Mother’s expression was left distraught as Uncle Tommy handed my gift to me. No wrapping or ribbons, just a simple egg adorned in sharpened scales and a faint sheen on black-gold.

The day after, Uncle Tommy passed away.

I awaken to the sound of crackling. The split of shell breaking apart. Wrinkling my nose, I sit up at a putrid smell beginning to overtake my room. It’d been years since I’d received it.

_Why is it hatching now?_

I head towards it, recoiling at the sight of a thick, sizzling liquid spilling from its cracks, sending off an eerie black glow.

**_“I’ve missed you, Sandra,” _**

Uncle Tommy’s voice reverberates from it, sending me into a wave of shock, throat too tight to let out a scream. Tendrils of heavy smoke curl around my bed, vanity, and walls.

“What?” My heart hammers.

**_“I’ve been so lonely here, all by myself,”_** he booms. **_“Why don’t you come and join me?”

_**A tendril snakes around my frame, dragging me towards the egg. I scream, hands clawing at the carpet as I’m pulled into a void of unknown, light fading away. **_

_**