《Scream Fest》
Backmasking
Enix''s heart was pounding with excitement as the family''s car wound its way through the rugged terrain.
But as the road grew narrower and rougher, Enix began to feel uneasy.
There''s a sense of isolation and abandonment, and it seemed as if they were the only ones left in the world.
Enix''s father had always been practical, and knew that the low price of the house in Majayjay was too good to pass up.
They had spent many summers suffocating in Manila''s polluted air, and a change of scenery was long overdue.
Enix''s family had been dreaming of their vacation home in the countryside for a long time.
As they arrived, the house looked beautiful, with a garden and a porch, perfect for relaxation.
The family was excited to explore the spacious and comfortable rooms.
However, when the mother went to check the terrace, she felt uneasy.
The metal bars that surrounded it were closed tightly, and there was no visible escape.
"I don''t feel safe with these bars locked up like this. What if something happens and we can''t escape?"
Despite her unease, she couldn''t help but be drawn to the deep well in the garden, knowing it would be a great source of fresh water for the family.
During a moment of rest, his mother can''t help but ask, "Why was this house sold at such a low price? It doesn''t make sense."
"I''m not sure, but I heard that the former owner needed money urgently and was moving to another country. They probably wanted to sell the house quickly."
Enix''s mother was surprised by this revelation.
It didn''t quite add up, and she couldn''t shake the feeling that something was off.
Life in the countryside was different from what they were used to. There was no cable TV or internet connection, and Enix found himself bored.
One evening, as he watched a saved movie on his phone, a loud bang echoed through the house, followed by a deafening scream. Enix rushed to the kitchen.
"Mom, was that you screaming?"
"What are you talking about? I was just cooking dinner."
Enix couldn''t believe what he was hearing.
If it wasn''t his mother who had screamed, then who was it?
And where had the loud bang come from?
As he stood there, trying to make sense of it all, he couldn''t shake the feeling that something was very wrong in this house.
Enix realized that he was the only one who had heard the loud bang and the screams.
Was he going crazy?
He brushed these thoughts aside.
He decided to go outside to check on the light post. As he walked out, he felt a sense of relief wash over him.
But as he turned to go back inside, something caught his eye.
A shadowy figure ran across the side of the house, disappearing into the darkness.
Enix was scared and didn''t know what to do.
He held up a nearby wooden dustpan as a weapon.
He could see the area thanks to the faint light of a post.
When he saw a shadowy figure, he was relieved when he realized it was just a trick of the light.
However, he noticed a small basement with metal bars and chains that appeared to have been locked up for a long time.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.
The rust on the hinges and the lock were significant.
Enix was shocked by what he had discovered.
What could be locked away in that basement?
Enix rushed back inside the house to tell his parents about the locked basement.
"Mom, Dad, I found a locked basement outside. You have to see it!"
"We''ll check it out tomorrow morning," his Mom said, "but it''s too dark to do anything now. Just try to get some rest, and we''ll deal with it in the morning."
Despite his mother''s warning, Enix couldn''t shake the feeling of curiosity about the locked basement.
But I won''t be able to sleep, I need to know what''s down there
He went back inside the house and searched through the drawers until he found an old matchbox. It wasn''t much, but it was all they had ¨C they didn''t have a flashlight or any other sources of light.
Enix took a deep breath, slipped the matchbox into his pocket, and headed back to the basement.
Holding up a match, he tried to illuminate the dark and mysterious basement.
He saw stairs that descended into the darkness, and couldn''t resist the temptation to take a closer look.
Ignoring the way the rusted metal scraped against his skin, he reached through the metallic bars, attempting to brighten the area with his tiny matchstick.
But he suffered a burn on his hand, and in his panic, accidentally threw the lit matchstick down the stairs.
In that brief moment, something caught his eye.
He could have sworn he saw a hand strike out and extinguish the flame, as if someone was down there in the darkness, trying to hide from view.
Enix was shocked and terrified by what he saw.
He rushed back inside the house to tell his parents, and his father noticed the look of fear on his face.
"What did you see?" he asked with concern.
"There''s someone in the basement. I saw a hand, and I''m sure of it."
Enix''s father was taken aback by his son''s claim and decided to investigate.
Enix insisted on coming along, wielding the wooden dustpan once more.
With a key, his father unlocked the metal bars to the basement with a screech.
Descending the stairs with a matchstick for light, they called out, "Is someone there? We own this house, and if you''re trespassing, we''ll have to call the police."
Using a couple of matchsticks, they searched for the light switch and eventually found it.
The basement was cluttered with old and unused items, and the silence made them feel uneasy.
Enix noticed a cassette player and some cassette tapes among the clutter and felt drawn to them.
Enix was completely focused on the cassette player and the possibility of discovering new music or stories on the tapes.
But when his father saw him engrossed in the cassette player, he couldn''t help but wonder if his son had just been making an excuse to explore the basement.
"Did you really see something out there, or were you just trying to find an excuse to check out the basement?"
Enix didn''t answer the question.
"Do you think this still works?"
His father sighed and shook his head, but he couldn''t deny the look of excitement on his son''s face.
Maybe there was something to be gained from exploring the basement after all.
Enix''s excitement from the previous night turned into disappointment when his father refused to let him take the cassette player and tapes upstairs.
His mother greeted them anxiously, asking if they found anything.
"Just a bunch of old stuff," his father replied with a shrug. "We''ll have to clean out the basement and see what we can do with it. But for now, it''s just a cluttered mess."
The next morning, Enix was eager to go back into the basement and explore the cassette tapes further.
But his father had other plans.
"You can take the cassette player and tapes up to your room if you want, but you''ll just be in the way down here. We''ve got some cleaning to do."
Enix took the cassette player and tapes upstairs, eager to uncover any hidden secrets.
He remembered the backmasking technique he had learned about and unscrewed a cassette tape of a hardcore band.
Unfortunatelt, the music was just noise and mumbled words when he played it.
He was about to turn off the player when he heard a faint sound of a woman''s voice
"Help me,"
It was barely audible, but he was certain he had heard it.
Enix rewound the tape and played it again, straining to hear the faint voice of the woman.
Her words sent chills down his spine as he listened intently.
"I''m in the basement,"
"I need help."
"Please, someone help me."
As the cassette tape continued to play, the woman''s screams echoed through the room.
"Help me! My husband buried me and cemented me in the basement. I can''t get out. Please,"
Enix was in tears as he ran to his parents and shared what he had heard on the cassette tape.
They were skeptical but decided to check the basement once more, and noticed a newly cemented area that looked suspicious.
Enix''s father called for help and gathered some neighbors to witness what they were about to do.
Together, they worked hard to dig through the cement, and after a while, they uncovered something terrible.
Enix''s family was stunned to find the corpse of a woman buried in their basement, and they immediately called the police to report the grisly discovery.
As they waited for the authorities to arrive, the family tried to make sense of what had happened.
"How could someone do something so evil?" Enix''s mother wondered aloud, her voice trembling with emotion.
Enix''s father was equally shaken by the discovery.
"We need to report this to the authority," he said firmly.
The family huddled together, waiting for the police to arrive and hoping that justice would be served for the poor woman who had been buried alive.
Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months as the family waited for news on the investigation.
Enix''s parents talked in hushed tones, discussing the latest updates with each other.
One day, the police came to their door with news that the former owner of the house had been arrested in connection with the murder.
Enix''s family felt a sense of relief knowing that justice would be served, but the memory of the woman''s desperate cries for help and the horror of finding her body would stay with them forever.
It took a couple of years for the family to sell the house and move on from the traumatic events that had occurred there, but they eventually found peace and closure knowing that the killer had been brought to justice.
The Last Customer
Shane''s shoulders slumped as she let out a long, defeated sigh. Once again, she had fallen short by a mere hundred on her daily target. The customers were scarce in their small eatery, and in reality, her earnings were barely enough to pay for her sole companion at work. It was a struggle to keep the business afloat, and sometimes she felt ashamed that she hadn''t given her colleague a raise in the three years they had been serving together.
As if on cue, he spoke up, "I''ll go ahead, Ma''am. Sorry, there''s an emergency at home."
Shane waved at him warmly, "Don''t worry about me, I''m fine." But deep down, she knew she wasn''t. She was barely making ends meet, and the thought of closing the eatery and losing the only source of livelihood she had left sent a chill down her spine.
She watched as her colleague walked out the door, and for a brief moment, she let her guard down. Her mind wandered back to the days when the eatery was thriving, when she had a steady stream of customers who couldn''t get enough of her delectable dishes. But now, it seemed like those days were nothing but a distant memory.
Shane was ready to call it a night, as evidenced by the way she was already tidying up her small eatery. She had placed the cash she earned for the day in her wallet and left a few coins for the cashier, a routine that had become second nature to her. With practiced ease, she began stacking the chairs on the tables, a task that had grown all too familiar. Just as she was about to flick off the dim light on the right side of her establishment, a doorbell rang out, signaling that someone had entered.
"We''re already closed," Shane said in a firm voice, turning around to face the unexpected guest. A man stood before her, dressed in formal attire that looked expensive and polished. He exuded an air of sophistication and professionalism, with a sharp nose and reddish-brown complexion that suggested he was of European descent. He looked to be in his mid to late twenties and could have easily passed for a young actor or model.
"It won''t take much, I promise. Just give me whatever you have, please," he said with a smile.
Shane''s tired eyes met the young man''s, who stood before her with a smile that could melt glaciers. His presence was magnetic, a force that Shane found impossible to resist. She found herself nodding in agreement, despite knowing that she should refuse. Her business was already closed, and she needed to go home. But something in the man''s charm made her stay.
"I''ll get you whatever I have," she said softly, her voice almost a whisper.
As the man sat down, Shane noticed that his shoulders were tense and his neck was stiff. He looked like someone who had been carrying the weight of the world on his back. Despite the late hour, she decided to open her eatery for a few more hours. She could use the time to clean up while the man ate. It was her fault for sending her worker home early.
Shane kept an eye on the man as she walked to the kitchen. There was something otherworldly about him, something that reminded her of the angels from her favorite novels. As she prepared his meal, she couldn''t shake off the feeling that this encounter was going to change her life forever.
As Shane continued to arrange the young man''s meal, she couldn''t help but feel flustered by his piercing gaze. It was as if he could see right through her, and the thought sent shivers down her spine. She quickly turned away, pretending to be busy with something else.
But it was no use. The young man had caught her in the act, and when she looked back at him, he was smiling at her with a twinkle in his eye. It was a smile that could make even the most stoic of people melt, and Shane was no exception.
Suddenly, she felt a rush of heat spreading across her face, turning her cheeks a deep shade of crimson. She tried to hide her embarrassment by turning away, but the young man''s gaze was too intense. It was as if he could read her every thought and feeling.
Shane reheated the cold melon soup, lemon garlic fish, and butter biscuit she had prepared earlier, carefully placing them on a tray. As she did, she couldn''t help but feel a strange pull towards the young man sitting at the table.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.
"It''s his fault for being so damn charming," she muttered to herself, shaking her head as if to clear her thoughts.
But as she approached him, something changed. It was as if his presence was drawing her in, like a moth to a flame. Shane''s soul felt like it was separating from her body, leaving her disoriented and dizzy. The young man''s charisma was unlike anything she had ever experienced before.
"I tried my best, I hope you''ll like it," Shane said to the customer.
The man flashed a charming smile that made Shane''s heart skip a beat. "I''m sure I will," he replied, his eyes meeting hers. Shane was about to leave when the man spoke again. "If you''re not busy, is it too much to ask for you to join me? It''s quite lonely eating alone."
Shane hesitated for a moment, but the man''s charisma was too irresistible. "I can do that." Without a second thought, she accepted the invitation and sat down across from him. As she looked into his deep, captivating eyes, she couldn''t help but wonder why a man like him was still out so late. "Why haven''t you gone home yet?" she asked, trying to keep the conversation flowing.
As he picked at the fish bones, the young man seemed lost in thought, as if the weight of the world was on his shoulders. Shane couldn''t help but feel a twinge of sympathy for him.
"You must be a workaholic," Shane remarked, hoping to start a conversation. "Your girlfriend might get angry at you for not spending enough time with her."
The man laughed, a carefree sound that seemed to fill the entire room. "Because my job is so demanding? No woman would endure me," he said with a chuckle.
Shane found herself captivated by his charm and wit. "With your good looks..." she trailed off, realizing too late what she had said. She blushed and looked away, feeling foolish for being so forward.
As Shane sat there, a dimly lit corner of her restaurant became the backdrop for an unlikely conversation. Cutlery clinked and clattered, echoing in the stillness. It was a rare moment for Shane, who found herself engaging with a customer without any ulterior motives to promote her establishment.
The young man continued with what he was doing, seemingly uninterested in the flattery Shane had offered earlier. "Thank you, but I''m more than just my appearance," he stated firmly.
Despite his nonchalant demeanor, Shane couldn''t help but feel drawn to him. It was as if he had a gravitational pull that was hard to resist. She wondered if it was his piercing blue eyes or his devilishly handsome smile that caused this inexplicable feeling. Whatever it was, she found herself wanting to know more about him.
"Thank you for the sumptuous meal," he said while wiping his lips.
"Oh, thank you too. I can''t remember the last time I enjoyed talking to someone at work. Maybe that''s what''s missing in my business. I may have lost the sense of excitement," thought Shane. She vowed to be more present with her customers, to connect with them on a deeper level.
The man leaned back in his chair and looked at his watch. "Just a minute left."
Shane''s heart sank. She didn''t want the conversation to end, didn''t want him to leave.
"Wait, are you going to be late for your appointment? Oh no, I''m sorry, maybe I talked too much."
As the man began to clear the dishes from the table, Shane couldn''t help but notice his impeccable manners. It was a rare sight in the bustling city, where most people were too preoccupied with their own lives to take notice of the little things. But this man, with his chiseled features and impeccable dress, seemed to be cut from a different cloth.
"Don''t stress about it. I came too early. Thankfully you''re here to keep me entertained," he said with a charming smile, his eyes meeting Shane''s for a fleeting moment.
For a moment, Shane was caught off guard. She had never been one to be taken in by a man''s good looks, but there was something about this man that made her feel uneasy yet captivated at the same time.
"I should be the one doing that. Just do your work so you can go home," Shane said, trying to keep her cool.
Just as Shane was about to take the plate from the man, a deafening crash filled the air, followed by the sound of shattering glass and screeching metal. A large container truck had lost control and crashed into the restaurant, its massive weight crushing everything in its path.
Shane''s world was suddenly engulfed in chaos. The force of the impact sent rocks and debris flying, and she felt something strike her eyes, causing sharp pain and blinding her momentarily. She was thrown like a rag doll, her body hurtling through the air before colliding with the bar counter, her back hitting it with a sickening crack.
As Shane''s world faded to black, she heard a voice that cut through the chaos around her. "Well, this is perfect timing," said the man, his voice carrying an eerie calmness that sent shivers down her spine. "You''re the last soul I have to collect. I can finally rest."
The Monster Inside the House
The stifling heat of the attic was suffocating, making the air thick and heavy. The child''s clothes clung to his skin, soaked through with sweat as it dripped down his forehead and stung his eyes. The small, grimy window provided only a sliver of light, casting eerie shadows across the cramped space.
The child huddled in the corner, his heart pounding with fear, afraid to make any sudden movement or sound that could alert the monster lurking in the house below. Every step he took on the creaky wooden floorboards felt like a thunderous earthquake, his breaths coming out in shallow, ragged gasps. He knew that he had to be careful if he wanted to survive another night in this house of horrors.
Ramone had been living in the cramped and musty attic for what felt like an eternity. It happened, one morning, when he woke up, he was transported to a world that seemed straight out of his worst nightmares. Monsters with tentacles covering their grotesque bodies slept soundly around him, snoring like dancing squids.
As the day turned to night, the creatures started to stir and wriggle like crawling blobs, their slimy appendages lashing out in all directions. During those hours, Ramone had to be extra careful and stay hidden, watching in horror as the monsters slithered and squirmed around him. But as dawn broke, the creatures retreated back to their slumber, giving him a brief respite before the nightmare began again.
As the first light of dawn crept through the small window of the attic, Ramone''s heart began to race. He knew the monster will return in the house, once again entering into a state of slumber. The air was thick with an eerie silence that made his skin crawl.
Suddenly, he heard the creaking of the floorboards below him. He knew that the creature had entered the room. He huddled in a corner of the attic, trying to make himself as small and as invisible as possible. Through the crack in the ceiling, he could see the monster moving slowly around the room below him.
It was a grotesque sight to behold. The creature was covered in writhing tentacles that seemed to move like snakes. Its mouth, which was located at the top of its head, was lined with razor-sharp teeth that looked like saw blades. Ramone shuddered as he watched the monster, wondering how long he could keep himself hidden from its sight.
As Ramone watched the monster crawl into its capsule, a sense of fear and awe washed over him. Its razor-sharp teeth glimmered menacingly in the dim light. Ramone''s heart raced as he saw the monster settle into its sleeping pod, a strange bell-like sound filling the room. A sign that the monster is asleep.
Suddenly, the entire space turned an ominous shade of red, as if the walls were bleeding. Ramone''s mind raced with questions - What was this monster? How long had it been living here? How could he escape its grasp? It was as if he had been trapped in a terrifying game of cat and mouse, playing with death itself for weeks on end.
