Free Dark Friends by Mark Butler Page A

coffee, I can do anything.”
                  Just as Steven started considering pulling over again, Lisson Orphanage appeared over the horizon. The surrounding land was completely flat, adding to the orphanages' distinctive appearance. The main tower jutted out of the earth at a perfect right angle, it's black spire pointing accusingly at the sky. Two smaller towers flanked the main one, like two frostbitten fingers frozen in their positions. Smaller buildings radiated from the big towers, marring the green landscape. Jesus, Steven thought, Edgar Allan Poe himself couldn't have created a more sinister prison to contain children. 
                  The sun was setting behind the facility as the McCrees' car pulled into the driveway, creating an ominous shadow that stretched across the road. Unsure of where to park, Steven pulled his car onto the grass by the drive, looking for any signs of life. There were none. The Orphanage looked completely abandoned, and he was tempted to double-check the address and directions that he had been given. But this had to be it. There were no other structures in sight, and they hadn't seen any towns or signs of civilization for miles.
                  “We're expected, right?” Catina whispered, fearful of breaking the silence that emanated from Lisson. She had expected the place to be lively, with kids running around and visiting parents vying for space.
                  “Of course. Let's go in.” Steven replied. Catina gripped his hand tightly as they ascended the short staircase, and a cold breeze suddenly kicked up, startling the couple. The wind died down as quickly as it started and a raven started cawing from the roof.
                  “What is this, a horror movie? C'mon, let's go meet our newest family member.” Steven quipped.
                  “You're right, we're acting like kids.”
                  Steven paused at the solid black double doors and knocked loudly. Almost immediately, an enormous man answered, giving the McCree's a cartoonish smile.
                  “Hello, and welcome to Lisson Orphanage, I am Jared Ellis, the Head Counselor.” the man boomed. He stuck his meaty paw out and Steven gave it a firm grip.
                  “I'm Steven McCree's and this is my wife, Catina.”
                  “We've been expecting you, please, come in.”
                  “Can we park over on the grass like that” Steven pointed to his car, “Or will we get towed or ticketed?”
                  Ellis started laughing inexplicably. He guffawed and gripped his stomach, as though the excessive amusement was too much.
                  “No, you're fine” he said between tears, “We don't get much traffic around here.” With that, he turned and led the couple towards his office.  Catina felt like she was at some medieval prison. The building was deathly silent and there were only a few lights on to illuminate the cavernous interior. Once inside Ellis' modest office, the couple seated themselves and declined drinks.
                  As a professional, practicing psychologist, Steven immediately noticed that Ellis exhibited several unusual behaviors. He made eye contact irregularly; he would start talking, then look them in the eyes, and if they were looking back, he looked away immediately, only to look back again. He couldn't hold a gaze for more than a second. He shuffled nervously, constantly straightening and rearranging stacks of paper on his desk. He clearly didn't know what to do with his hands, like he wanted to hide them with motion. He seemed to have no natural interest in Catina, which was very odd; Steven had never met a man who didn't appreciate looking at Catina. Steven concluded Mr. Ellis was made highly uncomfortable by their presence in his orphanage. What possible benefit could the children reap