The sound of hooves could be heard from the open bay window of the century-old mansion. The cool breeze parted the crocheted curtains slightly as she entered the house. The intrusive wind caused the candle on Mr. Tidwell's desk to flicker, this going unnoticed as he sat hunched over his parchment, quill in hand, writing hurriedly. Suddenly a scratching sound caught his attention; he froze, his blue eyes wide with fear, and turned towards the marvelous grand staircase. He dropped his quill into the inkwell and pushed his chair away from the desk. The sound grew even louder as it scraped across the oak floors. His knees, weak from fear, caused him trouble as he rose from his desk. Grabbing the enormous wooden railing, he timidly climbed the stairs, moving one foot in front of the other. The stairs creaked under his weight as he climbed them, it echoed through the old walls. Tidwell kept his eyes fixed on the mysterious sounds, his breathing heavy and labored. Meanwhile, the scratching noises increased in volume. After what seemed like hours, he reached the top of the stairs. Tidwell stopped in front of the window as the twilight glow cast reflections on his long sandy blond hair and the wall behind him. The sounds grew louder, wild and angry now, like an animal trying to burrow to safety from a predator. Tidwell took a moment to collect himself, then quickly headed towards the source of the horrible noises, the guest room at the end of the hall. His long, bony fingers fumbled awkwardly with the doorknob; he held it tightly, turned it slowly and opened the door. He felt a strange pressure in his chest; similar to the pressure one would feel while climbing a mountain. The feeling... middle of paper ... Tidwell tried to get hold of the film. But it was no use. The camera started to spark; in shock and confusion, he threw him onto the luxurious bed. The flames rose, engulfing the bed, and soon the curtains became fabrics of fire. He ran away from the burning house and into the street. He cried out at the horrors he had witnessed, and soon people gathered around him. Someone had come up behind him and everything went dark. When he awoke, he found himself in a small room, chained to an uncomfortable cot. With his arms and feet restrained. Tidwell struggled and called for help. A lady dressed in white entered the room. She raised her head and made him swallow a large beige pill with stagnant water. He spluttered and nearly choked on the substance. However, he soon slipped into unconsciousness, the only man to know of Earth's dark future...