Ramone''s stomach growled with hunger, but he was frozen in place, afraid of making even the slightest noise. He could feel his palms getting sweaty as he tried to control his breathing. The air was thick with tension as he took a small step forward. The sound of his foot creaking on the old floorboards echoed in his ears, and he held his breath, praying that the monster wouldn''t hear him. He could feel his heart racing in his chest, pounding like a drum. But he knew he had to keep moving. The fear of starvation was greater than the fear of the monster.
Ramone''s eyes were fixed on the small hole at the end of the attic, his heart racing with anticipation. He knew that crawling through that hole was his only way out, but it also meant risking his life. The thought of the monsters lurking in the house made his skin crawl, but hunger had become unbearable.
He squeezed his small frame through the hole and landed on the dusty floor of the empty room below. He tiptoed to the door, every step taking all his courage not to make any noise. As he reached the kitchen, he scanned the room for anything edible, his stomach growling loudly. Despite the risk of eating something that could be poisonous, he had no choice. He remembered the boyscout camping he had attended, and he knew that he had to trust his instincts.
He carefully examined the food, smelling it and looking for any signs of decay. He remembered that if his tongue started itching, it was a clear sign of danger. He selected a few items that he was sure were safe and ate them.
After a while, Ramone''s stomach was finally satiated, and he let out a sigh of relief. He could feel the food settling in his belly, and it gave him the energy he needed to make his escape. As he left the house, he saw that the surrounding area was deserted, with no signs of human life, except for the creature that stood guard at the entrance like a loyal dog. Its presence sent shivers down Ramone''s spine, and he knew he had to be careful not to attract its attention.
Ramone had been living in this world of monsters for days now, and despite his young age, he had learned to survive. He knew he couldn''t stay in this place for long, as every moment he spent there put him in more danger. He longed to return to the world he once knew, but he knew that he had to be patient and find the right moment to make his escape.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
Ramone stumbled out of the house, his eyes squinting against the blinding light of the morning sun. The world around him was eerily quiet, with no sign of any creatures stirring. The ground beneath his feet was covered in a layer of red moss, pulsing and heaving like a living organism. It was as if the earth itself was alive in this strange, otherworldly place.
Ramone had learned to be cautious in this bizarre new world, and he carefully took in his surroundings, trying to make sense of it all. He couldn''t shake the feeling that he was being watched, that something was lurking just out of sight, waiting to pounce. But he had no choice but to keep moving forward, to keep exploring and learning about this place.
As he was walking, Ramone heard a piercing screech that made his ears ring. He quickly ducked into a corner, feeling the prickly sensation of the human hair-like objects poking his skin. He looked up and saw a shadowy figure approaching in the distance. The creature was a stuff made from nightmare. Its movements were fluid and graceful, like a dancer, but the sight of its writhing tentacles made him shudder with fear. The tentacles seemed to have a life of their own, moving independently as if they were searching for prey. Ramone could feel his heart pounding in his chest as he watched the monster get closer and closer.
Ramone held his breath, trying to make himself as small and silent as possible. He was crouched in a corner surrounded by piles of what looked like human hair. Suddenly, he heard a strange sound he had never heard before. It was a mix of a gurgling growl and a metallic hum. In the distance, he saw a monster that resembled the creature in the house he was hiding in.
The monster grew closer, and Ramone could feel the vibrations of its movements in the ground beneath him. He held back a whimper as the monster stopped right in front of him. The child could hear the creature''s labored breathing, as if there was a machine working inside its body. The monster''s tentacles reached out one by one, probing and searching through the tangles of hair where Ramone was hiding. The scraping sound of the tentacles against the hair was like the slicing of pork meat, sending shivers down Ramone''s spine.
As the creature''s tentacles searched through the tangled hair, Ramone felt his heart pounding against his chest. His palms were slick with sweat as he tried to control his breathing. The slicing sound of the tentacles against the hair echoed in the cramped space, sending shivers down his spine. He could feel his legs growing numb, and his muscles twitched with discomfort.
Just when he thought he couldn''t take it anymore, the creature suddenly stopped. Ramone held his breath, praying that he hadn''t been discovered. He heard the creature''s labored breathing, like the sound of a machine working inside it. Seconds felt like hours as the tension built up inside him.
Then, to his surprise, the creature left just as suddenly as it had come. Ramone felt the relief wash over him, but his legs were still tingling from the long period of inactivity. He shifted his position, trying to massage the feeling back into his limbs.
Ramone walked cautiously back to the house, his eyes darting around for any sign of danger. The red moss beneath his feet seemed to squelch with every step, as if trying to keep him there. As he approached the house, he felt a chill run down his spine. The door was open, and it looked like someone had been inside.
Heart racing, he cautiously made his way inside, his hand reaching for anything he could use as a weapon. The kitchen was untouched, and he breathed a sigh of relief as he grabbed some food to take back to his hiding spot in the attic. As he made his way back up the stairs, he couldn''t shake off the feeling that he was being watched.
Ramone crept through the empty and eerie world, his heart heavy with grief and fear. The memories of his mother flooded his mind, causing tears to stream down his face. His sobs echoed off the red moss-covered walls, adding to the already haunting atmosphere. He tried to suppress his cries, knowing that any noise could attract the attention of the monsters lurking in the shadows.
Meanwhile, inside the capsule, the creature sensed something amiss. It had grown restless for the past few days, unable to ignore the strange sounds and the sudden decrease in its food supply. Its tentacles twitched and writhed with impatience, ready to investigate the intruder in its home.
The monster couldn''t shake off the feeling that something was off in its own home. It had been unable to sleep or relax. It couldn''t help but feel like it was being watched or observed by something, or someone, it couldn''t see.
Then, just a few minutes ago, as it was moving around its home, the monster caught sight of a creature taking food from the kitchen. Its heart raced with suspicion and fear. Who was this creature and what was it doing in its home?
As the monster retreated back to its room, it couldn''t help but feel torn. It was afraid of what the creature might do, but at the same time, it couldn''t ignore the fact that there was a chance that he might be branded as someone crazy if it reported the creature in the attic. It felt helpless and alone in its dilemma, unsure of what to do next. For now, the creature would have to get used to the wailing of the monster in the attic.
Meanwhile, the monster that Ramone encountered on the road a while ago had reported the sighting of an eerie creature hiding on the shrubs to its fellow monster. The other monster simply laughed and dismissed the report, telling its friend that it was probably just a figment of its imagination.
Train
Gradually, Aki''s eyes squeaked open, his mind still muddled with confusion. His body lay motionless on a cold, metallic surface that felt like ice against his skin, pressing down upon him with an intense weight. Blinking his eyes, he strained to see anything in the pitch-black surroundings. A sudden flash of light from a nearby phone caught his attention. The device was lit up with a message, ''Happy Birthday Papa''.
With a jolt, Aki''s senses came alive, and his head turned to inspect the cause of the heavy pressure on his chest. His blood ran cold as he realized that a lifeless woman was lying atop him. A wave of panic surged through his body, and he struggled to free himself from her unyielding grasp. Finally, he managed to dislodge the weight and rolled away, gasping for breath.
Suddenly, a sharp pain burst through Aki''s head, and he yelped in agony, his hands flying to the source of the pain. His fingers came away wet and sticky, a bright crimson smear staining his palms.
"What the...? How did I get here? The last thing I remember was boarding the train to go to work," Aki muttered, piecing together the fragments of his memory to understand what had happened. The fear and confusion in his voice were palpable, and he wondered aloud, "Am I dreaming or is this really happening?"
He remembered how their train car had disconnected, derailed, and fallen. He quickly grabbed his phone, but there was no signal. He winced and almost cried at his situation. He used his phone''s flashlight to illuminate the area. He was shocked to see the piled-up bodies that were just squeezed inside the train earlier.
Aki''s heart was racing as he frantically searched for any signs of life. The smell of blood and smoke filled his nostrils, making him gag. He used his phone''s flashlight to scan the area, revealing the gruesome sight of bodies piled on top of each other. He couldn''t help but feel a sense of desperation and hopelessness as he realized the severity of the situation.
Suddenly, he heard a weak voice coming from a corner of the train car. Aki quickly made his way over and illuminated the woman with his phone''s flashlight. Her twisted arm hung limply at her side, and she appeared to be in excruciating pain.
"Help me," the woman moaned, her voice barely audible over the sound of groaning metal and shattered glass. Aki could see that she was badly hurt, but her ID was still intact. He read her name, "Alexia Napoles," and made a mental note of it before turning his attention back to her injuries.
"Don''t worry, help is probably on its way," he reassured her.
Alexia''s voice was filled with bitterness as she spoke, "Help?" Her tone was dripping with sarcasm, as if the mere mention of the word was a joke. "We''ve been trapped here for hours. If anyone was coming, they would have already found us. It''s not like a derailed train car is easy to miss. Were you not awake when the train fell?"
Aki was caught off guard by her question, his mind flooded with the memories of their harrowing fall into the darkness. He felt a knot form in his stomach as he realized that they were completely on their own in this dire situation.
"It was like the ground split open and swallowed us," she said with a shudder. "I don''t think anyone knows we''re down here. We''re going to have to find a way out ourselves." Her words hung heavy in the air, and both of them knew that their escape would not come easily.
He looked around their cramped and mangled train car, trying to come up with a plan. But the reality of their situation was starting to set in. They were on their own, with no way to communicate with the outside world. The only thing they could do was rely on each other and hope for a miracle.
Aki''s heart was racing as he surveyed the cramped space they were trapped in. The scent of blood and death lingered in the air, making him want to gag. He couldn''t let the fear overcome him. He had to stay calm and focused on helping Alexia.
He noticed that Alexia''s arm was hanging limply at her side, and her face was twisted in pain. Aki knew that she needed immediate medical attention, but that wasn''t possible at the moment. They were on their own.
He tore the clothes off of a lifeless body, the fabric making a sickening tearing sound. The body was still warm, and Aki had to fight the urge to vomit. He tied the makeshift bandage around his head, the fabric wet with blood. The pressure of the cloth made the throbbing in his head more bearable.
Aki''s eyes scanned the area for anything else he could use to help them. He noticed a stack of newspapers on the ground and rolled them up. He also tore a bunch of fabric from the cloth of the deceased victim.
"Can you walk?" Aki asked, his voice trembling with worry.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
"I can stand up, but my arm hurts," Alexia replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
Aki approached her with a cloth in one hand and the rolled-up newspapers in the other.
He could hear the sound of Alexia''s labored breathing, reminding him of the dire situation they were in.
"This will hurt like hell, but it''s the only way," Aki said, gritting his teeth. He reached for Alexia''s dislocated arm, and with a quick jerk, he snapped it back into place. Alexia''s agonizing scream echoed through the train car, causing Aki''s heart to sink.
Aki knew they had to move quickly. He quickly fashioned a makeshift sling for Alexia''s arm out of torn clothes and newspapers. Alexia''s face was pale, and she was sweating profusely. He gently eased her back against the wall to rest, but there was no time to waste.
Aki took a deep breath and peeked outside the train car once more. The tunnel stretched out endlessly before him, and he couldn''t see any signs of rescue or escape.
"Can you move?" Aki asked, his voice laced with urgency.
"I''ll try," Alexia whispered weakly, her face contorted in pain.
"It''s a good thing that first aid is part of our job," Aki said as he finished tending to Alexia''s arm. "If you''re feeling okay, check the things that people left behind, we might find something useful. We have to get out of this place to survive. We''ll die if we stay here."
Alexia slowly got up, nearly stumbling as she stood up, still getting used to the thing tied around her. She checked the bags one by one. She took out some pieces of bread from one bag, and a half-empty bottle of mineral water from another. There was no time to be picky about what to eat or drink.
Aki pushed the door of the train carriage with all his might until it opened. Outside, there were still a few bodies of train passengers. They stumbled upon severed body parts of the people who were stuck in the crowded train earlier. They slowly left the place, uncertain of where they were headed. They just kept going, hoping to find an exit at the end of the place where they were.
"It''s already four in the afternoon," Alexia quickly checked the time. They couldn''t tell what time it was inside because of the darkness.
As they were walking, Alexia heard a rustling sound coming from a dark corner. She shone her light on it, but saw nothing. She held on tightly to Aki, feeling a sense of unease.
"Did you hear that too?" Aki asked Alexia.
Alexia just nodded with fearful eyes.
"Who''s there?" Aki said with confidence.
"Whoever you are, please help us," Alexia pleaded.
No matter how many times they spoke, they didn''t hear a response. They eventually decided to continue walking, thinking they might have been mistaken in what they heard.
After a few moments, they saw a light. They hurriedly walked towards it, their breathing mixed with relief and joy. They knew they were going to make it out. They were still lucky compared to those who were left behind in the tunnel.
Before they could approach the exit, a man suddenly appeared. He had bulging eyes, a lump on his back, and some parts of his hair were bald. He also looked dirty, as if he had been wearing the same clothes for years.
"Don''t go out," he shouted at the two of them, with a hint of anger and stood in front of them.
Alexia felt a wave of fear wash over her as she gazed upon the strange man. His bulging eyes and bald patches of hair gave him a grotesque appearance, and his dirty clothes made it apparent that he had been down there for some time. She let out a scream of terror, and for a moment, she froze.
Aki was also taken aback by the man''s sudden appearance, and he couldn''t fathom why he was trying to stop them from leaving. However, they didn''t have time to ponder his motives. With a sudden burst of courage, Aki pushed the man with all his might, causing him to fall to the ground.
Without a second thought, the two of them ran for their lives, their hearts beating fast in their chests. They didn''t even look back to see if the man had gotten up. They just kept running until they finally saw a light in the distance.
Their relief and joy were palpable as they hurried towards the light, their hearts pounding with the thrill of the escape. They knew they had been lucky to make it out alive, but their faces quickly turned to confusion when they saw that the area looked nothing like anything they had seen before.
As they looked around in confusion, Alexia and Aki noticed something odd about the environment. The structures that were buried in the ground looked like trees, but the branches moved like tentacles, giving them an eerie and unsettling feeling. The ground under their feet felt like it was breathing, and the air was filled with a strange, pungent smell that they couldn''t identify.
They also noticed several creatures that gazed at them with curiosity. The first one they saw had a body that resembled a bark of a tree, but it was covered in small bumps that looked like warts. It swayed back and forth, as if dancing to an unheard beat. Another creature had small, round creatures surrounding it, with bulging eyes all over their bodies, making it look like they were constantly watching and observing their surroundings.
Perhaps the most peculiar creature they saw had no hands or head, but it had a dozen feet, each with its own set of teeth. It crawled on the ground like a centipede, leaving a slimy trail behind it. It seemed to be searching for something, and when it saw Alexia and Aki, it stopped and looked at them with its dozen eyes.
Alexia and Aki screamed in horror at the sight of these strange creatures, their bodies trembling with fear. They had no idea what was happening, or where they were. But one thing was certain, they had to find a way out of there, or they would never see the light of day again.
Meanwhile, inside the tunnel, the man lay on the ground, his ears pricked up as he heard the distant cries of a man and woman.
Unlucky
Elvin stood in front of his superior, feeling the weight of the moment hanging heavy in the air. Sweat trickled down his back, soaking his polo shirt and making him shift his weight restlessly. He glanced around the office, scanning every detail in search of some kind of distraction.
His superior was poring over a marketing letter Elvin had submitted, occasionally looking up to give Elvin a pointed glance. The tension in the room was palpable, and Elvin''s heart was racing in his chest.
"Revise this letter," his team leader said, breaking the silence. "There are too many superfluous and fluffy words. Be direct with your intention. Do you think the recipient will even bother reading it?"
Elvin nodded mutely, feeling his cheeks flush with embarrassment. He knew his writing skills weren''t up to snuff, but he had hoped that this letter would be good enough to impress his boss.
As his superior drummed his pen on the table and scratched his head absentmindedly, Elvin tried to push down the feeling of defeat.
Elvin takes a deep breath and nods his head, his heart racing with relief. It felt like he had been standing in front of his superior for an eternity, and he was grateful that the verbal assault was finally coming to an end.
"Yes, sir," Elvin says, forcing a grin that feels about as genuine as a Halloween mask. He''s just grateful that he wasn''t asked to stand outside the room facing the wall. He can feel his back sticking to his polo shirt, drenched in sweat from the long minutes of standing in front of his superior.
The litany continues for a few more minutes until his superior gets tired and says, "That''s it. Send it to me before you go home."
Elvin opens his mouth to protest, but his superior cuts him off with a single look. The sharp glare from her eyes is enough to make Elvin swallow his objections.
"Before you go home," she says firmly, taking off her glasses. The glasses go back into their case with a sharp snap that echoes in the still room. If looks could kill, Elvin might have been long gone.
Elvin nods meekly and gathers up the marketing letter. As he backs away from the desk, he feels like he''s just walked out of a battlefield.
Elvin walked out of his manager''s office, his mind racing with the to-do list that he had been given. He trudged over to his desk and slumped into his chair, his eyes darting to his laptop. But he didn''t want to think about work just yet. He glanced at the clock and groaned inwardly. He knew he was going to get caught in rush hour traffic again, and it was only a matter of time before the road turned into a parking lot.
