CHAPTER – 1
I woke up to the sound of my alarm. I opened my eyes and checked the time. The clock showed 8 in the morning.
“Oh shit.” I sat up on my bed.
“I am late again.”
I ran into my bathroom and got ready for my college. After getting ready, I went downstairs to have breakfast. I saw my father reading a newspaper and drinking his tea. My mother was talking to my uncle.
“Good morning.” I greeted them.
My uncle smiled and said “Again, you are late Mayra.” I sighed. “Yeah.”
“Mayra.” My mother called. “Come. Have your breakfast. Or you will be late for college.” I sat at the dining table and my mother served me breakfast. It was pasta and looked delicious. I immediately dug in. With my mouth full, I said “Thank you, Mom’. It’s delicious.” She smiled.
“Dad” I called. He looked up from the newspaper.
” Yes, princess.” I smiled. My dad always calls me princess.
“I don’t want to go to college by cycle today. Also I have my ballet class at 7 this evening. Will you drop me, please?”
“OK, my princess. I will drop you today.” He said.
I finished my breakfast and grabbed my bag. When I was near the door, my uncle called me. “Mayra, I will pick you up from college. OK?” I said OK and went to college with my dad.
Last bell rang, and our class was over. Before we left the class, our professor remind us that we had one hour extra laboratory class today. I checked my watch, it was 4 o’clock. I took out my phone from my bag and called my uncle. He didn’t pick up. It went to his voicemail, so I left the message. “Uncle, I have extra laboratory class today up to 5 o’clock.” I sighed. ‘Why do they keep extra classes.’ I kept my phone in the bag and went to my laboratory class.
CHAPTER – 2
I came out after my class was over and saw my uncle already waiting for me. He smiled when he saw me and asked, “How were your classes today?”
“Boring.” I said. He laughed and said, “Alright’. Listen, I have to go to a mobile shop. After that, we will go home. Is that OK? ” I nodded and said, ” Yeah, fine.”
We reached a small mobile shop. It was just fifteen minutes away from my college. He parked his bike in front of the shop and said, “You wait here. I won’t be long.” I just nodded.
After he went inside the shop, I took out my phone and started playing games in it. Ten minutes have already passed, but my uncle was not back. I waited for five more minutes.
“Why is he taking so long?” I wondered. I kept my bag on the bike and went inside the shop. I saw my uncle was standing near the shopkeeper who was checking something on his phone. I walked towards them. When my uncle saw me, he said “It’s almost done’. You go and wait outside. I am coming.” I said OK and headed for the door. The clock hanging near the door struck 5.30 p.m. I opened the door and stepped outside.
“What the hell” I shouted.
My uncle’s bike wasn’t there. It was not even the place where I was waiting for my uncle. Not a single person or vehicle was in sight. Instead, there was a dense forest in front of me. I saw the sun setting on the horizon, and it began to get dark. I was standing in a clearing looking at the forest dumbstruck when I heard something. I looked around but couldn’t find anything.
I frowned. What was that? I tried to listen carefully, and I heard it again. Meowing of cats. I saw two cats sitting a few feet away from me. They were looking at me. They were not like any other normal cats but twice the size of normal cats. They were black as night. Their eyes were bright yellow and had an evil glow in them. They had pointed teeth and sharp claws. They meowed again. I jumped back in fright. They snarled and started moving towards me. I slowly moved back, trying not to irk them. But when I turned to go back into the shop, I froze. Instead of the shop, there was a small old cottage.
CHAPTER – 3
The house was gray and gloomy. The windows were broken and boarded up. It looked as if darkness had surrounded it. Even in the daylight, it looked sinister. The cats meowed again. I yelped and looked back. They were chasing me like predators and were closer to me now. I turned and ran towards the cottage. I tripped a few times but managed to reach the door. I banged on the door madly.
When the door opened, I fell down in the door way. When I looked up, I saw a lady in a black dress. She was a middle-aged woman. She had pale skin and some of her hair was turning gray. She had blue eyes and pouty lips with black lipstick. Something was off about her, but I could not figure out what. She looked down at me with surprise and concern and asked, ” Are you OK? ” Her voice brought me out of the trance. I didn’t realize that I was staring at her. I quickly stood up and started panicking again.
