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Locked In

Open The Door

By Cathy holmesPublished about a year ago 1 min read
Locked In
Photo by Declan Sun on Unsplash

There was only one rule: don’t open the door.

I’ve never been interested in spooky games, haunted houses or anything of the scary sort, really. I’ve always been easier to convince after a few shots of tequila, though. Hence, I stood in a dark, tiny room with two doors, directly opposite each other, waiting for the “game". My friends were in rooms on either side of me.

I had no idea which door was forbidden, but it soon became clear when the scratches started from the back, followed by banging, howling and the door near coming off its hinges, being hacked apart with an axe.

This was supposed to be fun, but it wasn’t funny. I wanted out. I grabbed the front door handle and pulled with all my might, just as the back door fell behind me.

I never had a chance to scream as the needle plunged into my neck.

*

I’m not sure where I am, but my friends, they’re here too. I’m strapped to a table with sheets covering my naked body. There’s a window in the door, through which I see tears in Donna’s eyes, and Paul comforting her. I hear someone say, “she had a heart attack.”

I know that’s a lie, but I can’t tell them.

I can’t speak. Can’t move. There's red liquid flowing through tubes attached to my limbs. Are they draining my blood? I’m not dead! Don’t they know?

Why can’t I scream?

I feel my body weakening. Tears flow from my eyes, staining my cheeks. It’s cold, so cold.

I watch, helplessly, as my friends mourn. Can’t they see me shiver? Hear me cry? Don’t they know I’m not dead.

Can’t they just open the damn door?

HorrorMicrofictionPsychologicalthrillerfictionpsychologicalhalloween

About the Creator

Cathy holmes

Canadian family girl with a recently discovered love for writing. Other loves include animals and sports.

Reader insights

Outstanding

Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!

Top insights

  1. Heartfelt and relatable

    The story invoked strong personal emotions

  2. Compelling and original writing

    Creative use of language & vocab

  3. Easy to read and follow

    Well-structured & engaging content

  1. Excellent storytelling

    Original narrative & well developed characters

  2. Masterful proofreading

    Zero grammar & spelling mistakes

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Comments (30)

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  • Gina C.about a year ago

    Damn. Not sure how I missed this one - you really got me thinking here. This is terrifying!

  • Badhan Senabout a year ago

    Brilliant & Mind Blowing Your Story ❤️ Please Read My Stories and Subscribe Me

  • Testabout a year ago

    Cathy!!! You're just sharking all of us this week!! First you placed in the sensational challenge and now you got second place for most discussed story!! Just rockin' it!!

  • JBazabout a year ago

    Huge congratulations on your placement on the Leaderboard. very well deserved

  • The Dani Writerabout a year ago

    Leaderboard congratulations Cathy! (And to Abigail who had something to do with your inspiration because...well...CAT--the lord of all things.)

  • Dana Crandellabout a year ago

    Congratulations on making the leaderboard, my friend! I wouldn't be surprised to find this one on the winner's list!

  • Lamar Wigginsabout a year ago

    Well that quickly got me on the edge of my seat! Way to flex the Horror muscle, Cathy!

  • Leslie Writesabout a year ago

    Omg - new fear unlocked!

  • The Invisible Writerabout a year ago

    Very good Cathy very creative take you had me guessing the whole time

  • Testabout a year ago

    My god.... this was terrifying Cathy!! Amazing work!!! I was hanging off of your every word!!

  • D.K. Shepardabout a year ago

    Oh no!! Hope you, Donna, and Paul escape!! 😉

  • Joe O’Connorabout a year ago

    I like how the the idea of the unopened door comes back around at the end!

  • Hahahahahahahaha Donna and Paul. I'm sure they're doing this to you for shits and giggles 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Loved your story!

  • Caroline Cravenabout a year ago

    This was TERRIFYING. Such great writing.

  • Heather Zieffle about a year ago

    Great one, Cathy! Such a terrifying scenario!.

  • Tiffany Gordonabout a year ago

    Well done Cathy! This was indeed spooky!

  • Mark Gagnonabout a year ago

    You see, Cathy, if I was there I would have opened the door because I'm curious like that. Great story and entry!

  • Colt Hendersonabout a year ago

    This was great. Didn't see that coming.

  • Pamela Williamsabout a year ago

    This is terrifying, just so haunting, and well delivered.

  • Gerard DiLeoabout a year ago

    "Locked-in Syndrome" is really a thing. And you nailed it!

  • Kenny Pennabout a year ago

    Oh man this kind of scenario is truly terrifying, great story, Cathy!

  • Mariann Carrollabout a year ago

    This a good storyline. Hopefully someone will open that darn door.

  • JBazabout a year ago

    There is so much to this story, deeper than you wrote. I hope people see this. Once again Cathy you wrote a powerful piece that started simple and ended with a thought provoking bang

  • Daphsamabout a year ago

    That was very scary! Great writing.

  • Dana Crandellabout a year ago

    Donna and Paul? Purely coincidental. A very chilling tale, regardless! Well done!

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