A Visitor at 9:13

“Could you fill up the water glasses, Mads?: my dad says as he sets the table for dinner.

Things were starting to become more normal between my dad and me since my mom had left us two years ago.

“Sure,” I say and sit down in my chair at the table.

“How’s school going?” Dad says.

“Fine. I’ve just been getting a lot of homework.”

“Would you like me to help you with it after dinner?” Dad asks with a grin.

“Okay,” I say and think of when my mom used to help me with my homework. I have the last sip of my water. Dad and I finish eating dinner, then clear our plates and wash them off in the sink. I should probably head upstairs, I think. I’m only on the second step when  a strong fist knocks on the door.

“Who could that be?” I hear Dad mumble as he heads to the door. I glance at the clock and it reads 9:13 pm.

“Hello,” Dad says as he opens the door. I watch with a small dose of fear hiding in me as it slowly creaks open. A giant, shaggy figure fills up the doorframe.

“Who . . . ,” I say as I observe the stranger. His hands are scratched, his clothes are full of thorns and torn cloth, and his face is covered in bruises. I feel like I’m frozen in time as I gape at the stranger.

“I have a message. Are you William and Madeline Anderson?”
    
“Well, yes--“ Dad says, but the stranger cuts him off.

“Molly loves you both,” he continues. “She wishes she could be here with you but understands it is forbidden. She hopes that you have a good seventh grade year and your new job goes well.”

“What? Wait,” Dad sputters.

“Wait! How do you know that? My mom is dead!” I say as I rush to the door. I open it and peer out into the dark, stormy night, but nothing is there. I head back inside as I glance at the clock, and it reads 9:13 pm.