” I…Cats….chasing me…” I shuttered. I was trembling with fear.
The woman looked confused. ” Cats? ” She asked. ” Where? “
” There.” I looked back and pointed, but no one was there. I frantically looked here and there.
” I swear they were here. They…they were chasing me.” I started crying.
That woman touched my shoulder and tried to calm me down. ” It’s OK. Calm down now. You are safe. Come inside. ” She moved from the door and let me in. I followed her inside. She sat me down in a chair and gave me a glass of water.
” Now tell me, why were you so scared? And how did you get here? ” She sat in front of me.
I told her everything about the mobile shop, her cottage and the cats. Her face was neutral the whole time. But when she spoke again, I clearly understood that she did not believe a single word.
CHAPTER – 4
” Look young lady, I don’t know what you are talking about. My cottage was here all the time. I don’t know about any shop. And about those cats, I have never seen any cats around my house. ” She said as a matter of fact.
I knew there was no use in arguing with her. I sighed. ” OK, just tell me what place this is. Where am I and how can I go back to my home? I just want to go home. “
She studied me for a second and said, ” I don’t know where you came from, but I guess you are from civilization. My house is on the edge of a forest, and civilization is on the other side of this forest. It will take four to five days to cross this forest. As I said before, there are no cats around my house, but deep inside the forest there are wild cats, lions, wolfs and many vicious animals.” She stopped and looked at me suspiciously. ” How did you come here? “
“Whatever I said is true. I really don’t know how I came here. ” I tried to convince her.
She abruptly stood up and left. After five minutes she came back with a backpack and handed it to me. I took it and looked at her confused.
” There is some food and water bottle in that bag. I have also packed a small knife for your safety. You can go now.” She said, but her tone wasn’t welcoming anymore.
I stood up. ” What? “
” I said you can go now. ” She repeated in the same tone.
Still confused by the change of her behaviour, I nodded and thanked her. I went to the door followed by her. When I stepped outside, it was totally dark. I turned towards her and said, ” It’s too dark. I can’t see any…”
She cut me off and said, ” There is a small torch in your bag. Use that.”
I took the torch out of my bag and switched it on. I could see a path to the forest. I didn’t want to go. I was terrified of the darkness. I looked at the lady who was impatiently standing at the door. I gulped and said, ” I…I am scared of dark. How…how will I…”
” I don’t know how you will go.” She snapped. ” I will not keep you in my house.” With that she slammed the door in my face. I stood there utterly shocked.
After few minutes, when I realized that she was not going to come back, I turned and walked into the deadly forest.
CHAPTER – 5
It was a full-moon night. The moonlight was illuminating the forest path, and trees were casting unnerving shadows. I could hear crickets chirping and owls screeching. Somewhere in the distance, I could hear a wolf howling. I have been walking for almost an hour, and I have no idea where I am going. I felt hungry and tired. I have to find a place to rest. After walking for some time, I found a short tree with thick branches.
” This would be a perfect place to spend the rest of the night. ” I muttered to myself.
I kept the torch in my backpack and started to climb the tree. My legs slipped two times, but I managed to reach a strong and thick branch and settled on it. I took my backpack and opened it. There were two sandwiches, a few granola bars and two small water bottles.
I took out a sandwich and a granola bar and started eating. They were not delicious as my mom used to make for me. I miss my parents. A few lone tears escaped from my eyes. After finishing my food, I shifted into a comfortable position and lied down. My eyes grew heavy, and I fell asleep.
I was jolted awake by a low rustling nearby. I opened my eyes and saw shadows hovering over me. I carefully sat up and looked around. It was totally dark. I looked up and saw the moon was fully covered by the clouds. Out of the corner of my eye I saw shadows moving.
Suddenly I heard a strange sound like someone was whispering. I tried to concentrate and listen. The shadows were whispering my name. They were moving around me. All of a sudden, I felt cold and shivered. It was nerve-racking.
