tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76958137056184381222023-06-20T05:22:43.894-07:00Vesper ArchivesA collection of stories. Some creepy. Some random.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928275005728937071noreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695813705618438122.post-8602642302874536352015-09-07T04:45:00.002-07:002015-09-08T05:59:44.874-07:00Malevolent<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The last moments of my life were spent as a nonbeliever.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What if you’re wrong?” they challenged me. They say to
belief was the safer option. It wasn’t until I lay on my deathbed that the
question truly became relevant.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I could hear their cries and prayer as I embrace oblivion.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But to my surprise, I see a shining gate beckoning me to
enter. I looked back. I can see them still weep over my corpse. With what lies
before me, I could no longer deny all those myths. But as I stepped towards the
arch, I started descending.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I fell through darkness, I looked below and saw a fiery
light. To my horror, I realized what was happening: Hell is real. And I was
going there.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
----------<br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I felt the fire burning my immaterial flesh as I wandered
through the inferno.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Why am I here?” I exclaimed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not expecting an answer, I was greeted by an entity.
“Welcome.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I gasped. All this time I thought he was an invention to
frighten the gullible, an excuse for evil to exist. I almost addressed him by
name.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m not the devil” he told me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
“Then who are you?”<br />
<br />
“Follow me.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And so I did.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
----------</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
“The greatest joke in life is to believe in some of kind of eternal reward in
the end” he told me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t understand” I replied.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Look” he pointed over the vast wasteland of torment.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I could see so many others, souls of the damned wandering
aimlessly forever sentenced to suffer.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Why are finite sins rewarded with infinite punishment?” I
asked.<br />
<br />
“What they taught you was wrong” the entity smiled. “There is no heaven, only
hell.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No…” I trembled. “That can’t be.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Look again” he said. “Behold! All the saints are in eternal
fire! Such is the fate of all mankind!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Madness crept on me from the revelation. Is this our
purpose? Is this how life was meant to be? Was hope just a farce to delude us? Were
we created to satisfy the whims of a sadist?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Y-you” I stuttered. “You’re…”<br />
<br />
He bellowed a diabolic laugh, a travesty to all of existence. But he wasn’t
done. Another sinister smile from him, and I wished to forfeit my existence.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With great mockery, he brought me back to life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I opened my eyes and was greeted by my loved ones.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Praise the heavens!” I heard them say.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Thank God!” I heard another.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But they don’t understand. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Though I cannot prove the events that happened from beyond,
I now live the rest of my life in fear of death. For the end means I will be
there again.</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928275005728937071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695813705618438122.post-22271245610899947352015-05-10T07:13:00.005-07:002015-05-10T07:13:52.378-07:00TVI tossed and turned. I couldn't get to sleep.<br />
<br />
The TV downstairs was loud enough to keep me awake. My sister brought some friends over for a slumber party to enjoy a movie marathon. I wish they had done it at someone else's house.<br />
<br />
I have a part-time job to attend to early morning. Meanwhile, she gets to enjoy the weekend.<br />
<br />
Their voices had died down by now. The movie must've gotten intense. Heck, they're no longer overreacting to whatever scene appeared on screen. Odd. Maybe they fell asleep and left the TV on. I got up and left my room to check on them.<br />
<br />
I was stunned at what I saw. Their dead bodies. It was a mess. I called the police over.<br />
<br />
As I wait for them to arrive, I couldn't help but notice what's on TV.<br />
<br />
It was hooked to a laptop with a video playing. I gasped. It was my house. As the sequences progress, the intruder passed by my room and opened the door then took a long shot at me in bed. I saw myself tossing and turning around on the screen.<br />
<br />
My heart pounded as the intruder closed the door and proceeded to attack.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928275005728937071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695813705618438122.post-23157940876842385812015-04-22T17:57:00.002-07:002015-04-22T17:57:42.726-07:00Floating
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A brief flash of lightning showed the face of a woman
staring through my window. I hid under the blanket. In time I fell asleep
trying to dismiss what I saw as a dream.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But a called breeze woke me up. The window was open.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I could a see a woman floating in my room. She was looking
down staring right at me. I couldn’t scream. I fainted from sheer terror.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Morning came and woke up to an odd smell of decay. There was
the woman still in my room. She hanged herself.</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928275005728937071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695813705618438122.post-2054797454703567682014-09-13T06:58:00.001-07:002014-09-13T07:09:14.725-07:00Hide and Seek<br />
"Ready or not, here I come!" Ervin declared.<br />
<br />
Everyone found good hiding places by now but I got the best one ever. A few days ago, I stumbled upon a secret door hidden behind a bookshelf. Ervin lived in a huge old house with lots of unexplored places.<br />
<br />
We do hang out at his place often but only in certain rooms or outside. I kept this one a secret and saved it for the next time we play hide-and-seek.<br />
<br />
"Found you, Kyle!" I heard Ervin say.<br />
<br />
"Darn it!" Kyle complained. "I hope Julienne gets caught next."<br />
<br />
Ha! Not happening, Kyle. The room was dark but light passed through some of the cracks above me. The floor creaked as I moved around. <br />
<br />
"I know you're there!"<br />
<br />
Eek. Ervin was heading this way. I stood still and clasped my mouth. The footsteps grew louder.<br />
<br />
"Jeremy, you always hide there! Now, where is Julienne?"<br />
<br />
I sighed with relief. He didn't find me. Now that I think about it, does he even know about this room? Maybe I should move to another hiding spot.<br />
<br />
I pushed the bookshelf gently. It won't budge. I might make a ruckus, I'll just wait for everyone to get caught. With the little light available, I snooped through the stuff I found here. There were some old books including Ervin's family album. I couldn't help but laugh at seeing his younger self. He looked much more innocent than he is now. He's quite a creep to be honest. His weird interests range from scary ghost stories to gruesome murder mysteries. Heck, we even played a mystery game with him once.<br />
<br />
As I moved about, I accidentally knocked an item off a table. Its shadowy form startled me at first. Then I realized that it was one of Ervin's puppets. I looked at it closely. This one looked way scarier than the ones Ervin would bring to school. And trust me, they're already frightening. The one I'm holding looked human but grossly deformed. It was realistic, and grotesque. The eyes looked alive with motion as I raised the figure. I threw it away as soon as I recognize its other grisly features.<br />
<br />
I could imagine Ervin presenting a puppet show with that thing. Those bladed claws it had were probably meant for a genre of horror. I'm done snooping. I should get out now.<br />
<br />
The shelf won't budge. It took me a while to realize why. A part of the floor cracked in such a way that made the bookshelf stuck.<br />
<br />
"Help!" I screamed.<br />
<br />
Shorty, I heard footsteps. And then their voices.<br />
<br />
"What's wrong?" Kyle asked.<br />
<br />
"I can't get out!" I replied.<br />
<br />
"Hold on" I heard Jeremy.<br />
<br />
The shelf barely moved. I don't wanna be stuck here. Not with that creepy puppet in here.<br />
<br />
"What is going on in here!?" It was Ervin. "Julienne, what are you doing in there?'<br />
<br />
"I'm so sorry!" I whimpered.<br />
<br />
"You're not supposed to go there! Don't you dare touch my stuff!"<br />
<br />
He's mad. I didn't expect the game to escalate like this. Before I could reiterate my apology, the floor cracked underneath my foot. The next thing I knew, the floor gave way and I fell.<br />
<br />
"Julienne" I heard Kyle say. "Are you alright?"<br />
<br />
"Ow" I replied. "I'm fine."<br />
<br />
I found myself in another hidden room. Is this the basement? And what is that smell?<br />
<br />
"Just wait there" Jeremy said.<br />
<br />
"We'll be there soon" Ervin finished.<br />
<br />
My legs hurt. I looked around and could see a collection of larger puppets around me. Then the lights were switched on. I gasped. Those weren't puppets.<br />
<br />
Ervin entered the room with a grim smile. He pointed at something behind my back. I turned around. I saw Kyle and Jeremy's hanged corpses.<br />
<br />
"You" Ervin spoke.<br />
<br />
"Shouldn't" he continued in Kyle's voice.<br />
.<br />
"Snoop" with Jeremy's.<br />
<br />
And finally, in my voice, "Around."<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928275005728937071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695813705618438122.post-56394636759724015602014-09-08T20:59:00.002-07:002014-09-09T15:09:49.198-07:00Day by Day<br />
<strong>Disclaimer: </strong>This isn't really my story. Someone just asked me to write their idea. Eh, romance ain't my thing.<br />
<br />
----------<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Nana!” I called her name as she walked away. “Wait up!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Kei!” Nana looked back. “I thought you’d be late.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Her warm smile brightened the morning. We walked to school
together like any other day. I’ve known Nana since we were kids. I remember
seeing her for the first time when her family moved in as our new neighbour.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was shy meeting her at first. She always took initiative
to lure me out of home and drag me to all sorts of fun. Years passed by and
we’re now teenagers attending the same school. We always walk together in going
there and back home. Lately, I’ve been meaning to tell her something important.
Each day I hesitated to tell her. Each time I wanted to say it, I would come up
with a different topic instead. But not today. I must tell her.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Hey, Nana…”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Hmm…?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I have something to tell you.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What is it?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I… um… I’ll tell you after class.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Alright” she laughed. “You still haven’t manned up have
you?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I nervously chuckled. Nana was always different from the
other girls with her tough attitude. Some would tease her as rather boyish
while I was quite a pushover. We were both average students. We had different
interests: Nana is into sports while I was into books. Somehow, we still get
along. I watch her during her soccer practice while she accompanies me to the
library.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The thought of seeing her later made me anxious. I looked at
the wall clock oblivious to the last minutes of discussion. At last, the bell
rang.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I gulped when I met Nana outside.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Ready to go, Kei?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yeah…”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nana talked about her day while I pretended to listen.
