TRUE STORIES

THE CLOWN part 1

After such a long time our parents decided to take us to a trip. We wanted to bring Kevin along with us but his parents decided their own trip to somewhere else too.

It was still summer and we were excited. As for Kevin, he simply said that he would be jealous if we ever had a good adventure without him. Same goes for him too. He was with his cousins after all.

After a day and a half ride, we finally reached our destination. It was a small town. My first impression was how it looked so abandoned like. It was the rainy season and the clouds were gathered above. It might rain any moment. And the greyish-black atmosphere wasn't appealing at all.

'So? Are we in some kind of haunted neighborhood or?' I asked.

'Jinx. I was thinking of the same thing' Terence and the others agreed.

'It's not haunted' mom said sternly.

We all got into our hotel. Our host was a fat lady who smells like cakes. The mystery of her smell was unveiled when we heard her say that she works in a bakery. Managing the hotel and even being in the bakery. She sure was a hard worker. Her daughter took interest in Travis, she particularly liked his smell. She just takes a sniff out of everything that she comes across. So far Travis was her favorite.

Later, we all went out to explore the area. There were people about. Considering how small the town was, everyone knew each other. And we were their guests. A tour guide from the hotel led us through the little roads. We came across some old houses for sale.

'Fine houses they are, but people don't buy them' the guide said.

'And why is that?' my mom asked taking a picture.

'well they say its haunted' he shrugged 'it's not surprising, these houses were abandoned for so long, there meant to be ghosts about' he was being honest and that was something astonishing.

'True' dad said 'but it's such a lovely place' he commented looking around.

To be honest, it was beautiful here. If there were people. However, this part of the town will always stand so forlorn without people.

While we were near a bridge, we all saw a person in clown costume, fishing. He wasn't aware of us first and then the guide called him 'Grey!'

He looked at us and then smiled. Even if he seemed so nice like I really didn't like the idea of getting near him.

'A clown...fishing...that is weird' Terence commented quietly.

We all nodded in silence.

Grey came to us. His costume was too big for his boney frame. A lanky guy he was. And having really white teeth. 'Oh hello'

'This is our circus clown. Grey' the guide introduced us to him.

As we all shook hands he gave us toothy grins. 'Sorry. You must be surprised. Why I am fishing with this thing on' he tugged at his costume 'I lost a bet with my brother. And now I have to wear this everywhere'

My parents were interested in the lanky fellow who was open minded. Even so, I just didn't feel at ease when he glanced at me. He wasn't looking at me like he would harass me or something. It's just that toothy grin that was spooky. And the friendliness was too much.

He went back to his fishing after minutes and didn't bother watching us go.

Later, Aron and the others joined me outside again to explore. Our parents were taking a nap.

'This place is creepy. But at the same time welcoming' Travis said.

'Yeah. Let's go somewhere else to explore' Aron led us all to another direction. We passed by stalls where people were making food. Through the market we went, and then out to the more remote area. We saw a little shop that had a sign "HOPING SHACK"