PHI AM – THE CURSE OF THE NIGHT

1. The Legend of Phi Am

Urban legends exist everywhere in the world, whispered among those who dare to listen. In Thailand, one of the most terrifying myths is about Phi Am—a malevolent spirit that preys on those who sleep alone.

It is said that if you feel a crushing weight on your chest in the middle of the night, unable to move or scream, it means Phi Am is sitting on you. Some believe it's just sleep paralysis, a scientific phenomenon. But others... others know the truth.

And for Jake, Lisa, and Alex—three foreigners visiting Thailand—this legend was nothing but superstition.

That was until they decided to challenge the unknown.

2. The Challenge

"So, let me get this straight," Jake leaned back in his chair, taking a sip of his drink. "You’re telling me there's a ghost that just... sits on people while they sleep? Sounds like a lazy spirit to me."

Their Thai friend, Than, gave him a grim look. "It's not just about sitting. Some never wake up after."

Lisa scoffed. "Yeah, yeah, we’ve all heard ghost stories before. What makes this one any different?"

Than hesitated before replying. "Because... it’s real. I know people who have experienced it. And if you don’t believe me, why don’t you try it yourself?"

Alex chuckled. "What, sleep alone in a haunted place? Easy."

Than’s expression turned serious. "There’s an abandoned temple at the edge of the city. It’s been empty for decades. Some say it's cursed. If you really want to prove this legend wrong, spend a night there—alone."

A dare. A challenge.

And three skeptics who had no idea what they were walking into.

3. The Night Begins

That evening, they arrived at the temple. It was ancient and crumbling, with vines creeping up the stone walls. The air was thick with humidity and an eerie silence.

Lisa shivered. "Okay, this place is actually creepy."

Jake smirked. "Feeling scared already?"

"No," she shot back. "Just… unsettled."

Than handed each of them a small amulet. "Keep this with you. It might protect you."

Jake rolled his eyes but took it anyway. "Sure, whatever. Let’s get this over with."

They set up their sleeping bags in separate rooms.

Than gave them one last warning. "Whatever you do... don’t open your eyes if you feel something sitting on you."

And with that, he left them alone in the dark.

4. The First Encounter

Midnight.

Jake lay in his sleeping bag, staring at the ceiling. "Nothing’s happening," he muttered, closing his eyes.

Then—

A sudden pressure on his chest.

His breath caught in his throat. His arms and legs refused to move. Panic rose in his gut.

He tried to breathe, but it felt like something was crushing him.

A whisper slithered into his ear.

"Don’t... move..."

Jake’s heart pounded violently. His mind screamed to open his eyes, to break free—but he remembered Than’s warning.

He stayed still.

And then—

The pressure lifted.

Jake gasped, sitting up, drenched in sweat.

"What the hell was that?!"

From the other room, Lisa screamed.

5. Lisa’s Horror

Alex and Jake rushed into Lisa’s room. She was curled up, trembling, her eyes wide with terror.

"Lisa! What happened?!"

She couldn’t speak.

Then, she lifted her shaking hand and pointed to the corner of the room.

They turned—

And saw her.

A shadowy figure loomed in the darkness. Her face was pale and twisted, eyes hollow and empty. Her mouth curled into a grin too wide for any human.

Phi Am.

The room plunged into coldness. The lights flickered.

Then—

The spirit lunged at them.

And everything went black.

(TO BE CONTINUED...)