Normally I’d pay attention but the words in my head nagged me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Are you okay?” she asked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“U-um…” I stuttered. “Y-y-yeah.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Oh, right! You wanted to tell me something, right?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I took a deep breath and looked at her in the eye. I can’t
back down now. It’s now or never.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Nana” I said. “I love you.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ve been meaning to tell you for so long” I shivered. “I
didn’t want to hide it anymore.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Kei.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Nana?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Xavier proposed to me.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“W-what?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He confessed to me yesterday. I was going to tell you
later.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Xavier was a senior Nana hanged out with. I knew that they
were good friends but I didn’t see it like this. Nana had friends from different
sections and year levels while I barely expanded my circle.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Nana” I spoke. “What did you tell him?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I told him…” she replied. “I told him that I loved him
back.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was shattered. All this time I never came in close.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Kei, I’m sorry.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No problem” I faked a smile. “I’m happy for you.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We can still be friends no matter what.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We walked back home quietly. That wasn’t all I wanted to
tell her.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*****<br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s been a few days since I talked to Nana. I was sent to
the hospital shortly. I wonder how things went in my absence. Maybe Nana has
new company now to go to school with. Perhaps she’s having fun with her new
boyfriend. I just hope that she’s doing well without me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You have a visitor” the nurse told me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Nana!?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Kei!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What are you doing here?” I asked her.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Just wanted to check up on you” she replied.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once again, we got to talk like we always did. I got updated
about school mostly. But I convinced Nana to talk about how things were going
for her. Turns out Xavier wasn’t really the guy she wanted.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Kei…” she softly spoke. “After you get out, let’s see each
other again.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I looked away from her. My sorrow was visible.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ve been thinking” she continued. “I didn’t like Xavier to
begin with. I already had someone in mind all this time.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Who?” I turned to face her.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Someone who’s been with me for as long as I could remember.
Someone who was there when all my other friends were not. Someone who
accompanied me everyday.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Nana?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Kei, I love you. I’m sorry that I didn’t say this when I
had the chance.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Nana…”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But I promise,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>when
you get out we…”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Nana!” I began to cry. “I’m not going out.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What are you saying?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“My illness… it’s terminal.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What!?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“When I found out I was dying, I wanted to tell you as soon
as possible. Before it’s too late.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She held my hand as tears dripped from her eyes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Time passed and Nana visited me each day. I could feel my
body gradually numbing. She just sat there beside me. I could no longer speak
nor turn my head to look at her.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My breath was mitigating.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Though I could no longer speak to her, I just wanted to say,
“Nana, I love you.”</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928275005728937071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695813705618438122.post-7407239954591717132014-09-06T09:33:00.003-07:002014-09-07T22:20:00.667-07:00Oracle<br />
It started with a missing child.<br />
<br />
I drove to work. The posters were everywhere I looked but the day felt ordinary to me. Cleaning drones roved the streets and hologram ads decorated the chrome city. It's been centuries since the world was devastated by mankind's destructive power. Here we are now living at the last domed city protected from the polluted planet.<br />
<br />
I waved my hand over my car's scanner as a spiral building comes into view. The vehicle hovered just above the parking spot and landed. As usual, I greeted everyone inside as I got to my workplace. At lunch, I had another discussion with my co-workers.<br />
<br />
My best friend however wanted to talk to me privately. He told me that he's been receiving strange messages lately from his oracle. I inspected the ring with a few tools I have. In the past, defective oracles were known to cause hallucinations as it damages the nervous systems. These days, the worst they could do was fill your senses with unfiltered spam. There doesn't seem to be anything wrong with his ring. By request, I rechecked and still found nothing.<br />
<br />
----------<br />
<br />
The lights switched on as I got home. At my command, the computer made my dinner. I tapped the oracle on my finger and sent a few messages to my fiancée. A few sweet words later, the news announced that another person has went missing. Shortly after, my best friend told me that he's hearing those messages again.<br />
<br />
----------<br />
<br />
More people have disappeared by now.<br />
<br />
It's only now that my friend told me what the messages were. I... was disturbed. The messages seemed unusual, but something was off. At first he thought that his oracle disrupted the identity of the senders. But there was nothing wrong with it.<br />
<br />
He went on about how the people who supposedly messaged him sent nothing when he checked them personally. Someone is impersonating his contacts. What is going on?<br />
<br />
----------<br />
<br />
The last city on Earth is under a threat.<br />
<br />
Cops have been assigned to guard several areas. Inspection points have been designated but more reports of missing people continue. Curfew was implemented.<br />
<br />
I did not see him at work today. My co-workers told me that some people close to him, including relatives, had vanished. I sent a few messages to check on him. I didn't get a reply.<br />
<br />
----------<br />
<br />
On the weekend, I met with my fiancée. With the recent happenings, it only made sense to us that we meet. We talked about everything. The news, work and most importantly our future. I couldn't help but recall everything we've been through together. From the day we've met, to the day I proposed to her.<br />
<br />
She started thanking me for all the messages I sent her recently. Odd. I didn't send her that much. Cheesy poetry wasn't even my thing. Her smile dropped and our meeting ended with a bit of frustration. She wouldn't even let me accompany her back home as curfew approaches.<br />
<br />
I checked my oracle for the news. The list of missing people was updated. My eyes widened to see my best friend's name on the list. Does it have something to do with the messages?<br />
<br />
Oh no. That means--<br />
<br />
I ran as fast as I could. But by the time I arrived, there were cops outside her door. I was too late.<br />
<br />
My fiancée.. she never went back home.<br />
<br />
----------<br />
<br />
A group of cops were reported missing. And then another. The city was slowly overtaken by anarchy as panic ensued. My oracle was now filled with several messages, most of which I do not trust.<br />
<br />
I stayed at home as chaos continued. <br />
<br />
----------<br />
<br />
We are the last of humanity. And this is how we end.<br />
<br />
I have a ton of unread messages by now. I found some comfort in the noise knowing that someone is still out there. But soon I must embrace silence or vanish whichever comes first.<br />
<br />
----------<br />
<br />
I sat at the corner of my room wishing for anything to make a sound. I've read every message from the oracle and waited for more. At last there was a new one. It was my fiancée.<br />
<br />
I broke into tears.<br />
<br />
Then I heard a knock on the door.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928275005728937071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695813705618438122.post-35228820023282592092014-07-09T01:14:00.002-07:002014-07-09T01:14:47.198-07:00Traffic
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Driving home from work was dreadful. The traffic only added up
the stress I got from the entire day. Horns honk loudly in the busy street. The
slow parade only fuelled my anger.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was denied my promotion. Some new guy got the position
instead. It felt like an insult to all the hard work I gave to the company for
several years. Boss says he was more qualified on the ground that he made
everything better. Jerk! All that noob did was brag about my contributions like
they were his own. And that idiot for a boss thinks I was just being jealous.
God!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It felt like the traffic flow only moved a few inches. I
noticed that the part of the city I was heading to was dark. A blackout?
Progress was slow and I could tell how much I moved judging by how much
darkness surrounded me. There was light from the other vehicles though.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I felt something move coming from the back of my car. I
didn’t pay attention at first. Besides, the mirror couldn’t show me much except
for the empty backseat. Cars honked louder. The frustration made me growl. I
lay my head on the steering wheel. Then, I heard something echo my growl. I
looked back. There was smoke coming from the back. Great. Did my car overheat
or something? Not a big deal. This machine still works.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Traffic moved slightly. I looked at the mirror. The smoke
was turning thicker. I could even see it taking shape. I must be seeing things.
Must be a trick with the light maybe. Yeah, that must be it. I continued to
drive. Other cars suddenly turned off their lights making the place darker.
What is going on?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was a loud honk that last almost a minute. I covered
my ears waiting for it to stop. It did. I looked around. The cars around me
seem okay. Was there an accident?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I drove forward. The lighted portion of the city seemed so
far now as I looked at the mirror. But that’s not all I saw. There was someone
sitting at the back. Light from my side faded. I heard dry laughter coming from
that person. I turned around and saw it. It was shaped like a human but awfully
deformed. Suddenly, it attacked me. I panicked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I struggled to break free from its clutches. Light returned
to my spot. I wish it didn’t. I could see its face. It looked human but with
its bones and muscle exposed. The smell of its rotten flesh was prevalent. I
screamed more and after breaking free, I got out of my car and relocked the
door with that thing in it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I ran towards the car beside me looking for help. I looked
closely at the window. The driver is dead. His body was heavily mutilated with
blood and deep cuts everywhere. Something popped out behind the window. It
looked just like the driver. My heart pounded. This can’t be happening.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I turned around. My car door was open. A figure emerged out
of it. It looked just like me. Fear halted my retreat. My copy lurched towards
me. I saw the other vehicles open with more of them crawling out.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The clone was now walking towards me. It got nearer and
nearer until it was about a foot away. I heard it speak to me “I’ll get your
promotion.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928275005728937071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695813705618438122.post-63906999704982346222014-07-04T08:45:00.002-07:002014-07-04T08:45:33.519-07:00Watcher
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m in a strange city.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was a perfect copy of the city I live in. But the absence
of people made me shudder. The bright morning did nothing to ease my anxiety. I
walked through familiar streets as my mind plays the sound of noise I hear every
day. It was silent save for the wind that passed by carrying with it a cloud of
dust. I shielded my face.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
I gathered my memories from last night. I was walking back home taking a
shortcut I’ve never tried before. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
city lights gave me a false sense of safety as I tread a strange path through
the woods. I’m lost.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Eventually, I found a road with a tunnel close by. I entered
the tunnel. The city lights now look distant. The tunnel was dark inside, but a
nearby street lamp convinced me to walkthrough. The light slowly faded as I
walked further into the darkness. Suddenly, I saw a bright light from the other
end that blinded me. In a quick flash, it was gone. I walked on and found
myself on the other side.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And that’s how I got myself into this fake city.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While I should be finding a way back, curiosity drove me to
explore the place. It’s not every day you get to see the city deserted.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I tried the mall. The interior seems so much bigger now with
the lack of crowds in it. As I looked around further, I heard something. I
stopped in my place.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was whispering. A drop of sweat slid down my face. I
can hear people talking. But nobody’s here. In panic, I ran back through the
entrance with a clear path ahead. Suddenly, a shapeless form appeared before
me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a white foggy mist. But as I
ran nearer right towards it, it took a more discernible form. It was a man.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At that moment, I ran right through him but not before
hearing a loud scream that resonated in the mall. The whispers from earlier
turned louder. I got out of the mall.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I panted as I rest from a distance. What just happened? I
didn’t feel like exploring the buildings now. Maybe it’s best that I go back to
the tunnel. As I was about to leave, I saw a woman staring right at me nearby.
I took a few steps backward. She looked at me suspiciously. She made one step
towards me but vanished. I fled the scene.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are ghosts in this city. I randomly see them as I go
through the streets. What is going on? Did I find myself in hell? Is this even
a replica? Or is it the same city now haunted by dead people? The latter
question made me worry. What if I was the only survivor?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I must check home.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I took my usual route this time. My house was intact. The
neighbourhood was quiet. I got inside and found nothing out of place. My
family, where are they? Their photos including my own decorate the place.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I heard crying.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The sound grew louder as I followed it to the kitchen. My
hand reached for the door. Please be alright. Please be alright. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The door squeaked as I opened it. Inside, I find my family
sitting on the table with gloomy faces. I opened the door wider. The crying
stopped and they stared at where I stood. Something’s wrong.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I tried to speak but when the words left my mouth, they
vanished.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No! No! No! This can’t be happening! Everyone is dead
including my family! What do I have to live for? What use is being the sole
survivor if I’m thrown to a fate worse than death?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wait, can I reverse this?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That tunnel, it must be a portal somehow. I don’t know. I’m
willing to try anything. What do I have to lose?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I retraced my steps and walked through those same woods. The
tunnel was in sight. The sun was bright showing more of the tunnel’s interior.
