I swerved onto the weed spotted gravel driveway. If you could call it that. I always had an interest in haunted places. Anything that could give a good scare was a top on my must see list. Ever since moving here I couldn’t help but seek out this old dilapidated house. I felt as if I was drawn to it. Maybe it was fate, or maybe it was the alcohol talking. For some reason I felt more scared than usual, so I took some extra liquor bottles with me. I stepped out of the car and looked up into the sky. A full moon was plastered into the darkness and the breeze sent a chill down my spine. Fall had already begun with Halloween trailing right behind. Perfect season, and a perfect night. I steadied myself and with the bottle in one hand I carefully ascended the rickety stairs. The porch was in worse shape than those damn stairs. I feared I would fall through the floorboards below me. Creaking the door slowly open I saw nothing out of the ordinary. Well I really couldn’t see at all yet to be honest. I flicked on the flashlight I had on my keychain. It was dark and dusty but nothing that screamed runaway. Well the wallpaper pattern could make you runaway.
Luckily it was already starting to peel off. They said an old couple lived here before and suddenly disappeared. It hadn’t seemed to change in appearances since that time frame. I turned and strode into the kitchen or what it used to be. The cabinets were barely hinged on any longer. And the floor has seen much better days. Cracks riddled the old laminated flooring. I took a deep breath and felt the disappointment well up inside of me. Just another place that was now debunked. I took a swig and closed my eyes while I savored the flavor. I guess I didn’t need to build up the courage after all. As I opened my eyes I noticed something unbelievable. The dining room table was set and everything around me looked new. I was so shocked I dropped the bottle on the floor. It fell with a crack and smashed the remnants of the liquid everywhere. Maybe this place was haunted. I felt my heart thump through my chest. I wanted it to be haunted right? Or so I thought. I decided to explore some more. I slowly crept towards the hallway. The lights were on, but they kept flickering. Clique ghost moves. I stumbled and caught my hand on the wall. Fresh paint was on my hand. Smudged evergreen paint. At least it was much better than the wallpaper. I heard arguing down the hallway. I wanted to run away. It terrified me that there could be someone else in the house. But like a marionette my body started to move on it’s own. Something compelled me to move towards the door. I stopped and the strings that held me still broke. Even though I wanted to run the sight I witnessed now froze me in place. The door swung open and there was an old lady in a rocking chair singing something sweet sounded. Turning her head towards me I saw the face of this woman. She had dark rims where her eyes should of been. The flaps on the skin creased as she began to smile. And in an instant maggots pooped from her eye sockets and writhed back and forth. Then she opened her mouth and they poured from there as well. Her body seemed to decay in front of my eyes. I peeled my eyes from her and turned to the floor. The half body of a man started to move. I felt as if I was going to puke. He slithered towards me. His body seemed to be the underbelly of a snake. I retreated but not quick enough. He slashed at me with blood dripped hands. I felt pain shock through me. A gash was left where he attacked. I ran as fast as I could. The sound of scales against the ground sent me even faster. I wondered if he had turned into a snake itself. I grabbed the doorknob. His lizard like eyes were murderous. I pushed the door hard and fast. I fell onto the porch with the sun belting down heat upon me. How long have I been in there I wondered. I quickly grabbed my leg to check the damage and there wasn’t even a scratch. All I knew was I would never return there ever again. I was lucky to make it out alive and I might not get that chance again.
About the Creator
Hazel Beck
I love to write all sorts of short stories and novels. My favorite genre is romance with a dash of fantasy. I hope you’ll enjoy reading my works.
