Christmas Home Coming!

End of the first year of her university course

now it was Christmas holidays

excited to be going home to see mum and dad

her big sister would be there to

dad said he would pick her up from the station

filled with festive anticipation!

 

Tried to phone home that day but got no reply

getting on the train so worried

the normally quick trip slow in this demeanor

unable to comprehend a reason

she could see that there was nobody waiting

phoning her friend now debating!

 

A hug from her best mate glad to see somebody

they headed home in a car

approaching the road became aware of no lights

pulling up outside was fearful

of what she would find when opening the door

turning the key in the lock unsure!

 

Tried the light switch but there was no power

the street light gave some illumination

made their way to the cupboard in the hallway

where the fuse box was situated

a torch was on the top checking fuses were fine

the electric switched off by design!

 

With the house illuminated everything was tidy

so neat her mums handy work

as if it had been prepared for her home-coming

checked the bedrooms perfect

what was happening had thoughts of slaying

or kidnap nerves fraying!

 

Enquired with neighbours said they heard noises

went around knocked on the door

nobody replied then called the police concerned

but when they came all was quiet

now ready to tear out her hair fearing the worst

in her mind came a word cursed!

 

In the lounge the christmas tree stood in the corner

presents spread around the base

decorations lovingly placed cards hanging over string

just as she had waited to come and see

dad was a history teacher who enjoyed Egyptology

specialising in anthropology!

 

He had been on several archeological study trips

and brought back several artifacts

the thought of this made sense but was terrified

a smell of mould made them both

felt nauseous then she remembered the basement

were none of her family went!

 

But now there was no other choice it held the key

holding each other for comfort

through the entrance in the kitchen descended

the narrow creaky dusty stairs

uncertain of what would greet them down there

taking the guise of an ancient lair!

 

Having to use the torch there were large photos

of pyramids and artifacts

shelfs with real items placed neatly on long tables

the air had that mouldy odour

stifling hot and dusty made it hard to breathe

their calmness gone began to seethe!

 

There was  a strange atmosphere they had to go

as they did heard faint whimpering

aimed the torch there saw her mum and sister

petrified afraid to move a muscle

helping them up quickly left the weird basement

away from that sense of encasement!

 

In the warmth of her best friends car she spoke

of her husbands involvement

with artifacts being taken from ancient tombs

and ignoring the stern warnings

how several hooded figures seem to materialize

their bodies and minds did paralyze!

 

They were forced down the stairs to the cellar

were they took several items

and with the girl’s father went as they had come

leaving them traumatized

helpless they cried uncertain what to do next

leaving them all perplexed!

 

Not the Christmas Home Coming she expected!

 

The Foureyed Poet.

 

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The Lodger!

The single young woman found it was hard

even though working

to pay the bills and the large mortgage to

she needed a lodger

providing extra income so she could cope

this really was the hope!

 

The lodger arrived late on an winter evening

there on the front porch

an old suitcase clasped in bony hand

speaking in a quiet voice

harsh whisper in a monotonous drone

yet had a chilling tone!

 

Said she had read about the room to rent

yet not contacted by phone

the owner reluctant to let her come inside

struggled paying the bills

regrettably no other enquiries  received

she could only proceed.

 

From the first meeting doubt was embedded

within her inner fears

already the warmth of her home had waned

showed her the room

gave her approval she would take it uttered

in agreement muttered!

 

Moved in that night with no other luggage

went in the room in silence

the door shut yet the owner full of dread

what had she let in her house

sat in the lounge listening to the television

already regretting her decision!

 

Decided to sleep down  in the lounge that night

later thought it was silly

to allow her imagination to spook her thoughts

the lodger would be fine

three days passed before eventually emerging

trouble began surging!

 

Unable to comprehend what she was doing

no food had been taken in

could not recall if the toilet had been used

not feeling well stayed inside

never been sick as this trying to think back

or so much energy lack!

 

The lodger crept about now mainly in the dark

the place would not heat

it was constantly cold and so many flies buzzed

always a dank mouldy smell

filled the air never had this before she came

nothing could she blame!

 

In the end decided had to make conversation

depression was overwhelming

even hard to climb the stairs breath short

soon outside the room stood

before she could knock the door it opened

into emptiness did descend!

 

Compelled to enter there saw the gaunt figure

empty eyes and  almost skeletal

went to speak but there was a piercing scream

followed by a blinding light

she woke with a shudder and fell off her bed

thinking she must be dead!

 

Finding her heart was racing knew she was not

sat shaken on the thick  rug

cold no more really went to the lodgers door

finding it was slightly open

summed up the courage to go right inside

had to face not hide!

 

But it was empty the lodger seemed to have left

the tension and fear had lifted

the odours and flies were not about any more

though she had not existed

strange had it been an awful nightmare she had

certainly never had one that bad!

 

Came home from work around seven that evening

got herself something to eat

then there was a faint tap upon the front door

wondering who it could be

nobody usually called at this time without a call

went to answer it down the hall!

 

Devastated to see a thin pale girl holding a suitcase

within  her bony hand!

 

The Foureyed Poet.