Crimson ribbons ripple and fall from a young girl’s blonde ponytail.
She bounds down the road aimlessly, her cherub face alight with joy.
Twisting and twirling every which way in a carefree manner, a giggle escapes.
Her white summer dress flows about her knees, little lady bugs dancing across the hemline.
A pure angel for all to admire-she’s an image of perfection, even at a mere seven in age.
Rosebud lips part and a squeal breaks free, her brilliant blue eyes gleam with excitement.
The sun is setting, it casts its soft orange glow upon the young one-bathing her in dim light.
But she does not falter, she twirls with her head tilted back, taking in the softly illuminated sky.
A picture meant for a hallmark card, she moves with beauty and grace, her small arms outstretched.
The sun begins to disappear beneath the horizon, and it’s only then that she realizes the time.
A small pang of fear works its way around in her stomach before climbing up to her chest and throat.
A sound breaks the silence, and she turns-her eyes wide now with fear and panic.
She doesn’t recall where she is or which direction to turn-terror courses through her narrowing veins.
“Momma…” her tiny voice rumbles out, sweet and smooth-like the best of honey.
The sound comes again; this time from behind her, as she begins to turn an ivory hand seizes her arm.
A cry comes from her parted lips, squeaking out along with her short gasping pants.
Lips meet her neck, teeth pierce into her jugular-she’s drained within a split second, and her body falls.
A red-eyed creature stands above the fallen angel, nothing showing amongst his alabaster face.
Blood matching the young girl’s ribbons drips from his lips and down his chin-the last of her essence.
He turns just as the street lights fade, there’s nothing in the sky-no moon, no stars, nothing.
The once thriving child is nothing but a corpse, left in a blanket of ebony.
Waiting for one to find her when light breaks the darkness.