Their whispers weren’t clear, but I caught somethings like ‘go away’ ‘you will die’ ‘poor little girl’. A cold shiver ran down my spine listening to them. The next moment I heard someone laughing near my ears, and at the same time I felt a cold hand touching my hair. I shrieked and covered my ears. I curled up into a ball, shaking. But the laughter and whispers got louder and louder.
” No. Stop. Go away.” I cried and closed my eyes.
Suddenly everything stopped. It was eerily quiet. I could only hear my heavy breathing and sobs. I slowly opened my eyes. I saw the moon was no more covered by the clouds, and the shadows were gone.
CHAPTER – 6
Where did they go? Who were they or should I ask what were they?
With these questions in my mind, I took in my surrounding. In the moonlight, I could see the forest. ‘ This is not the place where I was.’ This part of the forest was much denser. I was sitting on a flat rock, surrounded by bushes and overhanging tree branches.
” I was resting on a tree. How did I come here? ” I whispered to myself.
A muffled thunder began to sound in the sky. Thick dark clouds blocked the moonlight again. I cursed under my breath and switched on my torch. ” It’s about to rain, I should find shelter. “
Standing up, I looked around and started moving. I didn’t know where I was going, but after a few minutes, I found myself at the same place where I started.
Confused I wondered, ” How is this possible? “
Again I started moving but in another direction. After a few minutes, again I came to the same place. I tried different directions but always ended up in the same place. Frustrated and tired, I sat down on the rock, putting my head in my hands.
” What is happening? ” I started sobbing.
The sky was gloomy and soon it began to drizzle. Suddenly I heard some sound. I looked up but could not see anyone or anything.
” Am I hearing things now? ” I sighed.
A moment later, I heard it again. Even more confused, I wondered, ” Music? Where is it coming from? Am I near to any civilization? ” I hoped so.
The rain was getting heavier and heavier. I stood up and started in the direction of the music. It wasn’t scary but pleasant music. Trees were swaying in the waves of chilly wind. I felt goosebumps all over my body. It was pouring now and I was soaked to the skin. I could hear the music clearly now. Maybe I am a bit closer to it.
Suddenly I saw a fire burning in the distance. Maybe I will get some help there. I started walking towards it. When I reached there, I was stunned. There was a huge and dark bungalow standing in front of me.
A bungalow? In the middle of the forest? Is it a dream or reality?
CHAPTER – 7
I have seen those horror movies where this type of bungalow would be there and it would be haunted and spooky. But this bungalow didn’t look spooky or haunted. It just looked like a normal old bungalow. Moreover, I need shelter right now. Should I go in?
Another bolt of lightning flashed in the sky. At the same time, I saw two pairs of yellow cat eyes in front of me. Immediately I flashed my torch to see, but no one was there. I shivered from cold.
Next moment I heard meowing sound behind me. I swiftly turned around and flashed my torchlight everywhere but no one was there. I was trembling badly from fear and cold. Without thinking twice, I turned and dashed towards the door.
Surprisingly the door was unlocked. I entered and shut the door behind me. The sound of rain was muffled by the closed door, so I could hear the music a little clearly. Breathing heavily, my eyes darted about the place. It was illuminated enough to see. I could see a hallway in front of me. It was decorated with the fire torches on the walls. The floor was made up of wood and carpet was spread on it. Maybe someone lives here because not a single dust particle can be seen.
I should go and find someone. I am totally soaked and I need fresh clothes. I stepped forward and flinched when the floor creaked. It’s a really old bungalow. I gingerly walked forward, scared that I will ruin such a delicate carpet. After a few steps, I found the staircase to the left. I started climbing the stairs. I heard a creak behind me. I turned around and saw a shadow. I blinked and it was gone.
” Who..who is there? ” I stammered.
Silence.
I turned around and started climbing again. On top of the stairs, I saw a double door. I could hear the music louder here. I opened the door slightly and saw people dancing.
What?
Is it a party or something?
I opened the door a bit wide and slipped inside. Music was blasting and people were dancing. On the stage, a woman was singing old songs. The whole room was decorated and there was delicious food in the corner.
Yep, definitely a party.
