In the Dark

There was only one rule: don’t open the door. Thomas knew the rule and followed it faithfully. He lived with his parents until they passed away, leaving their blind son the house and all its contents. He was familiar with every room, every piece of furniture, every door, and felt secure that there’d be no danger from a stupid door.

He took his service dog outside for a walk on the property. He’d never visited the woods behind the house because his parents frightened him with scary stories about it. With Scout by his side and a cane in his hand, he ventured deep into the unexplored forest. There was no one to convince him otherwise.

Thomas walked slowly, felt the trees, and inhaled deeply to get a sense of the woods. He recognized the smell of moss around him. He located an unfamiliar small building, and he felt around for windows or a door. He touched cobwebs and rough wood for walls. The dog was trying to pull him away.

“Don’t worry, Scout,” Thomas said, “don’t be a scaredy cat.”

There were no windows, but he did find a single door. He felt around for the doorknob but couldn’t locate one. As he reached around sides of the door frame, he touched a hooked latch higher up one side, the only lock. Scout whined.

“Be adventurous,” he told the dog. “For once in your life.”

Thomas carefully unlocked the door and pushed it open. It smelled musty. Using his cane, he tapped around the small room. There was no furniture other than a single chair in the middle of the space. He sat down and said triumphantly, “See?”

He heard the door shut and the latch hooked. Alone and scared, he heard the maniacal laughter trailing away.