When the clock hit 12

The night was cold, the silence took over the city. You could hear a meowing cat in the distance. The shadow was following Daisy, and the only thing that she didn’t notice was that he was hiding in her shadow. And not only today - he had been doing this for some time. He knew that her favourite food was tacos, that she didn’t like her hands dirty, that she could dance and walk for hours and never get bored, that tea made her heart warm, and that the kids always smiled back at her.

He knew so many things by now. He was ready. He was prepared. He had waited 10 months for this moment. He was falling in love harder and harder every day. He was afraid that if he showed his real identity, she would be scared and run.

The Halloween days were approaching, and it was the perfect moment for him to get out of her shadow and blend in — wearing the perfect costume. What he didn’t know was that Daisy was not planning to do anything this year. She just wanted to stay home, watch a horror movie while eating her favourite crisps, wrapped in her blanket. Her friend — Amanda — the party-in spirit, always got her out of the house, and she planned to do the same this year.

He was there, waiting for Daisy to get out of the house and meet him. The TV was on, her hands were already sticky and smelling like cheese, but she was too caught up in the movie. Just when she wanted to wash her hands, the doorbell rang. Amanda was there, ready to dress up Daisy and go to the Halloween party in town. Daisy’s face was somehow shocked, and the only thing she wanted this evening was to exist.

Daisy: Amanda… what a surprise!

Amanda: I hope you didn’t think I would let you die here alone watching some creepy movies. Damn — what is this smell?

Daisy: Aahh (giggling)… those are my crisps. Anyway, I don’t want to go out tonight. I don’t have a costume and in fact…

Amanda: Shhuushh! I knew this would come, so I came prepared. Here is your dress. Tonight you will be Belle!

Daisy: This is so… thoughtful of you. But…

Amanda: But what?

Daisy: I didn’t shower, my hair is dirty, and I have no energy for this. Not this time. I promise we will meet next week and catch up.

His heart was pumping, his mind was panicking, wishing that Amanda had a plan B.

Amanda: I got everything covered. I came prepared. Here is a purple hairspray. No one will notice your greasy hair. It will be the perfect wet-purple look. I hope it’s not expired though. Aaand, you will have the whole Sunday to recover and wash your hair and… finish your spooky movie.

Daisy (gasping) — Alright… I see you are not taking ‘No’ as an answer.

Amanda: Now — that’s correct. Now: chop chop! Let’s get ready for some fun.

He was there, happily listening to them. He wanted to jump and hug Amanda, but this would have ruined his plan.

Fifteen minutes later, there she was — stunning Belle. The dress was the right fit on her pear-shaped body. The red lips were the perfect match with her pale skin, and the hair… the hair was purple and ready to go out and shine.

The music was loud — oh man, so loud! She was actually happy to be there, but how could she tell Amanda when she fought so hard to stay home? Amanda didn’t care about that; she got her a Dracula cocktail. And the truth is, she would never find out what was inside the drink, but it definitely looked spooky. The taste was bitter-sweet — a combination of the days that were following her.

Him — patiently waiting and slowly running out of time.

It was 11:11 PM when Daisy decided to go home. The early bird inside her already knew that tomorrow would be tough to recover. Amanda agreed to take her to the train station, to make sure she was safe. They hugged and smiled at each other, when Amanda screamed:

Amanda: I love you, bestie! My life is so much better with you in it. See you in the morning for coffee?

Daisy: You know I’m not… Yes! See you tomorrow for coffee, tea, or water!

The train was packed and hot. Daisy didn’t complain about that, as it was freezing cold tonight. The next stop was hers. She thought, Do I still have time to finish my movie and my crisps? A whole math inside her head. He was running out of time. He grasped and hoped there was enough time to explain and convince her that he was not a monster, but it was already too late. She jumped off the train and headed to the main street, when out of a sudden she heard a BAANG in a dark corner.

Daisy: Hello? Is anybody there? Are you okay?

Him: Hello… Yes. I am just a bit… hurt.

Daisy: How can I help you? I can’t see you.

No more noise. It was quiet. The clock was 11:58 PM. He came into the light and jumped on her neck and bit her. Daisy looked into his eyes, terrified, and painfully asked —

Daisy: Why this?

Him (whispering) — I am sorry and… and I love you. I hope you will understand later.

She fainted in his arms when the clock hit 12. 🪶