Wil desperately searches for Frankie. But all he finds is a spooky mansion... |
Wil stamped his foot hard on the ground. “Frankie!” he yelled again, as loudly as he could. He was out of breath now, drinking in rapid, shallow gasps of cold air that burned his insides. He looked around, no longer sure of his bearings. He turned his face to the dappled, darkening sky and spun around, calling out again. “Fra-ankie.” But there was no answer, except for the eerie rustle of leaves on the icy breeze. Wil wiped his tears. He stood still now, leaving a space for any trace of his brother to materialize. Instead, the air was punctured by the soft clang of metal against metal somewhere ahead. Wil caught his breath, straining to hear. Then he bolted, stumbling along the path, drawn by the mysterious force. Then he saw it. Tucked away from the edge of the wooded path. A fence. Tall vertical bars of blackened metal, capped by curly, pointed spearheads. Wil stopped before the wide, bolted gate, his fingers wrapped tightly around the bars. He stared at the great, grey mansion at the other end of the muddy path. He shivered violently, calling again to his little brother. “Fra-ankie.” The great wooden door heaved shut. |