I walked through inside.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My steps echoed. I could hear myself breathe.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I found something ahead of me. It looked like a small shrine
with fresh flowers on it. There was a framed picture at its center. I looked at
it closely. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was my photo.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928275005728937071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695813705618438122.post-63565579399319676302014-07-02T15:07:00.000-07:002014-07-02T15:07:22.214-07:00City of Masks (Chapter 12)
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I swear!” Renei said. “I didn’t mean to kill him with a tin
can!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I rushed towards the priest. He was still breathing. But
barely.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He’s not dead” I said.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That’s a relief” Renei said in an odd tone.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He gently smiled at us. “Tllw gl xvv bfl yzxp.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What happened?” I asked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He pointed at his broken mask lying on the floor and gasped.
I picked it up then gave it back to him. The priest coughed as he put it on. He
inhaled. That mask… does it keep him alive? The priest took it off and shook
his head. He coughed again.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m so sorry” Renei said. “I must’ve broke the mask when I
hit him.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The priest however drew on the dusty floor with his finger.
It was a stick drawing but the head was a bit off. It had a beak.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The birdman!” I exclaimed. “He did this!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He was here!?” Renei panicked. “This isn’t good.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The priest coughed more harshly now. His pain grew worse. I
remember that room he had. He must have an extra mask somewhere.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Renei” I said. “I’ll check the back if there’s any extra
mask he could use. Please stay with him.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Alright.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
----------<br />
<br />
I’m at quarters. This was where me and Renei found the exit.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was only now did I notice other details in the room.
There were some ornate rosaries and polished crosses. He had other trinkets too
including an old music box. His hammer was nearby.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I busted open some drawers with it desperately looking for a
spare mask or anything that could keep him alive. Nothing. I cried amidst the
broken property. I heard someone enter.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Flor” It was Renei.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Renei?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He stopped breathing…”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
----------<br />
<br />
We walked away from the cathedral. Renei tried to cheer me up as we go back to
scavenging for food. The birdman killed the priest. I for one don’t want to be
caught by that monster.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But there’s something that bothered me. When I inspected the
priest, there was nothing visibly wrong save for the broken mask that inhibited
his breathing. But after Renei told me to go back and check his now dead body,
he looked like he was choked to death.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As if someone had just strangled him…</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928275005728937071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695813705618438122.post-49667538303491643032014-06-30T22:27:00.002-07:002014-07-28T00:49:25.498-07:00Reincarnation<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Suppose you could carry over your memories to the next life.
Would you keep killing yourself until you find the best one?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had the opportunity to try it out for myself.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It started with my suicide. The last thing I remember was my
fall from a bridge and my last gasp for air as water flooded my lungs.
Inexplicably, I found myself alive again in the middle of a high school
lecture. The teacher promptly scolded me for my lack of attention.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The memories of this boy began to fill me. I recalled
everything he knew. In this life, I was an ambitionless teenager from a broken
family. This body is tainted with vices with a problem-stained reality. I can’t
take this one. I must end it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And right after class, I did. A speeding truck was perfect.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the next life, I found myself in the body of a brilliant
college student. Her, or rather, my future was ensured and I had supportive
friends and family. I couldn’t ask for any better. I told everyone close to me
about my sudden recall of my past lives but none believed me. Eventually, they
verified my story and found old news about the deaths of two people: a man who
jumped from a bridge and a teenager hit by a truck.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Years passed and my life was stable. A dream job with a
steady income would’ve been enough. But I know that it can be better. I looked
at the mirror and smiled wondering what I will be next.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It felt like time travel as each life was further into the
future. I ended each one that didn’t satisfy me. In different incarnations, I
was a celebrity, a professor, a wealthy businessman and so on. But I wanted
more.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally, I was a lone child in the street. The cold of the
night crept on me. I wasn’t worried. I might as well spend time wandering the
city.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I finally came across a familiar bridge. This was where it
all started. The bridge was old and collapsing with a “No Entry” sign. Odd. Why
can’t I remember my past lives beyond that particular one?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Hey, kid” I heard an old man. “Don’t go in there! That
bridge is haunted!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Haunted?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He told me of how a man drowned himself years back. They say
that he would possess those who would pass by and fill their minds with his and
his victims’ memories. Eventually, he would end their lives by suicide. There
are several deaths attributed to this curse over the years.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That can’t be true!” I protested. “I am that man! I am one
and the same as all those lives I’ve ever been.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Stop!” I hear the old man shout as I entered the bridge.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was ready to jump. The sensation of my first death came
back to me. All those past lives… I could not help but wonder… What if I was
wrong? What if I had taken all those lives that weren’t mine?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was beginning to slip. I tried to hold on.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I was about to fall, a hand grabbed me and pulled me back
up. It was the old man. I wept. All this time I had stolen lives in a selfish
desire to get the best one.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I bid the old man farewell as I sought to find significance
in this life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is a terrible start. But I’ll give it a meaningful end.
After all, I stole this one.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928275005728937071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695813705618438122.post-45320741448950739282014-06-26T07:28:00.004-07:002014-06-26T07:28:55.247-07:00Wake Up<br />
"Wake up!" I told myself over the dead body before me. "This can't be happening!"<br />
<br />
This is bad. This is very bad.<br />
<br />
Moments ago, I was in a heated argument with my friend. And the next thing I knew, anger blinded me into killing him. I panicked. I hid his body at the back of my car and intend to dispose of him somewhere.<br />
<br />
I drove in the middle of the night trying not to look suspicious then stopped at a local cemetery. I opened the trunk only to find it empty save for a few other junk. I returned to the front seat.<br />
<br />
"It was just a dream" I said. "It didn't really happen."<br />
<br />
The smell of rotten flesh was present in the car. I adjusted the mirror in front of me as I was about to leave. For a split second, I saw my friend sitting at the back. His bloody face menacingly glared at me. I quickly looked back. He wasn't there.<br />
<br />
"I'm seeing things."<br />
<br />
I got home and locked the door. I tried to sleep but the thought of what happened bothered me. I tossed and turned. This isn't real. It never happened. There was no body. There was no evidence.<br />
<br />
I heard a loud screeching noise. I turned on the lamp beside me. There was something in my room but I can't see it. The noise got louder followed by shaking. It was coming from under my bed.<br />
<br />
The screech was followed by a human voice in agony. I saw something crawl out of my bed. It was the corpse but now it looked more rotten. I was paralyzed in fear as it reached for the door. I hoped for it to get out but it didn't. It kept on climbing until it was now crawling on the ceiling and right above me.<br />
<br />
It twisted his head and looked at me with an eerie smile.<br />
<br />
I screamed as it suddenly fell unto me pinning me down.<br />
<br />
"WAKE UP!!!" it yelled.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928275005728937071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695813705618438122.post-13754661688898980442014-06-25T01:46:00.001-07:002014-06-25T01:46:20.027-07:00City of Masks (Chapter 11)<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s been a few days. I watch as our food supply slowly grew
less.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Why don’t we just go hunting?” I suggested over lunch.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“There aren’t any animals around” Renei replied.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now that I think about it, I haven’t seen any around. Not even
stray dogs or rats anywhere. Renei took a spoonful of food into her mouth.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Do we have to go back?” I whined.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Hunger demands it” Renei replied taking another spoonful.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But the birdman might get us.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Renei took another bite while giving me an annoyed look. She
swallows her food.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Says the girl who didn’t mind the priest.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Until now, I still don’t know what’s going on. Looking back,
I just happen to wake up somewhere without any memories. Renei tells me she
doesn’t remember anything either.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That mansion…” I muttered.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Hmm?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We should visit it soon.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Renei looked hesitant. She looked almost worried. Was she…
shivering?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What’s wrong?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She jolted up. “Nothing. Nothing. I just think we should
restock fist before doing another trip there.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Fine then.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Renei anxiously ate her meal and quickly finished it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
----------<br />
<br />
The next day, we set for walking back into the city. Renei lead me with her
usual route. A while later, we were at the dusty city’s edge.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Let’s check on the priest” I said.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our last memory of him wasn’t exactly good. It seemed like
he just wanted to keep us like cattle, but maybe we just misinterpreted him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I did not take a shortcut to meet that monster again!”
