Storm Dwellers, chapter 5 – excerpt

Joelle leaned forward, looking at Darcy in anticipation.

“Lynn told Sybil to come back to our space until we do the food offering. She took hold of Sybil’s arm, but she was like stone, feet planted firmly on the sand. Terry and I hollered at Sybil from the Circle. She wouldn’t respond. It’s like she was deaf to our words.”

Darcy rubbed her hands together, wringing them from both the memories of the cold wind, and from worry.

“Oh, I’m going to be ill,” Darcy said.

Her hand flew to her stomach as she sprung to her feet.

“I have to go the bath –“

“No, you aren’t, young lady,” Joelle threatened. “You swallow that and tell me the rest.

Darcy’s face fell. She plopped back down on the couch and breathed heavily, hyperventilating for a few seconds as she cried.

After all Darcy had been through, Joelle immediately felt sorry for her coldness.

“I’m sorry, baby,” Joelle reached for Darcy and rubbed her shoulder.

Joelle gave her daughter a minute to gather herself.

“Okay?” Joelle asked.

Darcy nodded her answer.

“Things went haywire after that,” Darcy snorted back her grief. “It was like the whole freakin’ universe went berserk. The weather changed; the sky darkened even though the sun was above the horizon when it happened. Wind picked up, extreme lightning bolts started flying, and there were swirling lights. Like…after this, it’s a blur to me, and I cannot recall every dreadful thing in order. Anyway, Sybil did become herself shortly after all hell broke loose.”

Darcy looked at her mother who was watching her wide-eyed, bottom lip trembling, fear upon her face.

“What did you all go and do?” Joelle asked.

“Nothing,” Darcy said. “We didn’t do anything on purpose. I’m being honest, Mom. I think Sybil was possessed.”

“Oh, God,” Joelle breathed.

Copyright 2023 Wanda S. Paryla