The Glimmergate Inn

I could smell the most amazing aromas as I walked down the sidewalk toward the front door to the Glimmergate Inn. As my stomach rumbled in anticipation of a turkey feast, I noticed the dilapidated shutters and the wilting flowers. The inn had an air about it that sent shivers down my spine.

Ignoring the warning signs to stay away, I struggled with my suitcase, dragging it up each step until I stepped onto the wraparound porch. The rocking chair gently moved back and forth, but I once again ignored the warning signs.

There wasn’t a breeze in the air!

Approaching the front door, I raised my hand to the gaudy lion-head door knocker but stopped when I realized the front door was ajar.

Leaving my suitcase on the porch, I peeked in and scanned the front hall for signs of the proprietor. When I didn’t see anyone, I pushed the door open and stepped into the grand foyer with its high ceilings and exquisite eighteenth-century portraits.

The smells coming from the kitchen were tantalizing. I momentarily forgot I wasn’t home as I started walking down the hall, searching for this magnificent feast.

With each step into the hall, I felt the portraits were following me. Slowly, I stopped and turned around, watching as the front door creaked closed and the locks twisted into position.

The fact that the lock mechanisms functioned without someone slipped my mind as I remembered the feast I needed to devour.

I crossed the threshold into the dining room and smiled as I noticed that the table was set for one. The golden plate sparkled in the candlelight as shadows danced across the room.

Flames leaped in the fireplace. The crackling of the fire helped me forget the silence that filled the inn. Instead, my eyes caught the boughs of holly and golden ornaments nestled between. Red berries added a splash of Christmas cheer to the desolation hidden within these four walls.

Before I raced into the kitchen, I stepped into the living room with its grand tree standing proudly in front of the bay windows. The star proudly sat snug atop the tree, and the white lights radiated through the room. As the lights twinkled upon the walls like fireflies, I searched for the presents under the tree.

There were at least twenty gifts wrapped in ornate paper with large bows and ribbons. I felt like I was standing in a portrait from days long ago. An eerie feeling settled in my bones, and sensing time had stopped moving forward between these walls.

Shaking off my wayward thoughts, I knelt beside the tree and read each name on the gifts. My name appeared on several packages, but I explained it away so it all seemed rational. After all, I had booked a weekend at the inn. It was just something the proprietor did for all the guests. Wasn't it?

Standing up, I decided to wait to open my gifts. I wanted to meet the chef and dine on their amazing food.

Trying not to get distracted, I headed straight for the kitchens and leaned against the archway in hopes that the staff would appear and serve me dinner.

I could almost taste the moist turkey in my mouth. Oh! The mashed potatoes and green beans! Roasted carrots! Homemade bread with honey butter! What a feast! Each dish sat on the counter, calling my name.

This was a feast fit for a king.

Longing to eat, I imagined the taste of the crispy turkey in my mouth, but I was perplexed. I was alone in this grand building. Who cooked the meal? When would they serve me? What happened to everyone?

Hours passed as I stared at the food. It never occurred to me that the steam still wafted off of the turkey as if it had only just been taken out of the oven. My desire to eat grew, and finally, I stepped into the kitchen and carved the turkey. Before the first slice fell on the plate, I caught it with my free hand and stuffed it in my face.

I never tasted anything like it.

Grabbing a serving spoon, I scooped the mashed potatoes with the melting butter and shoved it in my mouth. Stepping to my right, I eyed the hot rolls. I devoured several, but my hunger wasn't satisfied.

I needed more!

Back to the turkey, I cut another slice, folded it in half, and added the green beans in between, just like a taco.

Perfection.

The more I ate, the hungrier I became. Unwilling to leave the kitchen, I continued to carve the turkey until there was nothing left but bone and marrow. Licking the spoon, a profound sadness overwhelmed me as I finished the potatoes.

Taking another hot roll, I wandered around the inn, hoping that someone would cook me another feast. Making my way back into the living room, I sat beside the Christmas tree and picked up my first present.

Holding the gift in my hand, a flicker of fear crossed my mind, warning me not to open the beautifully wrapped gift. I should run! Disregarding another warning, I tore into the package and froze.

A voice from the porch called out, "Hello! I'm here to check in!"

Before I could respond, I watched in horror as the black smoke rose into the air and surrounded me until I faded away, leaving a vacancy for the next fool to cross the threshold.

Author Notes

I hope that you enjoyed this little horror story.

If you loved it, please check out my other STORIES, leave a comment, or share with other readers.

Here are a few of my favorite scary stories.

Soul Stealers

Hidden Objects