Renei complained.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Fine” I replied. “I’ll go to the cathedral myself. I’ll
catch up.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I walked towards the direction of the cathedral. Even if he
does catch us, we can still outrun him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Flor!” I heard Renei call me. “Get back here! Flor! Darn
it!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I knew she’d follow me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
----------</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
We stood outside the cathedral’s doors.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m sure he’d be happy to see us” I said.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Me too” Renei replied. “I’d be happy to have fast food
delivered on my doorstep.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I knocked on the door. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could hear Renei nervously squeal as the
door opened by itself. Line rushed in to the dark cathedral. There, we saw the
priest lying on the floor without his mask.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He was dead.</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928275005728937071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695813705618438122.post-48379636363861354542014-06-10T21:01:00.001-07:002014-06-11T01:57:15.632-07:00Through My Window<br />
Through my window, I could see the other apartment building across the street. Each night I would stare into space. But there is one particular window that caught my attention.<br />
<br />
I see a boy peeping through its dusty curtain only to vanish the moment I gaze unto that spot. He was watching me. And I do not know why.<br />
<br />
I've been seeing him ever since I started having a series of nightmares. In each dream, I saw a monster lurking in the city preying on hapless victims.<br />
<br />
Tonight, my dream had a twist. This time, the victim had a gun aimed at the beast. The monster opened its mouth to growl. Instead, I heard a child's voice "Stop!" <br />
<br />
I woke up.<br />
<br />
----------<br />
<br />
Through my window, I observed the city as the sun sets. I've learned from work today that there's a serial killer on the loose. A victim was reported recently. What's left of him was accompanied by a gun he was unable to fire.<br />
<br />
I know that kid is looking at me right now. I pretend not to notice him then closed the curtains.<br />
<br />
But I still had another nightmare.<br />
<br />
In this dream, I saw a family having their meal together. A familiar face was there: the son. The dream shifted to another scene. This time, the father was driving back home one night. Just as he reached his house, the car went out of control. And I emerged from the vehicle drenched in blood. I looked at the car's mirror. I was the monster.<br />
<br />
The kid saw me. "Dad! No!!!"<br />
<br />
Then I woke up.<br />
<br />
I understand now. I killed that boy's father. And he wants revenge.<br />
<br />
----------<br />
<br />
Through my window, I sought to clear my head. I was the monster. Each night I become the serial killer but retain no memory of it save for my nightmares.<br />
<br />
Anytime soon, I will be out to hunt again. And that boy is waiting for it to happen.<br />
<br />
This time, I will let him kill me.<br />
<br />
I stayed awake waiting for something to happen. Hours later, my body began move. I wasn't in control. It felt as if I was physically transforming into something. My hunt began. But all I could do was watch.<br />
<br />
Before I knew it, I was out of the apartment building and lurking in the shadows. I know that boy is following me. He quickly hid behind a trash can.<br />
<br />
I saw a lone man walking on the street. I stalked him. The monster in me plans to kill him. And I must witness this gruesome event. Just as I was about to attack him, I was surrounded by the police.<br />
<br />
The boy was there watching me.<br />
<br />
I could not control myself. I proceeded to attack but a few bullets landed on my chest. It's over now. The monster is dead. My dying body was lying down on the ground.<br />
<br />
The boy walked closer to me and knelt over my corpse <br />
<br />
"Dad..." he wept.<br />
<br />
I looked at him in the eye as memories began to flood my head. Everything, including the ones of my other selves returned.<br />
<br />
"Son..." I said.<br />
<br />
Through my window, he never saw a monster.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928275005728937071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695813705618438122.post-26404565742584799732014-06-10T01:38:00.000-07:002014-06-10T01:38:06.406-07:00The Titan and the Child<br />
A lone stone giant sat quietly on the stump of a once great tree. The forest around him was dull. Dead trees can be found on every turn and the grass struggled to claim its place.<br />
<br />
Night and day he ponders on the mysteries of the universe but finds life itself meaningless.<br />
<br />
By chance, a little human boy wanders around near his territory. The child playfully runs around only to stop at the sight of the titan. They both stared at each other. The child smiled. The giant raised an eyebrow.<br />
<br />
"Hello!" the child greeted him. "It's a wonderful day! Why are you just sitting?"<br />
<br />
The giant was familiar with human languages. But his structure made him unable to speak any of them.<br />
<br />
"It's pointless" the giant spoke in his ancient tongue. "We're only tiny specks in the grand design of reality. Even those such as myself can look upon the heavens and be humbled by its majesty."<br />
<br />
He continued to speak of philosophy and the cosmos. The boy, however, scratched his head and chuckled.<br />
<br />
Ignorant of the giant's complex language, he replied "You talk funny."<br />
<br />
The giant sighed which sounded like a beast's growl to the boy. In the child's mind, the giant was simple and maybe not too bright.<br />
<br />
"I have an idea!" the boy said. "Follow me!"<br />
<br />
The giant sat wondering whether or not should he expend energy to follow the tiny human.<br />
<br />
"C'mon!!" the boy insisted.<br />
<br />
At last, the giant stood up albeit slowly. Only in very few occasions did he resort to mobility.<br />
<br />
The child took him to many places. Places that were far more breathtaking than the giant's home. But the giant has already been in all of them and more. As the child explains the wonders of the world, the giant can't help but recall the finality of all things. Even the beauty of Mother Nature ends in due time as things change.<br />
<br />
The giant's long life allowed him to witness many things humans will never live long enough to see. And he has witnessed the death of many wonders, his current home being the most recent.<br />
<br />
He frowned over his memories which the boy mistook as disgust.<br />
<br />
"What's wrong?" the boy asked. "Don't you appreciate these simple things?"<br />
<br />
"It's not that" the giant said. He stood up and walked away.<br />
<br />
"Wait!" the boy said. But the giant kept going. The boy couldn't keep up and the giant found himself back to his favorite stump.<br />
<br />
The sun was about to set when the giant heard screams for help. He recognized the voice. Quickly, he stood up and went his way to the boy.<br />
<br />
The human child was cornered by a pack of wolves. Just as they crept closer to him, the earth shuddered followed by the sound of heavy footsteps. The predators fled.<br />
<br />
The giant appeared before the boy. "Are you okay?"<br />
<br />
On the giant's palm the child sat on and was carried back home. As they near the gates of a kingdom, the giant lowered his palm and the kid hopped off. He thanked the giant and left.<br />
<br />
The giant pondered on his actions. Despite finding meaningless and death everywhere, he still felt value in the child's life. He decided to keep himself busy. The forest around him became his garden which he took care of for many years. The once dull forest was now teeming with life.<br />
<br />
Though things end, he can keep them alive long enough for others to find meaning with. Several years passed and the giant sat on his favorite tree stump to rest and admire his work.<br />
<br />
One day, a king wandered into his territory.<br />
<br />
"Old friend!" the monarch said. "It's been so long!"<br />
<br />
The giant smiled. "I see you've grown."<br />
<br />
The king sat beside the giant. "Nice work you've done here."<br />
<br />
"Thanks" the giant said. Only this time, the king understood him perfectly.<br />
<br />
"Years back, I didn't understand your point of view" the kind said. "It takes years to understand life and you've lived far longer than any mortal. Finality has inspired me to do great things knowing that my time is insignificant."<br />
<br />
"Indeed" the giant replied. "I foolishly took finality as synonymous with being meaningless."<br />
<br />
The king smiled. Eventually, the two went back to their separate ways.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928275005728937071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695813705618438122.post-86137276739046196352014-06-09T01:20:00.001-07:002014-06-09T01:20:14.174-07:00EE - Hopeful With a Touch of Horror<br />
A friend needed background music for his film. He requested something hopeful with a touch of horror. Lacking creativity, I just went with that as the title.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/uo2CpVDu8Fc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
That turned out well. He gave me two days to do his request. In haste, I had to resort to minimalism which isn't so bad.<br />
<br />
Had fun messing with the music box's repetitive riff.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928275005728937071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695813705618438122.post-62781385902489533202014-06-08T08:22:00.004-07:002014-06-08T08:22:53.630-07:00Basement Secret<br />
Mom and dad told me to never go down the basement.<br />
<br />
They never gave me an explanation. "Just follow!" they would say. But that only fueled my curiosity.<br />
<br />
One night, while going to the bathroom, I caught mom bringing weird tools to the basement. Dad accompanied her bringing heavy boxes downstairs. Are they building something? A surprise maybe?<br />
<br />
I went back to sleep before I get caught.<br />
<br />
I got back home after school one day and found the basement door wide open. It looked pretty dark. Mom and dad weren't home. Now's my chance. I brought a flashlight with me and went to the basement.<br />
<br />
I flipped the light switch on. I wasn't prepared to see this. It was my parents. Each of them were strapped to a surgical table and their bodies were horrible mutilated.<br />
<br />
Panic took over me. There was a third table with a body strapped to it. It looked almost like me except for its gray reptilian skin. I've got to get out of here.<br />
<br />
As I ran out through the door, I found my false parents standing outside glaring at me angrily. "We told you not to go there."<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928275005728937071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695813705618438122.post-42260744782704285702014-05-26T18:15:00.003-07:002014-05-26T18:15:47.473-07:00City of Masks (Chapter 10)
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The wind gently passed us as we fled away from the cathedral.
We’ve gone beyond the cemetery now. An overwhelming sensation of freedom
gripped us as we walked. The cathedral looks rather tiny by now.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The sunlight would’ve bothered us if not for the constant
breeze in this plain. The grass rustled as we walked. The wind carried some
leaves from nearby trees adding to the peaceful noise.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Sure you know where we’re heading?” I asked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Of course I do!” Renei replied. “It’s that way!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She pointed. There was a tone of uncertainty in her voice.
Her hand slowly lowered and she started looking around. The sack of canned
goods she carried rattled as she turned.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I thought you found a familiar route” I said.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I thought I did.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Turns out that she was mistaken. The path only looked
familiar. But it wasn’t it. We’re lost.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
----------</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
We sat underneath a tree near the woods after walking for an hour. Renei raised
her hands up as if to map the sun’s passage. I stared at her curiously.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“If the sun rose that way” she muttered to herself. “Then…”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What are you doing?” I asked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Trying to figure out where my base is. Based from my
calculations, it should be that way.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I chuckled. She didn’t even use numbers. I stood up and
stretched.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m gonna look around” I said. “Be right back.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The area seems untouched by the masked people. Walking
further, I found a spacious field on the other side. Far away, I could see a
mansion standing on a cliff. I was dazed. It looked… familiar.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What are you looking at?” Renei sneaked up behind me making
me jump.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Don’t scare me like that!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Sorry” she giggled.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“There’s a mansion over there” I pointed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Neat!” Renei looked like she pretended to be interested.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“There’s something about it. I’m not sure what.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We can check it later” Renei suggested. “We need to get
back to my base and recover first.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Alright” a sad tone escaped me.<br />
<br />
I followed as Renei lead the way. I looked back at the mansion telling myself
that I will return.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-----------</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
I coughed as dust floated inside this cottage.<br />
<br />
“Not too shabby, huh?” Renei proudly said.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s clean by dust bunny standards” I coughed again.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Renei’s base. At long last. I didn’t know what to expect.
