favorite, the one he had picked up from Murphy's."Hey, kiddo," Ed greeted, offering the sweet treat. Emma's eyes lit up, a brief glimmer of normalcy in her troubled expression. She accepted the candy bar, and a genuine smile tugged at the corners of her lips despite her tired eyes"Thanks, Ed," she said, her gratitude sincere.As Emma unwrapped the candy bar, her smile a rare and precious sight, Katy, watching from a short distance. She was dressed casually in a light tank top that hugged her form comfortably, Her shorts were a simple, dark denim, cut just above the knee, practical yet fitting for the warmth of the day. "Wow, Katy, decided to show off the legs today, huh?" Drew whistled lightly, his tone one of friendly jest rather than anything inappropriate. He leaned against the doorframe, his demeanor relaxed."It's just shorts, Drew. Don't get too excited," she quipped, her tone light and teasing as she drank some water.Drew, still leaning casually against the doorframe, His eyes flicked over to Lorraine, who was folding clothes for Emma's mom. There was a quiet, almost imperceptible shift in her demeanor as she glanced towards Katy.Lorraine's gaze, usually so focused and intense softened momentarily as she observed Katy in her casual, summery outfit. As Lorraine continued folding clothes, her gaze inadvertently drifted towards Katy more than once. There was a brief moment where her eyes lingered on Katy's legs, revealed by the dark denim shorts. It was a subtle, almost unconscious glance. "I'm going outside for a bit," Katy announced, opening the screen door. With a mischievous grin, Katy made a playful move towards Emma, eyeing the soccer ball at her feet. In a swift, lighthearted motion, she nudged the ball with her foot, stealing it away from Emma and taking a few steps back, the ball now at her own feet."Gotcha!" Katy exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with playfulness. Emma rose to her feet, ready to reclaim her ball, her spirit momentarily lifted by the unexpected, joyful interaction. The sound of their laughter and playful shouts brought a semblance of normalcy, a brief escape from the haunting reality they were all facing.As the day wore on, the atmosphere in the house shifted. The sun's golden rays slowly receded, giving way to the encroaching evening. Shadows stretched longer across the walls and floors, adding a layer of eeriness. As Lorraine and Katy worked side by side, their hands immersed in the soapy water and remnants of dinner's dishes, the clinking of dishes provided a rhythmic backdrop to their conversation."You know," Katy began, a small smile playing on her lips, "despite everything that's happened, today felt like a step forward". Lorraine's eyes met Katy's, "I agree," she said, her tone soft but resolute. "It's in these moments, amidst the chaos, that we find strength". The gentle ambiance of their conversation was abruptly shattered by a chilling scream that echoed through the house. Katy's eyes widened in terror, and without a moment's hesitation, she and Lorraine exchanged a glance filled with dread.Instinctively, they rushed towards the source of the scream, their footsteps echoing urgently on the staircase. As they ascended, the dread in the air thickened, and a sinking feeling settled in the pit of Katy's stomach.As they neared the doorway to the room, an inexplicable force suddenly took hold. In an instant that felt both swift and surreal, the door slammed shut with an ominous thud, right before their eyes. The sound echoed through the hallway, a stark reminder of the unseen and malevolent presence that lurked within the house.Startled, Katy reached out, her hand shaking slightly, to try the doorknob, banging on the door.Ed joined the two Women and wasted no time. He took a step back, positioning himself for impact, and with a forceful kick, he aimed squarely at the door. The sound reverberated through the hallway, echoing the collective urgency of their predicament.However, the door remained obstinate, as if fortified by an otherworldly resistance. The force that held it closed seemed to defy the laws of the physical world, leaving Ed's attempt to break it down futile. He tried again, putting his shoulder into it, but the door held firm.With one final, determined effort, Ed threw his entire weight against the door. This time, it gave way with a jarring crash, revealing the grim scene within.The room was in disarray, a stark contrast to the orderly state it had been in just hours before. The most alarming sight, however, was Emma's mother, lying on the floor, her side stained with blood, gasping for air in ragged, labored breaths. Each inhale seemed to be a struggle, her chest heaving as she fought to draw oxygen into her lungs. The fear and pain were evident in her eyes, which darted around the room in a mixture of confusion and terror.Lorraine, with practiced calm, worked to stabilize her breathing, speaking in soothing tones while her hands moved with purpose. "You're going to be okay," she reassured. The tension in the room escalated as Emma's mother, amidst her gasping breaths, suddenly let out a scream filled with terror and warning. "She's going to kill us all!" she cried out, her voice strained and filled with a palpable fear that sent a chill through everyone present.As Emma's mother uttered those chilling words, a sudden darkness enveloped the room. All the lights in the house extinguished simultaneously, plunging them into an inky blackness that seemed to consume every corner. The abrupt loss of illumination intensified the already tense atmosphere, leaving them shrouded in an unsettling and complete darkness."We're all going to die," she sobbed, her voice breaking. "I've lost her, I've lost my Emma.""Lorraine urgently turned to Ed, her eyes reflecting the urgency of the situation. 'Ed, we can't wait. We need to find Emma and perform an exorcism right now,' she insisted, her voice edged with a sense of desperation.Ed nodded, determination etched on his face. "I'll get my Bible from my luggage".he affirmed, heading swiftly in the direction of his room. Lorraine, her expression fraught with worry, turned to Katy. The concern in her eyes was evident."Katy, you need to take Janet and get somewhere safe. Now," The intensity in her gaze was unmistakable, a storm of worry and urgency swirling in her blue eyes.her voice tinged with an urgency that was both commanding an protective, a side of Lorraine that Katy had never seen before.Katy shook her head adamantly, her resolve unwavering despite the chaos unfolding around them. "I can't leave you and Ed". Lorraine reached out, placing her hand gently on Katy's cheek, her expression a mix of urgency and tenderness. "Katy, please," she implored, her voice soft yet insistent. Lorraine's voice trembled slightly as she continued, her fingers lightly brushing Katy's cheek. "For me, Katy," she whispered, her eyes locking onto Katy's with a depth of emotion that made her plea all the more compelling. "Please, do this for me." Katy's voice wavered as she struggled with the decision. "I...". Lorraine reached out, her fingers gently encircling Katy's hand that clutched the rosary. The sound of heavy rain pattering against the windows and the occasional flash of lightning added a layer of foreboding. Katy hesitated, the turmoil of the moment etched in her expression. The gravity of the situation, the storm outside, and Lorraine's imploring gaze converged into a crescendo of emotions within her. And in that charged, almost surreal atmosphere, Katy made a decision driven by a mix of fear, affection, and a haunting premonition of uncertainty.She leaned in, closing the space between herself and Lorraine, and kissed her deeply. Their lips met softly at first in a gentle carass, a hesitant touch that spoke volumes of the uncertainty and fear they both felt. Despite the brevity of the kiss,the kiss deepened, growing in intensity and emotion. It was a fusion of desperation and tenderness. Katy gently took hold of the injured woman, ensuring she was stable enough to move. With a firm grip, she started guiding her towards safety, aware of the urgency of the situation and the need for swift action.Before leaving, Katy cast a final, lingering glance back at Lorraine. In that look, a myriad of unspoken words and emotions passed between them - fear, hope, and a silent promise of care.