100WC Week 1 - Imprisoned

Molly felt the breath forced from her tiny body as she slammed against the wall. Like treacle, darkness clung to her as the cupboard door snapped shut. She slowly slid onto the dank, uneven floor.

“Liar!“ He spat. She strained to hear the other voice.

Molly shuddered as the shouting filled her ears and then the noise stopped. Her little terrier cocked its head and listened. The dog whimpered, sniffing at the door desperately wanting to smell that familiar fragrance.

Still horrified, Molly retreated to the shelter of the wall as dark black shadow crept under the door.

100 WC Week 2: The Storm

I watched from my window in horror as the weather unleashed its anger: wind howling; leaves whirling; gates banging and then the sky grew darker. Then, just like magic, the lights came on as darkness started to fall, people being hurried on their way by gusts of wind pushing and tugging them here and there. In the distance bright blue flashes lit up the sky showing shadows of trees and houses. A sudden rumble then a crash, the thunder had arrived bringing with it torrential rain cascading from the roofs. Following a few minutes of anger, peace and tranquility was restored. So I returned to my sleep.

100 WC Week 2 - A Watery Grave

After a days fishing, the rickety old boat turned for home. They were making good time and then the sky grew darker. Suddenly lightning flashed and thunder cracked. As the boat was tossed from side to side by the rough, pounding waves the crew clung to the sides. They were petrified: stomachs churned; hearts raced; legs trembled. For hours the boat battled the storm and each time a wall of water crashed over the side, voices raised in prayer could be heard. Despite their pleas, the boat split in two and disappeared beneath the sea along with the helpless men to a watery grave.

100 WC Week 2 - Fireworks

And then the sky grew darker. The excited children huddled around the warm, embracing bonfire. The blaze was burning with ever increasing momentum as the field grew busier with families gathering for the annual town display. The adults were bracing the cold wind: coats fastened; hats on; rubbing their arms to muster some warmth. WHOOSH! BANG! SIZZLE! The fireworks set to work: illuminating the sky; assaulting their ears; entertaining their eyes. “This is just magical!” one child exclaimed to their parent. The show of bright colours, sparkling lights and screeching sounds was relentless. The local people of the town had really surpassed themselves this year.

100 WC Week 2 - Old Bessie

Gently Dougal stepped upon the damp shimmering cobbles, slowly making his way down the winding path.He knew that he had to go and meet his old faithful friend. Finally arriving at the harbor, bench in sight, he rested his frail old bones and sighed. Dougal was feeling worn: tired legs: out of breath: weathered skin. He was captivated with the tormented sea, watching the booming waves swooshing against the harbor wall. And then the sky grew darker, suddenly Old Bessie appeared chugging around the bend. He knew that his family were safe and sound for the festive holidays.

100 WC Week 2 - Tornado

I heard it on the news: tornado coming; expected winds of over a hundred miles per hour; damage to buildings inevitable.
We gathered a few things, but not much as time was of the essence. We climbed into the car and headed away from the grey shadow that was twisting in the distance.
As I drove I constantly looked in my rear view mirror and could feel my heart racing as I tried to outrun the danger that was closing in on us.

Reality hit me, we may not actually make it. And then the sky grew darker. BOOM - it hit us.

100 WC Week 2 - Memories

Without warning, pictures flicked through her mind and created a movie of memories. Life had been good: exciting, fulfilling, emotional. If only she knew then how quickly time would past. She could almost hear her clock ticking by…tick, tick. This time it was different; not like the time bomb that it had previously felt like. She was ready.

With every shallow breath she appreciated the sights and sounds around. The wind whispered through the dry grass and the bluebells shone brightly in the warm sunshine. It will be the little things that she will miss.

With a smile on her face and contentment in her eyes she took a deep breath and was grateful for what had been. She closed her eyes and then the sky grew darker.

100WC Week 2 - The Eerie Silence

I woke to a grey, murky looking day. The sunless sky looked despairingly over the remote little village. The infectious chatter of the garden birds made me smile. Herding cats looked on at potential prey: whiskers twitching; ears flicking; vocalising a deep growl. My feathered friends were completely oblivious to the prowling hunters watching from afar. The tick-tock of the kitchen clock made me mindful of the approaching time. Suddenly, without warning, the tomcats scarpered. Like a flash, the feathered creatures ensued. An eerie silence followed and then the sky grew darker. Black clouds appeared to envelope our innocent little village.