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That Summer
Short Story 2 Chapter 1 The sun blinds me as my dad drives down the highway. I always looked forward to our summer vacation at our beach house. It was a good release for me since my jerk boyfriend broke up with me. The reason was I wasn’t as cute as the new girl he decided to date. A real class act, I know. My brother was busy playing video games on his portable console. He wasn’t much younger than me, but he hasn’t had a girlfriend yet. I guess there was no rush. I should realize how relationships can go south in a second. “Are you excited for the beach?” My mother chirped. “Yeah.” I tried to sound neutral as I could.The excitement could not be contained even with my best efforts. I couldn’t help but smile. I was really looking forward to this. If my mom didn’t have too many preplanned activities that is. I really just enjoyed staying on the beach and visiting the nearby town. All while scoping out the cute boys. I didn’t have a boyfriend anymore so why not find someone down here. Long distance probably wouldn’t work to be honest. Scratch the idea. I pictured a line going straight through the word boys. I scrunched up my face at the thought of my ex that flashed through my mind. “You okay?” My brother said. He actually sounded concerned. “Yeah. I am.” I replied as quick as I could. “Good, you don’t want your face stuck like that.” He said in his iconic mocking tone. I stick my tongue out at him. His favorite thing was to annoy me. I swear it, it had to be. “Don’t fight you two.” My mom chimed in. I sighed and turned to look out the car window. The sun was beginning to set on the horizon. It was beautiful. I wish we had gotten here earlier so I could enjoy more of the day. At least we were going to stay a whole month. With college coming up next semester my family wanted to spend as much time together as possible. I applied to plenty of different colleges and I got into every single one. I was pretty proud of myself for that. We were finally nearing the beachside town. Pulling up into the driveway I was intoxicated with the smell of ocean air. “Alright everyone we’re here.” My dad announced like we haven’t been here a million times. Well maybe not that many, but still. I pulled my hair out of the ponytail I had set it in and let it hang down my back. The auburn color of it glistening in the sun. I was sometimes made fun of being a red head when I was younger, but it didn’t bother me anymore. My dad was already unloading things out of the back. He set my pink suitcase on the ground. Then my brother got out his banged up one with scuff marks on it. I always wondered why he didn’t get a new one. He always just shrugged it off when I mentioned it. It didn’t matter anyways. His choice. “Where are my keys, honey?” My mom answered dad with a look in the usual “look in your pockets.” He started to pat down his jacket and pants. My dad was one of those people who had to have lots of pockets. It didn’t help that he lost stuff constantly. “I got em.” The keys jangled in my little brothers hand. “They were on the pavement. You should watch where you put things.” My little brother jokingly said. It wouldn’t have been annoying if he didn’t have a smug smirk plastered on his face. My dad gave him the side eye and in turn I also rolled my eyes. He could be annoying sometimes. Actually it was most of the time. My dad turned the lock to the door and we stepped in. Once the light was turned on the familiarity of the place warmed up my heart. Mom loved decorating the place in cliche beach memorabilia. The anchors, starfish, and of course the beach themed decorative pillows. The couch was also a ocean blue. My dad always hated the idea of theming things. But, he was fine with it since my mother loved it. Every birthday party since we were little had to be themed. I can still remember my princess themed party with Cinderella. She was my favorite princess at the time and everything was blue. The cupcakes, the napkins. She even got a cake featuring Cinderella’s face. I don’t even want to get started on how I had to convince her not to theme my sixteenth birthday celebration. “I’m going to my room.” He said while taking his old looking suitcase with him. At least he didn’t forget to take his games. Last year he forgot them and it was a fiasco in itself. My little brother and his games. They are inseparable. “Alright. Tomorrow I have some family activities for us.” We both groaned simultaneously. It was one thing we had in common. Avoiding my mom’s activities was on our top of things to do list. My mom just liked doing things that weren’t exactly the most fun for teenagers. Well, I did like miniature golf. I would never tell my brother that though, or my mom. “Guys, it’ll be fun. We can go miniature golfing. I know your sister loves it.” I don’t know how my mother picked