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?
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
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes




Comments (30)
Damn. Not sure how I missed this one - you really got me thinking here. This is terrifying!
Brilliant & Mind Blowing Your Story ❤️ Please Read My Stories and Subscribe Me
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!!
Huge congratulations on your placement on the Leaderboard. very well deserved
Leaderboard congratulations Cathy! (And to Abigail who had something to do with your inspiration because...well...CAT--the lord of all things.)
Congratulations on making the leaderboard, my friend! I wouldn't be surprised to find this one on the winner's list!
Well that quickly got me on the edge of my seat! Way to flex the Horror muscle, Cathy!
Omg - new fear unlocked!
Very good Cathy very creative take you had me guessing the whole time
My god.... this was terrifying Cathy!! Amazing work!!! I was hanging off of your every word!!
Oh no!! Hope you, Donna, and Paul escape!! 😉
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!
This was TERRIFYING. Such great writing.
Great one, Cathy! Such a terrifying scenario!.
Well done Cathy! This was indeed spooky!
You see, Cathy, if I was there I would have opened the door because I'm curious like that. Great story and entry!
This was great. Didn't see that coming.
This is terrifying, just so haunting, and well delivered.
"Locked-in Syndrome" is really a thing. And you nailed it!
Oh man this kind of scenario is truly terrifying, great story, Cathy!
This a good storyline. Hopefully someone will open that darn door.
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
That was very scary! Great writing.
Donna and Paul? Purely coincidental. A very chilling tale, regardless! Well done!