What was about to happen?

100 WC Week 2 - Twin Towers

And then the sky grew darker, a blanket of smoke covered Manhattan. Screams echoed throughout the city. What was happening? What could this be?

Herds of people clambered to their feet and frantically hurtled in the direction which they deemed would bring safety. CRASH! Another plane hit. A deafening silence was felt throughout the world. Why? Who? What next? At this point we wondered if the sky would ever seem bright again. The destruction and devastation was horrific: loss of livelihoods; loss of life; loss of hope.

In that instant the second tower came crashing down. That was it; New York’s skyline would never be the same...

100WC Week 2 - The Angry Sea

Waves crashed against the eroding cliffs. Bang! Crash! Wallop! Clutching at her life jacket, Emily knew that she had to get to shore before the storm became worse. She was petrified: life jacket inflated; legs kicking like a boat's propellers; heart pounding with fear she edged towards the distant shore. Everything inside her was willing her forward, but the mighty current clung at her body and had an alternative agenda...

Slowly the sun disappeared in the distance: the night drew near. Emily took a final glimpse at the erupting storm and then the sky grew dark. Would she make it shore before the waves won this horrific battle?

100 WC Week 2 - Feeling Foul

Would she ever feel normal again? She was feeling ill: runny nose; barking cough; heavy legs. Despite the numerous flu and cold remedies, her body still ached. Slowly she got up from the brown leather sofa which had snuggled her in its arms. Standing upright was like torture. Agony. ‘Ouch!’ she whimpered. She struggled as she walked to the stairs. Each step made her feel like she was climbing a mountain. Her chest tightening with each step. Hopefully tonight would be the night she could rest her weary eyes and find peace. She crawled into her bed. And then the sky grew darker…she prayed for sleep.

100 WC Week 2 - Gothic Horror

Forever, I have relished the smell of blood. Is that strange, reader? Well, I am strange! I used to alarm myself, for the things I'm drawn to are, frankly, bizarre. I'll give you a foretaste: forests, where trees grow so tightly and thickly together, they shut out all light; abattoirs, where the taste of freshly-slaughtered flesh hangs in the air; desolate moors, where there's nowhere for the hunted to hide.

I didn't understand myself, reader, and then, one fateful eve, a fearsome howl burst forth from my soul and mouth...and then the sky grew darker, I saw the moon and knew, at last, what I was.

100 WC Week 2 - The Eclipse

The field was teeming with life: spiders spinning silken webs; grasshoppers chirruping on tall blades of grass; butterflies fluttering from flower to flower. But no-one stopped to look. Instead all eyes were looking upwards to where small clouds were drifting silently across the grey sky. One little boy scrambled eagerly onto the hedge for a better view. And then the sky grew darker as the moon passed in front of the sun. Grasshoppers grew silent and birds stopped singing as the shadow of night raced across the field. The wind held its breath and everything was still; night had arrived in the middle of the day.

100WC Week 2 - Circle of Life

It was the early hours when night receded into day. Aurora (the goddess of dawn) was breaking:night fading; an orange hue appearing; life awakening to the chorus of birdsong in the air.

A transported tiny seed had embedded in the soil. Soaked by droplets of rain and encompassed by the sun's rays photosynthesis began to work its magic. Almost like a chick cracking out of its shell, the seed emerged from the soil seeking light. The healthy bloom dropped its head and then the sky grew darker. The still black of night descended evolving day into night and the circle of life went on.

100WC Week 2 - Thunder!

Suddenly the sky's power took control. A dark, mysterious cloud formed about the heads of people shouting help and mercy to the god of weather. And then the sky grew darker, a thunder storm formed creating its own picture. First there was darkness and no sound then a frightful crackling roar was made and the heavens opened. Bang! The thundered reverberated, destroying everything in its pathway. The raindrops were like giant tears descending downwards creating a river on the ground. The booming got louder and the light shone brighter, the sky was not to be ignored.

Then everything changed. The world felt empty: black, silent, lonely.

100WC Week 2 - Christmas Eve

Tick tock! The clock boldly struck five o'clock... and then the sky grew darker. It was Christmas Eve: the stockings were hung by the chimney; icicles flashed like diamonds in the moonlight; the house was filled with the scent of Christmas tree pines. The children uneasily approached bedtime knowing that the next day they would feast upon the mountains of presents and luxurious delicacies.

