The Midnight Carriage

It was Halloween night, the sort of night when shadows seemed to deepen and every gust of wind carried whispers from realms unseen. Two children, Winston and Beatrice, wandered down the darkened lane, their laughter soft but brave, breaking the eerie quiet of the neighborhood. Oh, they thought it was all fun and games, didn't they? They thought they'd seen all the Halloween night had to offer. How delightful their innocence was.

Winston was the older one, bold and fearless. Beatrice, younger and more cautious, clutched her candy bag tightly, eyes darting from shadow to shadow. The air seemed to hum with a silent promise, though neither of them knew what kind.

They had almost reached the end of the street when, from the mist, a strange figure appeared. And my, what a sight it was—two glistening black horses pulling a dark carriage, with lamps casting a dull, greenish glow. I remember how they froze, those two little ones, watching the horses approach, their polished hooves clacking over the cobblestones. They couldn't see me very well under my hood, but I saw them just fine.

"Well, well," I spoke, my cold voice carrying just enough to reach their ears. "A fine night for a ride, wouldn't you say?"

Winston's eyes widened in awe. Oh, he was a bold one, that boy. "Are you giving rides?" he asked, his voice quivering only a little.

"But of course," I replied, gesturing with a gloved hand to the empty seats in the back. "Hop in, if you dare. It's Halloween, after all. The only night for a midnight ride."

Beatrice tugged at her brother's sleeve. "I don't know, Winston," she whispered. "We don't know him."

Ah, sweet Beatrice—her hesitation only made the invitation sweeter. But Winston, bless his soul, had the spirit I was hoping for.

"It's just a ride, Beatrice," he insisted, flashing her a reassuring grin. "Besides, we'll see the whole neighborhood from up there! You're not scared, are you?"

She looked at him, her wide eyes filled with fear. "No...but..."

Winston puffed out his chest, brave as ever, and took her hand. "Come on, it'll be fun!"

They climbed into the carriage, settling on the cushioned seats. I closed the door with a snap. I took my place at the reins, and, with a light flick of my wrist, we were off. Oh, how thrilling it was, hearing their excited giggles as the carriage rolled down the street, past houses with their friendly glow and laughing jack-o'-lanterns. I let them enjoy it, knowing that the fun wouldn't last.

As we left the heart of the neighborhood, I urged the horses onward, faster now, their hooves thundering over the cobblestones. The houses grew fewer, and the lights dimmer. And then, only then, did they start to feel it—a creeping unease settling over them, like frost on a windowpane.

"Uh...are we going the right way?" Winston's voice cracked just a little as he leaned out the window, watching the familiar streets disappear one by one.

I said nothing, only kept driving.

"Sir?" Beatrice's voice was small, a whisper. "Could you...could you take us back?"

Still, I said nothing, only tightened my grip on the reins. The road narrowed, trees now towering overhead, branches twisting together to blot out the moon. Oh, the forest knew what I was doing; it had seen this ride before, many times. Its trees seemed to close in on us, leaning down as if listening, as if waiting.

"Excuse me! We want to get out!" Winston shouted, pounding on the window, but his voice only echoed back at him.

I couldn't help the laugh that escaped me then—low and steady, like the creak of the carriage wheels over damp ground. Their fear filled the air, wafting through the forest like the sweetest perfume.

The carriage jostled as the path grew rough, the wheels catching on roots and rocks, twisting and turning deeper into the dark, into a place they'd never known, a place even I dared not name.

Finally, I heard Winston mutter, "I don't think we should've gotten in here."

Beatrice sniffled, her voice barely a whisper. "Please...can you let us out?"

Still, I said nothing.

The horses kept on, pulling us into the heart of the woods, where no path lay, where the trees themselves seemed to twist and curl in dark forms. They leaned close now, shadows stretching like hands toward the carriage, eager to welcome our little passengers. And all the while, I could hear their tiny hearts beating faster, that quiet fear turning to something deeper, something darker.

They clung to each other, their little hands gripping tight as the carriage finally slowed, coming to a halt in the very heart of the forest. The silence was absolute, thick and waiting.

"Oh...oh no," Beatrice whispered, glancing around, eyes wide. She could feel it, couldn't she? The weight of the place, the ancient quiet, the sense that the forest itself was listening. I took my time stepping down from the driver's seat, letting them feel the anticipation, letting their fears settle in fully before I pulled open the door.

I leaned in, letting my hood fall just a little to show the slightest glimpse of my face—a shadowy outline, just enough to set their little hearts racing faster. And oh, what a sight they were, their eyes round and shining with fear, huddled together like frightened birds.

"Thank you for joining me," I said softly. "You've both been brave little souls tonight."

"Please," Winston said, his voice trembling slightly. "Please let us go. We don't want to be here anymore."

"Oh, but you asked for the ride," I replied, my voice lilting, my hand resting on the open door. "And a ride you shall have...for as long as the forest wishes it. These are rules, I can not change them. Who knows, you may be some of the lucky ones. If the forest chooses to keep you, that is. Someday you may find yourself to be a coachman like me."

With that, I stepped back, closing the door with a soft click. They scrambled to the window, pounding, pleading, their little voices muffled by the thick glass.

I gave the reins a snap, and the carriage began to move once more, wheels creaking and groaning as it rolled deeper into the woods. Within moments the shadows had swallowed it whole. The forest was eager to welcome the newcomers.

As the clatter of the carriage faded away, the forest tightened around me, binding me. I stood still, knowing I would wait unmoving until next Halloween, when the trees would loosen their grip and offer me freedom for the night. Until then, I would remain a keeper of shadows, destined to return to this dark embrace time and time again.