Then again, it makes sense that she would take an abandoned cabin as her new
home. And not bother to tidy it up.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We looked at our remaining supply of food and what Renei
kept around here.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We need to restock soon” she said.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928275005728937071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695813705618438122.post-56348273200870951462014-05-25T23:59:00.002-07:002014-05-26T21:05:28.440-07:00RebirthA wealthy man who wished for immortality hired a team of scientists to achieve that.<br />
<br />
Upon his death, his mind was digitized and uploaded into a computer. Cyberspace became his world in which he roamed freely.<br />
<br />
However, the man longed to restore his humanity even at the cost of becoming mortal again. The team of scientists engineered an embryo to contain his mind and had granted him a normal birth. The child does not seem to remember his past life.<br />
<br />
The team of scientists seemingly disbanded but continued to observe his growth and his becoming of a wealthy patron once again. Still, he remembers nothing. But his desire remains.<br />
<br />
Then, the man, wishing for immortality, hired a team of scientists to achieve that.<br />
<br />
And on just when his mind was about to be uploaded, he overheard one of the scientists mutter "Version 9.0 ready."<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928275005728937071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695813705618438122.post-78060125227255053272014-05-15T07:54:00.004-07:002014-05-16T05:54:26.756-07:00Falling LeavesA leaf gently landed on me as I sat on the park one weekend. I couldn't help but recall an urban legend that used to be popular among my peers.<br />
<br />
They say that this town is haunted by a monster that takes flight at night. It would carry leaves in its claws which it drops over its prey. Those unlucky enough to venture out at night would hear the sound of wings nearby followed by the presence of leaves falling around them. The bodies of the victims were found ripped open with some of their internal organs missing.<br />
<br />
One of my friends claimed that he was marked by the creature before. He took a stroll back home noticing some leaves hitting him. Oddly, no trees were nearby. After realizing his situation, he quickly ran back home. He never saw the creature. However, not everyone was as lucky.<br />
<br />
There was a man who was struck with leaves one night and claimed that he saw the creature itself. According to him, the creature looked like a demon with a wolf-like head and had bat-like wings. In panic, he got into his car then drove back home. He swore to never go outside at night ever again. One the beats marks its prey, it would usually try to get them again in later nights. Eventually, other victims attributed to the monster happened and the man believed himself off the creature's plans.<br />
<br />
However, an important business meeting occurred one night which required the man's presence. Believing himself safe, he attended. The next day, his car was found covered in leaves. The car door was wide open. And the corpse... nevermind.<br />
<br />
I could see my friend approaching nearby. He had a nervous look on his face. I waved to greet him. He sat beside me.<br />
<br />
"Your tone of voice sound so urgent when you called to meet me here, Justin" I told him. "Is there something bothering you?"<br />
<br />
"Yes" he shivered. "Take a look at this, Richard."<br />
<br />
Justin took out a leaf from his pocket and nervously dropped it.<br />
<br />
"I saw it" he said. "It's after me now."<br />
<br />
"Nonsense! It's just a legend!"<br />
<br />
"It's true!" he yelled. "I saw the demon with my own eyes! Richard, it grinned at me as leaves fell from his hands."<br />
<br />
I could see the panicked look on his eyes.<br />
<br />
"I believe you" I assured him.<br />
<br />
"What do I do?" he asked.<br />
<br />
"Well, for one, you can give up on your night life. It's a matter of life and death after all."<br />
<br />
Justin didn't speak. I fell silent as well. A few more leaves fell as the wind blew. Justin frantically looked around his surroundings but saw no presence.<br />
<br />
"Listen" I told him. "I'll pass by your boarding house now and then. Just don't go out at night, okay?"<br />
<br />
He nodded.<br />
<br />
----------<br />
<br />
I did as promised.<br />
<br />
On my way back home after work, I'd take the longer route just to pass by Justin's place. Now, I don't think my presence will do anything to deter such a creature, but at least it keeps him assured that I'm watching out for signs of the monster stalking him.<br />
<br />
I don't really know how true the urban legend is. I just assumed that some cryptid bat was wrongly blamed for what a serial killer could do. I brought a hand gun with me just in case of real danger.<br />
<br />
Each day, around 7 pm, I passed by the boarding house looking at Justin's window from the 3rd floor. For the next few days, nothing seemed unusual. Except one night when the window was wide open. I rushed inside the boarding house to get to him.<br />
<br />
I instructed Justin to never open the window.<br />
<br />
I busted open his door with a kick hearing growls and screams within. I took out my handgun and switched on the lights.<br />
<br />
Right before me, I saw the creature. It was just as Justin described it: a demon. In its sharp claws was Justin's lifeless corpse. I fired a few round at the beast but it flew out of the window.<br />
<br />
I ran towards the window and saw the creature fly away. The commotion attracted curious people to the room. I heard them talking amongst themselves. There were leaves everywhere.<br />
<br />
----------<br />
<br />
I attended Justin's funeral. People began to walk away as the rites ended. Wind blew hard carrying so many leaves and dust with it. Many who were there grunted as the gust struck them. I covered my face as the wind blew even harder.<br />
<br />
As I tried to regain my vision, I could see something hide behind the bushes. Smiling. I took out my hand gun to aim at it. But as my vision cleared and the wind stopped, the creature vanished.<br />
<br />
Everyone brushed off the leaves that got stuck on them. I gasped when I realized that everyone here was marked now.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928275005728937071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695813705618438122.post-8834437395956089642014-05-02T08:57:00.002-07:002014-05-03T07:10:45.782-07:00Scarecrow (Part 3/3)<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://vesperarchives.blogspot.com/2014/05/scarecrow-part-13.html">For Part 1</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://vesperarchives.blogspot.com/2014/05/scarecrow-part-23.html">For Part 2</a></span><br />
<br />
----------<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The rain started to slow down as we drive through the
darkness. The storm must’ve caused the blackout making the situation more
ominous. The car’s lights were the only thing that illuminated the area around
us. Mr. Cuevas already called the police on his cellphone.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I hope she’s okay” I said.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“She’ll be fine, lad” Mr. Cuevas replied. “We’ll be there in
no ti—“</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mr. Cuevas made a full stop. The seatbelt painfully pinned
me back to my seat. I looked up front. Before us was a scarecrow walking across
the street. It limped forward with a twisted leg then tripped. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We didn’t speak. Mr. Cuevas continued to drive passing by
the fallen scarecrow. The empty field at my side looked oddly familiar. Then I
realize that the scarecrows I always see here weren’t present.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
----------<br />
<br />
I didn’t feel easy as we approached the foot of Mt. Torres. By now the rain had
stopped and some moonlight shone. From the car I could see a figure walking
towards the mountain.<br />
<br />
“There!” I pointed. “It’s Glena!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mr. Cuevas stopped the car. We got out and ran to her. I
called out her name and she stopped on her tracks.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Glena!” I grabbed her arm.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Jake” she faced the mountain. “Ray told me that my parents
are up there.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Listen, Glena” I told her. “Don’t listen to Ray. There’s
something up there that takes people away and are trying to get you next.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She turned around and gave me that awful stare.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Guys” Mr. Cuevas interrupted. “We better get back in the
car. And fast.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I turned around. Scarecrows emerged from the surrounding
woods slowly walking towards us. We ran back to the car. I held on to Glena’s
hand. I can’t help but notice the despair in her face.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We got in. Mr. Cuevas hastily started the car and we were
off. I looked at the mirror seeing the scarecrows fading in the background.
Glena sat at the back still dazed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He can see you” she murmured.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mr. Cuevas took an alternate route presumably to hide from
them. We passed by a couple of farms away from Mt. Torres and reached rather
distant parts of town. Mr. Cuevas sped up. Something’s not right.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Mr. Cuevas, we better be careful” I spoke. “There’s a cliff
somewhere here.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He didn’t say anything. I repeated his name to no avail. I
looked at the upper mirror and saw someone at the backseat with Glena. It was
Ray. And he had a mischievous smile on his face.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Stop the car!” I grabbed the wheels from Mr. Cuevas’s hands
making us crash unto a tree. Mr. Cuevas was knocked out. I could hear the sea
nearby accompanied by a howling wind.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ray vanished from the back. Me and Glena got out
immediately. I removed Mr. Cuevas’s seatbelt and attempted to help him off the
car.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Hello, Jake” I heard a voice that made me stop on my track.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Ray” I angrily said.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Come along now, Glena” he said. “Your parents are waiting
for you.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As Glena stepped forward, I blocked her with an arm and
gestured her to hide behind me. I glared at Ray. I would’ve been afraid but
anger took over. Ray stepped forward. Impulsively, I smacked him right at his
face.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ray stood still with his head slightly turned from the
punch. He looked at us then laughed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What’s so funny!?” I yelled at him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I guess you wouldn’t be my friend” he smirked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That line... It was from The Little Monster, the book I used
to read for Glena. I looked at her. She wasn’t afraid. Rather than hide behind
me, she watched what was going on. I know that she’s seeing Ray as he is: not
as her innocent puppy, but a mockery of the dead.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ray grabbed me by the collar then threw me hitting the car
behind me. Ray approached Glena.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Follow me, Glena. Jake’s not your friend anymore. Besides,
he will leave you soon. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll be your
friend. I can even take you to your family right now.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Glena walked towards Ray. She looked back at me then followed
him. I struggled to stand and catch up with them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Glena!” I shouted. “Glena, wait!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She stopped then turned around. “Ray kept telling me things,
Jake. That you weren’t my friend.”<br />
<br />
“Glena, that isn’t true!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Then why, Jake? Why don’t you have time to read me stories
anymore? Why do you try to get rid of me so easily? It’s like you wouldn’t mind
if I was gone!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tears dropped from her eyes. I cried as well.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Glena, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I didn’t
realize how badly you felt.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Her head hanged low as she heard my words. “But listen,
Glena. After all this, I can read you stories again just like before. And maybe
share some interesting stuff with you. I promise not to neglect you anymore.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Tsk tsk” Ray interrupted. “C’mon now, Glena. You know that
Jake can’t handle having you around. To him, you’re just a nuisance.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Maybe I am” Glena said. “Jake, I’m sorry if I annoyed you.
I promise not to disturb you anymore.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Don’t be so hard on yourself” I told her. “You didn’t do
anything wrong. C’mon, let’s go home now.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Glena rushed towards me but Ray grabbed her.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“How dare you run away from me!?” Ray screamed at her.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With my remaining strength, I rammed Ray knocking him unto the
ground. He started cursing at me but couldn’t get back up. I saw his features
beginning to fade away. As his form dissolved, he gasped as if meaning to
scream.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
An inanimate scarecrow that was Ray now stayed on the
ground. I embraced Glena after the ordeal and helped Mr. Cuevas out of the car.
Police later found us and had us treated at the hospital. Ray’s remains were
never found.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
----------<br />
<br />
“The remains of the missing people have finally been discovered high above Mt.
Torres. The meteorite in question struck a long abandoned military laboratory
containing massive amounts of hallucinogenic chemicals that spread throughout
town by air. The strange chemical, which also had addictive properties, may
have lured the victims. So far, the effect has been neutralized.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Officially, everything that happened in my town was caused
by hallucinations. I don’t know, it all felt real to me. My parents adopted
Glena making her my little sister now. I stuck to my word reading her favourite
stories and spending more time with her. Mr. Cuevas and his wife recently
visited their son’s grave.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Eventually, I left for college. But I kept in touch with my
family and promised to visit whenever I can.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Before I left, I’ve decided to pass by the scarecrow field.
