The chilly autumn weather did not dampen the spirits of the children on a certain playground in Pete's World London. Quite the contrary, they seemed invigorated by it; refreshed, even. Copper leaves waltzed down from the skeletal tree branches as the little boys with pink cheeks climbed ladders and played cops and robbers. Young girls bundled into scarves and soft gloves sat on the swing set, watching the boys and giggling. It was the most beautiful fall day – warm in the sunlight and as crisp as an apple. So why did the mothers sitting on the benches feel a sense of dread as they watched their children scamper about on that sunny afternoon? Why did they all get an overwhelming desire to snatch up their little ones, run home, and lock the doors?
It's unexplainable – that sixth sense that parents have to keep their children from danger. Sometimes, you just know. But they all thought it was ridiculous and shrugged it off, even if some did invent an excuse to take their children home.
"Oh, look at the time! Gotta get dinner on."
"Briar has a piano lesson soon. He should really warm his fingers up before that."
"It's probably too cold for Charlotte to be out. And I did promise her some hot chocolate before we go home."
"Traffic is going to be horrid if we don't leave now."
The mothers that did stay pulled their coats tighter around themselves and watched their children continue playing with uneasy apprehension. If only they had been a bit closer to hear the rhyme that a group of children were singing in the corner of the playground as they jumped rope. Well, if they had, they would have left then and there.
As it was, they couldn't hear. They only saw three little boys with stocking caps singing and chasing each other as four little girls skipped rope in their patent leather mary janes. They looked so happy that each mother wondered what they were singing about.
I'm looking for a man, who can change his face,
And his big, blue box that travels time and space.
Roses will wither and the bells will chime.
Run, run, you're running out of time.
The second one left and the third forgot.
Run, run, you're gonna get caught.
Lord of time, he's dashing and brave.
Run, run, the world is yours to save.
Venus, Aphrodite, so many names.
Run, run, you'd better play her games.
She will make all your dreams come true.
Run, run, she's set her sights on you.
Blood soaked pearls tangled in lace.
Run, run, Doctor - save the human race.
Nightmare wrapped in silk, she's awake.
Run, run, your heart is her's to take.
Candlelight kisses, in love you fall.
Run, run, you're backed into a wall.
Ignoring us would be a mistake.
How many people can she take?... 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8...