Novel: Title: "Rising Through Shadows

Chapter 2: The Night of Loss

The tranquility of the night was suddenly shattered by a piercing scream that tore through the silence of the neighborhood. It was a scream born of panic, fear, and despair a cry that seemed to echo into the very bones of the quiet street.

John, asleep in his bed, awoke with a jolt, heart pounding. His small hands clutched his blanket tightly as he sat up, trying to understand what had happened. The scream had come from the direction of his house. His parents' voices, usually calm and reassuring, were now frantic and filled with terror.

He scrambled out of bed and ran to his bedroom door, opening it cautiously. The hallway was dimly lit by the flickering light of a nearby lamp. He could hear his mother’s voice, calling out his father’s name, trembling with fear.

“Mom? Dad?” John’s voice quivered as he stepped into the corridor.

His mother appeared at the top of the stairs, her face pale and streaked with tears. “John, stay in your room. It’s not safe—”

Before she could finish, there was a loud crash from downstairs, followed by the sound of shattering glass. John’s eyes widened with terror. He wanted to run, to hide, but his legs felt frozen.

Suddenly, the front door burst open with a violent force, and figures clad in dark clothing stormed into their home. Shadows loomed over the living room, and the air was thick with chaos. John saw flashes of flashlights and heard the shouts of men he did not recognize.

His father tried to confront them, but he was quickly overpowered. His mother clung to him, shielding him with her body. “Run, John! Run!” she yelled.

Fear gripped John’s heart as he bolted from the stairs, racing toward his bedroom. His small hands fumbled with the door handle, desperate to find safety. But the world had suddenly turned upside down.

He heard voices echoing through the house—angry, commanding, terrifying. The sound of footsteps closing in made his heart race faster. He curled into a corner under his bed, clutching Benny tightly, tears streaming down his face.

Time seemed to stretch endlessly in that dark, suffocating space. Outside, the chaos continued—shouts, breaking glass, and the distant wail of sirens. John could feel the weight of despair pressing down on him, wondering if he would ever see his parents again.

Finally, after what felt like hours, the noise faded. The house grew eerily silent, and John slowly crawled out from his hiding spot. His eyes searched the dim room, trembling, trying to understand what had just happened.

He knew everything had changed. The safe, warm world he had known was gone. The night had stolen his innocence, leaving behind a scar that would never fully heal.

As dawn approached, John stayed huddled in his room, clutching Benny close. The house now felt cold and empty. The world outside was no longer the same.

And so, John’s journey into a new, uncertain reality began—a path marked by loss, resilience, and the hope of someday finding his way back to the light. 

Continued........