I looked at the place and admired the scarecrows that just stood there. It
occurred to me that I thought they were gone when we went to save Glena. Maybe
it was all just a hallucination.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I walked on through the road and noticed one of them near
the side. It had a twisted leg. I went on with my path but not before noticing
it twitch.</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928275005728937071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695813705618438122.post-17683025474304837322014-05-02T08:56:00.000-07:002014-05-03T07:09:56.579-07:00Scarecrow (Part 2/3)<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://vesperarchives.blogspot.com/2014/05/scarecrow-part-13.html">Click here for Part 1.</a></span><br />
<br />
----------<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I couldn’t sleep that night. I tossed and turned in my bed
as a storm raged. The thought of the monster being inside the house kept me
awake. Red lightning flashed followed by a loud boom. I observed my dark room
as a familiar red light illuminated the place in cycles. The storm reminded me
of that day a meteorite crashed into Mt. Torres.<br />
<br />
Before my thoughts could proceed, I heard something creek. The door to my room
was slightly open. I hid under the covers while peeking at the entrance. The
door opened wider. I heard tiny footsteps that turned louder as if it were
nearing me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lightning flashed. For a split second, the mirror showed
something standing beside it. It was Ray.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I heard a loud growl. I panicked under the sheet. Then, I
heard a knock. I turned my head to look at the window. I saw a shadowy man
trying to get inside. Ray’s growling turned louder. And I screamed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I suddenly woke up. The door was closed and so was the
window. I quietly went back to sleep. But on the next day, I overheard my mom
talking to the police. Glena’s parents vanished last night.<br />
<br />
----------<br />
<br />
Glena didn’t have any relatives. My parents decided to let her stay in our place for the time being. She kept quiet as she moved to our place.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When the police arrived at the scene last night, Glena was
in the living room crying. When asked what happened, all she said was “The
scarecrows… they took mommy and daddy…”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I did what I can to make her feel welcome at home. I made
myself appear unusually cheerful to distract her. That didn’t work. Glena
didn’t even talk about Ray. Not that I wanted to bring it up either. She just
sat down quietly and behaved.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Scarecrows, huh?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I decided to visit the scarecrow field just to reassure
myself. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. I noticed a man passed by as I
observe the farm.<br />
<br />
“Good afternoon, Mr. Cuevas!” I greeted them.<br />
<br />
“Good afternoon to you too, Jake” Mr. Cuevas replied. “Say, what are you doing
out here? You better not collapse here.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Just looking at my childhood fear” I replied.<br />
<br />
“Ah. Those scarecrows. Is this about what happened to Glena’s family?”<br />
<br />
“Yeah. Just wanted to remind myself that all those creepy stories about the
scarecrows weren’t real. I’ve got to hand it to you, Mr. Cuevas. You did well
in keeping that tale alive.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mr. Cuevas paused. “Dear boy, it wasn’t just a story.”<br />
<br />
“Huh?”<br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“My wife didn’t want to remember our loss so we pretended
that we never had a son.”<br />
<br />
“You mean…?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t know with scarecrows, but a bunch of burglars did
break into our home one night and took our son’s life.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m sorry.”<br />
<br />
“Don’t worry about it. Those crooks are serving their time now. Alas, I wished
that Ray’s life were restored that way.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Your son’s name was Ray?”<br />
<br />
“Yup. I better get going now. Cya later, kid.”<br />
<br />
Odd. Ray was also the name that Glena gave to her imaginary friend. My mind
rushed with thoughts. Could this all be connected somehow? I decided to walk home.
At the corner of my eye, I thought that I saw one of the scarecrows twitch.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
----------<br />
<br />
The rescue team sent to find the scientists at Mt. Torres never returned. I
remember reading a story to Glena once about a mythological creature called a
hydra. It was a serpent-like beast with many heads. Each time its head was cut
off, two more would sprout from it. I’ve decided to re-read this one for old
time’s sake and maybe to calm Glena down.<br />
<br />
“… and so its head wouldn’t regrow new heads” I read out loud. “The stump was
burned to prevent that from happening.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Up to how many heads can a hydra grow?” It was nice to hear
Glena talk again.<br />
<br />
“Dunno” I shrugged. “Doesn’t matter anyway. They defeated it; problem solved.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Wow, just imagine if they just continue cutting the heads”
Glena remarked.<br />
<br />
“I guess the hydra represents different problems” I explained.<br />
<br />
“How so?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Let’s put it this way, each time you solve a problem, you
only cut a head off. But if you don’t find the source of that problem, it’ll
just come back.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Glena looked outside the window. There were a lot of things
to think about. With all the recent happenings, I wouldn’t blame her if she was
worried. I didn’t want to show it, but I felt uneasy as well.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Ray…” Glena muttered. Not the name I wanted to bring up. I
gulped.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Where did the little monster go?” I asked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t know” lightning flashed as she spoke. “He vanished
along with my parents.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Glena was trembling. Her eyes turned teary. I was going to
pat her until she suddenly turned to face me. And gave me that stare.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“G-gle-glena? Is there something wrong?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“There’s a pair of eyes behind you.”<br />
<br />
A child crept on my spine. Goosebumps started appearing on my skin.<br />
<br />
“What?”<br />
<br />
“Those pair of eyes… they sometimes appear behind you… when I notice them
staring at you, they started to stare at me.”<br />
<br />
Glena could clearly see that I was frightened.<br />
<br />
“Don’t worry” she said. “They’re gone now.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I heard barking outside. Glena looked through the window.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s Ray! He’s back!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Glena stood up and rushed towards the door.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Glena! Stop!” I grabbed her arm. “Don’t go outside!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But it’s Ray!” she pointed. “See?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I looked towards the direction Glena pointed outside. There
was a man standing outside the house looking right at us.<br />
<br />
“Glena, where did you get the name ‘Ray’ for him?” I asked.<br />
<br />
“Oh, he said that he liked the name ‘Ray” so I named him that” she innocently
replied.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rain started to fall. The man outside stood still.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Aww… the poor puppy will get sick!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Glena doesn’t see what I see. I covered the window and told
her to stay inside. However, she pushed me over and hurriedly opened the door.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I quickly got up and chased her. But she was already outside
in the storm.<br />
<br />
“Glena!”<br />
<br />
I saw Ray walking towards her. Glena rushed towards him. Rain drops kept
falling on me as I looked on. Ray and Glena slowly walked away in the rain.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In haste I ran towards them. Ray turned his head. Seeing me
chase him, he gestured with his hand in the air as if to hit me. What felt like
a strong wind hit me knocking me. I landed on the muddy road on my head. Lightning
flashed once again before I blocked out.<br />
<br />
----------<br />
<br />
I could still hear the rain going on but felt no drops hitting me. I opened my
eyes and saw an umbrella above me.<br />
<br />
“Mr. Cuevas?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Are you alright, lad?” Mr. Cuevas said as he helped me up. <br />
<br />
“I’m fine. Oh no. Glena! She was taken away!”<br />
<br />
I explained to Mr. Cuevas what happened in detail. I also added that Glena had
an imaginary friend named Ray and that he may be named after his son. Mr.
Cuevas gave a dramatic pause.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I thought I saw someone familiar outside” Mr. Cuevas said.
“I thought I saw my son outside your house.”<br />
<br />
“I saw him too! Could it really be him?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I doubt it, dear boy. My son’s first priority would be
checking up on his folks.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Glena saw different” I coughed. “She saw her imaginary
friend.”<br />
<br />
“It’s as if the devil brewed all this trouble in our town” Mr. Cuevas remarked.<br />
<br />
I thought hard. The hydra story came to mind. All the strange events that happened
may have a source.<br />
<br />
“I know where they are” I spoke. “They’re heading to Mt. Torres.”<br />
<br />
The next thing I knew, Mr. Cuevas drove me towards the cursed mountain to find
Glena. I pray that she’s safe.</div>
<br />
----------<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://vesperarchives.blogspot.com/2014/05/scarecrow-part-23_2.html">Click here for Part 3.</a></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928275005728937071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695813705618438122.post-47024848833480404112014-05-02T07:41:00.001-07:002014-05-03T07:09:26.612-07:00Scarecrow (Part 1/3)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The night sky was filled with a bright red light. A strange
circular object could be seen falling towards the horizon hidden by the nearby
mountains. Most of us thought that it may be some kind of meteor. Little did we
realize that it heralded the beginning of strange event that occurred in my
small town.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
----------<br />
<br />
The news said that the strange object landed somewhere on Mt. Torres. A team of
scientists were scheduled to visit the area to study the meteorite.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I walked back home after school passing by a farm with
several scarecrows. They used to scare me as a kid. To be honest, it took me
until high school to get over that fear. Dad told me tales of how they would
walk around at night and attack children who didn’t listen to their parents. He
would even go so far to claim that the couple who lived across our house lost
their son to them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The neighbour’s kid, Glena, greeted me as I took out my keys
to the gate.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Hey, Jake!” she cheerfully greeted.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Hello, Glena” I replied.<br />
<br />
Glena lives right next door. When her parents are out, I’m usually called to
babysit her.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Mrs. Largosa told me that she’s off to buy some stuff”
Glena said.<br />
<br />
“Oh, mom’s out? Thanks for the info.”<br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Can I come in?”<br />
<br />
“I’m kinda busy with homework.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll be quiet! Promise! Besides, you’ll be alone with all
sorts of monsters there.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Nice try. But there’s no such things as monsters.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Pretty please!” Glena gave me an adorable look. I sighed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Fine.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yay!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Glena rushed inside. She tends to visit now and then while
telling me random stuff or asking me random questions. I used to read her
stories before. These days I’ve become too busy with school as I get swamped
with homework.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Did you pass by those scarecrows?” she asked as she sat on
the couch.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yup” I replied while taking out notebooks from my bag. “I
pass by it everyday.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Whoa. Mom told me that they come to life at night.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That ain’t true” I quickly replied laying my notes on a
table.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes it is!” Glena said. “Mom told me that mister and misses
Cuevas lost their kid to the scarecrows.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Actually” I spoke in a confident voice. “They never had a
kid in the first place. I asked them myself.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Really?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I didn’t bother to reply. I opened my text book and sat
down. Glena crept closer with curiosity.<br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Wa’cha reading?” she asked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Physics. Didn’t you promise to be quiet?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Sorry” she innocently spoke. “You’re going to college in a
few months, right?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yeah” I replied. “Engineering is gonna be tough I hear.
Physics will be quite a subject.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Wow” Glena flipped through some of my notes. Clearly she
didn’t understand any of them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I began to scribble some calculations on a piece of paper
while looking at a notebook. A few hits on the calculator, I jotted down my
answers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I want a puppy.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That was random. I continued to write pretending to take
interest in what she’s saying.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What for?” I replied with my eyes still fixed on the
homework.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Puppies are cute!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I bet you can’t even take care of one.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes I can!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Great. This conversation might keep on going. I stood up and
picked up the remote control.<br />
<br />
“Care for some TV?” I asked her.<br />
<br />
“Okay!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shortly, the TV was on. As I switch the channels looking for
Glena’s favourite cartoons, I stumble upon the local news.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“… a man was reported to be missing” I heard the newscaster
say.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Change the channel” Glena complained.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Wait” I said.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The news spoke of an old man from our town that vanished
only recently. An accident left him unable to walk and had to stay in the local
hospital. The nurse reported his disappearance when she went to check on him.
