…the snake devouring it's own tail never ends. The possible meanings are numerate; the cycles of the sun and moon, death and rebirth or even eternity itself.
Similarly the symbol of the ankh, originating in ancient Egypt, represents eternal life.
Child A was particularly fascinated by the idea of life after death. Perhaps that was a tenet of the religious offshoot she belonged to. She was a keen amateur lepidopterologist and surrounded herself with signs and symbols that she believed would aid her in her next life, though she was unclear about what form that would take…
-Leonard Rhine, The Monster Lurks
Harry woke with a start, alone on the bed, still fully dressed. He wondered how long he had been asleep – dusk had long since passed. Darkness covered the room and lay heavily upon him. Heather was lost a second time. Just another dream.
He needed to get out. Find somewhere to have a drink…or two. Maybe grab some cigarettes and take up smoking again.
After shakily getting to his feet, Harry shuffled shivering into the night. Too dark to enjoy the view, he turned left and moved briskly with his collar turned up against the cold.
He wondered if it really were possible for him to remain in a dream. To live six years ago with, Heather untouched by that aggressive disease. To sit with Cheryl on his knee, or even to have the cat at his feet. A life lived with no hint of the nightmare that was to come.
He came upon two buildings, either side of the junction. The 'Indian Runner' store or Annie's Bar away in the distance…lonely cigarettes and a can of beer or a small town bar and a bottle of bourbon…
If what Norman said about the community was true, Annie's Bar meant long explanations and drunken support. The prospect of facing that drove him towards the forbidden tobacco. Drawing in on the store he saw that it was closed. It looked pretty beat up too, as though it hadn't been open for a long time.
Something growled at him from the parking lot. He hoped it wasn't a coyote or a wolf. That was the last thing he needed, to be mauled in back alley, rotting corpse to be undiscovered for days. The animal emerged from behind the store.
It was worse than he imagined. No fur, fleshy snout and sharp yellow teeth, a sickly and putrid body. The animal might have had any number of diseases. Unwilling to take any chances, he ducked into the open entrance, barring it with a display counter that sat by the door.
Inside the Indian Runner he found a store in disarray. Shelves were largely empty, goods strewn across the floor as though it had been robbed. Fluids and spoiled foodstuffs were strewn across the floor; the resulting stench making Harry retch.
There was a loud thud against the door. Followed by another. And another. The hellhound was keen to get in and he needed something to defend himself with.
The lights flickered as he walked around behind the counter. There was a safe underneath the countertop and it appeared to be open. Pulling the door back he could see a polythene bag containing white powder. He wondered if this could be the drug Lydia had been talking about. It was quite shocking to find it in this small town convenience store. What was going on in Silent Hill?
By the cash register he saw an open book, marked with the date of the previous year;
August 20
He came by. I handed over the package
that the woman left here.
September 12
He showed up at Norman's too.
Don't want to be involved
with the likes of them anymore, but...
I'm getting creeped out even more
than before. Thought of leaving
town, but I'm afraid of what will happen if I do….
It was difficult to imagine his temporary landlord being involved in a drugs racket. Norman seemed a little pompous, but well meaning. Although…'high risks with no rewards'…that was what he'd been shouting in the office.
The animal hurled itself against the door again prompting Harry to continue his search. Rummaging through the drawers, discovering countless papers and ledgers in need of a lawyer or accountant. Taped to the underside of the counter he discovered a revolver. Empty. The shelves were devoid of bullets.
He made his way into the cheaply decorated staff room. A fearsome kitchen knife sat on the draining board by the sink. Taking it in his hand he turned it over appreciating the sharpness of it.
Then, by the back door, something caught his eye. A hand ax for chopping wood. A good size blade too.
As he cautiously made his way out of the back entrance, ax in hand, the streetlights went out. The town had suffered a blackout and the moon was covered by thick cloud. It was almost impossible to see. He crept across the parking lot expecting to be pounced on by the fearsome dog.
Despite his misgivings about the locals he decided to head to Annie's Bar across the road. The company of small town drunks was better than that of rabid animals.
A dim light was shining erratically inside as though a torch was waving around. He hoped the bar wouldn't be full of locals, disgruntled in the dark…all aware of the poor outsider who lost his daughter and then his mind. Listening with sympathy to his mad ramblings about rabid dogs. And carrying an axe to boot.
He edged his way past the creaking door and was greeted by the sound of a struggle. Pinned on his back, desperately defending himself with the flashlight, was Doctor Kaufmann. His attacker was wild and ferocious. The light flashed across talons, raised and ready to strike. Those familiar talons... about a foot in length and as black as the scenery. Harry strode forward and instinctively swung the axe. The blow landed on the side of the creatures head opening a large gash. It slumped, oozing to the floor.
"Thank god. Another human being" gasped Kaufmann, making hard work of getting up. He booted the creature ferociously. Harry thought he saw a slight grin on the doctor's face as he did so.
"Are You Okay?" Harry asked.
"Yeah, I guess so. But I'm beat. I thought I was a goner there…"
He looked at Harry conspiratorially.
"Did you see those monsters? Have you ever seen such aberrations ? Ever even heard of such things? You and I both know creatures like that don't exist."
They stared at each other. Harry knew that Kaufmann was right, the corpse at his feet was an impossibility. But he wasn't alone this time, they had both seen it.
"I only came in for a quick drink. When I arrived the place was empty, with the lights on. After searching for Annie without success I decided to leave, that's when the lights went out. Something very strange is going on tonight. My suggestion is that you get back to wherever you're staying – get inside and bolt the door."
"What about...that?" asked Harry, pointing at the creature.
"You may call the police if you wish. Personally, I do not wish to wait around and see if there are any more of these things. I better get going. I have to get to the hospital."
Kaufmann picked up his briefcase and left Harry on his own, confused – and seriously considering a drink.