Spooky Short Stories Collection

The Soul Creature

I stepped cautiously over a broken branch that layed, rotting on the ground and approached the rustic gate. Vines weaved and curled around the top, ready to slash out if anyone trespassed. At the very top of the gate, was an old-fashioned symbol. It resembled a crest and I wondered if a family of wealth had once lived here. On either side, there were two tall, brick pillars; moss seeping out from where the rain had eroded the brick away. I moved closer and pushed the gate open. It creaked loudly, the sound deafening in the sinister silence. I glanced nervously around, however, nothing had moved. It was then I realised that there were no other living creatures around. No squirrels, birds; not even an insect could be seen. I thought it odd but began to trek through the garden, shaking off the uneasy feeling that had begun to build in the pit of my stomach.

The trees around me swayed ominously in the invisible breeze, the branches: clawed arms reaching down to me. A shiver ran down my spine. As I gazed around, I saw a young girl standing by the house. She wore a dirty, white dress that was torn and snagged at the edges. A faded red ribbon hung loosely from her waist. I leant my head to the side in confusion. Why was she here? I thought. Something caught in my eye and I rubbed it away. But when I turned back to the girl, she was gone.

I quickly spun around, my heart pounding, but there was no sign of her. It was then that I noticed that something had changed in the atmosphere. The air hung still. The trees immobile. It was eerie and uncomfortable but I pushed on, and approached the looming building.

As I reached my hand out to turn the doorknob, I heard rustling in some nearby bushes. I paused, listening. It was coming from around the corner of the house and I followed the sound, almost entranced by it. As I reached where I thought it was coming from, it stopped and I noticed that, ahead of me, were five headstones.

It took me by surprise but I felt my feet taking me closer. Each had a name on them, accompanied by the date of death. James Harvey, 23rd of July 1965; Mary Tyler, 7th of November 1973; Yasmin Roland, 30th of March 1981; and David Wilson, 16th of February 1989. Slowly, I approached the final headstone. Samantha Higgins. I chuckled nervously. Why would a gravestone have my name on it. It's just someone with the same name… right? I thought, trying to convince myself it was nothing My heart began to beat faster. I looked at the date of death and I froze. 23rd of June 1997. But that's today's date, I thought, my breaths becoming shallow. I staggered back from the headstone, almost stumbling on the uneven ground. That's when I saw her. The girl. She stood on the other side of the cracked stone and she smiled.

     “I was wondering when you'd figure it out,” she whispered. She blinked and her eyes turned jet black. Empty. “They always try and stop you all. Stop you from getting closer.” Her voice was jittery and distorted. As if you couldn't quite tune a radio to the right station. “But they always fail. You all end up the same. Now I only need one more soul,” she continued, stepping towards me, her form morphing and changing shape, “then I can cross over to your world properly.” She raised her hand and pointed to me, sharp nails protruding from each finger, “and you're going to help me.” She snapped and I felt my legs buckle beneath me. Her body towered over me, her limbs stretched and her mouth pulled wide to expose pointed teeth. She reached out her hands and cupped my face.
     “Now this may hurt a bit,” she laughed. She opened her mouth and a silvery, white light flew from me to her. As I watched it be consumed by the monster, I felt myself go numb, empty. My energy draining. She let go of me and I fell to the floor like a ragdoll. I managed to see her change from where I laid. She grew taller, her arms reaching higher and higher, hands bony and clawed. Her face moulded and changed shape, becoming more terrifying and monster-like. Her eyes were wide and blood began to fall like tears. Her body slumped over, as curved, rough spikes protruded from her back. I was forced to watch her go into the world, as my vision failed and all went black.