Police suspected that he may be kidnapped.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Maybe the scarecrows got him” Glena commented.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“They only attack children, silly” I replied.<br />
<br />
----------<br />
<br />
“The scientists sent to Mt. Torres have not returned or made any contact. A
rescue team is currently dispatched to locate them.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s been about a week since we saw the meteor. As much as
the news intrigued me, I’ve got other priorities. Unfortunately, the school was
buzzed about the police warning everyone to never go out alone or stay outside
late at night as two more people were reported missing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My parents were out one night. With the recent happenings, I
decided to stay at Glena’s for the time being.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Scared of the monsters, Jake?” Glena teased me as I got
inside.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Now, now, Glena” her mother scolded her. “There’s a real
threat lately.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I pulled my tongue out to mock Glena. A while later, Glena
took out some story books.<br />
<br />
“Look!” she said. “You used to read me these.”<br />
<br />
“Oh, right. Maybe you should read them to me now.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Aww… but it’s more fun if you read them.”<br />
<br />
“I won’t always be here you know. Might as well get used to me being gone
before I get a dorm.”<br />
<br />
Glena was quiet. She took out a book titled “The Little Monster” and began to
read it out loud. The children’s book was about a small creature that had the
body of a small dog and bat wings. Glena read the description of the little
monster carefully highlighting its tiny horns and sharp teeth.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve almost forgotten the plot of the creature’s adventures.
The story was too childish for me. Something about the little monster’s quest
to make friends despite its appearance.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What would you do?” Glena read the last line. “Would you
have been friends with the little monster?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m not really sure” I replied.<br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I know I would” Glena proudly proclaimed. “In fact, I wish
I had a puppy like him.”<br />
<br />
“Complete with bat wings?” I rhetorically asked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yeah! At least I’ll have some neat company when you’re
gone.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My chest tightened. There aren’t many kids of Glena’s age
around here. Her parents told me that she’s quite shy at school with only a
handful of friends. She’s grown up used to my presence and soon I’ll be gone.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I felt absent minded all of a sudden. Glena stopped talking.
I stared across the room. I felt a shiver that crept on my spine but I didn’t
know why. Glena just stared at me quietly.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Before I could say anything, Glena’s mom told me that my
parents were back. I promptly thanked her and gave my goodbye. Oddly, Glena
didn’t react much.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I head home, I stopped on my tracks. Instead of going
through the gate, I backed off then walked away. Before I knew it, I already
passed by the scarecrow field. My mind was filled with thoughts about my
disappearance and how Glena would deal with it. I couldn’t stop walking.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wanted to panic, but it was as if guilt drove me to keep
on walking…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Jake…” I heard a voice calling me. “Jake…”<br />
<br />
<br />
Instinctively, I followed it towards Mt. Torres. I felt drowsy… tired… yet I
carried on…<br />
<br />
“Jake…”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
----------<br />
<br />
I woke up in a hospital. My parents were present in the room.<br />
<br />
“Thank goodness!” my mom exclaimed.<br />
<br />
“What happened?” I asked.<br />
<br />
“You collapsed on the road to Mt. Torres” dad explained. “Luckily, Mr. Cuevas
who just happened to be passing by found you.”<br />
<br />
“What?” I reacted.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What were you doing out there?” mom asked.<br />
<br />
“I… I don’t know.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
----------<br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had visitors in the hospital. My classmates were kind
enough to update me with what I’m missing. Glena also stopped by to bombard me
with her childish blabbering.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“… and that’s how I found my new puppy! I named him ‘Ray.’”
she proudly shared.<br />
<br />
“Oh, really?” I replied.<br />
<br />
I had to remember that to her, my approval was everything. But, I couldn’t help
but doubt that the little monster from story book would wind up in her care.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Really! He even has those bat wings, horns and everything!”
she insisted.<br />
<br />
“If you say so.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Her mom later explained that Glena had a new imaginary
friend. She would observe her running around in the garden by herself but
pretending to have the company of a pet. The thought of it made me smile. My
temporary disappearance has already prompted her to create an amusing mental
construct.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first thing I did upon leaving the hospital was to visit
Glena. Her parents were out and she was all alone save for her imagination. As
I pictured it out, there she was running around the muddy garden pretending to
chase the little monster from her book.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Jake! You’re back!” she greeted me. “Look at my new
friend!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She gestured at a particular spot. I pretended to see the
critter and said “Hello, Ray.”<br />
<br />
“I’m heading back inside” Glena informed me.<br />
<br />
“Alright” I replied.<br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Follow me, Ray!” she called out to her imaginary friend.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I watch her enter the house, I couldn’t help but notice
tiny muddy paw prints following her. Glena stopped in her track and the paw
prints stopped near her. She bent down to pat the unseen creature. I noticed
the paw prints now facing towards me as if Ray was looking right at me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What’s wrong?” Glena asked me noticing me shiver.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Um…” I froze.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Aww… what’s wrong Ray?” she motioned to pick the critter
up.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then Glena stared at me. Whatever she was holding, I could
tell that it focusing its gaze at me too. Glena was silently observing me. Just
like before.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I-I’ve g-g-got to go” I stuttered.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Jake, what’s wrong?” I heard Glena as I hastily made my
exit.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I got back in my house and locked the door. I looked outside
the window and saw Glena looking for something. <br />
<br />
“Ray!” I heard her call out. “Where are you?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I heard something slam on the door followed by scratching.
Ray. He followed me.<br />
<br />
----------<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://vesperarchives.blogspot.com/2014/05/scarecrow-part-23.html">Click here for Part 2.</a></span><br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928275005728937071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695813705618438122.post-19032332470138945852014-04-16T07:58:00.000-07:002014-07-20T14:32:37.769-07:00Paralyzed"Good afternoon, Mr. Lim" a young nurse cheerfully spoke as she entered the room.<br />
<br />
My eyes wandered around in shock. How did I get into a hospital?<br />
<br />
"You're currently paralyzed after a serious accident. However, your vision and hearing should be okay."<br />
<br />
I could not move save for my eyes. My face doesn't seem to respond as I try to express myself. Voice wouldn't escape my mouth as I struggle to talk. At my right was a window opposite to the door showing a bright sunny day.<br />
<br />
"You'll be fine soon, sir" she spoke. "I'll leave you alone now."<br />
<br />
The nurse left. I tried to recall the accident that lead me here. Not a shred of memory returned. I'm stuck not only in the confines of this room but in my own empty mind. There were no memories to give me entertaining thoughts save for a few basic knowledge.<br />
<br />
I waited. From the foot of my bed, I stared at a wall clock which ticked away the boring hours that passed by. The light from the window shone on until I saw a shadow block it. I looked at the right and saw a face peering through the window. It was a child. He turned to face right at me as his hands pressed on the glass.<br />
<br />
I looked away trying to ignore him. But each time I glance, I could still see him staring at me. He almost looked expressionless. But the way he stared at me accusingly was unnerving.<br />
<br />
"Hello, once again, Mr. Lim" the nurse returned. My eyes briefly looked at her on the left side of the room. When I checked the window, the boy was gone.<br />
<br />
"I just need to take a few notes" the nurse said as she inspected me and whatever contraptions were attached to me.<br />
<br />
She stepped away from my bed and went closer to the window. She looked down. I heard her mention about seeing a nice view from this floor. I was puzzled. How did that kid get up here? If only I could speak...<br />
<br />
"It's almost evening" she commented. "I'll be right back."<br />
<br />
Shortly after she left, I heard knocking. It didn't sound like the door. My eyes turned attention to the window. I saw a hand, that of a child, knocking. The arm was extended away from view.<br />
<br />
"I'm back" I heard the nurse enter the room. My eyes were fixed on the window. The hand retreated away.<br />
<br />
"Oh, you want the window open, sir?"<br />
<br />
I panicked. I tried moving my eyes around to express my concern.<br />
<br />
"I'll take that as a 'yes' then" the nurse said.<br />
<br />
No. No. No. This isn't good. The window is now wide open.<br />
<br />
"There you go. Some fresh air."<br />
<br />
"Nurse!" I heard a voice outside, that of an adult male.<br />
<br />
"Yes, doc. I'll be there quick. Mr. Lim, I'll check on you later."<br />
<br />
And now I stare at the widow as light slowly fades. Evening arrived.<br />
<br />
----------<br />
<br />
I anxiously stared at the window. I felt like my life is in danger. As these thoughts rush through me, I begin to wonder if I even had a family to live for. No one has visited me so far to check on me.<br />
<br />
I saw something move outside. As it went closer to the window, the light from my room made the figure clearer. It was the boy. And he just stared at me. He climbed through the window and stood at the corner.<br />
<br />
His clothes were tattered. Several wounds were present along with some smear of blood around him. He opened his mouth as if to say something. I heard his voice but no discernible words. He only groaned.<br />
<br />
He limped as he walked towards me. I would've screamed. But I can't. Blood dripped from his mouth as he got closer to me. Finally, he stood beside my bed and continued to look at me. My eyes wouldn't look away. I saw him take something out of his pocket. It was a needle. He raised it up slightly and began poking my right leg with it.<br />
<br />
I could not feel pain. Nevertheless I was scared. His gaze was still fixed on me as he continued. He raised the needle again and got closer to my face. <br />
<br />
"Blood..." he said. He raised the needle above my eyes which I promptly closed.<br />
<br />
"Nurse!" I screamed. To my surprise, I was finally able to talk. The kid backed off.<br />
<br />
"NURSE!!!" I repeated.<br />
<br />
The nursed rushed in "Mr. Lim! Are you alright?"<br />
<br />
"There's a kid in the room and --"<br />
<br />
"Huh?"<br />
<br />
The kid was gone.<br />
<br />
"Are you alright, Mr. Lim? At least you can talk now."<br />
<br />
"Listen" I said. "There's a kid in here."<br />
<br />
"Relax, Mr. Lim" the nurse said as she closed the window. "You're safe here."<br />
<br />
As she was about to leave, I spoke "Don't turn off the lights!"<br />
<br />
"Alright."<br />
<br />
"Thanks..." <br />
<br />
As the nurse was about to leave, she turned around and gave me a grim smile. "They prefer seeing you with the lights on anyway."<br />
<br />
"W-what?" I stuttered.<br />
<br />
"That child is under your bed right now. Goodnight, Mr. Lim."<br />
<br />
She locked the door as she made her exit.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928275005728937071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695813705618438122.post-63567135580466620882014-04-15T22:47:00.001-07:002014-04-15T22:47:29.627-07:00City of Masks (Chapter 9)
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I guess he doesn’t want us to leave” I said over lunch.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Flor” Renei muttered.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He’s staring at us.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She’s right. The priest just looked at us as we ate. I tried
not to pay heed to his emotionless mask.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Some of the food he brought were already spoiled” Renei
complained.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Renei!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Not out loud.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He can’t understand us anyway.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At least that’s what it seems. The priest bowed his head
slightly in sorrow. I approached him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Hey” I spoke. “We need to go somewhere.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Ziv blf ovzermt?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We need to check Renei’s place you see.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“And maybe use my stash of food instead” she said out loud.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Renei!” I scolded her.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I looked back at the priest. He seemed upset.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We’ll be back to visit you now and then. Promise!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The priest didn’t say anything. I went near Renei. “Let’s
go.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She stood up and we both headed for the back door. As we got
near the altar however, the priest stood up and blocked<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>us.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Rg’h wzmtvilfh!” he yelled.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I panicked. “What are you doing!?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Let us go!” Renei shouted.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“WL MLG LVZEV!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
----------<br />
<br />
“I told you that he’s evil!” Renei told me as we sat inside our room.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t believe it” I whimpered.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What’s not to believe?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is all wrong. He can’t be just keeping us prisoners,
right? The thought of Renei being correct on this one bothers me. Is he really
just fattening us up for food? Is he tired of eating dead bodies that he wants
something fresh now?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We need to escape” Renei said.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“How?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll throw this expired canned good he gave us and knock
him out.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Seriously?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I have a good aim!” Renei stood up. “Watch!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Renei!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She opened the door with haste and started looking for the
priest at the ground floor.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“There he is” she said with a gleeful smile.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t think it’s gonna – Renei!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She already threw the can. I heard the can rattling as it
hit the world. I rushed towards her and looked down. And there the priest lied
unconscious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t believe it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Let’s get our stuff” Renei told me. “C’mon, hurry up.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-PH; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The next thing I knew, we were outside running
through the cemetery.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07928275005728937071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695813705618438122.post-67380676319458493762014-04-02T11:05:00.002-07:002014-04-04T00:10:48.998-07:00Doll<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I awoke to the sound of a loud thud in the middle of the
night. My eyes peered through the moonlit dark room and looked at the bed on
the other side. My twin sister slept heavily evident with her loud snore.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Suddenly, I heard a creek. The door was open. It couldn’t be
the wind. We always have it locked. I lay my head down facing my sister’s side
of the room trying to get back to sleep.<br />
<br />
Instead, I saw a woman’s face staring at me right beside my bed. She had messy
long black hair and pale wrinkled skin. I could feel her breathe heavily. Her
face distorted as she smiled at me revealing an array of rotten teeth.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I choked as she stood up and looked down on me. She reached
out with a twisted hand full of visibly long nails. That’s when I screamed. She
immediately grabbed as if to prevent my escape.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Mom!” I screamed louder.<br />
<br />
“Valerie…” I heard the woman spoke my name.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I panicked even further still hearing her say my name.
