Dormitory of Secrets

9. A New Dawn

With the haunting of Room 203 behind them, life at Crestwood Academy gradually returned to normal for Ava, Mia, Alex, and Caleb. The tension that had once filled their dormitory faded, replaced by a newfound sense of peace and normalcy. The group resumed their studies and daily routines, but the bond they had formed during their ordeal remained unbreakable.

One sunny afternoon, the four friends decided to gather in the academy's courtyard, a serene spot filled with blooming flowers and the gentle sound of a nearby fountain. It was a welcome change from the dark and eerie atmosphere of Room 203.

"I can't believe it's finally over," Mia said, leaning back on the grass and enjoying the warmth of the sun. "No more haunted rooms, no more creepy dolls—just peace and quiet."

Alex grinned, tossing a pebble into the fountain. "I think we've earned it. After everything we went through, a little peace is exactly what we need."

Caleb nodded, looking around at the tranquil surroundings. "It's strange, though. I keep expecting something else to happen, like we're not done yet."

Ava laughed softly. "I know what you mean, but I think we've truly put everything to rest. Eleanor's spirit, the doll, the secret society—it's all in the past now."

As they sat together, the conversation shifted to lighter topics—classes, upcoming exams, and plans for the future. It was a relief to talk about normal things again, free from the shadows that had once loomed over them.

However, the experience had also left a lasting impact on each of them. Ava, who had always been skeptical of the supernatural, found herself more open to the idea that there were forces beyond the ordinary world. Mia, who had been the most affected by the haunting, felt a newfound strength and resilience within herself. Alex and Caleb, who had always been close, found their friendship deepened by the shared experience.

As the afternoon sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the courtyard, Ava turned to the others with a thoughtful expression. "You know, we could write about what happened—maybe even turn it into a story or a book."

Mia's eyes lit up. "That's a great idea! We could document everything, from the first signs of the haunting to how we resolved it. It could be our way of making sure the story is never forgotten."

Alex chuckled. "And maybe we'll include a few of the more...embellished moments. Like how Mia screamed when the doll first moved."

Mia playfully shoved him. "That was a completely normal reaction! You would've screamed too if you'd seen it first."

Caleb smiled, nodding in agreement. "I think it would be good to share our story. Maybe it could even help others who find themselves in similar situations."

The group spent the rest of the evening brainstorming ideas, each contributing their own perspective on the events they had experienced. It was cathartic to relive the memories in a safe, light-hearted way, and by the time they returned to their dormitory, they were excited about the prospect of turning their adventure into something positive.

Over the next few weeks, they worked together on the story, combining their memories and insights into a cohesive narrative. They met in the library, the common room, and even Room 203—now a perfectly ordinary space—to write and revise their manuscript.

As they completed the final draft, they felt a sense of closure that went beyond the ritual they had performed. By sharing their story, they had transformed their fear and uncertainty into something tangible and meaningful.

In the end, the story they created was more than just a recounting of the haunting—it was a testament to their friendship, their courage, and the power of facing the unknown together.

With the manuscript finished, they submitted it to the academy's literary magazine, where it was met with enthusiasm and intrigue. Students and faculty alike were captivated by the tale of the haunted dormitory, and it quickly became the talk of the campus.

As for Ava, Mia, Alex, and Caleb, they moved forward with their lives, each carrying the lessons they had learned from their adventure. The haunting of Room 203 was a chapter in their lives that had come to a close, but the memories and the bond they shared would remain with them forever.

And as they stood together at the graduation ceremony, looking out at the future that awaited them, they knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together—just as they had faced the secrets of the dormitory.

~ Tales From The Moon