The House That Hums
The house had been abandoned for decades, yet it was never truly silent.
It sounded low and almost melodic, like a wind-borne lullaby, according to residents of Hollow Creek. Since the Carter family disappeared inside without a trace, no one dared to enter. The house was talked about in whispers—how its walls breathed, how it sang to those who listened too long. However, Evan did not come from Hollow Creek. When he heard about the humming house, he was a photographer looking for urban legends, and he knew he had to see it for himself. The house loomed, its once-white paint flaking off, and broken windows that looked like teeth. As if nature were trying to pull it back into the earth, vines climbed the walls. The hum grew louder as Evan stepped onto the porch, breaking through the planks of wood beneath his feet. He pushed open the door. A grand foyer covered in dust and decay was revealed when it groaned in protest. In spite of the still air, a chandelier hung above, its crystals swaying slightly. His chest was resonating as the hum wrapped around him, now getting louder. Evan took a picture with his camera. He saw something move within the wallpaper for a split second as the flash illuminated the walls. He swallowed hard and took another picture. The wallpaper appeared to bulge outward, as if something within was pressing against it, when the flash came back again. His heart pounded. He got closer and extended his hand to touch the wall. It was warm.