Winter’s Warning
The final stage
“Yeah who knows,” Jacob said, as he turned his head, rolling his eyes.
“It really has been an insane year,” Isaac said, trying to carry the conversation.
“Not over yet,” Jacob reminded. It was Christmas Eve, the only thought that kept him from despair.
Mom changed the subject. “Well, all we can hope for is a white Christmas. Something good for a change.”
2:13 am.
Jacob woke up in a sweat, breathing hard. Isaac must have heard from the bottom bunk.
“Jacob? Are you okay?”
“Oh God, I just had the worst dream.”
“Hey, uh, Jacob?” Isaac’s voice became shaky. He pointed outside, where everything was coated in dark red.
“What?” Trying to sound brave, he looked out the window. He remembered God’s voice that night — their conversation of the last plague and how 2020 was a warning to the earth. It was officially Christmas morning, the final stage. For the first time in a long time, it snowed on Christmas in South Carolina. Except this wasn’t snow. Mom’s scream came from down the hallway as both boys froze in fear.
“It's blood. He’s coming.” Trumpets from above shook the house.
“Who’s coming, Jacob?”
“God.”
