A cabin in Salem

Chapter 2 - The Day Before Halloween

"Did you miss me, Johnny?"

—No, no, no, not this... not again. — I said, frustrated. I couldn't believe this was happening again. Then I felt that hand on my shoulder, and a scream echoed behind me.

—Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. — My head was spinning. I didn't understand what was happening to me.

—Are you okay? Is something bothering you? It's because of me, isn't it?

—What? No! Not at all. I just had a nightmare, and coming downstairs felt like stepping back into that nightmare.

—Maybe you feel guilty because I'm Jordan's sister.

—Maybe.

—If you want, I can call him.

—No, it's fine. — I tasted the breakfast, and it was delicious. I was starving.

—Wow, I hope you've got room for dessert.

—Oh, what did you get? Pie? Brownies? I love brownies. —She leaned forward on the table, giving me a glimpse of her cleavage. I hadn't noticed it before. They were perfect.

—I was thinking of repeating what we did last night. She was so beautiful that the images flooded back to my mind, and I couldn't lie, I wanted her. But at the same time, memories of that nightmare gripped me, and I didn't want to relive it.

—Sorry, but could we go for a walk instead? See the town?

—Of course, I'll take you to my favorite spot.

She smiled broadly. She was stunning. She stood up, took the plates, and brought them to the sink. Then we went out for a walk. There weren't many people outside, but you could see some sitting in front of their homes. We arrived at a market where they sold fruits, vegetables, spices, some antiques, and many elderly people were around. I decided to check out the antiques when an old woman with long white hair and a strange look approached me.

—You need to leave and stay away from her. — She said. A chill ran down my spine as I heard her, and curiosity overwhelmed me.

—What do you mean by that?

—Hello, Gretchen.

—Amanda, so good to see you here.

—Did you find anything? — She asked, hugging my arm. But as much as I would have enjoyed feeling her touch on me, what the old lady had said disturbed me even more.

—Not really. —I replied, and we walked away from the antiques stall. Still, I could feel the old woman's gaze on my back.

—How long have you been living in the house alone? — I couldn't hold back. I was too curious. I needed to know if I was going crazy or not.

—All my life, actually. I don't think I could ever leave Salem. This place is special; it's my home. —The way her voice sounded as she spoke made it feel nostalgic, as if something was missing.

—Wouldn't you like to see the world? Travel? Meet new people?

—My brother sends me pictures and videos of his travels. That's enough for me. —She said, smiling as we kept walking.

—This is it. — she said, stopping in front of a cemetery. My heart wanted to leap out of my chest. My hands began to tremble as she stepped ahead, carrying a red rose to a gravestone.

—This was my mother. Every time I come here to tell her about my day, it makes me feel less alone. — At that moment, I didn't know what to think. I didn't know whether to believe her or think it was some sort of plan, something strange. Or maybe I had been drugged, but if what she told me was true, it made sense that this place would be her favorite. My head was spinning; I didn't understand anything that was happening or how real those dreams felt.