"I''m definitely having a bad day," he muttered to himself, running a hand through his hair. He tried to push the thought out of his mind and opened his laptop. It was in sleep mode, and when he hit a key to wake it up, it refused to budge. Elvin cursed under his breath and tried to restart it, but it stubbornly hung on the welcome screen.
"Great," he muttered. "Just great."
Elvin leaned back in his chair, his eyes wandering around the office. His gaze fell on the coffee machine, and he decided that he could use a break. He stood up, his legs feeling stiff after standing in his manager''s office for so long, and walked over to the machine. The rich aroma of coffee hit him, and he breathed it in, hoping that it would help to clear his mind. He reached for a paper cup, but his hand closed around thin air. He searched around and found that all of the paper cups were gone. Elvin groaned and returned to his desk, the frustration mounting inside him.
"Bad luck follows me like a shadow," he muttered, drumming his fingers on his desk. His laptop was still stuck on the welcome screen, and he had no choice but to wait it out.
Elvin''s colleagues were gradually trickling out of the office one by one. He watched them leave with a pang of envy, wishing he could join them in their early exit. If only his boss hadn''t requested yet another revision of the letter he had been working on, he could have been out the door with them. He couldn''t help but wonder why his boss was being so nitpicky - was she trying to punish him for not catching her eye earlier in the day? He had been in such a rush, he hadn''t even had a chance to exchange a morning greeting with her.
As he pondered this, a voice startled him out of his thoughts. "Aren''t you going home yet? Looks like it''s going to rain," one of his colleagues said, startling him.
Elvin shook his head, letting out a deep sigh. "Nah, I have to finish this revision or else I won''t have a job tomorrow," he said with a wry smile, rolling his eyes.
"Good luck with the traffic later," his colleague said, offering him a sympathetic nod before making his way out the door.
Alone in the office, Elvin became increasingly aware of the rumors that had been circulating about their workplace. He had heard whispers of firings and layoffs, and he couldn''t shake the feeling of unease that had settled over him. With each tap of his fingers on the keyboard, he typed faster and faster, willing himself to finish the revision as quickly as possible. Unlike a normal day, he didn''t bother to check his grammar and spelling mistakes, planning to go back over the email later when he had more time.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.
Elvin sat hunched over his desk, his eyes glued to the computer screen, and his fingers typing rapidly on the keyboard. The temperature in the office was cool, but Elvin was sweating profusely, swallowing hard to keep his dry throat from becoming too uncomfortable. His heart raced, and his head throbbed with stress.
"Why is everything going wrong today?" he muttered, trying to push aside the feeling of impending doom.
Despite his anxiety, he continued typing until he reached the closing salutation of his letter. He reviewed it quickly, deleting unnecessary parts before attaching it to the email. He hit send, letting out a sigh of relief mixed with trepidation.
"If he still doesn''t like it, I don''t know what else to do," Elvin muttered to himself as he closed his laptop.
He grabbed his bag, turned off the lights, and hurried out of the office, walking as fast as he could. He felt like he was in a race, eager to leave the place that had caused him so much stress. He wished he could quit his job, but with opportunities scarce, he felt like a slave, stuck in a dead-end job with a meager salary.
Elvin rushed out of the office building and sprinted towards the parking area, dodging other employees who were walking leisurely. As he reached the parking area, he immediately scanned the area for his car. His eyes fell on his parents'' used Suzuki Celerio. He let out a sigh as he realized that he had to have it tuned up soon, and he was even considering selling it due to the increasing gas prices.
"I need to learn soon how to haggle with car dealers. Perhaps I aso have to fight against the sea of passengers every day," he muttered to himself as he quickly approached his car.
He fished his keys out of his pocket, clicked the unlock button, and swiftly opened the car door. As he sat behind the wheel, he checked his watch and mentally calculated the time he had left to avoid the rush hour traffic.
"I have to hurry, or I''ll be stuck in traffic again," he muttered as he fastened his seatbelt.
As Elvin turned the key in the ignition, the engine roared to life, and he let out a sigh of relief. He had been having a terrible day so far, and the last thing he wanted was to be stuck in traffic for hours.
"I just need to get some experience and get out of this hellish country," he muttered to himself as he navigated his way out of the parking area.
As he successfully made his way out of the parking area, he was greeted by a succession of lightning and thunder. It seemed like the sky was about to split open in its fury, and at any moment, it would unleash a calamity upon this city.
Elvin was driving through the colorful lights and towering buildings of the city, and he was relieved to find that the road ahead of him was surprisingly spacious. He breathed a sigh of relief, feeling like a weight had been lifted off his chest. If the traffic continued to flow like this, he would be home in no time.
As he drove along the highway, he noticed a new Ford Mustang in front of him. Its speed was not particularly fast, even though there was no car in front of it. But for some reason, the sight of the car made Elvin feel annoyed. Perhaps it was because the same model was being driven by his superior at work. Whatever the reason, he felt the blood rising to his head, and a slow build-up of heat.
Without a second thought, Elvin stepped on the accelerator of his car. The engine roared to life as the tires screeched on the road. He had no intention of slowing down. The anger that had been simmering inside him since earlier was like a floodgate that had been opened, and it flowed out of him like a tidal wave. In his mind, he needed to let out all of his feelings, or he would remain angry.
As he sped past the Mustang, Elvin lowered his front door glass and raised his middle finger in an act of defiance. His car roared like a lion, as he pushed it to its limit, relishing the feeling of triumph. "That felt so good!" he shouted, feeling a sense of release from the frustrations of his daily life. It wasn''t often that he felt like a winner, even in a small way. It felt great to win, even if it was just a race on the road, even though he was defeated every day by life''s challenges.
As Elvin reveled in his victory, he felt a drop of rain hit his open window. He quickly rolled up the glass, and the sound of little fingers tapping on the glass accompanied the pitter-patter of the rain. The rain seemed like a blessing that cleansed the city''s misfortunes, and as it subsided, the sky''s anger abated.
But soon, the traffic began to slow down, as Elvin had expected. He had hoped to avoid this issue on the highway, where cars were always stuck every night. The twenty-minute drive usually takes more than an hour because of this problem, and Elvin felt like he was wasting time that he could have spent resting at home.
After a few moments, he noticed the gradual slowing down of the traffic flow. He was expecting it, especially on this highway where cars were always stuck every night. The twenty-minute drive usually takes more than an hour because of this problem. "Nevermind, I''m not the only one annoyed by traffic," he muttered as he leaned back and rested.
He knew that it would still be a while before the traffic started moving again. He would only exhaust his energy if he paid attention to the continuous honking of cars. So he played his favorite playlist to drown out the noise of the honking and the rain.
He accidentally focused his attention on his rearview mirror. There he saw a familiar car - he was sure it was the Ford Mustang he''d passed earlier. Suddenly, the car door opened and a uniformed man, tall and chubby, stepped out.
Elvin couldn''t deny what he saw. Despite the blurry road due to the heavy rain, he saw that the man was holding a gun.
"Fuck! That was not a good idea," Elvin muttered in frustration, realizing he might have provoked the wrong person.
Amidst the loud sounds of engines, honking, thunder, and the pouring rain, people didn''t notice the sound of the gunshot. It was only when some people noticed a Suzuki Celerio in a parked mode despite the traffic moving forward that they realized something was wrong.
Playmate
Nine-year-old Kai and their family were embarking on a new chapter in their lives, moving to a bungalow in Quezon province. As they approached their new home, the wind blew fiercely, rustling the tall grass surrounding the property. The sound of leaves dancing in the wind filled their ears as they gazed at the house in front of them. The fence, pieced together from old wood, stood tall, but it showed signs of wear and tear. The gate, barely holding on, creaked and groaned as Kai''s father pushed it open. The house seemed to have been untouched for years, and the gate appeared as though it was begging for a much-needed rest.
Kai''s father forced smile did little to mask the disappointment etched on his face. "This is our new home," he said, his tone flat and unconvincing.
His mother''s eyes scanned the area, taking in the sight of the tall grass and the dilapidated fence. She turned to her husband, concern written all over her face. "Will we be okay here?" she asked, her voice trembling.
Without hesitation, his father closed the gap between them and wrapped his mom in a tight embrace. Kai watched in silence, unsure of what to do or say. He had never seen his mom cry like that before.
Kai and his family began to take their few belongings from the car. They left most of their things at their old house, which they no longer owned, so they only brought what they could fit in the car. It was a sad sight for Kai when he saw that even his favorite chair was left behind.
Kai wanted to help carry things inside, but his Dad told him not to. He said that they needed to do it quickly, and he didn''t want Kai to get in the way or slow them down. Ramiel, Kai''s older brother, seemed to be upset and didn''t want to leave his school and friends. He went inside the house in a huff, while Kai decided to sit down on a rock under the lush mango tree.
As he sat there, Kai heard a rustling sound. He looked around to find where the sound came from, but he couldn''t see its source. He thought it was just the wind. Moments later, he heard it again. He automatically lifted his head and looked up. To his surprise, he saw a child around his age sitting on one of the branches of the mango tree. The child smiled at him and waved his hand, as if inviting Kai to climb the mango tree.
"Kai, go inside. That area hasn''t been cleaned yet. There might be a snake or mosquito there," Kai''s father ordered him.
Kai felt a pang of disappointment, but he knew better than to disobey his father. "But, Papa, there''s a kid!" he protested.
His father''s face hardened. "I said, go inside!" he told Kai firmly.
Kai reluctantly turned away from the mango tree and headed inside the house. He went straight to the living room, which had a good view of the tree. He tried to search for the child from his location, but because of the dense foliage of the tree, he couldn''t tell if the child was still there.
......
The next day, Kai stepped out of the house and surveyed the surroundings. The grass was still tall, and a pile of dry leaves had accumulated in one corner. He couldn''t help but feel a sense of unease. He walked over to the mango tree and looked up at the spot where he saw the boy the day before, but there was no one there.
He sighed and turned to leave when suddenly he heard a loud shout behind him. "Boo!" The sound made him jump, and he whirled around to see the boy from yesterday. Kai was annoyed at how the boy found it funny to scare him, but he didn''t say anything. He was about to walk away when the boy invited him to climb up the mango tree. He challenged Kai to a race, and if he win, they would become friends.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
Despite having lived in the city for a long time, Kai knew how to climb trees. They had a guava tree in front of their old house, and he always climbed it. So, he accepted the challenge. They positioned themselves on opposite sides of the tree, and Kai counted to three before they both started to climb. As expected, Kai was the first to reach the top. However, for some reason, the boy stopped in the middle and came back down, sitting on one of the branches.
"We''re friends now. You''re really good at climbing. You even beat me," the boy said with a smile.
"Of course, I am. I''ve been climbing tree since I was seven," Kai boasted, feeling proud of himself.
Kai''s days had become more lively and adventurous with his new friend. Every morning, as soon as he stepped out of the house, he would make a beeline towards the mango tree. He knew he would find the boy sitting on one of its branches, waiting for him. They would challenge each other to races, betting with anything to make their competition more exciting.
"Let''s make a bet, whoever loses has to pick a mango for the winner."
"Let''s bet whoever loses has to climb up and down four times."
"Whoever loses has to follow the winner''s orders for the whole day."
One time, as they were picking the juiciest mangoes they could find, Kai couldn''t help but wonder why his parents never saw his new friend. He asked them about him once, but they only replied with a quizzical look on their faces, saying he didn''t have any friends in the area yet. They even suggested that maybe Kai was just talking to an imaginary friend, which made him feel sad and frustrated.
But Kai knew his friend was real. He could feel the rough bark of the mango tree, smell the sweet fragrance of the ripe fruits, and hear his friend''s laughter echoing around him. He never felt lonely as long as his friend was with him.
One day, Kai''s life took a turn.
He went out of the house and found the boy by the mango tree again. The boy challenged him to a race to the top of the tree, but this time he suggested they make it more interesting by betting on something more crucial.
Kai''s heart raced as he heard the boy''s words. "The loser has to die when they turn 30." He couldn''t believe what he had just heard. He shook his head, thinking that it was just another silly bet. But the boy''s expression didn''t waver, and his eyes shone with a strange intensity that made Kai feel uneasy.
Despite his misgivings, Kai accepted the challenge. They took their positions on opposite sides of the mango tree, and the boy counted to three. As they raced to the top, Kai''s heart pounded in his chest. He couldn''t tell if he was winning or losing, and as he reached the top, he was surprised to find the boy already there, grinning from ear to ear. He had lost the bet.
Kai''s mind was reeling as he climbed back down the tree. He had never heard of such a strange bet before, and he couldn''t shake the feeling that something was off about the boy. But when he turned around to say goodbye, the boy had vanished into thin air.
Days turned into weeks, and Kai never saw the boy again. He grew more and more convinced that the boy was just imaginary, a figment of his childhood imagination. But deep down, a tiny voice whispered to him, warning him that the boy was all too real, and that he had lost the bet in ways he couldn''t even imagine.
......
Kai was now 26 years old and had been separated from his parents for a while. He decided to visit his brother, who was now married, for a catch-up. After a few drinks, they started talking about their childhood memories. The conversation eventually led to a mango tree, and Kai''s brother began to recount a strange story that made Kai shudder.
"You know, when we were kids, I had a playmate who used to compete with me in climbing up the mango tree every afternoon. He always lost. Then one day, he just disappeared," his brother shared.
Kai''s heart raced with excitement and trepidation as he realized that his brother was talking about the same mango tree and playmate that he had in his childhood.
"Did he make a bet with you?" Kai asked, feeling a sense of foreboding.
"Yes," his brother answered shortly, but the way his jaw dropped at Kai''s next question was hard to miss.
"Did you bet your life and lose?" Kai asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
His brother''s silence and the way he averted his gaze told Kai everything he needed to know. It turned out that next Sunday was his brother''s thirtieth birthday.
The Devotee
The following narrative is a work of fiction that draws inspiration from an event that occurred in May 2003. It is important to note that the content of this story may not be suitable for all audiences. The author does not have any intention of offending or questioning any religious beliefs. If the material in this story causes discomfort or offense, the author sincerely apologizes and asks that the reader proceed with caution.
***
Every morning, Mary rises before the sun to fulfill her devotion to her faith. Her name, given to her by her mother in honor of the Virgin Mary, is a testament to her family''s devotion. Mary can often be found at the local chapel, where she visits daily to offer her prayers and to tend to the altar. As part of her routine, she changes the flowers on the altar every other day, adding a touch of beauty to the sacred space.
She arrives early at the chapel each day to assist the priest in his duties, and in the evenings, Mary takes on a leadership role as she leads the rosary, her voice echoing through the chapel as she guides the congregation in prayer. The rosary is a daily ritual for her, a sacred moment of reflection and connection to her faith.
After her duties at the chapel are complete, Mary returns home to care for her three young sons. Her husband, taken from her at an early age, is always in her thoughts, but she is grateful for the support and kindness of the church, which helps her raise her family. Mary repays that kindness by serving the church with unwavering devotion and faith.
Mary''s faith in the Bible is unshakable, she believes that its pages are teeming with mysteries and miracles. In the face of the struggles her family is facing, she is resolute in her belief that this too is a test from the Lord. Mary has a deep conviction that the Lord only gives the toughest battles to his mightiest warriors, and she sees herself as one such warrior, steadfast in her faith and ready to face whatever comes her way.
The chill of October 23rd seeped into Mary''s bones and she knew she would never forget that night. As she lay in bed, she was visited by a nightmare that shook her to the core. In her dream, she saw Miguel Archangel strangling one frog, then turning to another and piercing it with his sword. The third frog suffered a cruel fate as it was pelted with stones until it perished.
As she awoke from the terror, Mary understood the dream to be a test from the Lord. She believed she was being tested, much like Abraham was commanded to sacrifice his only son Isaac. The three frogs in her dream symbolized her three beloved sons, and the realization that she might have to sacrifice them caused her heart to race.
For the first time in her life, Mary felt the weight of a dilemma. Her unwavering faith was being put to the test and she felt the urge to disobey the Lord''s command. The thought of losing her sons was unbearable, but she knew she had to trust in the Lord''s plan, no matter how difficult it may be.
The next day, Mary visited the church and approached the priest with a heavy heart. She struggled to find the right words to express her thoughts and her recent dream.
"Father," Mary began, her voice filled with uncertainty, "Do you believe in dreams from above?"
The priest nodded, a gentle smile playing on his lips. "Yes, my child. Just because the world has changed doesn''t mean we should forget the messages from above."
"How do we know if He wants to communicate with us?" Mary asked again.
"You''ll know," said Father. "You''ll feel it in your heart. The answers to the questions that have been eluding you will become clear. Everything is a gift from God. Even small things, like how we can enjoy this conversation, are gifts from God. I believe that there might be many questions on your mind right now, but the key is to have faith and trust in Him."
Despite the priest''s reassurance, Mary was still uncertain. But she tried to convince herself that her faith will not harm her. She attempted to let a few days pass and believed that it was just a simple dream.
However, The same dream tormented Mary once again on the night of November 9th. The vivid imagery of Miguel Arcangel strangling one frog, piercing another with his sword, and throwing stones at the third until it died, was seared into her mind. She awoke in a cold sweat, knowing that this was no mere coincidence.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.
