The Red Truck

The abandoned, red truck that appeared during the night is still standing at the side of the road when the police car arrives. The two men get out of the car and inspect the truck from afar. On the side of the truck, the word ‘FATE’ is written, but the paint is smeared as if the truck was driven through water while the paint was still wet.

The two officers walk closer to inspect the cab of the truck. The wind is howling around the sides of the vehicle and a soft creaking is produced.

One of the officers opens the driver’s door and glances inside. As should be expected, the inside of the truck looks rather normal. Then, the officer notices something strange. Is that an asthma inhaler? He reaches out and grabs the object from where it was lying on the passenger seat. The officer closes the door again and strolls over to the front of the vehicle to inspect the licence plate.

“Where do you think it comes from?” He asks while straightening up from the plate.

“I don’t know, but I have a strange feeling about it.” The other one answers.

“It comes from outer space!” A villager yells from behind the do-not-cross line. “It came to kill us all!”

Both police officers turn and frown at the man who succeeded in arousing the whole crowd.

“Calm down, calm down! It is a normal truck that someone drove and left here. Nothing to be worried about.” The man at the licence plate assures them.

The villagers do not heed him and start to yell out strange theories.

“Let's see what is in the back.” One officer suggests.

The other man agrees and they walk to the truck’s rear.

When they reach the large double-door, both officers reach to open it. A sound stops them from opening the door, and they look at each other.

“Something is in here.” The one police man states with wide eyes.

The other officer nods and pulls out his gun. Stepping back, he points his weapon at the door. He then nods at the other officer who grabs the door's handles and opens the door.

The two doors swing open and silence follows as everyone stares into the darkness of the truck's interior. Suddenly, something moves again and the truck creaks as if the thing is very heavy. Not waiting another moment, the man at the door jumps back, takes out his gun and joins the other officer.

The creature inside the truck steps into the light and all of the people outside gasp. It climbs out of the truck and light now confirms to everyone what it is. But can it really be? The creature spreads out its large wings and roars loudly. Instantly, chaos breaks out and the villagers start running in all directions. The two officers run and hide behind the police car.

“Isn’t that a... dragon?” One asks when they reach their desitnation.

“Yes, I think so.”