Twenty-four houses lined the neighborhood street, twelve backed up to tall trees, and a hidden creek amidst overgrown greenery, a playground for children of all ages. Playgrounds and unsupervised children attract predators. And so, it was said, as many children as there were houses on Weeping Willow Lane, had been abducted from the woods… …..
Madeline Forsythe was the oldest resident on Weeping Willow Lane. Now, aged One hundred and two, Madeline continued to convince parents that they shouldn’t live in fear or keep their children from normal activities. What child doesn’t want to play in the woods. After all, she must’ve had some smarts about her, look how long she’d already lived.
Madeline’s crooked cane and oversized black cloak didn’t clue anyone into her heritage. A witch from birth, she had a family to grow. Hunch backed, she hobbled around from house to house, motivationally speaking, knocking on doors, pointing her stick and casting spells of delusion onto the mothers and fathers of Weeping Willow Lane. “Time for the kiddies to play.” She’d gruesomely chuckle and then whisper loud gibberish into the ears of the guardians which in turn made every September the 20th a special day.
With the parent’s blessing, children would follow Madeline into the night, the subtle glow from her lantern leading the way. They sang a witch’s ballad as they strolled along, happy as could be.
Madeline placed her lantern in the middle of the field. “Hero, zero, multiple, destroy, or let them go back and be good little girl’s…… and boys.” A strong wind blew out the light and then…it reappeared… Some lucky children skipped back home with no recollection of the night’s events……Well….. The others, now flittering sparkles, were ready to flourish and grow, chosen by the High Priests to join Madeline’s brood.
Leesa Writes 