As she gazed upon her three sleeping children, she felt a deep sense of uncertainty. Could they be the frogs in her dream? She struggled with her thoughts, her beliefs and her love for her children. She took a deep breath. Despite her tears, she went outside and picked up a big rock and a knife. She cut the clothesline made of a solid copper wire, feeling helpless as she knew that this was a test of her faith by the Lord.
She slowly approached her sleeping firstborn. The innocent face of the sleeping child was peaceful and serene, with a hint of vulnerability. His eyes were closed and his chest rose and fell with each gentle breath. His arms were tucked under his head and his hair was messy, a sign of the deep slumber he was in. The child looked like an angel, pure and untainted by the world''s troubles.
Without saying anyword, she stabbed the eldest as tears freely flow from her eyes. She continued with her deed until the deep breathing of the kid stopped. She noticed her two other children were awakened by the commotion. They were frightened by the sight of their sibling being hurt.
"Remember, this is just a test from the Lord. Have faith," the second child reluctantly nodded, yet still clearly afraid. The youngest child was now bawling loudly, causing a potential disturbance to the neighbors. Mary knew she needed to act quickly and keep the situation under control, as it was already late at night and any noise could attract unwanted attention.
She took the copper wire and with all her strength used it to strangle the poor little child. She pulled the strings with all her might while trying to control the pain that is attempting to come out of her mouth. She kept telling herself that this is just a test of her faith and that the will of the Lord shall be fulfilled. She culdn''t even look at the face of her child as the life on him was snuffed out.
The youngest child was completely confused as he watched his mother stab and strangle his older siblings. He couldn''t understand why she would do such a thing, and the fear he felt only added to his confusion. As she tried to calm him down and explain that this was a test from the Lord, he couldn''t help but feel even more bewildered. The fear eventually overcame him and he ran out of the house, with Mary in hot pursuit.
He ran as fast as he could, his tiny legs carrying him to the other corner of the neighborhood. Just as he thought he was safe, he heard Mary''s footsteps getting closer and closer. He stopped, knowing that she would eventually catch up with him. He stood there, waiting for her, still not fully comprehending the situation.
"Mom, what are you doing? I didn''t do anything wrong." The youngest child stammered, his eyes filled with confusion and fear.
Mary tried to calm him down. "It''s okay, my love. This is what the Lord wants us to do. Trust in His plans," she said soothingly.
"But Mom, I don''t understand. I don''t want to do this." The child was shaking with fear, but Mary was determined to carry out the task the Lord had given her.
Suddenly, the village security guard appeared and restrained Mary, preventing her from hurting the child. "Stop! You can''t do this," the guard shouted.
"You don''t understand. This is the Lord''s will," Mary yelled, struggling against the restraints. "I must carry out this duty, no matter what."
Despite the child''s protests and the guard''s intervention, Mary was determined to fulfill the Lord''s intentions and carry out her task.
The priest was quickly summoned to the scene, where the local chief and the village guard were already present. The priest approached the woman, who was shouting and ranting about faith and sin.
"What is happening here?" The priest asked calmly, trying to assess the situation.
"I am following the will of the Lord. He gave me a message through my dream. I am just following what Abraham did to Isaac. Do not stop me from fulfilling my fate," the woman replied passionately.
The priest furrowed his brow, trying to make sense of what the woman was saying. "I do not understand what you are saying, but the Lord does not want you to harm your children," he said firmly, hoping to diffuse the situation.
However, the woman was insistent and refused to listen to the priest''s pleas. The village guard had to intervene and restrain the woman to prevent any further harm. The youngest child was also present, looking on in fear at the unfolding events. The priest took the child in his arms, offering him comfort and protection.
After she was arrested and put into trial, the court eventually ruled that Mary could not be held responsible for her actions due to her state of mind.
Mary remained steadfast in her belief that what she did was a test of faith from the Lord. However, many, including the priest, struggled to understand her actions and found it difficult to reconcile her beliefs with the horrific act she had committed.
As she was sitting in her cell in an asylum, Mary couldn''t help but feel frustrated with the priest''s apparent lack of understanding. She felt that he had forgotten the story of Abraham and Isaac, who was also tested by God''s faith. Despite the criticism and confusion from those around her, Mary remained confident in her beliefs and trusted in the Lord''s plan for her.
The Inn
In remote province in the Southeast, there was a mysterious Inn that stood before a popular fast food chain that was often used as a parking lot for buses. The Inn, which was in operation, was owned by a once poor gravedigger and his partner. No one really knew how their life suddenly improved, as rumors of winning the lottery, selling drugs, and running illegal businesses surrounded them. But the truth was even stranger.
Axx grew up in a small neighborhood near the Inn, a quaint and cozy place known for its warm hospitality and good food. Despite not having a formal education, Axx was a hard worker and always on the lookout for opportunities to earn a little extra cash. So, when the chance presented itself, he approached the couple who owned the Inn and lived next door to him for years.
"Excuse me, ma''am, sir. I was wondering if I could work here at the Inn. I''m willing to do anything, from cleaning rooms to serving meals." Axx spoke with a determined look in his eyes, hoping they would give him a chance.
The couple looked at each other and then back at Axx, sizing him up. "Well, we could always use an extra hand around here," the wife said with a friendly smile. "Can you start tomorrow?"
Axx couldn''t believe his luck. He thanked the couple profusely and rushed home to tell his family the good news. This job was his chance to earn a steady income and help support his family, and he was determined to make the most of it.
Axx was employed at the local Inn as a bellboy. Despite its reputation for attracting guests who arrive in the dead of night, the Inn stood out from its competitors by offering affordable rates and a wealth of luxurious amenities. Axx was curious about the Inn''s ability to provide such expensive comforts, and soon, he would stumble upon a sinister secret that would alter his life irrevocably.
One evening, as Axx was working at the Inn, a mysterious woman checked in. He carried her bags to her room, and she thanked him with a generous tip before retiring for the night. However, this simple encounter would end up being much more significant than Axx could have ever imagined, leaving a lasting impression on him.
One morning, Axx woke up earlier than usual, filled with excitement as he remembered the kind and generous woman from the previous evening. He couldn''t wait to see her again, hoping that she would remember him and possibly give him another generous tip.
As the day passed, Axx kept a lookout for the woman, but she never showed up. He was starting to get worried, but didn''t want to look too eager in front of the other employees. So, he waited until lunchtime, when he approached their female boss at the desk with a hint of nervousness in his voice.
"Excuse me, ma''am. Do you happen to know where the woman who checked in last night went?" Axx asked, trying to sound casual. The female boss looked up from her work and fixed Axx with a cold, blank expression.
"She checked out, young man." she replied, with no further explanation. Axx was taken aback by her curt response, but didn''t want to press the issue. He couldn''t shake off the feeling that something was amiss, though. The thought of the mysterious woman lingered in his mind for the rest of the day.
Axx was curious by nature, but he didn''t want to pry too much into his employer''s personal life. However, the absence of his male employer for an entire day was something he couldn''t ignore. He approached the female employer who was working behind the front desk.
"Excuse me, Ma''am," Axx began hesitantly. "Is Sir not here today?"
The female employer seemed to avoid eye contact with Axx and her tone was irritable when she spoke. "He''s just taking care of something, don''t pry too much. You''re confusing me."
Axx didn''t push any further, he knew better. There were days when his male employer would be missing the whole day. He was a businessman, after all, and had many people to talk to. How lucky he was, Axx thought, to have made a fortune without even finishing his basic education. But still, a nagging feeling at the back of his mind made him wonder what could be going on with the missing employer.
It was well past midnight and Axx was getting ready to head home. Just as he was about to clock out, his employer appeared and beckoned him over. "Come, Axx. Let''s celebrate this big win with a drink," he said, a broad smile on his face. Axx and his three coworkers followed him to a private room where a table was set with glasses and a bottle of their favorite liquor. The group laughed and toasted to their employer''s success, but Axx couldn''t shake the nagging feeling that something was off. Despite his concerns, he joined in the celebrations, determined to enjoy the moment and put his worries aside.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.
In one particular night, as Axx clocked out from his shift, his employer approached him with an unexpected request. "Axx, I know you''re probably tired from all the work today, but I need an extra hand tonight. We''ve got guests staying and we''re short-staffed. I''ll make it worth your while and pay you double for the overtime hours." Axx agreed, sensing an opportunity to earn some extra cash. Little did he know, this unexpected request would lead him down a path filled with danger and mystery.
As the silence of the night was interrupted by the striking of the clock, Axx suddenly jolted from his thoughts as a strange noise echoed from the stock room. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up as he quickly alerted the guard on duty, who narrowed his eyes with a piercing gaze.
"Don''t get involved," the guard warned him with a short reply. "That''s nothing." Despite the guard''s warning, Axx couldn''t shake the feeling that something was amiss. He went back inside, but couldn''t shake the nagging feeling that something was wrong.
Axx couldn''t ignore the strange noise any longer. He felt a chill run down his spine as he grabbed a broom and slowly approached the stock room. Every step felt like an eternity, and Axx couldn''t help but look over his shoulder, half-expecting something to jump out at him.
Axx''s mind was racing as he approached the door of the stockroom. With each step he took, his heart felt like it was pounding louder and louder in his chest. The door was slightly ajar, and as he pushed it open, he was met with a scene that would haunt him forever.
In the dimly lit room, he saw his employer standing with a body bag on the ground, zipping it up with a menacing look on their face. Axx could barely make out the outline of a lifeless body inside the bag, and the realization of what he was witnessing hit him like a ton of bricks. He felt paralyzed with fear, unable to move or speak as he watched the sinister scene unfold.
His body was frozen in place, his mind racing as the reality of the situation dawned on him. The employer''s breath was hot and rancid against his ear as they continued to whisper their menacing words. "You saw nothing, you heard nothing. You''ll keep this to yourself, or we''ll make sure you won''t be a problem for us."
The room was dark and silent, except for the sound of Axx''s breathing and the pounding of his heart. He felt like he was caught in a nightmare, with no way to escape. Every muscle in his body tensed as he braced himself for what was to come. But the employers released him, and Axx stumbled out of the room, his mind racing with fear and confusion. He knew he was in way over his head and that his life would never be the same again.
Axx was terrified. He didn''t know what to do or say. He simply nodded, unable to speak. "Good. We''ll let you go, but remember, if you talk, we''ll turn on you. Your word against ours, and we have the money to pay a good lawyer. You''ll continue to work here, but from now on, you''ll be helping us with our business. We''ll even increase your salary." The employer was deadly serious, their eyes boring into Axx''s.
Axx''s role had transformed into something sinister. Every time a call came in from a university seeking a body for their medical students, he and his employers would scout the Inn for unsuspecting guests. With calculated precision, they would administer medication to their chosen target through their food, leading them to the stockroom to meet a grim fate. The unsuspecting victim would be suffocated with a plastic bag, and all traces of foul play had to be erased. The university was cognizant of this heinous act, but they had their own interests to protect - they couldn''t afford for their students to catch wind of the illegal procurement of cadavers.
Axx''s employer was once a simple gravedigger, digging graves for the dead and selling the bodies to universities. However, as the number of natural deaths in the area declined, the employer was forced to take more drastic measures. Running the Inn, a place where travelers stopped for rest, became the perfect cover for their crimes. The possessions of the fallen guests, including their clothes and luggage, were set ablaze, while their cars were either disposed of in rivers or taken to distant provinces and left to rot. The employer had transformed from a simple gravedigger to a cold-blooded killer, using the Inn as their front for murder and deceit.
It was a bleak reality, and Axx had no choice but to play along. So he watched, helpless, as the Inn lured in unsuspecting guests, never to be seen again. The message was clear: pray that you never end up at this Inn, or your fate may be sealed, your body used for experimentation and dissection by the very students who were supposed to be practicing to heal and save lives.
Companion
"I''ll catch up with you later, okay?" said the woman in white, as she turned away and walked towards another woman nearby.
Claudine, also known as Claui, was left sitting alone on a wooden bench nestled under a leafy tree. She glanced over at the man sitting next to her, taking in his appearance as she inhaled the subtle scent of his hair. In all her time spent here, he was the only familiar face she had come to know.
"Have you been here for a while?" Claui asked him, breaking the silence.
"Just got here," he replied with a charming grin.
Claui couldn''t help but smile back, feeling a flutter in her stomach. Who wouldn''t be smitten with a man as handsome as him. He was tall and well-built, with chiseled features that made him look like he belonged on a basketball court. But it wasn''t just his looks that drew her to him, it was the way he always seemed to be there for her during her toughest moments, a source of strength and comfort. Whenever she had something heavy on her mind, he was always there.
"I''m just glad I still have you. My family just up and left me here, telling me I have no chance." Claui said, her voice filled with sadness.
"Don''t listen to them, you''re one of a kind," he reassured her with a gentle tone.
"They say I''m ill and they couldn''t handle taking care of me anymore, which is why I''m here." Claui explained, her voice laced with disappointment.
"Don''t let yourself think that way. You''re not sick," he said, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"I don''t know, sometimes I feel fine," Claui replied, her tone uncertain.
"That''s great to hear," he smiled and gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze, making Claui let out a small chuckle.
Claui couldn''t understand why this man was so kind to her. If he only confessed his love for her, she would have immediately said yes. She wouldn''t have to think twice about it because he''s been paying attention to her for a long time now. Claui was just too shy to ask him about his intentions towards her.
"You know, we''ve known each other for quite a while now. I''m glad you haven''t gotten tired of being with me yet," Claui said with a hint of teasing, but also a hint of vulnerability in her tone.
"Because being with you is enjoyable," the man replied with a warm smile.
Every word he spoke sent shivers down Claui''s spine. She playfully hit him, pretending to be annoyed and flipped her hair behind her ear.
"You''re lying." Claui said to the person she was talking to.
"Why? It''s true that you''re fun to be with."
"Yeah, yeah." Claui turned away for a moment to hide her grin. "You''re always here, aren''t you afraid your girlfriend might get mad?"
"I don''t have a girlfriend."
"Why not? You''re good-looking. Oh, if I didn''t have this illness, maybe I would have made a move on you." Claui laughed loudly. She didn''t expect to say that to the person she was talking to so directly.
"Wait. You said you didn''t feel like you were sick?" the person noticed, seemingly teasing Claui now.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
"I don''t." Claui gave a short answer.
"So, are you going to ask me out?"
Claui pushed away the person she was talking to playfully. Despite clearly liking the man, she wasn''t the type to make the first move. She would rather wait for him to make a move towards her.
"You''re annoying. You''re getting too close for comfort," Claui said, turning away from the man, pretending to be upset.
"Just kidding," he said, playfully tapping Claui on the shoulder. But she only responded with a shrug, indicating for him to stop.
"Sorry. I should be the one asking if I can court you. But I was worried you might already have a boyfriend."
"I don''t have a boyfriend," Claui stated, trying to convey her frustration with the man, but her lips twitched, betraying the small smiles that were starting to peek through.
"So, can I court you?" The man asked, his voice filled with hope and a hint of nervousness.
Claui couldn''t bring himself to look the man in the eye. Instead, he played with his fingers, twirling them around as he avoided direct eye contact. "Are you serious?" He finally asked, trying to hide the flutter of excitement in his chest.
"Of course I am." The man replied, moving closer to Claui.
Claui let out a sigh, "Fine, you can court me." She covered her mouth with her hands, trying to stifle the laughter that was bubbling up inside of her.
"I''ve liked you for a long time. How about you? Can you see yourself falling for me?" The man asked, looking at Claui with a longing gaze.
Claui stood up from his seat, his legs still trembling. He clutched his hands together, and faced the young man once again.
"You''re annoying. Why don''t you try courting me first?"
The young man approached Claui and wrapped his arms tightly around him. Claui closed his eyes, savoring the feeling of finally being protected by someone. It had been so long since he felt this way.
"Do I really have to? I love you, and I know you love me too. That means we''re together now."
Claui pulled away, a hint of worry creeping into his voice. "It''s all happening too fast. What if our parents don''t approve?"
The young man brushed off Claui''s concerns. "We''re both of age. We don''t need their blessing. Let''s just leave and be together. You don''t have any obligations holding you back, do you?"
As Claui and the man were talking, the woman in white approached them again.
"We need to go back to the room now," she reminded Claui, taking her hand and leading her away.
"But I''m still talking to someone, can it wait?" Claui pleaded.
However, the woman in white was deaf to Claui''s request. She almost forcibly pulled Claui away, taking her back to the room where she was staying. Once inside, the woman helped Claui onto the bed and made sure she was comfortable, tucking her in with a thin blanket. After doing so, the woman in white left the room.
As she left, another woman in uniform greeted her. It turned out that this woman had been following them and observing their every move since earlier.
The other nurse approached the woman who was assisting Claui and asked, "How''s your patient doing?"
"She''s okay. She didn''t want to go back to her room earlier because she said she was still talking to someone, but there was no one there," the nurse replied.
"Be careful with her. When I was assigned to her, she suddenly attacked me. She claimed that she was ordered to do so by some man she was talking to," she sighed deeply, visibly still troubled by the memory. "If it weren''t for my need for experience as a nurse, I would have left this mental hospital a long time ago. It''s driving me crazy."
