-maybe it actually said a quarter-to five or maybe a quarter-past four. The clock face stared back at him sternly, in his imagination horrible figures danced around it, he watched them intently, then lay back, staring at the ceiling.
Why was the window open? Knowing what was different his insticts deflated, unconsciously he lay back down to sleep not wondering who had opened it.
There was a terrific susurration behind the curtains. Eventually the rustling stopped and he was aware of a couple of crows - or ravens. He shrank as they made straight for him. They landed on him, one on each shoulder, their claws digging slightly into his skin. From the corner of his eyes he looked from one to the other.
The one on the right nibbled his earlobe gently.
The one on his left put the tip of his beak near his ear hole and croaked; “We’ve come to take you away.“
Then after a pause; “Don’t worry.”
The one on the right looked at the other accusingly, then whispered much more gently, “Don’t worry.” but nevertheless after a pause;
“We’ve come to take you away.” The child unbelievingly closed his eyes and fell asleep.