𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐑 - Short Halloween stories

The last broadcast

In the quiet town of Eldridge, the late-night air was thick with a chilling fog as Jack, the local radio host, settled into his usual routine at WZRD Radio Station. The studio was dimly lit, the only illumination coming from the flickering ON AIR sign. With vinyl records lining the walls and a well-worn microphone in front of him, Jack was ready to entertain the insomniacs and night owls of his small community.

"Good evening, folks! You're tuned in to WZRD, where the music never stops," he announced, his voice warm and inviting. "It's your host, Jack, here to keep you company through the witching hour. Call in and share your favorite spooky story!"

As the familiar theme music played, Jack leaned back in his chair, flipping through his notes and preparing for the night's callers. The clock ticked closer to midnight when the phone rang, shattering the silence.

"WZRD, you're on the air!" Jack greeted, his voice bright.

"Help me!" came a frantic voice on the other end, breathless and trembling. "You need to listen!"

Jack's heart skipped a beat. "Slow down. What's happening?"

"I'm in the woods near town," the caller gasped. "There's something here... something watching me. It knows my name!"

Concern flickered across Jack's face as he exchanged a glance with Mary, the producer. Her brow furrowed with worry. "Are you safe? Can you get to your car?" Jack pressed, his tone serious.

"No! I can't move. It's too late," the caller sobbed.

Suddenly, a loud crackle burst through the line, static filling the air. Jack gripped the phone tighter, adrenaline surging through him. "Stay on the line! I'm sending help!"

"Please, it's coming closer!" The voice trembled, fear palpable.

"Can you describe what you see?" Jack urged, his pulse racing.

"Trees... they're moving..." The line went silent for a moment before the caller screamed, "No! Get away from me!"

The call abruptly disconnected, leaving Jack in stunned silence. He turned to Mary, who was now visibly shaken.

"What just happened?" she asked, her voice quivering.

"I don't know, but we need to—" Before Jack could finish, the lights flickered, plunging the studio into darkness. The low hum of the equipment was the only sound.

"Jack!" Mary shouted, panic creeping into her voice.

"Stay calm! I'll check the generator," he replied, fumbling through the dark.

As he stumbled toward the door, a distorted voice filled the studio, eerily mimicking the caller. "Jack... help me..." 

Jack froze, terror washing over him. "Who are you?" he demanded, his voice shaky.

The voice only laughed, a chilling sound that echoed in the darkness. "You're next..."

Desperation took hold as Jack grabbed the mic. "If anyone is listening, please—stay away from the woods! There's something out there!"

Suddenly, the lights flickered back on, but the studio was empty. Mary was gone. Jack's heart raced as he called out, "Mary!" But only silence greeted him.

Frantically checking the phones, he found them dead. Outside, the wind howled, a haunting melody swirling around the station. He rushed to the window, peering into the night. The glow of headlights approached, only to flicker out just before reaching the station.

Jack turned back, dread settling deep in his gut. The ON AIR light blinked ominously. "If you can hear me... help is coming. Just hold on!" he shouted into the mic.

A loud crash from outside made him jump. He rushed to the door, but it swung open on its own, revealing the pitch-black night. The last thing he wanted to do was step outside, but he had to find Mary.

"Jack..." The voice slithered through the air, sinister and familiar. "You should have listened..."

A cold chill crept up Jack's spine as he spun around, realizing he was not alone. The room darkened again, and the distorted voice echoed louder.

"Join us..."

Panic surged within him. Jack scrambled to the window, but the mist outside swirled like tendrils reaching for him. He felt a pull, as if the darkness wanted to consume him.

"Get away from me!" he yelled, but the studio's air thickened, suffocating his cries. He stumbled back, the microphone slipping from his grip.

Then, the lights flickered once more, illuminating a shadowy figure standing just outside the glass. It was a familiar face—Mary, but her eyes were hollow, her expression twisted in a grotesque smile.

"Help me, Jack..." she whispered, her voice a haunting echo of the caller's.

"No!" Jack shouted, the realization crashing down upon him. The thing in the woods had taken her, and now it was reaching for him.

The last thing Jack heard was the laughter, echoing through the darkness, as the lights went out for good. 

In the quiet town of Eldridge, the radio station was never the same. Those who dared tune in after midnight would hear only static—haunting and relentless—reminding them of the last broadcast that warned them to stay away from the woods, where shadows danced and whispers lingered.