They tried their hardest to stay awake, to catch a glimpse of Santa's red coat; but they soon succumbed to their eye aching tiredness. When morning came everyone awoke: eyes wide; their hearts pounding; a strange tingly sensation surging through their veins…

100WC Week 2 - It's Behind You

The garden was beautiful: emerald green grass rising in the breeze; sweet smelling baby pink roses; colourful butterflies dancing playfully through the air. Miranda was lying peacefully on her back enjoying the warm afternoon sun. With a deep breath, she lowered her eyelids and inhaled the heady aroma from the concoction of fragrances that lingered mid-air. Then she realised, the garden was different today. Something was definitely different today… she was not alone!

Miranda opened her eyes and then the sky grew darker. From behind her, Miranda heard the vile, repulsive, hideous brute. The low murmuring growl came right from the back of his scaly throat.

100 WC Week 2 - Greek Gods

And then the sky grew darker … Seizing a lightening bolt in his hand Zeus, filled with fury, hurled it down to Earth! Crash! A hole, the size of Athena’s temple, burned. You did not anger the King of the Gods. He vowed not to rest until his brother had paid!
Far below, in the pits of the underworld Hades smirked. Successfully, he had abducted Persephone and now had her in his lair. All he had to do was tempt her to eat, he would then be able to claim her! He lay an array of fresh fruit next to her: succulent strawberries; beautiful blueberries; delicious raspberries.

100 WC Week 2 - Night At The Circus

The heavy canvas tent was hoisted high amongst the clatter and chaos of wagons and caravans manoeuvring on the crunchy gravel. Horses with feathered plumes neighed warily whilst the stable-boys strived to soothe them with morsels of apple. Swirling girls wearing sequined bustles tinkling with bells practised their synchronised routine and the ring-master cracked his whip to urge on a distressed brown bear. The enchanter dematerialised in billowing smoke, leaving his top hat to flutter to the arenas ground.

Nighttime at the circus: magical, beguiling, bizarrely wondrous. And then the sky grew darker, the curtains fell and the show began.

100 WC Week 2 - Pirates

Stars sped to their positions in the night sky and whispered with excitement. Ding Dong! The chime of bells drifted across the ocean as a distant church clock struck midnight. And then the sky grew darker. It was time! A low groan filled the air as the ocean floor rumbled and shook. Waves moaned as the pirate ship ripped through them and rose majestically from the sea floor. Creak! The mask snapped back into place. Untouched by time, the beautiful wooden ship lowered its sails in preparation for its final journey. The pirate captain stood proudly at the helm: eyes gleaming; hook swishing; ready for adventure.

100 WC Week 2 - The Countryside

Having never left the City, Pauline eagerly sniffed the country air. Opening the gate the mud squelched beneath her wellington boots. She was embarking on her first countryside walk. Her senses were aroused: cold air whistling past her red ears; leaves crunching under her feet; birds tweeting as if in tune.

Approaching the glistening swirl of water, Pauline stumbled across some new found friends. Sitting proud, owning their surroundings four swans glided elegantly over to where she was admiring the view.

Suddenly, as if by a sixth sense the swans sensed danger. The air became chilling and then the sky grew darker..........

100 WC Week 2 - Volcano

The Earth rumbled: creaking trees, cracking through the light of day. The trees shook the birds from its branches. Off they flew towards the quiet. Rocks crashed down the mountain side. My inner voice screamed for my legs to carry me to safety.

Intrigued I stayed, not knowing what was to come. The mounting peak hissed as plumes of smoke accelerated to cover the beating sun. Seconds passed and then the sky grew darker around me. Night fell. Like the inhabitants of my surroundings, my instincts switched on. I fled stumbling my way through the falling ash. Would I make it home?

100 WC Week 2 - Trapped

The beach was idyllic: gentle blues waves murmuring; golden sand glistening; tiny fish swimming in rock pools. Cherry was exploring every nook and cranny, hunting for cowrie shells. Not just any shells though, small, pink shiny ones. Time was not on her side. The holiday was almost over.

