VICISSITUDE

Addy

I am so excited; we finally get to go on vacation for two weeks. I've spent the whole month buying supplies, stocking the RV to get everything ready. My husband, Jim, and I love the outdoors. Going camping every year to get away from civilization is our thing. We've been married seven years with no kids or pets. So there is nothing but our jobs to hold us back from living life on the road.

“Honey, can you pack the case of water in the under storage compartment for me?”

Putting the last of the supplies away and going through my mental checklist, I confirm we’re good to go. He makes sure the house is secure with locks on and timers for the lights set. I let out a hum of contentment as Jim wraps his arms around me and kisses my neck.

“Are you ready to go, gorgeous?”

God, I love the way he feels against me. It’s the first weekend in October and this trip will be the reset button after busting our ass all year.

As we back out of the driveway, we wave to our neighbor Jack. His wife had gone on a run one morning—about a week ago—and never came back. He filed a missing person report and they've been looking for her ever since. I can't imagine what had happened to her.

As we drive from the neighborhood, we watch neighbors decorate their house for the upcoming holiday. A sigh of relief escapes me and I lean back in my seat to prop my feet out the window. Finally, we’re getting away. Those extra hours Jim and I put in over the summer really paid off. We knew that when everybody came back from summer vacation, we would have no problem getting away for the Fall, the best time of the year. Cooler temperatures, changing leaves and being one with nature.

As we head down the highway, traffic is nonexistent. Fifty miles away is a national forest we love to camp at. Pulling up to the ranger check-in post, we notice no one is there. We tap on the horn but after five minutes, we decide to go ahead and find our ground. After all, there is only one way in and one way out. We drive deep within the forest to our favorite spot and park to get everything situated and setup. They even have a premade fire pit but per usual, the one thing missing is firewood.

We decide to go on a little hike. While doing so we gather wood and head by the river. Setting out, I’m in awe at how blue the sky is. The air has a freshness that only nature can give, and a hint of the cool crispness of a winter yet to come.

“Do you notice anything odd?” I bend down to gather my pile of sticks.

“You mean, like, how there’s no sound?” He takes my pile and adds it onto his, and looks around. “Yeah, it’s a bit weird.”

An uneasy feeling creeps along my spine. Where are the birds and crickets? It's strangely quiet. It's like everything is holding its breath.

Jim looks at me. “You know, I think we have enough wood. Let's head back to camp and relax. We need to unwind and let the animals get used to us. Maybe that's why they’re so quiet.”

Maybe he's right or maybe he has the same feeling I do and doesn't want to scare me. We cooked dinner by the campfire, then settled into our lounge chairs and enjoyed a night of stargazing. He was thoughtful to grab blankets to keep the chill at bay. Then suddenly the sound of night was in full force. Creatures screaming their warnings to anyone who could hear. It was freakishly loud and the hair on my arms and neck began to rise.

“Jim, I want to go inside.” The uneasy feeling was getting too much and by the look on his face, he felt the same.

I was really freaked out by the whole current events. Nothing has ever happened like this before. Like nature was telling us to leave. He secured the curtains in the vehicle, leaving the view over the campfire before laying down with me on the bed and holding me tight. At some point, I fell asleep in his arms. When I reached out to feel the bed next to me, it was empty. The eerie void was deafening.

I get up to look for Jim and find him in the dark with the blinds half-closed. The moonlight reflected off his face as he was focused on something outside. He turns to me and puts his finger to his mouth, signaling me to keep quiet. He closes the blinds and comes to take my hand and lead me back to bed. As we cuddled together I asked him what he saw.

“I’m sure it’s nothing. I really couldn’t see anything, but there was movement outside.”

“Maybe we should leave and go somewhere else.” My voice is shaky. He strokes my back soothingly then places a tinder kiss to my lips.

“I think whatever it was, was just passing through, so I don't want you to worry. Let’s just see how it is tomorrow before we make a decision.”

He was right I shouldn’t just give up and leave. It’s the wild side of nature and we should wait and see what tomorrow brings. As we laid there I could hear something moving, sniffing and the sound of nails scratching. It sounded as there was a lot of whatever existed. Maybe a bear and its cubs looking for food, that had to be the explanation. I finally went to sleep but my dreams were dreadful. Nothing like waking up and having a foreboding feeling in the pit of your stomach.

