The Creepy Quinn’s

The sun starts to set on Rose Hills, and the smell of yams and macaroni and cheese fills the air of the Quinn family home.

Madeline is washing the dishes while her mom sets the table. Her father is sweeping the floor.

“We don’t have a main, just a bunch of sides.”

Said, Madeline

“Your brother went out to pick it up.”

Madeline nodded.

“Tell your father to finish sweeping and load the shotgun; Malcolm should be home any minute.”

Madeline walked over to her father, who was still sweeping the hallway. The bags under his eyes looked like small water balloons. He had on his best suit as he did every thanksgiving.

“Dad, mom said to finish and load the shotgun.”

He looked up at Madeline and smiled.

“How about you help your old man and get the shotgun from the garage.”

“Can I load it?”

“Sure, but be careful.”

Madeleine smiled at her father. She was spoiled; being the youngest of four siblings and the only girl; put her at an advantage.

“Hurry, don’t tell your mother.”

Madeleine quickly and sneakily made her way over to the garage. The garage was messy, filled with boxes of her dad’s old college stuff, her and her brother's baby stuff, and her mom's extensive collection of creepy old dolls. They always creeped her out; they just sat there; she swears the eyes followed her.

“Creepy”

The shotgun was placed on a small shelf at the far corner wall with the ammo beside it. She grabbed it and loaded it just like her father had taught her. She rushed back into the hallway to give it to her dad.

“Here you go”

“That’s my girl”

He took Madeline’s hair from the right side of her face and pushed it behind her ear.

Malcolm's voice echoed throughout the house. He was so loud even if he wasn’t inside; it always sounded like he was.

Madeleine’s mom rushed to open the door, frustrated at Madeleine and her husband for not opening the door. She gave them a menacing look.

“There’s my boy!”

“Hey Ma, this is Matthew. He will be joining us for dinner.”

“Perfect!”

Matthew walked into the house with a bright smile on his face.

“Thanks for having me.”

“Of course, Matthew, we lllooovveeee visitors.”

Matthew smiled uncomfortably.

“Ma, stop… you’re being weird again.”

“Well, anyways, everybody in the dining room, it’s time to eat.”

“It smells great!”

Matthew follows Malcolm into the dining room. Malcolm pulls out the chair for him to sit down.

“Thanks”

Matthew looks around the table and sees all the wonderful-smelling food. The macaroni and cheese, the stuffing, collard green, yams, and cranberry sauce; but he didn’t see a chicken or turkey. The Quinn family all took their seats, and Madeleine started praying.

Matthew awkwardly didn’t join the prayer as he wasn’t religious.

“Alright, honey, it’s time.”

Mr. Quinn sighed.

Mrs. Quinn stared uncomfortably at Matthew.

“Excuse me… but where is the turkey? There isn’t any meat on this table.”

Mrs. Quinn laughed.

“Of course there is. I made sure Malcolm brought some home.”

“Where is it?”

Matthew looked at Malcolm.

“It’s you, man”

Matthew laughed uncomfortably.

“No, seriously? Where? Is it in the oven?”

Matthew got up from his chair.

Mrs. Quinn looked at Malcolm as if she was signaling him.

Malcolm walked over to Matthew.

“Buddy, relax, okay, here, have some water. We like to play.”

Matthew nodded and nervously drank the entire glass.

After a few minutes of Malcolm talking to Matthew, Matthew felt dizzy.

“Hey, I don’t feel so good.”

“It’s okay, buddy, just rest.”

Matthew closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.