Picking up their belongings, Mum and Dad retreated to the villa to pack. Immersed in her hunt, Cherry was too busy to notice - her necklace must be finished! Dark grey clouds began to gather overhead and then the sky grew darker. Suddenly a baleful blaring sounded a terrible warning. Startled, Cherry looked up. The beach was gone!

100 WC Week 1 - The Old Man

The old man began to climb the cobbled stone hill. He had made this journey many times before but this was the hardest. With the aid of his walking stick, slowly he began to make his way to the top. As he descended he saw his old and tired clock shop. He reached the door and turned the key; in he went and listened to the beautiful sound of chimes, hands ticking and cuckoos chirping! He grabbed his duster and shuffled between the clock pieces. The mahogany wood was like silk to touch; the clock face sparkled in the sunlight. And then the noise stopped.

100 WC Week 1 - Play Time!

The doors are released! The caged hoards were unleashed, desperate for their freedom. Climbing, clambering, chasing, and stampeding like a herd of spooked wildebeest they rode rough shot over the open plains. Rangers watched, on high alert, with their only salvation a whistle and time piece hoping their presence will go unnoticed. Circling the outskirts of the playground the guardians hoped their ordeal would soon be over. 

A last glance at the watch and the whistle screamed to announce time is up! The stampede began again as the children formed their expected lines... and then the noise stopped. Peace returned and the next lesson can begin.

100 WC Week 1 - Washing Cycle Complete

As brave as a lion, I decided to walk towards that groaning sound echoing in the middle of the night.
I tottered along the dark, cold corridor avoiding that cracked spot under my feet, in order to not disturb the household.

As I got closer to the uproar, my heart beat quickened. When I reached the last step of the staircase and before my hand touched the handle of the kitchen door... the noise stopped. At that moment I simultaneously remembered that I left the washing machine on!

There it was staring at me with its mouth full of white trainers. Wash cycle complete!

100 WC Week 1 - Supermarket Shopping

The day had arrived. From a distance it looked like a huge shadow against the sky line. Like an ant hill, it moved as one and I moved slowly towards it.
At the opening I twisted this way and that against the 'ants'. I was inside. I stopped still, my heart raced, objects flashed past me and bright lights glared at me.
I couldn't do it. I ran outside... and then the noise stopped. As I walked away I thought to myself... the Christmas supermarket shop can wait another day!

100 WC Week 1 - The Lullaby

As we snuggled in our beds, like baby magpies in their nests, we settled to sleep. Suddenly the bedroom door started to creep open. The familiar feeling of dread filled our tummies as we squeezed our eyes tightly to feign sleep; but our feeble attempts were to no avail. We had been spotted! 

The lampshade reached out and laughed its’ cruel and evil laugh at us. As it was unavoidable we resigned ourselves to inevitable and so it began…and just as quickly the noise stopped. We vowed that we would send Mum to singing lessons so the lullaby each night would be at least bearable.

100 WC Week 1 - Mystery Visitor

Like streaks of silver the moon beams shone down, illuminating the snowy garden. Inside the house the children snuggled together in their bed, as warm as toast. Downstairs the fire danced and flickered, casting shadows across the room. One child awoke to the distant sound of sleigh bells.

She thought,' Could it be Santa?' As the noise grew closer, she nudged her sister. "Listen!" she whispered.

The other child, sleepily, opened her eyes. They ran to the window and then the noise stopped.......
They held their breath, their hearts thumping like drums. Quickly they jumped back into their bed.

100 WC Week 1 - Peace At Last

There it goes again! He snores like a congested elephant. Like a noisy zipper the rhythm goes up and down . I stumble downstairs for a rest bite. The kitchen is tranquil, barring the fridge humming it's lonely tune in the unlit corner. Comforting hot chocolate calls to me, enticingly. As I pour the milk, the cat purrs around my ankles in hopes of sharing my midnight treat.

I climb the stairs wearily. The monotonous drone still continues. I rummage around in the bedside drawer, finding earplugs hiding amongst the clutter. I insert the soft, silencing earplugs and then the noise stopped. Heaven. Peace at last!

100 WC Week 1 - CRASH!

Like a new born fawn unsteady and clumsy on its feet, the toddler moved towards the old wooden sideboard. His fair haired brother - who was screaming like a banshee - stood behind him, armed with a chair to help them reach the wooden treasure chest. With his fingertips outstretched, the eager child managed to pull... CRASH! Chocolate treasures previously hidden from the brothers tumbled to the floor.