Inside the room, Claui was lying quietly on the bed. Suddenly, she noticed someone sitting on her bed. It was the man she had been talking to earlier.
"How did you get in here?" Claui asked the young man.
"It doesn''t matter," the man replied, leaning closer to Claui. "You know, we''re always being separated by that woman. Maybe it''s time for her to leave our path."
"I''ve noticed that too. Maybe my Mom sent her to keep us apart."
"Will you allow it?"
"No way." Claui firmly replied.
"Tonight, after she''s given you your medicine, you need to kill her. After that, we''ll leave this place and be together forever." The man said to Claui, a sly grin spreading across his face.
Claui just gave a nod while laughing loudly. Finally, the man he loved would be his and no one else''s. He would make sure tonight to put an end to the life of the woman who always came between them and together they would escape this place.
Playground
I was jolted awake by the blaring siren of a police car just as the dawn was breaking. The sound was so close, it felt like the police car was right outside our house. I immediately got out of bed and looked out the window to see what was happening. Through the glass, I could see several police cars parked by the playground, their flashing lights casting a bright glow over the area. My neighbors were also outside, gathered in small groups, as if they were watching some sort of spectacle unfold. The sight was both eerie and unsettling, and I couldn''t shake off the feeling of unease as I watched the scene unfold.
Just as I was trying to make sense of the scene outside, my mother abruptly opened the door to my room. The worry etched on her face was palpable, her eyes were wide with fear.
"Go back to bed, now," she said firmly, her voice laced with urgency.
She walked over to the window and closed it with a thud, pulling the curtains shut with a swift motion as if she was afraid that someone might see in. The room was plunged into darkness, and the only sound that filled the room was the muffled sound of police sirens and the murmur of my neighbors outside. My mother''s actions only served to heighten my sense of unease
"Mom, what''s going on? Why are there police outside?" I asked, still groggy from being awakened so abruptly, my voice filled with confusion and fear.
"Stop asking questions and go back to bed. It''s too early for this," she replied, her voice tense with urgency. "Just go back to bed," she repeated, her voice trembling with fear. Her eyes were darting around the room, scanning for any potential danger. My mother seemed incredibly uneasy, as if something terrible was about to happen any moment. The tension in the room was palpable, my heart was pounding with fear, and I couldn''t shake off the feeling that something was amiss. It was clear that my mother knew something that she wasn''t telling me and that only added to my growing sense of dread.
Despite my best efforts to fall asleep that early morning, I couldn''t. I simply lay in bed, my mind racing with questions, my heart pounding with fear. The blaring siren of the police car still echoed in my head, and the image of the flashing lights outside my window was burned into my mind. I waited for my mother to call me downstairs for breakfast and to head off to school, but my mind was consumed with worry and fear. Eventually, my mother did call me, and as I sat down to eat, the fear on her face was obvious, her eyes darting around the room as if she was afraid of being overheard.
I couldn''t help but ask her again, my voice filled with urgency, "Mom, what''s going on with the police outside? Why were they there? What happened this morning?" My mother''s reluctance to answer my question only added to my growing sense of dread. The tension in the room was thick and the silence was deafening. Eventually, with great hesitation, she gave an obvious lie to my question.
"They were just fixing something in the playground," my mother replied, her voice tinged with nervousness. "Just eat your breakfast and stop asking questions, or you''ll be late for school."
I quickly finished my breakfast and prepared myself for the day ahead. I immediately prepared myself for the day ahead, my thoughts consumed by the events of the morning.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.
A short while later, the school bus arrived to pick me up. It was a small shuttle bus that would make rounds in our area, picking up students along the way. I made my way towards the bus, my steps heavy with uncertainty. Before I got on, my mother pulled the driver aside, her voice low and urgent.
"Sir Rene, I need you to make sure you bring all the children home on time. And for goodness sake, don''t let them play around the school." My mother turned to me, her voice filled with worry. "Reggie, come straight home after school. Don''t go anywhere else, okay?"
I nodded, my stomach knotting with anxiety, and stepped onto the bus. As soon as I did, the reason for my mother''s concern was clear - two of the nannys were talking loudly, completely ignoring the children around them and the conversation they were having.
"I was visited by Julius''s nanny yesterday. She was worried sick because he hadn''t come home the night before. Who would have thought that he was already dead?", one of the nanny said, her voice trembling with emotion.
"I heard the way he was killed was extremely brutal. They say his body was treated like an animal, it''s beyond comprehension. My God, what kind of person could even think of doing something like that," another nanny added, her voice filled with horror.
"That''s why I always make sure to accompany my kid, you never know, there might be a killer lurking around our neighborhood and it''s just too risky to let them be alone,"
Julius was my closest friend in our neighborhood. We had grown up together, went to the same school and shared many childhood memories. We were more than just classmates, we were brothers. I couldn''t believe it, my mind was in a state of shock. I didn''t know how to feel, I didn''t know how to react. I felt numb, my mind consumed with questions. Thoughts and questions ran through my mind as I tried to process the news.
I was deep in thought all day. Even inside the classroom, I couldn''t focus, my mind was elsewhere. I was quiet and didn''t participate in class, my teachers didn''t pay attention to me because that''s how most of us felt. There was even a point when our teacher, Ma''am Dizon, broke down in tears while informing us that Julius had passed away. The news was a shock to most of us all and left most of the kids in a state of grief, fear, and shock.
The school day came to an end, and as expected, Mang Rene didn''t waste any time, he immediately loaded us all into the bus, and drove us back home. Unlike before, when he would let us play or have a snack before heading back home, he was strict with us today. He dropped off each child at their respective homes, and it was clear that their parents were eagerly waiting for them. If not, Mang Rene would personally escort the child inside the house, along with their guardian, to ensure their safety.
The same scene played out when we got to my house. Even from a distance, I could see my mother waiting for me outside the house, her eyes scanning the street for any sign of me. As soon as I got off the bus, I immediately went inside the house while my mother was still talking to Mang Rene and expressing her gratitude.
I threw my bag onto the floor and quickly changed into my home clothes. I was about to run outside to go to the playground, but my mother stopped me.
"Reginald, you''re not allowed to go out right now." When my mother used my full name, I knew she was angry and serious. I didn''t argue and just went upstairs to my room. Why are they making such a big deal out of what happened earlier. Nothing bad will happen to me like what happened to Julius.
I went into my room and continued to think. I couldn''t believe it, I had asked all the questions in my mind, why...how...
How did they find Julius, I know I hid his body well.
Organ Donor
Joshua lay there, paralyzed, struggling against the weight of his own body. He willed his arm to move, to lift, to obey his command, but nothing happened. His eyelids felt heavy, refusing to open, and a sense of dread began to creep in.
What had happened?
The last thing he remembered was the laughter and camaraderie of a gathering with friends. But amidst the revelry, a headache had begun to pulse, and the room had started to spin. Joshua had experienced this before, the telltale signs of his blood pressure rising, and he cursed himself for giving in to the temptation of the roasted pig. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he felt a chill run through his body, as if his own flesh was rejecting him. He had been about to stand, to try and steady himself, but the spinning had only intensified. And then...nothing.
Panic set in as he wondered if he had suffered a stroke. It was the only logical explanation for his current state, but the thought of it sent a shiver of fear through him. Was it normal for even his eyes to refuse to obey him? Joshua was lost in confusion, unsure of the severity of his condition.
As he lay there, his thoughts grew deeper, and for the first time, he became aware of his surroundings. The bed was cold, unyielding, as if made of stone, slick like a mirror, but not freezing. He realized that he must be lying on a metal bed. The chill was seeping into his muscles, making him shiver.
The sound of a door opening jolted him awake, and he could hear the muffled voices of two men, their words indistinguishable but their presence palpable. Even the sound of their shoes scuffing against the floor was clearly audible in the silence.
"We still have two more to take care of. I want to go home," one of them said, his voice tinged with annoyance.
"Let''s finish this one first. This one would be easier," the other replied.
Joshua couldn''t understand their conversation, but it was a small comfort to know that they were there, that they were taking care of him. The mention of a doctor sent a wave of relief through him, confirming that he was indeed in a hospital. Surely, they wouldn''t neglect him.
As Joshua lay there, his thoughts were interrupted by the sound of metal clanging nearby, like something had fallen. He had been in hospitals before, but there was something different about this one. Why was his bed so hard? Why was the air conditioning so high and why was he so cold? He couldn''t shake the feeling of the metal bed beneath him and the chill in the air. He realized that he wasn''t covered by any blanket.
He fought against the weight on his eyelids, struggling to open them. It felt like something heavy and oppressive was pushing down on them, making it a monumental task. Joshua persisted, determined to see where he was. Finally, he succeeded, his eyes fluttering open to reveal a stark white ceiling above him. But even with his eyes open, he couldn''t move his head to take in his surroundings. He couldn''t even make a sound.
Disturbing sounds filtered into his consciousness. The sharp thud of something being struck, the grating whir of a grinder, and the steady flow of water. Where was he? The door opened again, and he heard someone enter the room.
"Are you not done yet? The other patient is ready for operation?"
"Just a moment. If only you would help us. Do you think it''s that easy to extract an organ from a person? If you want to help, start on the other organ donor."
Extract an organ? Organ donor? The words sent a chill down Joshua''s spine as he began to piece together the gruesome reality of his situation. He was sure he was in a hospital, but the cold, metallic bed and the eerie sounds made him question that assumption. He realized with a sickening sense of dread that he was lying on a dissection table. He was in the morgue.
"I am still alive," He muttered to himself, trying to make sense of the situation. Desperately, he remembered his driver''s license that declared him as an organ donor. The realization hit him like a ton of bricks, maybe they thought he was already dead. But, why was he in the morgue, being prepped for organ removal? He couldn''t comprehend the thoughts swirling in his mind, all that mattered was that he needed to let them know that he was still alive.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
Joshua tried to speak up, to shout, but his voice was nothing more than a whisper. He could hear the muffled conversations of the people around him, the clanking of metal tools, and the squeaky of wheels that needed oil, all of it contributing to the eerie atmosphere.
"Deliver this organ to the operating room. Then call our assistant to prepare the body of this person. Inform the family that they can now take the body," One of the men said, the sound of the door opening and closing indicating that the person had left.
"One more," another voice said, a chill running down his spine as Joshua realized the gravity of the situation.
"What''s the order there?"
"Cornea and lungs,"
He could hear their footsteps getting closer, the sound of their shoes scuffing against the floor. Finally, they came into view, but he didn''t know whether to feel relief or fear. He knew their purpose and it filled him with dread. He tried to move his eyes, he prayed, hoping that they would realize that he was still alive before they operated. That maybe, just maybe, they would check for a pulse. He had to trust the experts in front of him.
They went about their work with precision, the instruments they were using, some for cutting and some for dissecting. This was what he was hearing earlier. They put the blinding light that is often used during operations in front of him. They also put something in his eyes that completely opened his eyelids.
Joshua lay there, paralyzed with fear as the reality of his situation set in. He was trapped, unable to move or speak, at the mercy of these strangers who were preparing to extract his organs. Panic rose in his chest as he desperately tried to convey to them that he was alive, that they had made a mistake. But they were focused on their task, indifferent to his pleas.
He watched in horror as they readied their tools, the glint of steel catching his eye. He could feel the cold metal against his skin, the chill of the room seeping into his bones. He could hear the muffled sound of their conversation, discussing the order in which to remove his organs. He felt like a specimen on a dissection table, nothing more than a collection of parts to be harvested.
"Wait," he said to himself, his thoughts racing as the scalpel hovered inches from his eye. He couldn''t believe that they hadn''t even checked his pulse or noticed that his pupils hadn''t reacted to the light. Surely, they must have seen that he was still alive.
He watched in horror as one of the men in front of him reached for a sharp object, only realizing it was a scalpel when it was pointed directly at his eyes. If he didn''t do something fast, they would proceed with the operation.
He stared at the scalpel, inches from his eyes, held by the hand of one of the men in front of him. Panic raced through him as he realized that if he didn''t act, they would proceed with the operation on him. He searched his mind for a way to make them understand that he was still alive.
Desperate, he forced a sound from his throat, a guttural moan that made the man holding the scalpel pause. The two men exchanged a glance, confusion etched on their faces.
He let out a sigh of relief, feeling a spark of gratitude that he had managed to make a sound. He silently thanked God for being with him in this moment of crisis. He knew that God wouldn''t abandon him.
"Look at this, dude," one of the men said to his colleague, pointing at him.
"Why?"
"Just look."
The other man leaned in, studying him closely. He could sense that they were starting to realize that he was still alive. Maybe they would transfer him to a proper room now. He couldn''t take the cold metal bed or the bright light anymore.
"His eyes are moving?" one of them said, finally noticing the signs of life in him.
He felt a sense of dread wash over him as he heard their laughter echo through the sterile room. The morgue was no place for mirth, not when a living person lay helpless on the table before them. He should have known something was off when no one rushed to his aid after he made a sound. His suspicions were confirmed when the man standing over him spoke.
"We know you''re still alive, Sir. We were going to extract your organs while you were under, but you woke up. Probably due to the number of patients we''ve worked on, we miscalculated the dosage of anesthesia. Just bear with us. It will take more time if we had to inject another dose of anesthesia. We want to get out of here and go home."
Joshua tried to speak, to plead for them to stop, but all that emerged from his throat were weak, muffled sounds. He felt the cold metal of the scalpel pressing against his eye and the searing pain as they cut into the flesh around it. He could feel himself slipping away as they began to make incisions on his chest.
Camping
The sun was high in the sky as three friends, Sam, Rigor, and Joshua, set off on their journey to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The anticipation of a relaxing getaway had been building up for weeks, and they were determined to make the most of it.
The trip took them five hours, but the time passed quickly as they chatted and laughed, excited for the adventure that lay ahead.
Soon as they arrived at their destination, a secluded province known for its beautiful natural pools and cascading waterfalls, the heat of the day was intense but the cool breeze coming off the river and falls provided a welcome reprieve. The province may not have been as popular as others, but for those who loved the outdoors, it was a true paradise.
After a long hike, the three friends, Sam, Rigor, and Joshua, finally arrived at their favorite campsite. They had crossed a small waterfall, walked along the side of the cliff, and almost got lost along the way. In the past, they would have gone to the village office to ask a local to guide them to the place and pay them a small fee, but they had been there so many times before that they decided to go on their own this time.
While on their way to the campsite, they stopped to take in the stunning view in front of them. The natural pool was surrounded by lush greenery and had a small waterfall cascading down into it, which was only three feet tall. The water was so clear that it looked like a mirror reflecting the blue sky above.
"Wohoo! We''re back!" Sam exclaimed, unable to contain his excitement.
"It''s beautiful, isn''t it?" Rigor said, taking in the view.
"Yeah, it never gets old," Joshua added, taking off his backpack.
"Josh, before you jump in the water, help us set up the tent first. You know you''ll just run off and leave us if we don''t keep an eye on you," Sam joked with Joshua.
"Hey, I''m not that bad. I''ll help set up the tent later, but I''m taking a swim first," Joshua replied with a grin.
"What are you going to use for sleeping? I thought you were bringing your own tent," Rigor asked Joshua.
"I''ll just sleep in a sleeping bag. No need to set up a separate tent for me," Joshua explained.
"Alright, but make sure you help us with the tent first," Sam said, starting to unpack the camping gear. But without further ado, Joshua jumped excitedly on the nature-made pool.
As Joshua submerged himself in the cool, clear water of the natural pool, the two others busied themselves setting up the tent. Joshua couldn''t help but feel a sense of childlike excitement as he dove in and out of the water, the coolness invigorating his body and the sound of the waterfall providing a soothing background noise. Every now and then, he let out a shout of joy, causing his friends to look over at him with a hint of envy in their eyes. They quickened the pace of their tent setup, eager to join Joshua in the water and make the most of the beautiful day.
As the sun began to set, the three friends sat around a small fire they had built, sipping on the bottles of wine they had brought along. They had buried the bottles near the river earlier in the day to keep them cool, and now they were the perfect temperature to enjoy. As they relaxed and laughed, they couldn''t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to escape the stresses of daily life and spend time in nature''s beauty.
As the night went on, they moved on to a few more bottles of wine and before they knew it, they were feeling a bit tipsy. They knew that they should probably stop drinking and go to bed, but the thought of ending the night and the company of each other was not something they wanted to do. So, they continued to talk and laugh around the fire, watching the stars come out in the sky.
Eventually, they knew it was time to call it a night, Rigor and Sam settled into the tent while Joshua set up his sleeping bag next to the dying fire. The fire provided him with enough warmth and the sound of the crickets and the rustling leaves lulled him to sleep.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
The next morning, they woke up to the warm rays of the sun filtering through the trees. Joshua, who had been sleeping outside in his sleeping bag, was the last to wake up, thanks to a nudge from Sam.
"Come on, lazybones. It''s already afternoon," Sam said, trying to rouse Joshua from his slumber.
Joshua groggily sat up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes and scowling at Sam. "What''s the big idea, waking me up so early? I was having a great dream," he grumbled.
Rigor emerged from the tent, a grin on his face. "Don''t be mad at Sam, he''s just trying to make sure we make the most of the day. Besides, we can''t just sleep all day and miss out on all the fun," he said, trying to cheer up Joshua.
