"I'm bored." I announced to my mum. I had only been home for 15 minutes. The bus had dropped me off after a day of school.
"Well, I'm sure I can find you something fun to do." My mum shoved a pair of rubber gloves in my hands before I could reply. "The dishes are dirty."
I groaned, and headed toward the kitchen but I quickly snuck into the lounge room to watch TV
"Um, Kelly? The kitchen is that way." She turned me into the direction of the kitchen. I signed loudly and made my way to the sink. My mum had already filled it up with foaming bubbles and hot water. I signed again and pulled on my gloves. I looked at the pile of dirty dishes on the sink. My jaw dropped. It was at least 2 feet high! I moodily dipped the first plate in and started slowly scrubbing. I was already sweating. I opened the window infront of me. I felt a refreshing breeze on my forehead. I amused myself by looking out the window. Nothing interesting really. A few birds fighting over a worm. A cat preparing to spring on the birds. A few men in black suits. I blinked. "Huh?" I muttered. I took in the sign. There was 4 of them. All wearing black. All wearing sunglasses. All, I noticed, had a very serious expression on their face. I also noted that they were walking into my front yard. I felt a thrill of fear.
"Hey mum, some creepy guys in suits are here." No answer. I tried again.
"Stop making excuses, Kelly. You're washing those dishes no matter – oh!" My mothers words were cut short, a cry in place. I quickly looked outside. The men were gone. Was it possible they'd reached my mum? I took a knife off the sink. I had to be prepared. I hid behind the lounge room corner. "Mum...?" I called softly, trying to fight off my thoughts of what might be around the corner. Suddenly, unknown hands were around my mouth. The knife flew from my hand and hit the floor. I twisted and kicked the intruder in the shins. He stumbled. His groin connected with my foot. "Oof!" He was down. For the moment. I made it to the door, then stopped, my hand on the doorknob. My mum. I couldn't just leave her. I ran back to the lounge room. This time, two of the men approached me. I didn't stand a change. I tried to scream but they put their hand over my mouth. I felt something slimy touch my ear, then realised not only couldn't I speak, but I couldn't even move. Something was wrong. Something bad.
Yes. A voice said in my head. And it is going to get a whole lot worse. Welcome to hell, kid.
What was that voice? What's happening? I thought desperately. I must be going crazy. I'm hearing voices, either that or I'm dreaming.
You're not dreaming, kid.
There was that voice again. I tried to pinch myself awake, but found I couldn't move my arm.
Here, let me help you with that. The voice laughed. Suddenly, my arm was moving by itself! My own finger pinched my shoulder.
"Quit it!" I tried to say, but my mouth would no longer move.
What's happening to me? I silently sobbed. Where's my mum?
Your mum's safe kid. A wave of relief swept over me. For now.
"Bring her in" I was shocked to find my lips moving. This thing was using me. I had no control. It had taken over my whole body. Two of the men dragged a familiar figure in.
Mum! Hot tears sprung to my eyes. She was gagged. There was a nasty bruise on her eye.
Tell me where he is, kid. The mysterious voice demanded. I was confused. Tell me where your cousin is and your mum here won't get hurt.
Are you talking about David? I wondered aloud, feeling sick. You already have my mum! What else do you want! Silence. Then, "It's no use." My voice was speaking aloud again. "I've searched her memory. She had no idea where the boy is." My head nodded towards my terrified looking mum. "Take the gag off. We'll infest her now." My mums gag was carefully taken off. "Kelly! What's going on?" My mum cried. Her face turned to hurt as she saw the cold expression on my face. "What's wrong with you? I'm sorry I made you wash the–" She was cut short as something that looked very much like an oversized grub was shoved in her face. I watched helplessly as it was moved towards her ear. I longed to close my eyes and cut out her sobbing cries. But instead, I was forced to watch it burrowing it's way through her ear canal. I felt sick – that thing was in me, too. That thing was controlling me. Who are you? I asked with a trembling voice, afraid to hear the answer.
I am Talf-three-seven-four. I am a Yeerk. I gasped as I saw flashes of strange lands, monsters. I realised this was part of Talf's memories. Could I see into his mind like he could see into mine? Talf continued. I am part of the Yeerk Empire. We are here to take over your human race.
"You." My voice was aimed towards the four men. "Get out of here. Now." They quickly left without a word.
What do you want with me and my mum? I asked the filth inside my head.
Your cousin David has something of great importance that...belongs...to us. He escaped with it, and we want it back. The voice sneered. Within the hour, everyone who is related to him will be infested.
"What now?" My mum asked me. But of course, not really my mother anymore.
"Now," Talf replied. "we live out these peoples lives. I go to the kids school. You go to the lady's work. Their friends won't have a clue."
Tears rolled down my face. I was being controlled. The Yeerk was the puppeteer, I was the puppet. For how long would this continue?