Jim was already up with coffee. “Good morning, beautiful.” He hands me a cup of delicious brew.

“When did you get up?” I raise a brow at him.

“The crack of dawn.” He smiles. I have a feeling that he barely slept at all.

Looking out the window, the sun is shining and I hear the birds sing a merry tune. Not the hell chorus of last night’s production. I see movement in the bushes and a bunny hops out. It’s a sign of a better new day.

“Looks like the wildlife is back to normal.” Thank God. “Let’s catch some dinner!”

He laughs. “I’ll grab the fishing gear.”

Two weeks of hiking, fishing and enjoying the outdoors, that’s what we enjoyed. No more crazy things happened the remainder of the trip. We packed the campsite and disposed of any evidence of being there. As we headed out of the area and drove by the Rangers post on the opposite side, we noticed blood. Lots of it.

The post looked as if it was torn into with teeth and claws. I look over at Jim and see the color drain from his face. Fear settles into me, knowing we had unknowingly put ourselves in the path of danger.

“Let’s get home, call the police and report it.” His face is tight with dread.

I called the highway patrol and told them what I know. The rest of the trip back home was met with silence. At some point, he reaches over and squeezes my leg in reassurance, knowing I am freaked out. As we pull into our neighborhood it seems oddly quiet for Sunday afternoon. Maybe people are at an event, going to church or just getting ready for school and work the next day. Probably nestled down after a good meal and watching TV.

The neighborhood looks great with all the decorations for Halloween.

Movement catches my eye, and I see a couple of dogs roaming the neighborhood. I hope their owners find them before dark. Especially, after what had happened at the campgrounds. We decide to wait to unpack the RV tomorrow. As we unlock our front door we can hear the telephone ringing and Jim goes to answer it.

“Hello? Who’s this? Slow down, I can’t understand you.” He pauses, listening intently to the ramble on the other end of the line. “Are you sure? Did you call anyone? Stay indoors until we find out what’s going on." He hangs up and rubs the back of his neck. He does this when he's feeling troubled.

“What is it?”

He gives me a worried glance. “It was Penny, she said there was something in the neighborhood and people have gone missing. Says her husband came home from work one night but never made it inside. She noticed the car in the driveway with the door open and heard lots of noise outside. She’s been afraid to leave the house ever since.”

“Oh my God, how long has it been? What should we do? Surely, they’re running out of food.” I start biting the side of my nail, becoming concerned for Penny and her daughter locked in their home for Lord knows how long. A day? Two days? The whole time we’ve been gone?

Jim goes into deep thought. “I guess I should drive around the neighborhood and see who needs help.”

“I’m going with you.”

“I need you to stay here in case someone shows up or calls.” He grabs the phone and makes a call. Pacing back and forth, he chants under his breath, “Pick up, pick up.”

“Who are you calling?”

Jim

I was probably wearing a hole in the carpet trying to get a hold of Jack from next door. With everything that’s going on, I’m worried about him.

“I'm calling Jack.”

“I thought he was out of town,” Addie says. “He was coming back today.”

I dial his cell phone and it rings about three times until he finally picks up.

“Hey Jim, how was vacation!” Jack starts talking and won't shut up. I have to yell over him to get his attention.

“Where are you right now? This is really important.”

“Is everything okay? Is Addy hurt? My house still standing? You sound kinda freaked Jim,” he says in a rush.

“She’s fine, the house is fine, but where are you?” I’m getting frustrated.

“My flight got laid over. I won’t be back until tomorrow, why?”

I let out a sigh of relief, “You need to stay where you’re at. Don’t come home. Things have been happening in the neighborhood. I’ll contact you as soon as I find out what’s going on.” Ending the call, I grab Addy to pull her close in hug. She’s not going to like what I'm going to tell her but it's a solid plan. “Honey, I’m going to get in the RV, put a sign in the windows and slowly go down the street, and see if there are any other people that need help. If you still have your copy of the directory from the neighborhood association, see if you can make a few phone calls. Find out if there’s anybody that can help.”

Her arms tighten around my waist as she hugs me. I can feel her nod, but she can’t let go.