up on that. She might’ve just been saying that to get us excited anyways. “I’m going to go to my room and unpack.” I said without agreeing to her previous statements. I rolled my cute suitcase to my room. It was just as I remembered it. A little outdated with my tastes, but still nice. The curtains were vertically stripped with pastel pink and white. The bed sheets and comforter had an array of colorful flowers on the front. The part where it got outdated were my princess figurines. I always left them here. It may sound sorta cheesy, but it felt welcoming. Okay maybe it wasn’t cheesy but just weird. I started to unpack the my clothes. The pink dress with the red strawberries on it was my favorite. I couldn’t wait to wear it. My red heeled pumps were in there too. I’m glad I didn’t forget them. They made the outfit look even more fun. I always described my style as flirty and joyful. Cause my outfits always seemed to bring a smile to others faces. I don’t know why I packed this, but I had my lollipop cardigan in here. It was light so I could wear it after dark maybe. I put my jeans in the dresser and hung up the rest of my outfits. “Perfect.” I said to myself proudly. I wasn’t the most organized person, but I tried. I laid down on the bed. I must’ve fell asleep for a bit because I was awoke by my mother telling me they got dinner. It was Cajun crabs from the local seafood restaurant. They were my favorite thing to eat around here. My mouth was already starting to water. My brother came whizzing by me. He couldn’t resist to tease me. “Be careful not to drip the drool all over the floor.” I responded with a death glare. I guess he didn’t know how to be nice. My mom set a huge crab leg on my plate. At that I decided it was time to start cracking. With a little bit of effort I got to taste the sweet crabmeat in my mouth. I kept dipping it generously in butter. This was heaven. I couldn’t wait to walk down to the beach tomorrow. I probably would have a hard time sleeping tonight with all this excitement building up in me. I finished up the food and got ready for bed.
By Hazel Beck3 years ago in Fiction
The Station Without Trains
Seen (1) At the far end of a desert highway stood a train station that no map acknowledged. There were no tracks leading to it, no schedules posted, and no trains that ever arrived. Still, every evening at sunset, the lights turned on. Maya found the station by accident while driving cross-country to escape a life that felt too heavy. Her radio had gone silent miles ago, and her phone showed no signal. When she saw the station glowing in the distance, she pulled over, relieved to find signs of life. The station was clean, almost untouched by time. Wooden benches lined the platform, and an old clock hung above the entrance, forever stuck at 6:40. The air smelled of dust and iron, like a place waiting to be used. “Hello?” Maya called. No answer. She sat on a bench, telling herself she would leave in five minutes. But as the sun disappeared, the lights grew warmer, softer. Calm settled over her in a way she hadn’t felt in years. A man in a conductor’s uniform stepped out from the shadows. His clothes looked old-fashioned, but neatly pressed. His face was kind, though tired. “You’re early,” he said. “Early for what?” Maya asked. “For the train,” he replied. Maya frowned. “There are no tracks.” The man smiled gently. “Not all journeys need them.” He explained that this station was a place between leaving and arriving—a pause for those who were lost, grieving, or running from something they couldn’t name. People didn’t come here on purpose. They arrived when they needed stillness. “Does the train ever come?” Maya asked. “Yes,” he said. “But only once for each person.” Maya felt a tightness in her chest. “Where does it go?” The conductor looked at the horizon. “To the life you stopped believing in.” Maya thought of the dreams she had abandoned, the version of herself she no longer recognized. Tears surprised her, sliding down her face without warning. “I don’t know if I’m ready,” she whispered. The conductor nodded. “That’s why the train hasn’t arrived.” They sat in silence as the stars appeared. For the first time in years, Maya didn’t feel the urge to run. She felt seen. Slowly, the station lights dimmed. The conductor stood. “When you leave,” he said, “you won’t remember this place. But you’ll remember how you felt.” A distant sound echoed—not a train horn, but something close to a heartbeat. Maya blinked. She was back in her car, parked on the side of the empty highway. The station was gone. The road stretched endlessly ahead. But her chest felt lighter. She turned the key and drove forward, not knowing exactly where she was going—but certain, for the first time, that she was finally on the right track.
By Do bol ho jaaye 7 days ago in Horror
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