Mythical one shots

Vampire

The old-fashioned streetlamps shun dully down on the cobbled road. The loud wind rustled in the trees. I looked into the distance. The tall lights seemed to be never ending. But I knew they would eventually come to an end in a few kilometres, outside my porch.

Trees lined up on both sides of the narrow road. They reached high in the air and cast creepy silhouettes, leaving me with the frightening impression that something ominous was brewing in the air.

Every now and then I glanced over my shoulder. A part of me was expecting to see something lurking in the dark shadows of the towering trees. I knew I was being silly. Of course, there were nobody around here during this time of day... or really any time. In fact, this whole area was abandoned by any human life. Well, I wasn't completely certain. My neighbouring house didn't seem to be rooming anyone. Still, the tall hedges and grass had always been neatly trimmed. The big and silent estate had been a mystery to me ever since I moved into my home, two years ago. I had always been drawn to its tall gates and mysterious aura and found myself becoming more curious every passing day.

The said house appeared first as a small sight in the distance. It became gradually bigger as I passed streetlamp after streetlamp. I felt my heart pick up speed. There was something about this residence that drew me towards it, like a subconscious pull.

Eventually, I slowed down my walking pace only a few lamps away from the house. I couldn't really call it a house; it looked more like a manor from the Victorian era that would appear in horror stories. It had elegant moulding, and the gable roofs was decorated in delicate gable trim. The outside was imposing yet intimidating with its dark brick walls and pitch-black windows. I had several times in the past contemplated peeking inside. It wouldn't hurt if there weren't living anybody there anyway. Yet, I never did.

A bush rustled beside me, and my eyes went wide with alert as I frantically looked around for the source. This area had always made me jumpy, uncomfortable, even. But every time I had grit my teeth and forced my feet to move forward all the way home. Focusing on the sound my shoes made as they met the ground, I managed to keep myself from sprinting as fast as I could.

A grown deer with big antlers stepped into the light of the streetlamp in front of me. My mouth opened in awe at the beautiful creature as it slowed down and turned to me. For a long time, we stared at each other. The silence was interrupted by a blood curdling scream coming from the manor. I froze. It seemed like there lived someone in the house, after all.

The deer was quick to break into a sprint and ran into the dark forest. My whole body tensed at the silence that followed, and I suddenly felt too alone and exposed. I was standing in the light of the streetlamp, so I was fully visible from the windows of the manor's front.

Questions swirled in my head. What was the reason for the screaming? Was someone seriously hurt? It sure sounded like that. My emotions were conflicted. On one hand, it would be stupid to just walk into a stranger's home in the middle of the night. On the other hand, what if there was someone seriously hurt, and I was the only one who could help? I glanced at the house in silence. An owl hooted in the distance, emphasising my moral dilemma.

I took a deep breath, and with uncertain steps I made my way through the manor's gates, towards the entrance. My shoes made too much noise for my liking. I pulled my phone out of my back pocket, prepared to call the police. Usually, on my evening walks I never brought my phone, but I'm glad I had taken it with me tonight.

There were several rose bushes on both sides of the pathway. The roses were a deep shade of red and looked well taken care of. I thought about my own home. My garden wasn't nearly as neat is this, and I silently applauded the gardener of this strange residence.