“Addy, I need to go before it gets too dark.” I grab black markers and paper from a drawer. “Keep the windows covered and the door shut. Try not to use any light so you don’t attract attention, and keep your phone on vibrate.”

I grab the keys and head to the RV. Once inside, I make quick work of the signs then put them in the windows before slowly backing out the driveway and heading down the street. Looking left and right, I notice there’s not a soul outside. The neighborhood feels like a ghost town. I call Addy to see if she's reached anyone yet.

“Jim, five houses down on our side of the street is the Risins. One of their children picked up the phone. There are three of them, I just spoke to the oldest. Their parents haven’t come home in days and there was something stalking around their house.”

Going on her directives, I see the house she mentions. Disregarding the lawn care, I roll over the green patches and see their faces peering out the window.

“Yeah, yeah. I see them.” As close to the front of the house as I could get, I throw open the RV door and wave the kids in. Without missing a beat, they quickly make their way inside and I shut us all in together.

“Someone is pounding on our front door.”

Before I could say anything she hangs up. I try calling back but she's not answering. From the rearview mirror, I get a look at the fearful state the kids are in before doubling back to my house to check on Addy.

Addy

Penny and Maggie stand on my porch, scared out of their minds. I pull them in and shut the door, leading them to the couch to get comfortable. My phone goes off and I pick up Jim’s call.

“Penny and Maggie are here. They’re safe inside. What about the kids? Are they safe?”

“I’m dropping off the boys and making another round. Never end our call, do you understand? Next time, keep me on the phone!”

I knew he would be worried. “I’m sorry, honey. I wasn't thinking.”

When I hear him pulling up, I open the front door to let the kids in, but there are only two.

“Jim, where’s the third one?” I ask.

“He wants to come with me to help. I don’t think that’s a bad idea. He thinks there might be some people on the next block, so we’re going to check it out.”

Seeing these poor boys looking nervous and afraid, I go to the oldest and introduce myself.

“Hi. I’m Addy. This is Penny and Maggie. Why don’t you boys come have a seat?”

They settle on the couch, looking tired, like they hadn’t gotten any proper sleep.

“What’re your names?”

“I’m Matt, and this is Jack.”

Jack wouldn't make eye contact and kept rocking back and forth just mumbling to himself.

“We haven’t heard from mom and dad in three days. Jack was home when mom went missing and he’s really upset. We’ve been hearing noises outside the house but don’t know what it is.”

“Are you guys hungry?” I look at Penny. “I bet you can find something in the pantry.”

I change the subject because Jack is becoming increasingly more agitated. He gets up quickly and sits facing the corner, mumbling louder while rocking himself.

“Jack has autism,” Matt explains. “He gets like that when he's really upset.”

I tell him to see if he can calm his brother down because we all need to keep quiet. We don't want to draw attention to ourselves if there is anything out there. He sits next to his brother, trying to soothe him while I strain to hear what he keeps chanting. It’s the same word over and over, but he’s saying it so quick I can’t make it out.

As I turn around, I notice Penny slowly backing away from the kitchen.

“Penny?” I lay a hand on her shoulder. “What is it?”

Without looking away, she points. “I think they’re trying to get in.”

Something scratches at the back door and window.

My phone buzzes, startling me. Calm as possible, I bring it to my ear.

“Have you found anybody else?” I try to keep the panic out of my voice. “All right. Are you heading home?” My eyes never leave the back door.

“Yeah, I’m turning the corner. We hadn't had any luck finding anybody else. It’s like everybody abandoned the neighborhood. Is everything okay there?”

I hear him take a sharp breathe, as if witnessing something unbelievable. If it hadn’t been coming from him, I wouldn’t believe the words being said.

“Oh. My. God.” He doesn’t mask the dread like I do. “Addy, there are thousands of dogs surrounding the house. Listen, honey, I want you to gather any food you can and grab whatever you’re able to. Load the back of truck and lock the covering down. Thank god I thought about buying a locking hardcover for the bed of the truck. Load everybody up and this is where it gets tricky, as soon as the cab clears the opening of the garage door, I want you to gun it and back out. Don't worry about running over anything. Don't worry about the sounds you hear. I want you to go as fast as you can out of the neighborhood. I will be right behind you.”