“Yes!” he shouted.  

And then the noise stopped…From behind the opening door entered their Mum. She could see the mess on the floor, torn paper and guilty faces. Smeared chocolate smiles didn't appease her, she was cross!

100 WC Week 1 - The Fun Fair

In the dark winter’s night, music beckoned me from a far. Shafts of dazzling dancing lights enticed me within. My heart pounded with excitement: an assemble of pirouetting horses, the dips and dives, hands held high wishing that they could touch the moon. Like butter melting in a pan, the pink fluffy clouds of candy floss tasted delicious. Carefully I threw the ball... and won. Claiming my prize, I looked down at my new bubble blowing friend! As closing time approached, the lights faded away and then the noise stopped. 

Glancing back and I whispered, “Next year we’ll meet again, dear fairground, my new friend.”

100 WC Week 1 - Under The Sea

And then the noise stopped…

As she let her body sink further beneath the ocean, away from the dive boat, she remembered how much she loved the peace of being under the sea. Opening her eyes, Alice looked around. Like a mosaic of a hundred thousand jewels, the morning sun lit up the under water world. A shoal of clown fish swam round her, while the coral waved on the seabed floor. Gently she kicked her legs, letting her flippers do the hard work and swam further towards the old shipwreck to continue her research. As she approached, a glint of gold caught her eye!

100 WC Week 1 - The Haunted Forest

And then the noise stopped. As quick as the flick of a switch, the piercing wailing, that had haunted his ear drums ever since he had stepped foot in the dark, cold forest had been replaced by an eerie brooding silence. Even the sound of the icy wind whispering amongst the leaves on the looming trees had stopped.

Tobias found himself too afraid to even breathe, because after thirty long years working as a Forest Ranger he knew that the woodlands never stayed that quiet. Moments later a similar piercing wailing like the one before made itself known… only now it was Tobias making it!

100 WC Week 1 - Run!

Like a thousand wounded animals howling in pain, that sound... that heart-ripping sound rose up, snaking through the trembling air. Remorselessly it stained land, sea and sky with violent warning hues of inky-black, bloodied orange and burning red. Couldn't they hear? Or see? Or sense the ominous danger in a sky that was no picture-postcard sunset, but a poisonous serpent of cloud?

'Run!' shrieked my brain, but somehow the horror-roar that was filling the air rooted my feet to the bridge beneath them. And then the noise stopped. And I saw the surging white wall of water that was coming for us...for all of us!

100 WC Week 1 - Christmas Shopping

Their lights burning bright like stars, the sound of hustle and bustle comes from the beautifully lit stores. Crowds of people swarm the street wrapped up in their winter best, eyeing the shimmering shop windows with the latest must have gift. People rush around the stores anxiously grabbing things off the shelves. The mums and dads hurry along the rows of toys searching for that special present! Shop assistants nervously stare at the clock praying and waiting for store closure. There vibrancy is dissipated into a look of gloom. You can hear the shopping traffic begin to fade and then the noise stops.

100 WC Week 1 - Roller Coaster Fun

Like the wind through the sea air, the roller coaster flew. Rag dolls tossed left to right, then left again. Screams mixing with laughter whizzed through my ears like wild banshees playing on the fears that attract so many. The rattling wooden frame thundered along under the wheels of the sturdy steel cart laden with thrill seekers.

After a moments rest, the ride takes a steep vertical turn... creeping upwards views to be savoured at the peak, hesitant arms raised ready for the descend. Down we go hurtling to the queuing hoard. We’ve made it, safe! The bottom at last, and then the noise stopped.

100 WC Week 1 - Furry Friend

Howling like a wolf; yelping like an injured footballer: the noise had been going on for hours. Several minutes of silence, then it started over again! The children had been warned to ignore it. The sound poked its long, sharp fingers deep into the children’s ears. It sounded like it was in pain.

It was no good, the children had to help it. They carefully crept down the stairs, avoiding the last step, which always creaked. They did not want to be stopped on their mission to get to it.

And then…..the noise stopped! The tiny puppy with huge saucers for eyes had spotted them.

100 WC Week 1 - Metal Heels

She waited. Darkness smothered her like a blanket. The noise continued again. Step after step, they grew louder, her heart pounded faster. Her back against the cold brick wall, she was desperate to not be seen.

