A fictional story about author Henry Bond shared by Srinika Choudhury, Class 7, Epic Public School. The story revoles around young Henry who stumbles upon a chilling newspaper headline about serial killers. What happens next?
Henry was the last person to leave school that day when he noticed a newspaper article left behind on the teacher’s desk. The headline read:
“SERIAL KILLINGS ARE ON THE RISE!”
Henry’s curiosity was piqued. Who are serial killers? Are they celebrities? Are they special people? These questions buzzed in his mind as he walked home.
That evening, he couldn’t stop thinking about it. His thoughts were clouded with mysteries, making it hard for him to sleep. Seeing the light still on in Henry’s room, his father, Mr Bond, walked in.
“Son, why are you still awake?” he asked, concerned.
Henry looked up and hesitated before saying, “Daddy, I’m confused. Who are serial killers? What do they do? Are they actors or famous people?”
Mr Bond chuckled. “Oh, my dear boy, serial killers are neither celebrities nor actors. They are criminals who kidnap and murder people—sometimes for money, but often for revenge.”
His eyes widened. “They must be dangerous!”
Mr Bond nodded. “Indeed, they are. Have you ever heard of the movie Ratsasan, Henry? Or The Stoneman, Kolkata’s infamous serial killer?”
“I’ve seen the trailer for Ratsasan, but I didn’t know it was about serial killers,” he admitted.
Mr Bond smiled. “If you ever get the chance, watch it. You’ll learn a lot.”
He hesitated, then asked, “Daddy, can you tell me about The Stoneman?”
Mr Bond leaned back and began his story. “The Stoneman was an unidentified serial killer who murdered at least 13 homeless people in Kolkata in 1989. A similar series of killings happened in Mumbai between 1983 and 1988. To this day, no one knows who was behind these brutal crimes.”
The next day at school, Henry eagerly shared the story with his friends. Most of them weren’t interested, but his classmate Fiona was excited. “This is so fascinating!” she exclaimed.
However, after that, Henry started behaving strangely. He wouldn’t talk to anyone, wouldn’t play in the playground, and even avoided his cricket coaching. When Mr Bond noticed, he asked, “Son, what’s wrong? Why are you so quiet these days?”
Henry hesitated, then whispered, “Daddy… I don’t feel safe anymore. A few days ago, I watched Ratsasan… The serial killer was terrifying. He kidnapped small children. What if someone kidnaps me?”
Mr Bond sighed and placed a reassuring hand on his son’s shoulder. “My boy, serial killers do exist, but they are not lurking around every street corner. You are safe. No one is coming to kidnap you.”
His son frowned. “Then why did that news article say serial killings are on the rise?”
Mr Bond thought for a moment. “Perhaps it was an international news report. Or it could be just a rumour. Why don’t you ask your teacher about it?”
The next day, Henry went straight to the staffroom and found Miss Sara. “Miss, was that news article on your desk yours?” he asked.
Miss Sara smiled. “Yes. I was researching old crime stories. That article was from many years ago when serial killings were more common.”
He sighed with relief. “So, it was past news?”
Miss Sara nodded. “Exactly.”
He felt calmer, but his fascination with serial killers only grew stronger.
A Shocking Discovery
On Sunday, Mr Bond sat in his armchair, reading the newspaper. “Would you like to solve a crossword puzzle?” he asked.
“Sure, Daddy!” He replied eagerly. As he flipped through the pages, his eyes landed on a chilling headline:
“SERIAL KILLERS ARE KNOCKING AT YOUR DOOR!”
Henry’s heart pounded as he read further:
“Serial killers are now targeting homes where children live. They are kidnapping kids for revenge, money, and ransom. Parents, beware!”
Terrified, he ran to his parents. “Mum! Dad! Come quickly!”
His mother rushed in. “What happened, dear?”
He pointed at the article. “Look! It says serial killers are at our door! It’s too dangerous to go outside now!”
Mrs Bond frowned. “Son, this might be exaggerated news. But just to be safe, from tomorrow onwards, I’ll pick you up from school and cricket practice.” He felt reassured. But one day, for some reason, he decided to walk home alone. As he strolled down the street, he noticed a man standing by the side of the road. Before Henry could react, the man suddenly covered his face, and everything went dark.
Face to Face with a Killer
When Henry opened his eyes, he found himself in a small, dimly lit room. The air was heavy with dust. A chilling voice echoed in the silence:
“Twinkle, twinkle, little star… how I wonder what you are…”
He turned and saw a man, swaying as he sang the nursery rhyme over and over. His throat went dry.
“W-Who are you?” he stammered. “Are you… a serial killer?”
The man grinned eerily. “Yes, my name is Joseph. And I am a serial killer.”
Tears welled up in Henry’s eyes. “Please don’t hurt me! I’ll never bother anyone!”
Joseph chuckled. “Oh, I don’t want to kill you, boy. I just want money from your parents. If they don’t pay, then you’ll be my son.”
Henry shook his head desperately. “No! I don’t want to be your son! My parents love me!”
Joseph sneered. “Give me their phone number.”
Shaking, Henry recited the number. But before Joseph could dial, the door burst open.
“FREEZE!”
Police officers stormed in, followed by Mr and Mrs Bond.
“You’re under arrest, Joseph!” the inspector declared.
Henry ran straight into his mother’s arms. “Mum, I was so scared!”
Mrs Bond hugged him tightly. “You’re safe now, my dear.”
Henry’s Newfound Passion
After his terrifying experience, Henry became even more fascinated by serial killers—not out of fear, but curiosity. He read everything he could about them, their motives, and how they were caught.
Years later, Henry Bond became a famous author in the United States, writing books on criminal psychology and serial killers. His first bestseller?
“The Man Who Sang Twinkle Twinkle”
And with that, Henry’s childhood fear turned into a lifelong passion for understanding the darkest corners of the human mind.
