THE SHORELINE PROPHECY

"I'll eat in my room," Ruth said, picking up her tray and heading upstairs.

Alone in her room, Ruth slammed the door shut, and stood infromt of the dressing table. Her innocent facade vanishing. Her face contorted with rage as she applied ointment on her scalded feet.

"Anaya, Anaya, Anaya! I hate you! I hate your prayers, and I hate everything about Christ!" She hissed through clenched teeth. You burned my feet with your so-called prayers, and I'll make sure you pay for it! I'll wait patiently for you to drink that juice, and when you do, it'll drain the life out of you-little by little. No doctor on this earth can save you when it begins to work."

Her voice dropped to a chilling whisper as she added, "Your days are numbered, Anaya, Enjoy them while they last." A malicious glare darkened her face before she quickly replaced it with her usual sweet and innocent smile.

Downstairs, the food was delicious, and I ate the gizzard more , but the bottle of juice sitting on the table slowly made me loose appetite.We finished eating by 6pm, Uncle James excused himself and went to his room. I stayed behind to clear the table and pack up the dishes.

When I got to the kitchen, the first thing I did was grab the bottle of juice. Without hesitation, I opened it and poured it down the sink. As the dark liquid swirled down the drain, it moved unnaturally, like it had a life of it's own.

A sound behind me made me turn around. Ruth stood there, her gaze locked on mine.

She smiled and for a moment, I was struck by her beauty. Her golden brown skin shimmered under the light, her curly brown hair pulled up neatly into a bun, and her dimples softened her expression. But the unease in my chest didn't waver. Looks, I thought bitterly can be deceiving.

"It's getting late, so I came to check up on you," Ruth said sweetly, stepping closer. I've already taken my bath. If you want, I can help you finish up."

She moved towards the sink, but I instinctively grabbed her shoulders to stop her. The moment my hand touched her skin, she shook violently, as though she's been shocked by electricity.

She quickly pulled back and forced a smile. I'm feeling sleepy. Hurry up and join me ok? Ruth said softly before turning and walking away.

I stood frozen, trying to process what just happened. Why did she shiver like that? Is she unwell?

Shaking off the thought, i hurried to finish washing the plates and poured water down the sink to clear the remnants of the juice. Then I headed upstairs.

By the time I entered the room, Ruth was already asleep. I quietly undressed and entered the bathroom. After a quick shower, I stood in front of the mirror tying my bonnet over my hair.

But when I looked up, I froze. My heart thudded painfully in my chest as I stared at the mirror.

Written across the glass

I'm red were the chilling words: YOUR DAYS ARE NUMBERED.