Dark Deception

Chapter 6: A Trip to the Past?

I used to find solace in the constant hum of activity, a shield against the recent chaos of my life. Weird occurrences had left me feeling unhinged, but a semblance of normalcy had returned. Days turned into weeks, and I attempted to adjust to this new reality. Briefly, I considered moving, but the cost of student life kept me anchored to my current, conveniently located apartment.

For a blissful two weeks, the incidents ceased. I buried myself in studies, a new research project, and even a digital comic venture. Busyness cocooned me, offering a temporary escape. I knew, however, that this wasn't an ending, but merely a pause. A part of me dreaded the inevitable return, yet the comfort of a full schedule and the desire for normalcy kept it at bay.

Two months later, semester exams were a thing of the past. My friends, elated by the completion of exams and the acceptance of my research paper for publication, proposed a celebratory trip. We hastily packed our bags and embarked on a journey to a historical location in a nearby city.

The suddenness of the plan meant minimal research on my part. As we zipped down the highway, I used the internet to gain some insights into our destination. My eyes widened as I stumbled upon information about a notoriously haunted house, an ancient and unsettling structure situated close to our planned location. Curiously, my friends hadn't mentioned this before. I found an image of the house, and a strange feeling washed over me. It felt familiar, like a forgotten memory flickering at the edge of my consciousness.

"Hey, guys," I said, "I think I've seen this house before!"

My friends chuckled, attributing it to the internet search. Brushing it off, I continued browsing as the scenery blurred past the car window.

After a long journey, we reached our destination, a charming town nestled amidst historical relics. We had pre-booked our rooms at a quaint hotel. As we approached the gate, an elderly woman with kind eyes welcomed us warmly. Following a refreshing shower, hunger pangs gnawed at our stomachs. We planned to explore the town after a filling lunch, eager to soak in the historical ambiance. Each of us headed to our respective rooms for a quick freshening up.

Lunch was a delightful affair, filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread and the clatter of plates adorned with local delicacies. As we savored our meal, stories and jokes flowed freely, creating a warm and jovial atmosphere. Afterwards, we decided to approach the welcoming old lady from earlier, seeking recommendations for local attractions. The twinkle in her eyes seemed to intensify as we inquired about the "haunted house."

"Ah, the Blackwood Manor," she said, her voice raspy yet strangely soothing. "A place shrouded in legends and whispers. Some say it's the resting place of a restless spirit, while others claim it's simply a dilapidated old structure." Intrigued, we leaned in, eager to hear more. The old lady's eyes crinkled at the corners as she continued, her words weaving a tapestry of local folklore and chilling tales. She spoke of flickering candlelight in empty windows, disembodied moans echoing through the halls, and strange sightings of figures flitting through the shadows.

As she finished her captivating narrative, a hush fell over the room. The playful banter from earlier gave way to a mix of curiosity and apprehension. We exchanged glances, silently pondering the prospect of visiting the fabled "Blackwood Manor."

(to be continued...)