"Fun? I don''t call waking up to the sound of someone''s foot in my face fun," Joshua grumbled, still rubbing his eyes.
"Come on, Josh. Don''t be like that. We''ve got a whole day ahead of us, and I don''t want to spend it arguing," Sam said, trying to make peace.
"Fine, fine. I''m up," Joshua said, finally standing up and stretching his arms. "But I''m not climbing down that mountain again. I''ll just eat some Pork and Beans and call it a day."
A moment later, Joshua noticed Rigor and Sam staring at him with worried expressions. He raised an eyebrow, "What''s going on guys? Is something wrong?"
Rigor and Sam exchanged a glance before Rigor spoke up, "Yeah, we noticed something on your face."
Joshua was confused, "What are you talking about?"
Sam gestured towards Joshua''s left forehead, "You have a bump on your left forehead. It''s quite noticeable."
Joshua reached up to touch his left forehead, feeling a small bump that was soft to the touch. He grabbed his phone and used it as a mirror, examining the bump on his face. It was bigger than a pimple, but smaller than a normal bump, and there was a small black circle inside it, that looked like an insect egg. He thought about squeezing it, but the thought of the pain made him stop.
The three friends gathered around Joshua to take a look at the bump. It was clearly visible that there were small black dots inside, and it seemed to be moving.
"It''s alive!" Rigor exclaimed in shock.
"How did that even get in there?" Sam asked, with a mixture of disgust and curiosity.
The three friends didn''t waste any time and immediately decided to leave the campsite and head to the nearest hospital. Upon arriving at the hospital, Joshua was quickly examined by the doctor, who couldn''t believe what he was seeing. The doctor had never encountered such a condition before. It appeared to be a live insect inside of Joshua''s cheek. The doctor gently pressed on the bump and Joshua let out a cry of pain.
"I''m sorry, it appears that you have an insect inside your temple. The black dots are its eyes. I''m not sure what kind of insect it is," the doctor explained.
"Do you need to operate on it?" Sam asked, worried for his friend.
"We''re not sure yet. It seems that the insect is sensitive and every time it moves, it digs deeper into your temple. The pain you''re feeling is the insect digging into your skull. We don''t have any information on this insect," the doctor replied.
"Then let''s just operate on it. Before it starts eating his brain," Rigor suggested.
"We don''t have enough information on this insect, and it might be dangerous to open the bump before we know what we''re dealing with. It might dig deeper into your friend''s skull," the doctor said.
"What is that insect doing in his temple?" Sam asked, still in shock.
"I believe it''s laying eggs inside his body. It''s a defense mechanism for some insects," the doctor said.
As Joshua screamed in agony, his two friends watched in horror as the bump on his forehead began to split open, revealing a wriggling black mass inside. Blood gushed out as Joshua thrashed on the floor, pounding his head against the hard tiles in a desperate attempt to make the pain stop. His friends tried to hold him down, but he was too strong in the grip of his agony. They could do nothing but watch helplessly as the writhing black mass inside the bump on his forehead slowly consumed his face, drowning out his screams until he finally lay still and silent.
Sam was the first to break down, running to the hospital bathroom to retch and cry as the reality of what had just happened sunk in. He couldn''t believe that a happy camping trip had ended in the death of his friend. As he clutched his chest, he felt something bumpy under his shirt. In a state of growing panic, he tore off his clothes and found his body covered in small bumps, each one wriggling with the same black mass that had killed Joshua.
The Writer
Elle sat at her desk; frustration etched across her face as she glared at the blank document on her computer screen. She had been trying to write for hours, but the words just wouldn''t come. Her butt ached from sitting in the same position for so long and her neck was stiff from hunching over her laptop. She glanced at the clock and was shocked to see that it was already past 9pm. She cursed herself for not making more progress and for promising her readers that she would have an update for them tonight. She let out a sigh and leaned back in her chair, massaging her tired arms and stretching out her aching back.
But even as she prepared to shut down her laptop and call it a night, Elle couldn''t shake the feeling of impatience that had been building inside her all day. She had been so excited to sit down and finally write, but now she was feeling defeated and exhausted. She grabbed the mouse and navigated to the power options, eager to close the laptop and get some much-needed rest. As she shut off the device, she couldn''t help but feel frustrated and annoyed with herself. All she wanted was to crawl into bed and sleep, hoping that tomorrow would bring a fresh perspective and new ideas.
"I''ll just update it tomorrow,"she said weakly.
Exhausted, Elle closed her laptop and stumbled towards her bed, too tired to even wash her face before collapsing onto the soft mattress. Within moments, the sound of a woman deep in slumber filled the room.
Elle was an online fictional writer who had a small but dedicated following. Although she wasn''t the most well-known writer on the platform, her readers were always excited for her updates. Two of her works had been turned into physical books, and one was in the process of being adapted into a movie. Despite being a full-time college student with other responsibilities, Elle made time for her passion for writing. She had no plans to give it up anytime soon. It was a good thing it was Friday evening, because if it wasn''t, her classmates would have noticed the dark circles under her eyes again, a telltale sign that she had been staying up late to write.
Saturday morning arrived and Elle woke up with excitement buzzing through her veins. She had been eagerly anticipating the delivery of her new table, something she had saved up for with the money she earned from her writing. As she waited for the delivery, she decided to pass the time by opening up her writing account and starting work on a new entry. She had promised herself that she would write something today and she was determined to follow through on that promise.
As she sat at her old, cramped table, her fingers flying across the keyboard as she lost herself in her writing, a knock at the door pulled her out of her creative trance. She jumped up, her heart racing as she rushed to answer it. Could it be the delivery of her new table already? She threw open the door and sure enough, there was a delivery man standing there with a large package carried through a pushcart trolley. Elle could hardly contain her excitement as she signed for the package and helped the man carry it inside. Finally, she would have a proper workspace where she could focus on her writing without any distractions. She couldn''t wait to set it up and get to work.
"Hi there, are you Elle?" the delivery guy asked, smiling as he held out a clipboard.
"Yes, that''s me," Elle replied, grinning back at him.
"Great, I''ve got your table here. Can you just sign a few papers for me?"This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Elle eagerly signed the papers, practically bouncing on her toes with excitement as the delivery guy and his assistant brought the table inside and carried it up to her bedroom. She instructed them on the best position to place the new table, and asked them to dispose of her old table for her. As a gesture of gratitude, she gave them a generous tip before they left.
Finally, the table was all hers. She ran her hands over the smooth, cool surface, already imagining all the stories she would create at her new workspace. She couldn''t wait to get started.
Elle was thrilled to see her new table as she entered her room. It was much larger than her old table and seemed to be more comfortable. It had a professional look, like the tables usually seen in offices. The only difference seemed to be that almost the entire table was covered in wood, except for the place where the chair was placed. It seemed like one person could fit inside the area covered with wood.
She immediately placed her laptop on the new table and resumed typing her stories. She no longer experienced neck stiffness as she worked, thanks to the comfortable design of the table. She finished her update for her novel series quickly and even had time to engage with her readers.
Elle spent the entire week working on her new table, feeling productive and satisfied with her progress. But little did she know, an unexpected event was about to turn everything upside down.
Every morning, Elle eagerly opened her writing account to read the messages from her loyal followers. As a writer, she found it motivating to start her day with the support of her readers. However, one morning, she received a notification that surprised her. A fellow writer had dedicated a story to her.
At first, Elle was flattered. It wasn''t uncommon for writers to dedicate their work to one another as a sign of appreciation. But as she began to read the story, she realized that it was unlike any other dedication she had received before. It felt like a letter specifically written for her. And the contents of the story were even more unsettling. The writer had somehow managed to capture her daily habits, her writing style, and even the quirks of her new writing desk in great detail. It was as if the writer had been watching her every move.
Elle scrolled through the comments, searching for the identity of the mysterious writer. But all she found was the pseudonym. Plus, the writer referred to Elle as "the writer with the new table." She couldn''t shake off the feeling that someone was watching her, and the thought made her skin crawl.
But that wasn''t the end of the dedication from the mysterious writer. In fact, it seemed to only be the beginning. With each subsequent message, the writer became more and more obsessed with Elle, constantly referencing her as the "writer with the new table." Every time she sat down to write on that table, she couldn''t shake the feeling that someone was watching her. The messages from the writer only added to her paranoia, with claims that they would always be together and that he would never leave her side.
One night, Elle was jolted awake by the feeling that someone was in the room with her. She sat up, heart racing, and thought she heard the sound of footsteps. She fumbled for the light switch, but when she turned it on, the room was empty.
Exhausted and on edge, Elle decided to try and get some writing done. She opened her laptop and stared at the screen, willing the words to come. But as the minutes ticked by, she found herself unable to focus.
In a fit of frustration, she decided to check out the profile of the writer who had been leaving her all these strange messages. The username they used was "Watchful Eyes," and as she clicked on it, a shiver ran down her spine. When she saw the writer''s location listed as "inside the new table," she screamed.
The Doll
"Okay class, today we are going to learn how to make dolls using only items found inside the house," said Ms. Heidi Edwards to her students.
Ms. Edwards was a Home Economics teacher at Fairmount Highschool. She had been teaching there for a long time and was currently in charge of teaching second year students how to cook, sew, and do various household chores that could be turned into a source of income.
One by one, Ms. Edwards handed out the materials needed to make dolls to her students. There were some old pieces of fabric, buttons, thread, and thick, colorful straws.
This wasn''t the first time she had taught her students how to make dolls. She had also taught her previous students, and before becoming a teacher, she used to make dolls to sell as a hobby. She enjoyed making dolls. Hopefully, she can pass her passion to her students and even to her young child.
"Okay, first we''re going to make a pattern. It''s up to you what kind of doll you want to make," she also gave her students the freedom to make whatever they wanted, even if it was slightly different from her own style of making dolls.
As soon as the students began working, Ms. Heidi left them to their own devices. She wanted to see the creativity of her students. She started working on her own doll as well. Ms. Heidi did not realize that the forty minutes of their class had passed by quickly. She had been so immersed in making her own doll that she hadn''t even noticed the sound of the bell signaling the end of class. Before the students could all leave, Jovy approached her with a question.
"Ma''am, is it okay if we use other things besides the materials you provided?"
Ms. Heidi was pleased with Jovy''s question. It was clear that this student was also interested in making dolls, just like her.
"Of course. You can use any old thing if it will improve the appearance of your doll."
As Jovy listened to her teacher''s words, she couldn''t contain her excitement. The class was just dismissing, but she couldn''t wait to start working on their doll project again the next day. Ms. Heidi allowed the students to leave their dolls in the Home Economics room to ensure that their parents wouldn''t be the ones working on their projects.
And that''s exactly what happened the next day. Jovy brought in additional materials like the eyes from an old doll, shoes, and unique fabrics for the doll''s clothes. As the days passed, her classmates noticed the gradual improvement of her doll.
"Wow! You''re really good at making dolls," one of her classmates remarked.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.
"Your doll looks even better than Ms. Heidi''s," another joked.
Ms. Heidi didn''t let the comment made by one of her students go unnoticed. She pretended to smile, but inside she was determined not to let anyone surpass her in doll-making, certainly not by her student. The day ended and the students left their dolls in the classroom once again. Ms. Heidi examined her students'' dolls and, even though they weren''t labeled, she immediately knew which one was made by Jovy. It had a hat made of paper that had been soaked in varnish and the way it was sewn was neat and clean.
"This will not be the end of it," Ms. Heidi whispered to herself.
The following day, when the students arrived, they were surprised to see a doll on their teacher''s desk. It was bigger than Ms. Heidi''s first doll. Its face wasn''t just a simple fabric with stuffed cotton, but rather a molded plastic, as were its hands and feet.
"Wow! Ms. Heidi, it''s beautiful. It looks expensive."
Ms. Edwards was pleased with the compliments her students were giving her, but that triumph was short-lived. All eyes were back on Jovy''s doll as he started painting the doll''s body a flesh color. He even had a dress ready to put on it.
"Wow! It''s like you''re competing with Ms. Heidi in terms of the beauty of the dolls." One student noticed.
Ms. Edwards secretly clenched her fists in frustration at what Jovy was doing. She never thought his doll would be more beautiful than hers. The girl seemed to have endless creativity.
That night, Ms. Edwards struggled to fall asleep as she tried to come up with a way to outdo her student''s creation. She couldn''t allow herself to be defeated in the art of doll making. But what more could she do? She had already tried using every material at her disposal, yet she still couldn''t surpass Jovy''s doll.
She got out of bed and paced around her room, but no ideas came to her. In the end, she remembered her own child''s dolls. She quickly went to her child''s room to examine the dolls that some of them were even from other countries, gifts from her husband who worked offshore.
She scrutinized them, but it seemed like none of them were unique enough to surpass Jovy''s creation. She needed something special to beat it. As she looked at her sleeping child, she gently stroked its hair and watched as a strange smile played on its lips.
The next day when the students arrived, they were greeted by Ms. Edwards. Her eyes were red and there were dark circles around them. Her skin was also uncharacteristically greasy and acne-prone. Her hair was disheveled, as if she hadn''t combed it.
"Ma''am, are you okay?" Jovy asked his teacher.
"I''m fine, Jovy. In fact, I''ve finished my doll. It''s on the table," Ms. Edwards replied.
Jovy slowly approached the doll and gasped in shock at what he saw. The doll had skin that looked like a real person''s, and its hair, eyes, nose, and teeth were all from a real person. The other students screamed in fear.
"Is it pretty, class? I didn''t think I''d be able to make such a beautiful doll. But luckily, I have my child to thank. She is still something that you can see inside the house right? Technicalyl, I did not violate any rules," Ms. Edwards said.
Hitobashira
The hallway was unusually quiet, with only a few lights left on to guide Grace Tetangco as she walked down the empty corridor. She had stayed late at the advertising agency she managed, which was located in a small building owned by a Japanese man named Mr. Akira Kobayashi.
Although they had only been in the building for a week, Grace had grown accustomed to working long hours. She had no family or partner waiting for her at home and had chosen to remain in the Philippines while her parents and siblings migrated abroad. Grace had often been told that she was foolish for choosing to stay in the Philippines instead of pursuing a career in Europe.
As she approached the office on the third floor, she noticed it was the only one with light spilling out from the windows. She wasn''t bothered by the fact that she was alone in the building - in fact, she found the quiet and stillness to be a source of solace. It allowed her to focus on her work.
"Excuse me, Ma''am. I''m just wondering how much longer are you planning to work?" Grace hadn''t noticed the arrival of Mr. Reuben in her office. She had been so focused on her work that she didn''t even hear him knock. Mr. Reuben was the security guard at the small building, and he looked a little uncomfortable as he shifted from foot to foot. "It''s just that my wife has been waiting for me at home, and my shift ended a while ago."
Grace felt a twinge of guilt as she glanced at the security guard. She had been so wrapped up in her work that she hadn''t even considered that Mr. Reuben would be waiting for her to finish.
Her works were almost done, but she knew that she needed to be considerate of the man who stood before her. After all, he was a family man, and it wasn''t his fault that Grace had chosen to work overtime.
"I''m sorry, Mr. Reuben," she said, closing her laptop. "I didn''t mean to keep you waiting. You can just leave the lock here, I''ll be done in a while."
The security guard carefully put down the four locks on top of Grace''s desk. He grabbed the key and politely said goodbye before leaving the office. As Grace returned to her work, she couldn''t shake the feeling that something wasn''t quite right. She had just settled back into her task when she heard the sound of running footsteps coming down the stairs.
"Mr. Reuben?" she called out, a hint of confusion in her voice. The footsteps didn''t sound like they belonged to a large person - they were too light and quick. It was almost as if a child were running down the stairs.
Grace called out again, but there was no response. She began to feel uneasy, wondering if someone else had entered the building. She sat frozen in her chair for a moment, listening intently for any other sounds. When none came, she stood up and slowly made her way to the door, her heart racing in her chest.
Grace frantically searched her office for something to defend herself with, but all she could find was an old umbrella leaning against the wall. She grabbed it and held it tightly, her knuckles turning white as she clutched the handle. She took one last look around the hallway before gathering the courage to step out of her office.
As she descended the stairs, she called out again, her voice shaking with fear. "Is anyone there? Mr. Reuben?" There was no response, and the silence was deafening. She took each step slowly, her heart pounding in her chest.
When she reached the second floor, it was so dark that she could barely see. She fumbled for the light switch, her hands shaking as she turned it on. The fluorescent bulbs flickered to life, illuminating a young child - no more than ten years old - running towards the fire exit.
"Hey! You''re not allowed to play here!" Grace''s fear was quickly replaced by anger. She couldn''t believe that her work had been interrupted by a misbehaving child, and the thought of almost dying from fear of an intruder made her blood boil.
Grace''s heart raced as she sprinted towards the fire exit. When she flung the door open, she saw the child''s small figure darting down the stairs, laughing as if he was enjoying some private joke. "I''m not playing around. This isn''t a playground," Grace shouted, her face red with anger. She tried to chase after the child, but he was too fast and had already slipped out the door by the time she reached it.
