The Manor with a Secret

3rd Place, 6th Grade

by Mae Nelson, Saint John the Evangelist Catholic School

A violent, blood curdling screech vibrated off the manor’s walls. I quaked in fear, a cold sweat slithering down my back. Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath and make my way to the old oak door in front of me. The ancient floorboards creaked under my feet, like they would break any minute. My shaky hand met the doorknob, and the touch of cold, hard metal instantly woke me up from my grogginess. I turn it, and come face to face with the most horrendous creature I have ever seen. Dried blood circles the rim of its mouth, and a set of rotting, yellow teeth grin. Before I could even think, I pivot on my heel and GO. Run, Run, Run, the wind seemed to whisper into my ear. At this point, I can almost feel the creature’s hot breath down my neck. 

After what seemed like an eternity, I reached a door. The neon exit sign’s dim light was just bright enough so it was visible. I reach for the handle, and swing it open. As if there was a barrier for the creature, it stopped abruptly, and pouted. Pouted like a predator losing its prey. Once it sulked away, I took a moment to capture the pure beauty of the house. It was quite elegant, but the only thing that seemed wrong was the door. Once I was finished observing the manor, I looked at the door one last time. Except something was strange staring back at me. Two red eyes. 

“Mae? Mae!” Someone shook my shoulder. “Oh, thank God, you had me scared there for a minute!” I groaned. “Mom, I’m fine.” She grinned back at me, those piercing emerald eyes shining. For a moment, the eyes turned red. “Mom?” I asked. A deep, raspy voice that was not hers answered: “You thought this would be over?” My heart skipped a beat. Then everything went dark.