Horrific Shorts: Zombie Edition

As the rain pattered softly against the window, the warm glow of a red lantern illuminated the dark night scene. The peaceful sound of the falling rain was only broken by the occasional distant rumble of thunder. Luna, the black cat, sat on the windowsill, her eyes reflecting the nostalgic memories of a time long past.

Inside the cozy, traditional house, Mira, an old woman with kind eyes and a weathered face, sat in her favorite chair, knitting. The room was filled with the comforting smell of tea and freshly baked bread. Mira often spoke to Luna, as if the cat could understand every word. "Tonight feels different, Luna," she murmured, her voice barely audible over the rain.

"Almost as if something is about to happen."

The tranquility of the night was shattered by a sudden, horrible scream that echoed through the village. Luna's ears perked up, and Mira's hands stopped their rhythmic movement. She glanced at the window, her heart pounding. "Stay inside, Luna," she whispered, more to herself than to the cat.

Just then, the door creaked open, and a tall, shadowy figure stepped inside. Kaito, a mysterious stranger who had recently arrived in the village, stood in the doorway, drenched from the rain. His presence, though usually calming, now seemed foreboding. "Mira, we need to talk," he said, his voice grave.

Mira nodded, motioning for him to sit. "What is it, Kaito? What's happened?"

Kaito hesitated before speaking. "There's been an incident. Sora... she's missing."

The peaceful ambiance of the house vanished, replaced by a tense, horrible silence. Mira's face went pale, her hands trembling. "No... not Sora."

Luna jumped down from the window and brushed against Mira's legs, trying to offer comfort. Mira took a deep breath, steadying herself. "We must find her, Kaito. She's the only family I have left."

The rain continued to pour as they devised a plan. The night scene outside, once peaceful and nostalgic, now felt ominous and threatening. Kaito promised to bring Sora back, and with a determined nod, he disappeared into the darkness.

Luna remained by Mira's side, her presence a small comfort in the midst of the storm. As the hours passed, Mira couldn't shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong. She glanced at the window, where the rain blurred the outside world into an indistinct haze. "Please, bring her back safely," she whispered into the night.

In the end, the rain continued its relentless fall, the red lantern casting a hopeful glow against the window. And as Mira waited, surrounded by memories and the sound of the rain, she held onto the hope that the night, however dark and horrible, would give way to the dawn.