“Valerie!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I woke up. I gasped. My mom was standing right beside my bed
with my twin sister Luanne.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Are you alright, Val?” mom asked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I had a bad dream” I replied.<br />
<br />
“You woke all of us up” Luanne said as she rubbed her eyes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Sorry” I replied.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After the commotion , we each went back to our respective
places. Mom got out and left the lights on. I looked at the drawer between mine
and Luanne’s beds to check the time. Odd, I found Luanne’s doll sitting there
facing me.<br />
<br />
“Luanne” I spoke as she was about to get back in bed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What?”<br />
<br />
“Your doll.”<br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What’s Gabby doing over there?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Beats me.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I turned off the lights. I felt rather uneasy as I got back
to my bed. I saw Luanne put Gabby, her doll, among her other collection of
toys.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It then occurred to
me that Gabby, Luanne’s doll looked almost like the woman in my dream.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
----------</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A few days earlier, it was me and Luanne’s birthday. It’s
our first birthday since our parents divorced and dad left us. Even so, mom did
her best to make our special day memorable.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our friends were around along with some relatives. Me and
Luanne had enough gifts to sate us, but dad wasn’t around.<br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After slicing the cake and making our wishes, mom gave us a
present from an anonymous sender. It was address to both me and Luanne. We
opened it and found a doll inside.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Who’s it from?” Luanne asked.<br />
<br />
<br />
Nobody answered. Even mom shrugged. Luanne took the doll out and waved it at my
face.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Get that away from me!” I said.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m not really fond of dolls. Their fake human appearance
disturbs me. Luanne however adored them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Valerie” she said. “Can I have her? You don’t like dolls
anyway.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Fine” I replied. “But I get more cake today. Deal?”<br />
<br />
“Deal.”<br />
<br />
The people around us chuckled. Me and Luanne have our fights, but we do settle
things fairly at times.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll name you Gabby” I heard Luanne talk to the doll as I
stuff my face with an extra helping of cake.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m guessing that mom acted innocent throughout this. But I
bet that the doll came from dad.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
----------</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Me and Luanne came back from school one day only to find our
house door wide open.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Mom?” I called out. There doesn’t seem to be anyone home.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll have a look” Luanne said.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She dropped her bags and inspected the house while I stayed in
the living room just in case mom gets here. I glanced at a full length mirror
nearby and fixed my hair a bit. I stood up to get a closer view.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Behind me was the entrance to the kitchen which I ignored
until I hear some pans crash on the floor. I quickly turned around. I slowly
approached the kitchen and cautiously peeked. It was a mess. I backed away. Anxious,
I turned away only to face the mirror again. I had a quick glance and saw a
bony arm behind me coming from the kitchen. I froze on the spot as it was about
to land on my back. A hand grabbed me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Valerie!” Luanne had a grip on my arm. “Is mom here yet?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I looked at the mirror again. The arm was gone. I turned
silent.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Hey, are you alright?” Luanne asked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Y-yeah” I replied. “I thought I saw something.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Oh, look. What’s Gabby doing here?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I stared at Luanne as she picked the doll from the floor. I
could’ve sworn it just blinked at me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mom arrived back home eventually. She called the cops on the
possibility of an intruder in the house. I didn’t really understand what they
were talking about, but mom said that we were safe. However, seeing Luanne
blissfully holding the doll did not put me at ease.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
----------<br />
<br />
That night, I couldn’t sleep. My eyes were wide open as if to inspect the
ceiling. I was scared to look at the sides of my bed. The thoughts of seeing
that woman from my dream felt like a possibility. I’m beginning to suspect that
Gabby had something to do with this. I dare turn sideways. Luanne was fast
asleep with the doll beside her.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At night, all sorts of noises could be heard. My mind was
filled with thoughts figuring out where the sounds came from. I heard
footsteps. They’re from the attic.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
----------<br />
<br />
It was the weekend. The day started with Luanne complaining about her missing
doll. She made quite a fuss for the whole morning but she calmed down by lunch
time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The afternoon was bright and we decided to play random
games.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Let’s go at the attic” she suggested.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No way” I replied. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“C’mon, Val” she teased. “Mom said we’re safe. Remember?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But…”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Chicken!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Fine!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We rarely go to the attic. The dusty place filled with old
stuff never really appealed to me. Knowing that mom’s at home made me feel a
little bit easy at least.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I coughed as we enter the place. The air felt ancient. There
were all sorts of objects in the room. Disturbingly, mannequins were present
making me shiver. Perhaps my fear of dolls started here.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Me and Luanne busily scavenged around some old stuff
pretending to be archeologists.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“This is from the time dinosaurs roamed” Luanne pulled out a
pic of mom as a teenager.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I guess some are still around today” I added. We both
laughed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We found stacks of photo albums. Photos of our parents were
what caught most of our attention. It was nice to see what mom and dad looked
like while growing up. Quite a shame that they had to part their ways.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We heard something drop. The sound came from an old closet
nearby.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What was that?” I asked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Go check it out.”<br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No way!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Chicken.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You do it!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A creaking sound interrupted us. The closet was slightly
open. We couldn’t see what was inside its darkness. A bony hand with long
fingers emerged and closed the closet.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Me and Luanne ran downstairs screaming. Mom took notice of
our panic.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“There’s someone in the closet upstairs!” I said.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mom grabbed a nearby lamp and went upstairs. Me and Luanne
felt like following her. As mom was about to open the closet, me and Luanne
shivered behind her.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The closet was swung open with nothing inside save for some
old clothes. Mom looked sceptic. She bent down and picked something up.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Luanne” she said. “What is Gabby doing up here?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The doll looked like it stared at me with suspicion. And
blinked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
----------<br />
<br />
I’ve been trying to tell Luanne to get rid of Gabby. I swear, that doll was up
to no good. Luanne however refused.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Don’t you get it?” Luanne angrily said. “It’s from dad.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Dad wouldn’t send us something evil!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Gabby is not evil!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Listen! That thing was always around whenever something
weird happens.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What are you talking about, Valerie? How could a doll do
all that?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Why don’t you ask her?” I mocked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Luanne lifted Gabby up.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Hey, Gabby. Were you behind all those?” Luanne asked the
doll then motioned her head as if to say “No.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“See” Luanne spoke in a vexing tone. “She didn’t do
anything.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In anger, I tried to take the doll. We struggled to hold
unto Gabby until her head broke off.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What did you do!?” Luanne sobbed as she pushed me knocking
me down.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What’s going on?” Mom appeared.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was scolded for my actions. Mom tried to cheer Luanne up.
I tried to explain everything to mom but she didn’t seem to take me seriously
when I tried to put the blame on Gabby.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
----------<br />
<br />
We returned from school one day only to find our house surrounded by police.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What’s going on?” I asked. Nobody answered.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I saw an ambulance nearby. Some guys in white carried a body
covered in a cloth and placed it in the vehicle. I could not help but notice an
arm dangling from the side. It was bony and the fingers had long nails.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mom later explained everything. She told us that a woman had
snuck into our house and stayed there for an undetermined amount of time. According
to the police, the invader even hid under my bed when I woke up to her
presence. Gabby, in particular, seemed to be the woman’s favourite item as she
brings it along with her even to the kitchen to get a snack.<br />
<br />
She probably did not mean us any harm as she did her best to stay hidden from
us. Back at the attic, she snuck out of the closet as we ran downstairs then
hid among the other items. However, she left Gabby in there for us to find. Today, on her way to the kitchen, she slipped and died. Mom arrived home and found the corpse.<br />
<br />
I apologized to Luanne for wrongly accusing Gabby. Looking back, it seemed so
silly to blame a doll. Gabby still scares me, but I my fear of her grew less.<br />
<br />
----------<br />
<br />
I felt at ease later that night. Yet, I couldn’t sleep due to the things that
bump in the night. That shouldn’t bother me. The intruder’s caught.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I tossed and turned then faced at the right of my bed only
to find Gabby beside me. Luanne must’ve placed her there.<br />
<br />
“Hello, Gabby” I said. I heard Luanne snore. Gabby blinked.<br />
<br />
“Hello, Val” she replied.</div>
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