CHAPTER – 8
In the middle of the dense forest, there is a huge bungalow inside of which a party is going on. What are the odds that I am dreaming right now? If there were some ghosts in here I would have kind of expected it but I didn’t expect a party here.
A party? Really?
I stood there, stupified. Still trying to understand what is going on, I stepped further inside. I looked around in awe. People were gracefully dancing. I had never seen anything of that kind before. The woman’s voice who was singing was really melodious. The decoration of the hall was extraordinary. I looked at everything mesmerized.
Suddenly my eyes fell on the food and my stomach growled. I am very hungry now. I moved towards the table where food was kept. I tried not to bump with anyone.
When I was just a few steps away from the food table, I was so delighted that I rushed towards it. But unfortunately, I bumped into someone.
I glanced at the person a bit panicked. He was a middle-aged man. He was six feet tall with a muscular body and absurdly well dressed. He had hazel eyes and pitch-black hair which was perfectly styled with hair gel. He was an extremely good looking person but there was nothing good about the looks he was giving to me.
I started apologizing. ” I am really sorry, I…I didn’t… ” I trailed off by noticing his face. At that instant, I regretted coming here. His face was the scariest thing I have ever seen. His eyes turned pitch black just like his hair and his red lips curled into a sneer.
I gasped when I heard a low growl near me. I looked around and saw each and every person in the room was glaring at me. They looked like they are ready to pounce on me.
I slowly moved back towards the door and they started coming towards me. I was shaking so badly that I tripped and fell on my back. My visions started blurring. I hastily stood up and ran towards the door.
” Just a few steps…almost there…” I kept mumbling to myself. When I reached the door, I looked back. My jaw almost hit the floor.
All the decorations, all the people, food and music were gone. Everything just faded away in front of my eyes. It was totally dark and there were shadows all around the place. The shadows were slithering toward me.
Without a second thought, I pushed the door open and ran down the stairs. At bottom of the stairs, I stopped dead on my track. The way I had come inside, now looked like an old murky hallway. The beautiful carpet, the lights, and the decorations were gone. How is this possible?
I could still hear the rain beating down outside. I suddenly caught sight of another hallway in front of me. Should I go there or should I leave the bungalow?
CHAPTER – 9
I was still trying to decide what to do next when I heard the stairs creaking behind me. A chill ran down my spine. Without looking behind me, I darted towards the hallway in front of me.
It was a shady and rusty hallway. It was dark and totally bare. The woods were squeaking beneath my feet. After walking a few feet I could see another staircase similar to the previous one. It was dusty and old.
Suddenly I saw something move from the corner of my eyes. I turned back but no one was there. I slowly started turning towards the staircase. When I did, I screeched and jumped back.
The lady from the cottage was standing right in front of me. She was wearing a black cloak and raven shoes. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail. Her blue gothic eyes were shining and her lips were painted black. She stood there silently staring at me.
I was breathing heavily trying to understand what is going on. I was in a chaotic state. My eyes were puffy from crying continuously and my hair was disheveled and slopy. At that moment my legs felt sore and tiredness took over my body. I fell to my knees in front of her and started wailing. I was too tired of all these things. I just wanted to go home.
That lady bent down and patted my shoulder. “Don’t cry. Get up. ” Her voice had no emotion. I looked at her expressionless face and nodded. I wiped my tears and stood up.
” Come with me. ” She said in the same cold voice and started climbing the stairs.
” Wait.” I stopped her. When she looked at me, I asked, ” What are you doing here? What is this place? ” She didn’t reply. She simply turned and started climbing the stairs again.
I hastily followed her and continued to pester her with my questions. But when she gave me a warning look I shut up. She led me to a room with a double door. It was similar to the previous room I was in but smaller. I looked around the room and found it was entirely vacant. It also had a huge balcony overlooking the forest. It was still dark and raining.
I glanced at the lady who was now standing at the door and asked, ” Why did you bring me here? ” As usual she didn’t respond and kept staring at me.
A few moments later, she said, ” I am sorry. ” Her voice was emotionless but her eyes had an apologetic glint. With that, she went out and shut the door.
