I CAN SEE YOU

CHAPTER 2: THE UNSEEN FORCES

The Bell family had no idea that the strange, unsettling noises from the previous weeks would soon evolve into something far more terrifying. At first, the whispers, the scratching, and the distant clinking of chains were unnerving, but now, the force that had taken residence in their home was becoming more brazen, more tangible, and far more malicious. And the one who would suffer the most from this relentless torment was young Betsy Bell.

It was an ordinary evening, just after the evening meal, when the terror first escalated. The family had gathered in the living room, trying to maintain some sense of normalcy despite the unease that had gripped the house. John Bell, a man of great faith and reason, was sitting in his worn armchair, attempting to read the Bible by the flickering light of the fireplace. His children, John Jr., Drew, and Richard, were gathered around, quietly playing, while Lucy tried to engage them in conversation, though her mind was clearly elsewhere. And Betsy, as usual, sat quietly, her eyes cast down as if lost in thought.

Suddenly, without warning, a cold gust of wind blew through the room, extinguishing the flame in the hearth. The house was plunged into an unnatural darkness, and for a moment, the family sat in stunned silence, wondering what had caused the sudden drop in temperature.

"Who opened the door?" John Bell called out, his voice edged with suspicion. He glanced toward the doorway, but no one had moved. There was no breeze, no indication that anyone had gone outside. And yet, the chill remained, heavy in the air.

Before anyone could respond, a loud, sharp noise pierced the silence-Betsy's scream. Her shrill cry echoed through the house, sending a wave of panic through her parents.

"Betsy!" Lucy cried, rushing to her daughter's side.

Betsy was writhing on the floor, her hands clutching her head as though something invisible was pulling her hair. Her face was contorted in pain, her eyes wide with terror. Lucy knelt beside her, trying to comfort her, but Betsy's screams only grew louder.

"It's... it's pulling me! It's pulling my hair!" Betsy wailed, tears streaming down her face. "I can't get it out! It's... it's pulling me!"

John Bell rushed to her side, his heart pounding in his chest. "Betsy, what's happening? What's doing this?"

But Betsy could not answer. Her body twisted in agony, her back arching as if someone were forcing her down onto the ground. Lucy held her daughter tightly, but she felt nothing-no visible hand, no figure pulling her. It was as though the unseen force was in control, and they were helpless to stop it.

"I can't breathe!" Betsy gasped, struggling for air as though something heavy was pressing down on her chest.

"Stop it! Stop it!" John shouted, his voice cracking with desperation as he reached out to help his daughter. But before he could touch her, the force lifted her, throwing her violently against the wall.

Betsy crumpled to the floor, gasping for breath, her body bruised and battered from the unseen torment. The room was filled with the sound of her heavy breathing, the air thick with fear and confusion. Lucy was beside herself, tears streaming down her face as she cradled her daughter in her arms.

"What is this?" Lucy sobbed. "What is happening to our family?"

John Bell, his face pale, looked to the walls of the room, as if searching for answers. There was no explanation, no logical reason for what had just happened. He had always believed that faith and reason could overcome any trial, but now, faced with this supernatural horror, his beliefs began to crumble.

"We need help," John muttered, his voice barely audible.

But before anyone could respond, a voice, cold and harsh, seemed to rise from the very walls themselves. It was not loud, but it carried with it an ominous, chilling quality that made the hairs on the back of their necks stand on end.

"Leave her be," the voice hissed, filled with malice. "She's mine."

The room fell silent. Lucy's face turned white with shock, and even John Bell, whose faith had always been his rock, felt a tremor of fear deep in his bones.

"Who are you?" John demanded, his voice strained, his eyes scanning the room for any sign of the intruder.

The voice replied, low and guttural. "I am Kate Batts. You've heard of me, haven't you, John Bell? I've been waiting for you."

Betsy, who had been lying still on the floor, suddenly jerked up, her eyes wide with a terror that was almost inhuman. Her voice was not her own as she spoke, but rather a deep, otherworldly rasp.

"Kate Batts?" John Bell whispered, his heart hammering in his chest. He had heard of her-Kate Batts was the name of a woman from the area, a former neighbor who had been rumored to have been a witch. She had passed away some years before, but her name was still spoken in hushed tones around Adams. People said that Kate had died under mysterious circumstances, and some believed that she had left behind a curse.

The voice from Betsy's mouth, still cold and distant, continued. "I have unfinished business with you and your family, John Bell. I have come to settle the score."

Betsy let out a chilling laugh that sent a shiver through everyone in the room. It was a laugh that did not belong to a child-no, it was a harsh, mocking sound that seemed to echo from the depths of hell itself.

John Bell stepped back, his face a mask of disbelief. "Why us? What do you want from us?" His voice trembled as he questioned the unseen entity.

"I want what is mine," the voice answered, its tone filled with vengeance. "You took from me, John Bell. And now, I will take from you."

The family was paralyzed with fear. It was clear now that whatever haunted them was not a prank, nor an animal, but a malevolent spirit with a grudge against them. But what had they done to incur her wrath?

John Bell, struggling to maintain his composure, glanced at his wife. "Lucy, we have to do something. This isn't just superstition. This... this is real."

Lucy nodded, her face pale with fear. "We have to get help. We can't do this alone."

With great difficulty, John helped Betsy to her feet, though she was still trembling with fear. Her eyes darted nervously around the room as if searching for the unseen tormentor.

"Please, Pa... make it stop," Betsy whispered, her voice barely audible. "Please..."

John Bell, filled with a mixture of helplessness and determination, took a deep breath. "We'll figure this out, Betsy. We'll make it stop."

The family knew they had to find answers. But where could they turn? No one in the town had any answers, and no one had been able to explain the strange occurrences. The more John Bell thought about it, the more he realized that the only thing left to do was to seek the help of someone outside their community. A priest. A spiritual healer. Someone who might have answers for this unholy terror that had descended upon their family.

But before they could make any plans, a soft whisper filled the room once more, sending another chill through the family. It was Kate Batts' voice, and this time, it was even closer than before.

"You cannot escape me," she hissed. "I am already here."