The day it happened - Part 2 (Afternoon)

The food was great. Aunty Susan had really excelled herself this time. Pizzas, hot dogs, crisps, and my absolute favourite- her famous sherry trifle! It was a small group of ten people, including Susan and Dave’s teenage kids, my cousin Eddie and Susan’s neighbours who were always up for free grub and booze. “Thank you,” I said through gritted teeth to all their happy birthday wishes. I dazzled them with my big, happy smile. I wished Carol could have made it. I missed my bestie who was on holiday taking a well-deserved break which she said she really needed. However today I really needed her here more. I kept glancing at my watch and looking out of the kitchen window. I could see the late autumn sun was starting to set. It was getting dark early tonight. “Hey birthday girl.” I felt a familiar hand on my shoulder and turned round to see Dave’s grinning face. I moved away quickly and went back to looking out of the kitchen window, trying to ignore him. “Thanks,” I said coldly. I could feel him still staring at me. “How’s things?” he persisted. “Yeah, good,” I replied. I really needed to get out of there now. “There you are!” Susan suddenly appeared and went over to her husband, putting her arm around him. “Could you bring some more beer in love,” she said. “Janet is already pissed and it’s only half five!” Saved by Aunty Susan, I executed my well-rehearsed excuse. I hugged her and thanked her for all the lovely food. “I’m sorry, I have to go now. I promised Dan,” I lied. She smiled at me with a twinkle in her eye. “You go enjoy yourself love, don’t worry about us.” She nodded towards my mum and dad in the lounge, both sat on the sofa, each with a hot dog in their hand having to listen to the kids’ endless chatter. Mum looked bored. Dad was having a good time (I could see at least two empty beer bottles in front of him) but I noticed he had already dropped ketchup and onions on his trousers. Mum would not be pleased- he would get in trouble for that later. It was time for me to leave.

The day it happened - Part 3 (Evening)

My jeans were getting muddy as I climbed over the gate and through the field. I needed to be alone right now, although in truth I would have taken this shorter route home anyway just to see the horses. I hadn’t come this way in a while, so was surprised to see it looked so busy. In the dusky light I could see a dozen or so caravans parked alongside the edge of the field. I hesitated - should I turn back? No, it was my field too, I thought stubbornly as I carried on. Besides, I could see Thunder in his paddock in the next field along. In the dark I could barely make out his form, but I recognised his brown mane instantly and he obviously recognised me too as he started whinnying, no doubt in anticipation of the carrots I usually brought him. Suddenly, out of the blue, a small dog-like creature with dark red fur ran across my path. Its tongue was lolling out and it was panting hard. It instantly stopped when it saw me and looked directly at me. It had made me jump out of my skin. “It’s just a bloody fox,” I laughed, even though my heart was thumping. “Chill out, for God’s sake!” I told myself. It resumed on its journey and vanished as quickly as it had appeared into a thicket by the side of the field. It was getting really dark now and I could see the full moon rising on the horizon. There was a group of men standing around one caravan, talking in low voices and warming their hands around a camp fire. A group of grubby looking kids ran around the fire, chasing each other and screaming. They all looked at me. One of the men who had particularly crooked teeth said something, but I didn’t understand him. This is a stupid idea, I told myself, but I kept on walking and tried not to look intimidated. I finally got to the last caravan and just over the fence I could see Thunder waiting for me. I breathed a huge sigh of relief, but at that same moment I heard a long mournful howling coming from behind the caravan. A door opened and the most wizened woman I had ever seen came out. She had nut brown skin with deep grooves, white hair, and beady black coals for eyes. She glared at me coldly before carrying on, muttering under her breath. She walked out of sight behind the caravan and then I heard a huge commotion. The dog (or whatever it was) was going crazy, barking and yelping loudly. I could hear her shouting at it but couldn’t make out any words, although it sounded like the crone was cursing the poor creature. Then, a thumping noise and more barking. Further thumping noises and yelping again. It was awful to listen to. I knew this was none of my business, but I couldn’t just stand by! I ran behind the caravan where I saw the most beautiful dog I had ever seen being beaten by the old woman who brandished a large stick at it. “Lucy, you stupid idiot!” I said to myself, but it was too late now - I was involved. “Stop that!” I shouted at her. The dog looked at me and seemed to be pleading for help. It was a large white Alsatian or Husky type dog, with deep amber eyes that pierced me right to my soul. The woman ignored me and aimed another blow at the dog, who managed to dodge it. I noticed then that it was tied to a metal railing with a thick rope which was pulled taut as it ran left and right trying to avoid the mad old woman. It barked fiercely at her. I stepped closer. “Leave it alone you miserable cow!” I shouted, unable to stop myself. I ran over to the railing and started to work on the complicated knot that kept the rope tied to it. My fingers felt thick and clumsy as I worked furiously to try and loosen it. Meanwhile, the dog danced around wildly, trying to avoid its tormentor and pulling the rope even harder. At this rate, I would never get it free. “Come on, come on!” I sat down and worked faster on the knot which was starting to give way. “You get away from here you stupid girl,” the old woman shouted at me. But of course, I was going to do no such thing so carried on. It was just about loose now. The old woman stepped towards me, threatening me with the stick. The dog pulled again at the rope and with a huge clash it pulled the rope off the railing which fell over. We all froze. I stared at the woman, who was in turn staring at the dog which was poised looking at her and snarling. She dropped the stick and started speaking in another language, slowly and quietly at first but quickly it became harsher and louder until it rose to a crescendo. She raised her head to the full moon in the sky, shut her eyes and let out a horrible high-pitched scream that came out of her ugly wide-open mouth and seemed to go on forever. I was freaking out now - this was crazy. She was probably going to kill me right there and then! I scrambled to get up. At least the dog was free now I thought, and she would get what she deserved. But instead of going for the old woman it ran straight towards me. “Oh shit, no!” Through a blur of thick white fur and burning amber eyes, I felt it bite down hard on my arm. Harder and harder it bit down, until I swooned and lost consciousness as the blood poured out of me. The last thing I remembered was whispering “Happy birthday to me!” I always did have a weird sense of humour.