Writetober 2024, Horror Haven: Day 9: Child's Play

 It started as a harmless game, passed down through generations like a whispered secret. Hundreds of children in Willow Creek, the game’s hometown, played it until it fell out of favor.. The kids called it "Hide and Seek in the Dark," a simple game involving a flashlight, a timer, and an old house. But for a group of unknowing and curious teenagers, the game would take a terrifying turn.

The house, a Victorian monstrosity with peeling paint and crooked windows, had been abandoned for years. Local legend had it that a group of children had met a gruesome fate within its walls, while playing Hide and Seek there. Despite the rumors, the teens, fueled by a mix of grand bravado and curiosity, decided to give the game a try.

As they entered the house, the air felt thick and straining. The flashlight beams danced across cobwebs and dusty furniture, casting haunting shadows. They hid in the cramped closets, under the creaking floorboards, and behind heavy curtains. When the timer went off, they gathered in the dimly lit living room, their hearts pounding with excitement.

But as they exchanged stories of their hiding spots, something felt off. A chill ran down their spines as they realized they were one person short. One of their friends, a quiet girl named Sarah, was nowhere to be found. Panic set in as they searched the house, their voices echoing through the empty rooms.

They called her name, but there was no response. The only sound was the creaking of the old house settling. Desperate, they gathered all the flashlights they could find, flooding the house with a harsh glow. But Sarah was still missing.

As they were about to give up, they heard a faint noise coming from the attic. With trembling hands, they climbed the narrow, winding staircase. The attic was dark and dusty, filled with forgotten trunks and boxes. And there, huddled in the corner, was Sarah, her face pale and her eyes wide with terror.

She was shaking uncontrollably, her voice barely a whisper. "I saw him," she managed to say. “One of the children from the stories. He was watching me from the shadows."

Before they could react, the lights flickered and went out. The house was plunged into darkness once again, and a chilling scream echoed through the night. When the lights came back on, Sarah was gone, leaving only a trail of dust and a sense of dread that would haunt the teenagers forever.

written by Zoe