As she stepped outside, the darkness enveloped her, making it difficult to see. "Hello?" she called out, but there was no response except for the fading sound of the child''s laughter. "I''m not amused. If you''re out there, come out now. If you don''t, I''ll call the police."
"Go ahead and call the police. That way, I''ll be forced to come out," a small voice replied from behind her. Grace turned to see the child standing there, a mischievous glint in his eyes. He took off running again, and Grace chased after him, her heart pounding in her chest.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
She had to be careful not to trip and fall in the darkness, but she was determined to catch the little troublemaker. "Kid, wait. Are you trying to be annoying? I''m really going to call the police," she shouted, her voice laced with anger.
All she could see was the blur of the child''s clothes as he ran, disappearing into the darkness.
Grace''s legs were trembling with exhaustion and her vision was starting to blur. She couldn''t believe she had been foolish enough to chase after the child without turning on the lights first.
"If I catch you, you''re in big trouble," she threatened, her voice shaking with anger and fatigue.
As she stumbled blindly through the darkness, she didn''t see the pillar of the building until she ran straight into it. The child she had been chasing seemed to have vanished into thin air. Gritting her teeth in frustration, Grace leaned against the pillar, rubbing her sore hand.
That''s when she noticed something strange about the surface of the pillar. She couldn''t see it, but it felt uneven, almost as if it had been carved with a human face. She explored the rough patch with her hand and gasped in shock. It felt like a small, child-sized face was etched into the stone. Trembling with fear, Grace backed away slowly, wondering how long the face had been there and how she could have missed it before.
"Help me, I want to get out of this building," a voice suddenly spoke up, causing Grace to jump in surprise. She had no idea where the voice was coming from, but it seemed to be coming from the direction of the pillar.
Her heart was pounding in her chest and her hands were shaking as she tightly clutched the umbrella. She couldn''t believe what was happening. She slowly backed away towards the stairs. She didn''t want to make any noise, not until she knew what was lurking in the darkness with her. She couldn''t shake the feeling that she was being watched by unseen eyes.
After a few steps, Grace saw the dim light of the stairs and rushed towards it, taking the stairs two at a time up to the third floor. She burst into her office, slamming the door behind her and locking it before leaning against it, finally allowing herself to take a deep, steadying breath.
Her heart was pounding in her chest and her hands were shaking as she frantically gathered her things, stuffing them haphazardly into her bag. She grabbed the building''s lock and was about to leave when she saw the child standing inside, looking pale and ghostly.
The child''s face was sad and haunted, and Grace felt a mix of fear and sympathy wash over her. She didn''t know what to do or say, and for a moment, she just stood there staring at the child, unsure of what to do next.
"Don''t leave me here," the child begged, tears streaming down his face. "I want to get out of this place. Please help me."
Grace hesitated for a moment before slowly opening the door. She didn''t know why, but she felt drawn to the child and wanted to help him in any way she could.
"How can I help you? I don''t even know you. You should just go home," Grace said softly.
"My body is on the pillar. They put me there. Please help me escape," the child said, his voice shaking with fear.
"Pillar? You need to go home to your parents," Grace urged.
"My father put me there. He works as a construction worker for this building. He sent me here to bring food, but I never made it home after that. If you demolish the pillar on the left, you''ll find me. Please help me," the child begged.
Grace was about to open the door further and try to talk to the child when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned around to see Mr. Kobayashi standing behind her, a concerned look on his face.
"Thank God you''re here, Mr. Kobayashi. There was a child in my office just now...," Grace opened the door to her office to show the child to Mr. Kobayashi, but the child was not there. "Where did the child go?" she called out, but no child emerged.
"What child are you talking about, Grace?" Mr. Akira asked.
"There was a child here. He said his body was on the pillar of the building. We have to help him."
"You''re not being rational, Grace. How could a child end up on a pillar in the building? If he was there, he would surely be dead by now. Having a dead body in the building brings bad luck to our business."
Grace''s head spun as she tried to process the child''s words. Akira''s words made sense. But how does she explain what happened earlier? How much of this is true? Had a crime been committed in this very building?
Without a second thought, she grabbed her phone from her bag and began dialing the police. But before she could complete the call, a hard, blunt object struck the back of her head, causing her to crumple to the floor. She struggled to stay conscious, her ears ringing as Mr. Akira''s voice drifted towards her.
"I won''t let you ruin everything I''ve worked for. That child''s body is what holds this building together, keeping it safe from calamities. You won''t expose my sacrifice to the authorities."
Grace''s vision faded to black. That was the last time someone saw Grace. Rumors circulated that Grace had either fled or taken her own life, unable to handle the financial ruin of her company.
But the truth was far more sinister. Mr. Akira had silenced Grace, ensuring that she would never reveal the dark secrets of the building. And as he moved on to his next project, who knew how many more bodies would be cemented into the walls, their fates sealed forever.
Push
"Come on, one last push!" The midwife crouched at the foot of the bed, her voice urgent. "I can see the baby''s head, just a few more pushes and you''ll be able to hold your little one in your arms."
Tears streamed down the face of the laboring woman as she struggled to find the strength for one final push. Sweat glistened on her forehead and her body trembled with exertion. She clutched the hand of her partner, who stood at her side, offering words of encouragement and love.
"You can do this, honey," he said, his voice steady and reassuring. "Just a little bit longer. Our baby is almost here."
With a guttural cry, the woman summoned all of her energy and pushed with all her might. She felt a moment of intense pressure, and then a surge of relief as the baby emerged into the world.
As the cries of the newborn filled the room, the woman collapsed back onto the bed, her face etched with pain and exhaustion. But there was also a hint of a smile as she listened to the sound of her child''s first cries. The midwife swiftly tended to the infant, cutting the umbilical cord and wrapping the tiny body in a soft blanket.
***
Leila''s eyes were still closed, but she could hear the hushed whispers of the two people in the room. She felt a dull ache in her lower body and her mind was foggy and disoriented. She slowly opened her eyes, but the bright light of the lamp was too much for her, causing her to squint and close them again. The people in the room noticed that she was awake.
"Leila, are you okay?" It was Henry''s voice, the man whose hand she had been gripping tightly during labor.
Oh right, I had just given birth.
That must be why she still felt so weak and drained, she thought. She tried to open her eyes again, this time more slowly and saw that her mother-in-law was also in the room. She attempted to sit up, but the effort proved to be too much for her depleted energy.
"Leila, darling, are you all right?" Henry asked concern etched on his face.
"I''m okay, Henry," she croaked, her voice hoarse from the exertion of childbirth. "I just want to see the baby." She was exhausted, but the anticipation of seeing her newborn was too much to bear. After all, this was their first child, and the excitement of becoming parents had been building for months.
"You need to rest, Leila. You don''t want to risk bleeding again," Henry cautioned, his voice filled with love and concern.
Her mother-in-law, never one to hold her tongue, interjected with the news that Henry had been trying to keep from Leila. "There are complications with the baby, dear."
"Ma, please," Henry begged, trying to shield Leila from the information.
It was too late, though. Leila had heard the words and fear and worry washed over her. She could handle complications, as long as they didn''t involve her newborn.
"It''s nothing we can''t handle," Henry assured her, his voice calm and steady. "I''ll make sure everything is okay. Just rest and let me take care of everything."
Leila couldn''t shake the feeling of dread. "What kind of complications?" she asked, her voice trembling.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
"The baby''s face is deformed," her mother-in-law answered matter-of-factly.
Leila searched their faces, hoping to find some sign that they were joking. But she saw only the truth in their eyes. Tears welled up in hers as the reality of the situation hit her.
"Ma, how could you?" Henry scolded his mother, his voice filled with anger and hurt.
"She needs to know, Henry. It''s better to hear it now than later," his mother insisted.
Henry wrapped his arms around Leila as she broke down in sobs, her shoulders shaking with the force of her emotions. They didn''t know what the future held for their child, especially now that they knew their baby was different.
"I want to see her," Leila managed to say through her tears.
Henry nodded and approached the nurse, requesting that Leila be allowed to see the baby. The nurse hesitated, but eventually relented and brought the swaddled newborn to Leila.
As Leila gazed upon her child, the tears flowed freely down her face. The baby was beautiful, but the deformity was undeniable. Half of the baby''s face was underdeveloped, leaving it misshapen and imperfect. Leila''s heart was filled with both sadness and love as she gazed upon her child.
"She''s beautiful," Leila whispered
***
Five years had passed and Leila and Henry had done everything in their power to care for and raise their daughter, Charity, to the best of their abilities. Despite their efforts, her condition remained complex and untreatable.
One day, the family decided to take a vacation to Baguio. As they were driving, their car broke down on a winding road. Leila and Henry got out of the car while Henry tried to fix the engine.
Charity looked around, taking in the breathtaking beauty of the place. It was so different from the city she was used to. Unknowingly, her mother watched her intently, deep in thought. Charity still looked the same, with her face often covered by a facemask and glasses to avoid drawing attention. But how long could they keep shielding her from the judgment of others?
Leila approached her daughter, standing at the edge of the road. She grabbed Charity''s shoulder tightly and gave it a gentle squeeze as tears streamed down her face.
"Mama loves you so much. I''m doing this to save you from the cruel judgment of the world." With those words, Leila pushed Charity off the edge of the road. The little girl''s body tumbled down the cliff like a toy thrown carelessly aside. It was the only solution Leila could think of to protect her child from the suffering that was yet to come in life.
****
Leila and Henry grieved the loss of their daughter, Charity, for a long time. A few years later, they were blessed with another child, a beautiful and healthy baby girl. They named her Chastity.
The baby girl had dark, round eyes that shone like onyx stones. Her nose was tall and perfectly symmetrical, giving her a regal appearance. Her lips were full and rosy, making her look like a porcelain doll. She had soft, creamy skin that was free of blemishes or imperfections. Her hair was dark and thick, falling in curls around her face. Overall, she was a beautiful, a true blessing to Leila and Henry.
On Chastity''s fifth birthday, the family took another vacation to Baguio. As they were driving, their car broke down on the winding road again. Henry looked at the car, trying to figure out why it had stalled, while Chastity and Leila looked around. Leila couldn''t help but feel guilty about what she had done to Charity. She looked towards the spot where she had pushed her daughter off the cliff and couldn''t stop the flood of memories from coming back to her.
Leila couldn''t stop the ache in her heart as she thought about her daughter, Charity. She had made a terrible mistake in pushing her off the cliff, driven by her desperate desire to protect her from the judgment of the world. Every day, she was haunted by the memory of that moment and the guilt that came with it. She longed for the chance to hold Charity in her arms again and make amends for her actions.
As Leila was lost in thought, she didn''t notice Chastity approaching her. The child took her mother''s hand and Leila sat down, embracing her daughter tightly. As she held Chastity, the child spoke, causing Leila''s hair to stand on end.
"Ma! Please don''t push me again."
Forgiveness
"It is said that in the final moments of one''s life, they will revisit and see the entirety of their life''s events. You will experience everything again. It is also said that time slows down in one''s final breaths. What if this moment is the point at which you return to the events of your life?"
You stand up and start pacing around the room, trying to make sense of it all. You can''t shake the feeling that something is off, that this world is not quite right. You try to focus on the familiar things around you, the books on the shelves, the photo of your family on the desk, but they seem distant and hazy, as if seen through a veil.
You stop in front of the mirror and stare at your reflection, searching for some sign of familiarity, but the face looking back seems to be blurry. You run your fingers over your features, trying to anchor yourself in this reality, but the doubts linger.
You sit back down on the bed and bury your face in the book that you are reading, feeling a sense of despair wash over you. What if this is not a dream, but something far more sinister? What if this is not your life, but someone else''s, and you are just an observer trapped in their memories? The thought makes you dizzy, and you lay back on the bed, feeling a wave of nausea wash over you.
You threw the book in your hand, feeling frustrated with the thoughts that it brought to your mind. It had been a few days since you and your brother were involved in a car accident. You had taken the car without permission and convinced your younger brother, Ardie, to come with you. Now, as you sat in your bedroom, you couldn''t help but worry about whether Ardie would survive. If only you could switch places with him, you would do it in a heartbeat. The guilt weighed heavily on you as you thought about the consequences of your actions.
You tried calming yourself by focusing on your surroundings. The sound of the crickets outside filled your ears, a familiar and soothing noise. But as you listened more closely, the chirping began to sound like a ringing, a painful ringing that reminded you of the hospital. It was like small voices talking to you, reminding you of the constant beeping of machines and the fear of someone''s impending death. You stood up, unable to take the noise any longer, and slammed the window shut to block out the sound. Why have you been thinking about death so much these past few days?
You stood up from your bedroom and declared, "Ardie won''t die." You are trying to convince yourself that everything will be all right. You walked to the living room, hoping to distract yourself and relieve some of your anxieties. You sat on the sofa and turned on the television, trying to focus your attention on something other than your thoughts. But every so often, your mind would wander back to
Ardie and the guilt and fear would wash over you again. You couldn''t shake the feeling that it was your fault, that you were the one who had made the wrong decision and caused the accident. You tried to push the thoughts away and focus on the television, but they kept creeping back.
You were the one driving the car that night, and you couldn''t help but wonder if you had made a wrong turn or a mistake that led to the accident. You clenched your fists, feeling a wave of emotion wash over you. You just wanted Ardie to be okay, and you couldn''t bear the thought of losing your brother.
You knew it was your fault that Ardie was in the hospital, fighting for his life. You couldn''t shake the image of his pale face, the beeping of the machines, the doctors and nurses rushing around. It was all your fault.
As you sat on your sofa, you heard the sound of a vehicle stopping outside your house. You rushed to the window to see who it was and saw your mother getting out of a taxi. You immediately turned off the TV and ran back to your bedroom, not wanting to face anyone right now.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.
You were overwhelmed with guilt and shame for causing the car accident that had landed your younger brother in the hospital. But as you heard the front door opening and your father''s voice, you knew you couldn''t hide forever. You braced yourself for their reactions, but the shock of hearing your brother''s voice as well was almost too much to bear.
Despite the relief you should have felt knowing he was out of the hospital, you couldn''t bring yourself to feel truly happy about it, not when it was your fault he had been there in the first place.
Then, a moment later, you heard something being dragged across the floor upstairs. You couldn''t resist the urge to find out what was going on, so you stood up and tiptoed to the door, peering through the peephole. Your heart ached as you watched your father struggle to lift Ardie, while your mother pulled the wheelchair upstairs. You knew you should go help, but you couldn''t bring yourself to face them, not yet.
You felt a weight on your chest as you watched the scene unfold. Guilt and shame washed over you as you realized that it was all your fault. If you had just listened to your father and stayed home, none of this would have happened. You made a rash decision to take the car out for a joyride, and now your brother was paying the price.
You sat in front of your bedroom door, hugging your knees and burying your face in your arms. You couldn''t bear the thought of facing your family and seeing the disappointment and anger in their eyes. You knew you had made a grave mistake and you couldn''t forgive yourself for it.
You couldn''t hold in your frustration any longer and punched the door with all your might. You couldn''t believe that you were the cause of your brother''s injury and it was all because of your recklessness. Tears streamed down your face as you collapsed to the ground, feeling overwhelmed with guilt and shame. Just as you were about to succumb to your emotions, you heard your mother''s voice calling your name softly. "It''s time to stop all this and just rest. We are not blaming you," she said, her voice filled with love and concern.
You sat at the front door, listening as your parents entered your brother''s room. You wanted to see him, but you were too ashamed of what you had done.
After a while, you heard your parents enter their own room, and you knew that this was the perfect opportunity to go and see Ardie and ask for forgiveness.
You gathered all of your courage and stood up, knowing that it would be even more shameful not to ask for forgiveness. If Ardie was going to curse you, beat you, or hate you, you deserved it. You had to accept whatever punishment he would give you.
You quietly walked to his room and gently turned the knob, opening the door to reveal Ardie lying in his bed, his small frame looking pitiful and weak, almost his entire body bound in plaster and a neck and leg brace. The sight of your sin was too much to bear, and you fell to your knees, sobbing uncontrollably.
Despite your guilt, you couldn''t resist the urge to touch his face, tears streaming down your cheeks as you whispered your apologies. You couldn''t even understand the words coming out of your mouth, your grief overwhelming you.
Suddenly, your brother woke up and let out a scream of terror. "Mom! Dad! Help! He''s in here!" he called out, his voice filled with fear.
You froze, unsure of what to do. You knew you needed to explain yourself, to make your brother understand that you didn''t mean for any of this to happen. But the words wouldn''t come, and you stood there helplessly as your brother''s cries for help echoed through the room.
"I''m so sorry, Ardie," you said, tears streaming down your face as you knelt beside your brother''s bed. "I never meant for this to happen. It''s all my fault, I should have never taken the car without permission."
Your parents rushed to your brother, watching the scene with heavy hearts.
"Ma, he''s here," your brother said filled with terror.
"Son it is time for you to rest. We are not blaming you. Let your soul rest. We will be fine knowing that you are at peace on the other side,"
Realization struck you upon hearing your mother''s words.
The Meal
Sting sat at his computer, engrossed in his latest online game. He had been playing for hours, and the sun had long since set. As he navigated through the virtual world, he heard a knock at the door.
"Who is it?" Sting called out, his voice laced with frustration. He didn''t want to be disturbed while he was in the middle of a game.