With Penny’s help, we fill the bed of the truck with food, taking care to lock the lid down once it’s full. I can hear dogs scratching and growling at the garage door. Loading everyone inside the truck, Penny had the foresight to use the Child Safety locks on the inside of the doors where the children sit. Since I don’t have any children, I never even thought about it. We get in the front seats and I push on the garage opener, nothing happens, I do it again and nothing happens.

“Jim, the batteries are dead in the opener.” I can hear him curse through the phone.

“Do we have batteries inside the house?”

I know he knows that was on my grocery list for when we got back from our trip. What batteries we do have are inside the RV, which means I'm in a tough spot.

“Honey, you know what I have to do and I promise it’ll be quick. Doing this is not the best scenario but this is all we’ve got. I’m going to hand the phone to Penny to keep you on the line, but I’ve got to make a run for it. I just wish your truck was parked in front of the back door instead of mine.” I give a nervous chuckle.

“Me too, and Addy?”

“Yes, Jim?”

“I love you,” he tells me.

“I love you too.”

I get out of the cab of the truck but leave the door slightly ajar to where it’s just enough. Just in case something happens and Penny can pull it closed fast enough. But also gives me an advantage. I make sure nothing is obstructing my path to the garage opener that's attached to the door frame of the house. Taking deep breaths I prepare myself for the run of my life and push the opener. As fast as I can, I run to the truck. But as I open the door, out of the corner of my eye, dogs began squeezing themselves under the door, as it slowly rises.

I step into the cab, just as I feel the first one grab a hold of my leg and I shake him loose, ripping my jeans but managing to shut the door.

With Jim on speaker, I tell him, “I made it back and I’m waiting for the garage door. Damn! I’ve never seen so many dogs!”

The door clears the cab and I put it into reverse and back up as fast as I can. There are dogs everywhere, barking and jumping on the bed of the truck and clawing at the windows. I floor us out of the driveway, flinging them off the bed. Yelping could be heard as a few go under my tires, along with a sickening crunch of broken bones. I see Jim in the rearview mirror following close behind as I take off.

We get out of the neighborhood and I have him pass me so I can follow after him.

“Jim, we need to call the National Guard, the Police, some kind of authority.”

“I called while I was making rounds in the neighborhood. It took a while to convince them but I took pictures and sent it via email. Up the road, about thirty miles is a place we can get food, gas and maybe park for the night.”

We get to the rest stop where truckers are already parked. The pillows and blankets that I brought will make sleeping in the RV more comfortable after everyone has had a shower. I don’t know where we plan to go but for tonight we’re staying here.

“I’m feeling tired. I’m just going to head back to lie down.”

He gives me a kiss. “I'll be there in a minute.”

I can barely keep my eyes open as I cover myself with a blanket.

Jim

We all come back to the RV clean, full and ready for sleep. While everyone is settling for the night, I start to head to the back when I hear Jack mumbling in his sleep.

Frowning, I pull out my phone and search what he had said. Visibly, I’m shaken at what pulls up from Merriam Webster. But I put it from my mind, feeling the long day weigh heavy on me.

She must have been tired because she didn't even hear us come in. I brought her some dinner, but I guess that will wait. As my head hits the pillow I reflect on today's events, thankful it's over, and that we made it. Setting my phone aside, I drift to sleep and reach to pull Addy close.

That's when I feel it, the sharp fangs clamping down, keeping me from yelling a warning as she rips out my throat.

vicissitude noun

vi·​cis·​si·​tude | \ və-ˈsi-sə-ˌtüd, vī-, -ˌtyüd\

Definition of vicissitude

1a: the quality or state of being changeable: MUTABILITY

b: natural change or mutation visible in nature or in human affairs

2a: a favorable or unfavorable event or situation that occurs by chance: a fluctuation of state or condition

About the Author

Michaelle Leigh is an American author who enjoys writing during the evening twilight. Living near a bird sanctuary by a lake, she loves the serenity that it provides. Married and mother of two full-grown adults, she finds the support and love that she needs. Her lifelong dream is to write amazing stories that people will enjoy and awaken their love for reading. Not sticking to any particular genre, she likes to test her boundaries in writing.