LOCKED SHADOWS

"THE BEGINNING"

Daisy’s room was quiet except for the faint ticking of the clock on the wall. The wallpaper, patterned in soft colors, caught the light filtering in through the curtains, giving the small space a gentle warmth. Her bed stood neatly in the corner, but Daisy was far from calm. Seated at her desk, her fingers hovered above the keyboard of her laptop, eyes dull from exhaustion. For three hours she had stared at the blinking cursor, and all she had to show for it was barely five hundred words.

Her frustration boiled over. With a groan, she gulped from the water can on her desk and slammed her palm down hard.

Shit! she muttered under her breath, glaring at the empty page. The title at the top of her screen mocked her "DAISY THE WRITER"

Meanwhile, across town, Dave pushed his body through a relentless routine. His room smelled of sweat and energy drinks. Every muscle in his able-bodied frame strained with each movement as he completed yet another set of push-ups. His phone buzzed insistently. He glanced at the screen, its Lucia. With irritation, he snatched it up.

You’re distracting me! he barked, not waiting for her reply before tossing the phone aside. The mirror on the wall reflected his determined eyes, almost as if to remind him who he was "DAVE THE BODY BUILDER"

At the same time, in a well-furnished living room, Edith sat comfortably on her sofa. Paintings hung gracefully on the walls, a flat-screen TV glowed silently above them, but her attention was on her phone. Dressed simply in a flowing buba gown, she sipped juice absentmindedly until the front door creaked. Daisy walked in, dropping her bag on the sofa with a heavy sigh.

Edith noticed instantly. Creative block? she asked, setting her phone aside.

Again, Daisy admitted, slumping beside her. It’s happening again!

Edith’s eyes softened. It is what it is.

Daisy frowned.

I mean, as a writer, these things happen. You just have to find your way out of it.

That’s the worst part. I can’t find a way. I sat at that desk for three hours and all I had was five hundred words. How, Mom? How?

Edith reached for her daughter’s hand. You don’t have to be so hard on yourself. Every writer faces a creative block.

Daisy’s voice dropped into a whisper. So what do I do?

I think...

Her mother’s words were cut off by the sharp beep of Daisy’s phone. She glanced at the screen. It’s Lucia, she said, rising to her feet. I’ll be with her in a minute. See you later, Mom.

She hugged and pecked Edith before leaving. Edith called after her, Stay safe!

Moments later, Daisy’s voice carried cheerfully into her phone as she stepped outside. I’ll be with you in a minute.

The afternoon sun bore down on the outdoor eatery where Lucia sat impatiently, sipping juice and glancing at her watch. She was a pretty girl with chocolate toned skin, her poise carrying a quiet confidence. At last, Daisy arrived.

Fifteen minutes late, Daisy, Lucia scolded.

I’m sorry, Daisy said breathlessly as she slipped into the seat opposite. I was with Mama. Where are the others?

They’re not here yet.

Daisy signaled the waiter with a small wave. Yogurt, please.

Lucia crossed her arms. I sent them messages. They should be here soon. I called Dave, and he yelled at me.

His usual, Daisy sighed. Her tone grew heavier. Lucia, I’m going through hell right now and I need some help.

What’s that?

My book, Daisy admitted. I should have been done with it by now, but I’m stuck in this horrible block.

Lucia let out a dramatic sigh. You nearly scared me. I thought you were about to say you’re pregnant!

Daisy gave her a look. Not that.

Lucia laughed, shaking her head. Honestly, you nearly killed me. My heart almost sank.

The waiter returned with Daisy’s yogurt, setting it gently on the table before leaving them again.

This isn’t just a joke, Lucia, Daisy continued. My book should be done in two weeks, submitted for review. Two million naira is on the line.

Lucia’s brows lifted. How many words so far?

Three thousand.

That’s… bad, Lucia admitted.

Just then, Dave and Alex strolled in. Dave’s strong build and Alex’s light-skinned, bearded charm turned a few heads as they walked toward the girls.

You know, Lucia started as they sat down, I don’t like the fact that you gentlemen never show up on time.

Ladies before gentlemen, Dave retorted with a smirk.

Lucia glared. What does that even mean? Look at your watch!

Relax, Daisy intervened. They’re here now. Let’s get to the point.

Alex smiled warmly. Thank you, Daisy. So far, I’ve found a location suitable for all of us. Trust me, it has good vibes.

Dave barely listened, his earphones still plugged in. But Alex pressed on enthusiastically. It has a pool, a gaming section, even some kind of mini-theater. My friend Moses told me about it.

Lucia raised an eyebrow. So you haven’t seen it yourself?

Alex hesitated. No, but Moses wouldn’t lie to me.

Of course not, Lucia muttered sarcastically, then shot Dave a sharp look. And here’s another one, chewing his lips while drowning in old music tracks.

Dave finally tugged out his earphones. Talking to me?

Yes, Lucia fired back. What are you going to do?

It’s not old music. It’s 2025 album, Dave defended himself.

Enough! Daisy cut in again. Guys, please. This is about my eighteenth birthday. It’s supposed to be a vacation for us, good music, good food, games, fun. We don’t need to fight about it.

The group quieted down, though Dave still scowled silently. For Daisy, the dream of the vacation and the book contest was all she had to hold onto, even as shadows of dread began to creep into her nights.

Edith paced restlessly in the living room, her phone clutched tight in her hand. Each time she dialed Daisy’s number, the call refused to connect. Fear stirred in her chest. When the door finally opened, relief swept through her. Daisy walked in, and Edith rushed to embrace her tightly.

Oh, my goodness, Edith whispered. I thought I had lost you.

Lost me? Mom, my phone just died. Lucia and I used it to see movies. Daisy chuckled nervously.

Edith sighed, forcing a smile, but the worry in her eyes lingered. How was your day?

Not so bad. We’re pushing ahead with vacation plans.

Edith guided her to the sofa, taking Daisy’s hand with both of hers. Daisy, I’m thankful for how good you are. You’re so precious to me, and I don’t ever want to lose you. After your father

I don’t want to hear about him, Daisy interrupted firmly.

Edith winced but nodded. Fine. What matters is that I see you growing into a wonderful woman. Don’t relent. In years to come, I see you as a great writer.

Tears welled in Daisy’s eyes as she leaned against her mother. “I love you so much, Mom.”

I love you too, my pumpkin, Edith whispered, wiping her tears.

That night, Daisy dreamt of shadows. Rain pounded, thunder split the skies, and she ran through the darkness of a strange room. Footsteps echoed closer and closer until a faceless man raised a dagger above her. Her scream pierced the void.

She woke to the shrill ring of her alarm, trembling, sweat clinging to her skin. Her day began with dread heavy in her chest, a weight she could not shake.

And so the shadows began to stir…