"It''s your mom, Sting," came the reply from the other side of the door.
Sting sighed and stood up, making his way to the door. He unlocked it and pulled it open to see his mother standing on the doorstep.
"Hey, Mom," Sting said, trying to hide his annoyance. "What''s up?"
"I need you to run an errand for me," his mom said, holding out a list of items. "Can you go to Nico''s butcher shop and buy some meat for dinner tonight?"
Sting glanced at the list, then nodded. "Sure, I can do that. How much do you want me to get?"
"Just get enough for tonight''s dinner," his mom said with a smile. "And don''t forget to say hello to Nico for me. He''s always so nice to us."
Sting nodded and grabbed his coat and wallet. He said goodbye to his mom, then headed out the door and down the street to Nico''s butcher shop.
As he walked, Sting couldn''t help but think about how unfamiliar he was with his own town. He had spent most of his life playing computer and online games, and as a result, he had never really explored much beyond his own neighborhood.
He reached the butcher shop and pushed open the door, the bell ringing above his head. A man behind the counter looked up and smiled.
"Hello, Sting," the man said, wiping his hands on his apron. "Your mom sent you to get some meat, right?"
"Yeah, that''s right," Sting said, approaching the counter. "She said to get enough for dinner tonight."
"No problem," the man said, reaching for a piece of paper and a pen. "What kind of meat would you like?"
Sting hesitated for a moment, then shrugged. "I don''t know. Whatever you recommend, I guess."
The man chuckled and scribbled something on the paper. "Alright, I''ll give you a good deal on this then. It''s fresh and should be perfect for grilling."
Sting nodded and paid for the meat, then headed back home with a bag in hand. As he walked, he couldn''t help but think about how different his life might have been if he had ventured out more and gotten to know the people in his town. Maybe he wouldn''t have been so isolated, he thought to himself. Maybe he would have had more friends to turn to in times of need.
But it was too late to think about that now. Sting shook his head and focused on the task at hand, determined to get home and help his mom with dinner.
Sting sat at the dinner table, poking at his meatballs with a fork. He had always been a bit of a picky eater, and something about the meat tonight seemed off to him.
"Is everything alright, Sting?" his mom asked, noticing his lack of enthusiasm.
"Yeah, I''m fine," Sting said, forcing a smile. "I just don''t feel like eating much tonight, that''s all."
"Well, if you''re not feeling well, maybe you should skip dinner and just go to bed early," his mom said, concern etched on her face.
"No, it''s not that," Sting said, shaking his head. "I just had a strange dream last night after eating that ground pork from Nico''s shop."
"What kind of dream?" his mom asked, raising an eyebrow.
"It was weird," Sting said, trying to remember the details. "I was in this bus terminal station, and a blurry figure approached me. He said he had a job for me and promised to take care of me and my family. He fed me nice food for months, and I grew fat. Then he gave me a drink and I fell asleep."
"That sounds like a nightmare, Sting," his mom said, frowning. "I''m sorry you had to go through that."
"It was just a dream, Mom," Sting said, trying to reassure her. "But it did make me wonder about that meat we bought from Nico''s shop. Do you think there''s something wrong with it?"
"I don''t know," his mom said, shaking her head. "Nico has always been a trustworthy butcher, and I''ve never had any problems with the meat from his shop before. Maybe it was just a coincidence."
"Maybe," Sting said, still feeling uneasy. "But I think I''m going to skip dinner tonight and just go to bed early. I don''t want to risk having any more strange dreams."
His mom nodded, understanding his concerns. "Well, if you change your mind, there''s plenty of leftovers in the fridge. Just make sure you get a good night''s sleep."
Sting nodded and stood up, carrying his plate to the kitchen. As he went to bed that night, he couldn''t shake the feeling that there was something more to his strange dream. He made a mental note to be more careful about the food he ate in the future, determined to avoid any more unsettling experiences. After a while, Sting dozed off and entered the dreamland.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
It didn''t take too long before Sting woke up with a start, his heart racing. He had just had the same strange dream again, and this time it had been even more unsettling.
He sat up in bed, trying to catch his breath. He couldn''t shake the image of his own dead body in the bathtub, and he knew he wouldn''t be able to go back to sleep. He can feel as this strange man peeled of his skin and slice his flesh. It is as if everything was real, and Sting was living in a different body without any control whatsoever.
Sting sat at the dinner table, poking at his plant-based protein with a fork. He had made a conscious decision to stop eating meat from Nico''s butcher shop after having several unsettling dreams, and he had tried to convince his mom to try some alternative protein sources, but he failed.
One day, he was tasked by his mom to go to the terminal and pick-up his aunt. Sting wasn''t familiar with the place, but he decided to go. He doesn''t want to make his aunt wait. Upon reaching the terminal, Sting couldn''t shake this sense of uneasiness as he noticed some part of the terminal.
Sting stood at the bus terminal, looking around nervously. He had never been to this place before, but something about it felt eerily familiar. He had a feeling that this was the same bus terminal from his strange dreams, and he couldn''t shake the feeling that something was off.
He scanned the crowd, trying to spot his aunt. He finally spotted her standing in a corner, and he approached her with a forced smile.
"Hey, Auntie," Sting said, trying to sound casual. "Sorry I''m late. I got a bit lost on the way here."
"It''s alright, Sting," his aunt said, smiling. "I''m just glad you made it. How have you been?"
"I''ve been good," Sting said, nodding. "Just busy with school and stuff."
"Well, it''s good to see you," his aunt said, patting him on the arm. "I''ve missed you. We don''t see each other as much as we used to."
"I know," Sting said, feeling guilty. "I''ve been a bit of a shut-in lately, but I''m trying to change that."
"That''s good to hear," his aunt said, smiling. "It''s important to get out and experience new things. You never know what adventures might be waiting for you."
Sting nodded, but he couldn''t shake the feeling that something wasn''t right. He couldn''t help but wonder if this was the same place as his dreams, and if the blurry figure from his dream would appear again. He tried to push these thoughts out of his mind and focus on his conversation with his aunt, determined to enjoy the time they had together. He made a mental note to be more open to new experiences and to trust his instincts, no matter how strange they might seem.
When they reached home, the table had already been prepared. They know that their aunt made a long trip to get here and she must be starving. However, Sting was disappointed after seeing the dishes on the table.
Sting sat at the dinner table, picking at his adobo with a fork. He had always been a bit of a picky eater, and the thought of eating meat from Nico''s butcher shop made him feel uneasy. But there had been no other options, and he didn''t want to cause a scene in front of his aunt.
As they ate, Sting''s aunt suddenly choked on something. Sting reached out to hand her a glass of water, and she took a sip, trying to clear her throat.
"Is everything alright?" Sting''s mom asked, concern etched on her face.
"I think so," his aunt said, coughing. "There was just something stuck in my throat. I think I got it now."
She put her finger in her mouth and pulled out a small ball of hair. Sting''s eyes widened in shock, and his mom gasped.
"Where did that come from?" Sting''s mom asked, her voice trembling.
"I don''t know," his aunt said, shaking her head. "It must have been in the adobo. I''m sorry, I didn''t mean to cause a scene."
"It''s not your fault," Sting''s mom said, frowning. "But this is really concerning. I bought this meat from Nico''s shop, and I''ve never had any problems with it before. I can''t believe there was something like this in our food."
"I think we should stop buying meat from Nico''s shop," Sting said, speaking up. "I know I''ve had some strange dreams after eating their meat, and now this. I don''t think it''s worth the risk."
That wasn''t the end of it. As they converse, his Dad continued eating adobo. Suddenly he felt something tough that he couldn''t chew and spit it out. Sting watched in disgust as his dad spat something out into his hand. He leaned in to get a closer look and saw that it was a long, curved fingernail.
"What the hell is this?" Sting''s dad said, his face contorted in disgust.
At that point Sting''s parents decided to report the matters to the police. Sting sat at the kitchen table, listening as his parents spoke with the police officer on the phone. They had reported the incident with the fingernail in the meat, and the police had promised to investigate.
"Thank you for getting back to us so quickly," Sting''s dad said, his voice tense. "We''re just relieved that something is being done about this."
"We understand your concern," the police officer said. "We sent a team to inspect the butcher shop and take some meat samples for testing. But while they were there, they found something disturbing."
"What do you mean?" Sting''s mom asked, her voice laced with worry.
"They found a number of human body parts in the back room of the shop," the police officer said, his voice grim. "We''re not sure how they got there, but it''s clear that something criminal is going on. We''ve shut down the shop and we''re working to gather more evidence."
Sting''s heart raced at the news, and he couldn''t believe what he was hearing. He had always had a feeling that something wasn''t right about Nico''s shop, and now it seemed like his instincts had been right all along.
Sting sat in front of the television, watching as the news reported on the discovery at Nico''s butcher shop. The story had caught nationwide attention, and families of victims were coming forward with their own stories of how they had been tricked by Nico.
"It''s just sickening," Sting''s mom said, shaking her head as she watched the news. "Who would have thought that this could happen in our own community?"
"I can''t believe it," Sting''s dad said, his voice heavy. "We''ve been buying meat from that shop for years, and we had no idea what was going on behind the scenes. It''s just horrifying."
"Apparently, Nico would use different fictitious names and go to the provinces to look for people," Sting said, recalling what he had heard on the news. "He would promise them good jobs with excellent pay, and that''s how he lured them in. Then, after a while, he would claim that they had run away with someone and left him, and that''s how he managed to avoid the law."
"It''s just monstrous," Sting''s mom said, tears welling up in her eyes. "I can''t believe that someone could do something like this. It''s just beyond comprehension."
"I''m just glad that it''s been brought to light," Sting''s dad said, sighing. "I just hope that justice is served and that no one else has to go through something like this again."
The Mattress
Icker was excited to go on vacation with his older brother and his family. Baguio was one of his favorite places to visit, and he loved the cool mountain air and the beautiful scenery. He was looking forward to spending a few days relaxing and having fun with his loved ones.
When they arrived in Baguio, Icker''s brother had arranged for them to stay in a vacation apartment. It was a comfortable and affordable option for the family, and it felt like they had their own little home away from home. Icker was happy to know that he will have his own room and a place to relax and unwind.
Icker was grateful for the cool mountain air as he walked through the streets of Baguio. The scent of pine trees filled the air, and it was a welcome change from the hot and humid air of the city. He took a deep breath and let the fresh air fill his lungs, feeling invigorated and alive.
When they arrived at the vacation apartment, Icker was pleased to see that it was a comfortable and well-equipped place. It had three rooms, a parking area, and a cable television. It was fully furnished and had everything they needed for a comfortable stay. The only thing it didn''t have was a landline telephone, but Icker and his family all had their own phones, so it wasn''t a problem.
As they settled into the apartment, Icker couldn''t help but feel a sense of excitement. He was looking forward to spending some quality time with his family and making memories that would last a lifetime. He was determined to enjoy his vacation and make the most of it. He knew that it would be a trip that he would never forget.
After a quick rest, Icker and his family were ready to explore the city of Baguio. His parents invited them to join them on a tour of the city, and Icker eagerly agreed. He was excited to see all of the sights and sounds of Baguio, and he couldn''t wait to start exploring.
The tour was a lot of fun, and Icker enjoyed learning about the history and culture of the city. He was amazed by the beautiful scenery and the unique architecture of the buildings. He took plenty of pictures to remember the trip, and he couldn''t wait to share them with his friends back home.
As the day went on, Icker and his family started to feel tired. They decided to head back to the rental house to rest and settle in for the night. It was still early, but they were all feeling a bit worn out from the day''s activities. Icker was looking forward to a good night''s sleep and the opportunity to recharge his batteries for the next day.
However, upon returning to the rental house, Icker was surprised to see that his stuff all over the room. He quickly grabbed his belongings and rushed back to his father, telling him that they might have been robbed. His father was worried, and he asked Icker to check if anything was missing.
Icker quickly went through his things, checking to see if anything was missing. After a few minutes of searching, he realized that nothing seemed to be gone. All of his belongings were still there, and nothing appeared to be out of place.
Icker was confused and couldn''t understand what had happened. He couldn''t believe that someone had gone through his things without taking anything. It didn''t make any sense, and he couldn''t shake the feeling that something strange was going on. He wasn''t sure what to do, and he couldn''t shake the feeling that he was being watched.
Icker was frustrated when his father scolded him for being disorganized and reminded him to lock the door. He felt like he was being treated unfairly, and he couldn''t understand why they were blaming him for something that wasn''t his fault. He knew that he had been careful and had locked the door before they left, so he couldn''t understand how someone had been able to get in.
Despite his frustration, Icker tried to focus on fixing his things and getting his room back in order. He knelt down and started to pull out some of his belongings that were under the bed, but as he did, he noticed a strong, pungent smell. It was the smell of decay, and it was so strong that it made Icker''s eyes water.
Icker ran back to his father, telling him about the strange smell that he had noticed. He explained that he had been trying to retrieve a bottle of perfume that had rolled under the bed when he had noticed the odor. His father seemed skeptical, telling Icker that he couldn''t smell anything.
Icker was frustrated, feeling like he was being dismissed and not taken seriously. He insisted that he wasn''t making things up and that the smell was real. He begged his father to take a closer look, hoping that he would be able to find the source of the strange odor.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.
Despite his protests, Icker''s father seemed unwilling to investigate further. He told Icker that he was probably just imagining things and that he should try to get some rest. Icker was disappointed and couldn''t shake the feeling that something was off.
As the night fell, Icker was ready for bed. He had had a long and tiring day, and he was looking forward to getting a good night''s sleep. He said goodnight to his family, who were still watching TV, and made his way back to his room.
As soon as he climbed into bed, Icker fell fast asleep. He was exhausted and couldn''t keep his eyes open any longer. He drifted off into a deep sleep, feeling grateful for the chance to rest and recharge.
As he slept, Icker didn''t notice the strange noises that filled the apartment, or the feeling of being watched that seemed to linger in the air. He was oblivious to the mysterious forces that were at work, and he was completely unaware of the dangers that lurked in the shadows.
Icker was woken up in the middle of the night by a strange sensation. He felt like something was climbing onto the mattress, and he could feel the bed moving beneath him. He thought it was his older brother, and he called out to him, asking him to go back to his own room.
When Icker opened his eyes, he was shocked to see that no one was there. He looked around the room, but there was no sign of anyone else. Icker was too scared to go back to his room, so he decided to sleep on the couch instead. When he went out into the living room, he was shocked to see that his older brother had fallen asleep while watching TV. He didn''t want to disturb him, so he turned off the television and settled down on the couch to sleep.
It was 2:30 in the morning when Icker''s father woke them up and told them to go back to their rooms. Icker was reluctant to go back to his room, but he didn''t want to tell his father about the strange occurrences that he had experienced earlier. He knew that his father wouldn''t believe him, and he didn''t want to risk causing any more trouble.
So, Icker reluctantly got up and started to make his way back to his room. As he was walking, he asked his older brother if he could sleep in his room instead. However, his brother told him that he was too old for that and that he needed to sleep in his own room.
Icker was disappointed and scared when he had to return to his room. He couldn''t believe that he had to go back to the place that had caused him so much fear and anxiety. As soon as he stepped inside, the unbearable scent of decaying meat hit his nose, making him almost vomit.
He couldn''t take it anymore and decided to go to his parents'' room to complain about the strange smell. However, it was already late, and his parents were tired. They told him that they would deal with it in the morning and suggested that he sleep on the couch if he was too scared to sleep in his own room.
Icker was relieved to have the option of sleeping on the couch and immediately took his parents up on their offer. He grabbed a blanket and a pillow and made himself comfortable on the couch. Despite his earlier fears, he was able to fall asleep relatively easily, feeling safer and more secure in the living room.
Icker woke up early the next day, feeling refreshed and ready to start the day. He went out into the living room and saw that his father was already up and moving around. He could tell that his father was feeling his irritation and decided to call room service to complain about the strange smell in his room.
After a while, a room attendant came to check the room, but he claimed that he couldn''t smell anything unusual. Icker was adamant, however, and insisted that there was a strange smell in the room. He asked the attendant to inspect further, but unfortunately, they still couldn''t find anything.
The room boy was about to leave when Icker noticed a mark on the mattress. It was a small, dark stain that he had never noticed before. He also noticed that there was a section of the mattress that seemed to be more pronounced than the rest.
Icker pointed these things out to his father, and his father asked the room attendant to open the mattress and investigate. When they did, they were shocked to find human bones inside. It seemed that the bones had been there for a long time and had been hidden under the mattress.
Icker was horrified by this discovery, and he couldn''t believe that he had been sleeping on top of human remains. He wondered how long the bones had been there and who they belonged to. He also wondered how he had missed the strange smell and the strange marks on the mattress.
The news about the human remains quickly spread across town, causing a stir and attracting a lot of attention. It turned out that the remains belonged to someone who had been missing for two years, and the discovery of the bones was a major development in the case.
Unfortunately, no suspects had been arrested yet, which meant that the perpetrator was still out there, roaming freely. This thought terrified Icker and made him feel uneasy. He couldn''t believe that someone could commit such a heinous crime and then hide the evidence in plain sight, right under his mattress.
You should check your mattress after reading this.