There was only one rule: don't open the door.
The house sat at the end of Sturbridge Street, undisturbed since the end of the investigation in 1992. The rusty hinges were hidden behind an overgrowth of ivy. The vines: speckled with thorns - a warning to most, and an invitation to some.
Many have tried, but no one has succeeded to view what is on the other side. The town's version of the sword in the stone - a door knob beckoning to be turned, but forbidden to be touched.
The wind whipped against the hair that peaked out of her hoodie. The only lighting available was the flickering of an old street lamp and the company of the full moon.
She cracked her knuckles and descended across the fractured concrete pathway, weeds exploding through the breaks. Fallen leaves littered the ground, heading warnings with each step as they rustled underfoot.
She took a deep breath, and the vapor exited between her lips with ghoulish intensity, disappearing into the night. Nothing but her heartbeat could be heard, and its rhythm was palpable against her ribcage - a drumbeat of regret.
She had nothing to lose. With each step, she was closer to the crown.
The anticipation outweighed the fear as she ascended the front steps.
Left.
Right.
Left.
Right.
Left.
With a tremor in her hands, she reached for the crystal knob, tarnished and yellow, glowing in the moonlight.
Before her fingertips could make contact, the knob began to turn.
A loud, creaking noise echoed through the entire neighborhood, and the door opened on its own.
About the Creator
Ashley Lima
I think about writing more than I write, but call myself a writer as opposed to a thinker.
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October 6, 2024
I begrudgingly did some laundry. I scrolled on TikTok for far too long. My mother-in-law texted me first thing in the morning asking me to lunch or dinner, depending on how busy her day was going to be. My brain automatically went to "something bad must have happened." But no. She just wanted to get me out of the house, and it's scary how moms seem to know when you need something without you having to say anything at all.
By Ashley LimaExclusive • about a year ago
Comments (5)
She didn't break the rule. The door opened on its own. :)
I liked how you dared to fully write about the scene about a door being opened, without explaining too much.
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Great Job, Ash. Loved it.
Great entry, ash!