I stood there still shocked and confused, trying to understand what just happened. When the reality slowly started sinking in I began to panic. She had just locked me in here. NO…
I ran towards the door and started banging on it. ” Hey… Open the door. Help. Open the door, please. ” I started sobbing loudly and continued to bang on the door. But no one heard my cries for help.
Exhausted I slid down the door and curled up into a ball. I don’t know how much time I was like that but I looked up when I heard a meowing sound. The sound that I dreaded the most. And that is the last thing I needed right now.
CHAPTER – 10
My blood ran cold when I saw the two cats with yellow eyes standing in front of me. I felt dizzy and I had to remind myself to breathe. Those yellow eyes were boring into me. If looks could kill then I would have definitely died right here.
Consciously I stood up trying not to provoke them. I had been getting glimpses of the cats since these wired incidents started. I had always somehow escaped from them. Who were they? Are they the reason behind all these bizarre incidents? Right now I am trapped here with these mysterious cats. I may as well confront them.
My hands were shaking so badly that I had to clench my fist to stop them from shaking. I tried to control my breathing and deliberately asked, “Who….who aa..are you?” I tried to force those words out of my mouth but it came out as a mere whisper.
There was dead silence in the room. No sound can be heard, not even the sound of pouring rain. The stillness in the room was so thick, it could have been cut with a knife. The cats sat there motionless staring at me. Though I was a trembling mess, I could not take my eyes off them.
A second or two later I felt the atmosphere around me change. I wrapped my arms around me because I felt extremely cold all of a sudden.
I saw mists forming around those two cats. It grew thicker and heavier. I could no longer see those cats but I heard spine-chilling laughter. I saw the mists slowly skulk towards me. Breaking my frozen state I ran towards the balcony. I have to escape somehow from here. I looked down and saw small bushes and rocks. ” Oh my God. What will I do now? “
Lightning flashed through the sky and the rain started heavily pouring again. I looked behind me and saw shadows lurking in my vicinity. The shadows were merging with the heavy murk giving rise to a tornado-like structure. It started pulling everything into it. I shut my eyes tightly. I felt myself being pulled towards it but I tightly hold on to the railing.
” Mayra…” I heard someone whispering my name. ” Come to us, Mayra…” That sinister voice sent a chill down my spine. I shuddered. I opened my eyes and saw two pairs of golden yellow eyes gazing at me amidst the storm.
” No…” I started screaming. The storm became vigorous and it started creeping towards me.
” Come to us…..” It hissed.
Frantically I looked around trying to find an escape. I felt a stronger pull and noticed that it was closer to me. There was no way for escaping. Without knowing what to do, I did the most stupid thing. I jumped off the balcony.
The time seemed to slow down. Everything was muted but I could feel each droplet of rain falling on me and could observe everything around me. It was scary, so I closed my eyes and waited for the impact of the fall. But it never came.
CHAPTER – 11
I sat up on my bed breathing heavily. I was sweating profusely and my throat felt dry. Wait, what? I am sitting on my bed? In my room?
I looked around my room. It was totally dark. I looked for any signs of the shadows or cats or anything unusual but found none.
I turned on the lights of my room and heaved a sigh of relief. I checked the clock. It was 2 am in the morning. So it was all a dream. It was more like a nightmare, my worst nightmare. I took the glass of water from the bedside table and drank it all. I kept the glass back on the table and closed my eyes for a few seconds trying to calm myself. I felt the cool air hitting me and I shivered. Confused I opened my eyes and saw that my window was wide open.
Huh? I don’t remember opening my window. I always close the window before going to bed.
I got up and went near the window. I peered outside and saw the street lights were flickering. Four to five seconds later they all went out. It was totally dark outside now. That was strange.
” Why would street lights flicker and go out like this? ” I muttered to myself. ” Maybe some technical issues. ” I shrugged and closed the window. But I left the curtains undrawn and went to bed. I lied down on the bed, closed my eyes, and fell asleep.
*********
She fell asleep fully aware that it was just her nightmare but she was unaware of two pairs of golden yellow eyes staring at her through the window. Little did she know that her worst nightmare may come true in a dark sinister night.
THE END