She held her breath for a moment, almost certain that it was loud enough to give away her position. The footsteps continued again as if they were calling for her. They were coming for her! Step, step, step. Metal heels were tapping against the wet November ground. Like a relentless incoming tide the noise edged closer as she edged back further into the wall. And then the noise stopped.

100 WC Week 1 - The Concert

The noise was like music to my ears! It whispered to me as it twirled inside my head. As light as a feather it tickled the hemispheres of my brain, and they smiled to each other as the noise danced playfully like stars in the moonlit sky.

The whole world is a stage and the stars and the moon are simply musicians. As I embraced the sweet as sugar harmony, the moon winked at me through the clouds.

And then the noise stopped.

Whimpering quietly, like a wounded puppy, I cried. Tears (like shimmering liquid silver) fell over my cheeks. The concert was over... finished.

100 WC Week 1 - The Street

And then the noise stopped. The street became as quiet as a church mouse. Hannah and Kelly carefully crept along the edge of the path. Kelly stumbled as the curb jumped out in front of her. From behind the frightened girls came a flash of light as bright as the shining sun. As fast as a world class sprinter, , the startled girls began to run  into the darkness in front of them. As they came to a sharp corner a car, painted lime green, raced by screaming for attention. Hannah screamed as loud as a referee's whistle, making Kelly jump out of her skin.

100 WC Week 1 - Avalanche!

As quiet as a mouse, the atmosphere was eerily still and subdued... and then it came!

An intense roaring and rumbling echoed across the valleys. Eyes darting, ears pricked, peeping out from behind lofty and spindly fir trees the animals waited in anticipation, . Skis, crisp and sharp as they skim across the ice, weaved in the race against the backdrop of thunder rapidly gaining momentum. Closer and closer, snaking around boulders and filling deep crevasses, the devil’s rage threatened to engulf, destroy and consume everything in its path. And then the noise stopped!

The avalanche had completed its fateful journey and silence was finally restored.

100 WC Week 1 - Tap Tap Tap

As annoying as a fly the child continued…tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap! The pencil hit the desk repeatedly, with no consideration for the wooden worn structure or for those around. Pulsing, pounding, persistently seeking attention - who would break first?

Children worked oblivious to the repeated sound. Did they know what was happening? Did they know what he was doing? The lead drummed away, like a heart beating furiously. The relentless drone seeped deeper into his mind, drilling away at his sanity. Time ticking with every beat the pressure rose and the denouement approached. The tapping continued and the noise became unbearable. He rose from his chair… and then the noise stopped.

100 WC Week 1 - Peace At Last

Commotion was rife. Chop! The last potato was prepared, splash! Into the water it slammed. On came the Hoover. Dad paced frantically ensuring all was in order for the forthcoming day. Nervous giggles filled the bedroom as children desperately awaited the moment they would drift into their dreams. Nan recklessly wrapped the last present. And then the noise stopped...

Like a tsunami, peace engulfed the house. How long would it last? Time was now all that was stopping the inevitable, jubilant stampede of children. The tree stood smiling with pride at the mounds of gifts beneath it, all eagerly waiting for their moment to shine.

100 WC Week 1 - Stage Fright

The applause was thunderous, echoing through the vast theatre. Every member of the audience was on their feet, cheering and clapping. It seemed as if a herd of elephants was in the room stamping and bellowing. Would the enormous, decorative roof tumble down with all the commotion? Slowly the clapping died down and then the noise stopped. The room became as still as my nervous limbs while everyone waited with immense anticipation for my speech. Anxiously I returned to the stage, enjoying the stillness, feeling thousands of eyes on me like hawks focussed on their prey. Thud!went my heart as I calmly spoke aloud.

100 WC Week 1 - The Door

Violently, his body shook with fear. Perspiration poured from his brow while the beat of his heart resonated through his pounding temples. What was it? Where was it coming from? Was it him that they wanted? Darkness wrapped its arms around his trembling body, as he gasped for what felt like his final breath. The noise was getting closer...nearer...louder! And then the noise stopped. Like a lightning bolt, he turned to make his escape. In desperation he tugged at the door, but this living nightmare had just begun to unfold. Blood drained from his face, as he became a human ghost.