The sweltering heat emanating from the scorching sun made the afternoon less appealing. Little Tim was making his way back from school, following the bicycle traces on the sandy ground.

Having a childhood growing up in this rural area of the city was no easy feat for any city dwellers who are used to all the hustle and bustle of the city. The village of Timole was one detached from the rest of the world. No computers, no mobile phones, no new millenium gimmicks.

Little Tim threw his bag down as he approached a huge pond in the midst of the trees. The water was glistening under the sunlight, like myriads of diamonds playing on the surface. He wiped his sweat as he started to take his shirt off. Having been soiled during a wrestle with a fellow classmate earlier, he needed a shower badly.

Taking a look around him, he took off the rest of his shorts and jumped into the pond. He held his breath and took a dip under, snaking around the pond.

He felt an instant coolness as the water embraced his entire body. After a while, he decided to float on his back, allowing his half-submerged body to be immersed in the water while he faced directly at the glorious sun.

All of a sudden, he recalled his parents’ faces. They have told him that they were going away to look for more food for the family two years ago. But they did not return after that.

“Liars”, he called out, as tears began flowing down his cheeks, merging with the water in the pond.

His parents had named him after the village’s name, which was supposed to be a sacred name as the generations believed. Older folks have spoke about the Dark Beings lurking around the forests, and had advised that all children must return back to their huts before night falls.

Little Tim had never believed in those superstitions. Folks in the village had rumoured that his parents were taken away by the Dark Beings. He refused to believe that. He was old enough to know that those were probably adults trying to coax the children into obedience.

“I ain’t no three year old”, he thought aloud.

“Little Tim, wake up… Little Tim, it is time to wake up.” He heard this familiar voice. It was his mum’s.

His eyes opened wide, and it was already dark all around. He did not realize that he had already fallen asleep while floating.

He heard a rustle coming from the woods behind him. He flipped instantly and tried to swim back to where he placed his clothes.

They were gone, he realized.

By now, a pair of glowing red eyes was watching him deep within the woods.

When he tried to step on the ground surface, his feet sank into the sand, which eventually turned into dark liquid.

The woods all around started to fill with pairs and pairs of glowing red eyes.

“Oh Timmy… Where do you think you are going?” He heard this deep hoarse voice calling after him.

“Nooooooooooooooooooo!” He wailed loudly.

“Timmy, wake up, time for school.” He heard a familiar voice – that of his mother’s.

His eyelids flit open as he saw her looking at him.

“Mummy!” Little Tim cried out as he reached his arms upwards to hug his mother tightly.

“Where have you been these two years?” He cried.

“Oh darling, I am sorry to keep you waiting. I promise not to leave you again.”

As she hugged him close, he buried his face against her bosom.

In the distance, her eyes reflected a strange glowing red.