Horror 100 Volume 2

Boy In The Well

Not long ago, in a small town, in the United States, schoolchildren often had to walk past Old Man Jerry's field. Cautiously, they walked by the field every day, before, and after school. The children walked slowly, taking in the dark magic of the field. Old Man Jerry's field was an old grass field that caught all the townsfolk's attention. Once a month, Jerry would trim the grass on the field, keeping it neat and clean. He refused to sell it. He refused to use it. Once a month, he maintained his fence surrounding the field, always posting fresh, new signs that ordered everyone to "STAY OFF THE FIELD." or "NO TRESPASSING." No one is allowed on the field, not even his farm animals. Only Jerry and his old dog went on the field, especially at night, with an old flashlight in his right hand.

Perhaps if, it were a normal field, the tongues in town would not wag so much. Perhaps if, Jerry were not so secretive and protective about his field, people would not be so interested about it. Perhaps if, it was not for the single black stone well right in the middle of the field that stood solemn like a pillar. No one would be so curious about the field, but it was there and it caught the curiosity of the town. Gossiping about the stone well and creating stories became a favorite pastime for parents to tell their children during Halloween. Being that they are children, their curiosity ran wild, and it burned for them to know the truth about Old Man Jerry's field. However, the old man's upkeep and constant maintenance made it difficult for children to sneak into the field. That challenge delighted the heart of three little boys, Michael, Maurice, and Johnnie. They were mischievous boys who loved to play pranks, get in trouble, and wreck havoc on the small town. Three best friends, partners in crime and the three mischiefs for a small town in the US of A.

One Halloween, during treat 'o' treating, the three boys declared to the other children that they were going to be the first children to go on Jerry's field and discovered the truth about the black well. The other children gasped and begged the boys to dismiss the idea all together; "Let's just finish treat 'o' treating and eat our candies later." begged a little girl name Ashley.

"Hush Ashley! I want to know what is the well is all about." said another boy named Joshua. Some children were just as curious but not as daring as Michael, Maurice and Johnnie. Other children were not as convinced. "Shut up." said Andrew, Ashley's brother, "Leave Old Man Jerry alone and let's get our candy. We are wasting time. We all have to be home at nine." So it was decided by the children, some dismissed the boys and decided to keep treat 'o' treating while another group followed the infamous mischiefs to Old Man Jerry's field. The curious group followed the three brave boys to the field. The old, quiet field had a tall fence that surrounded it, pinned on its wall were numerous wooden signs painted with black or red words. "Do Not Trespass." If their parents knew what they were up too, they surely would get in trouble, grounded even. How are we going to cross the fence?" asked Joshua. The old well in the middle of the field loomed before the children. Maurice, their leader determined to find the truth examined the fences for a weak point. He kicked the fence panel one by one until he discovered a loose fence board. "I found it!" he declared loudly. Maurice stood triumphantly before the loose board. The other children, including Michael and Johnnie stared at the loose board Maurice pulled the loose wood to one side, revealing the dark, lone well on Old Man Jerry field.

Low misty fog danced around its stone foundation. The cold wind crawled up the children clothes whispering into their conscience that perhaps they should return to their trick "o' treating. Maurice remained defiant, "Let's do this." Johnnie was not as confident, "I do not know. Do you see that well? There is something strange about it. I think it knows we are here." he said with chagrin. He is a round cubby little boy with short brown hair and playful green eyes. This night, his eyes were filled with fear.

"Stop being a wuss." snapped Maurice, "Let's go." he ordered. He pushed the fence board, and he marched onto Old Man Jerry Field. Michael followed, but Johnnie refused. He remained with the others outside of the old field. There is something daunting about the well. As if some invisible force were warning all to stay away from the well. Maurice and Michael slowly crossed the field, keeping particular attention to the well. Johnnie remained with the children outside Old Man Jerry field.