I never used to believe in ghosts. I scoffed at the idea of haunted houses and dismissed any talk of the supernatural as mere fantasy. But that was before I moved into the new flat.
It was a dingy, rundown building located at the end of a dimly lit alley. The rent was cheap, and as someone who loved to walk alone, I couldn’t resist the temptation of living in such a secluded place. The flat itself was small, dusty, and filled with a musty odor that clung to my clothes long after I left.
The first night in my new home was uneventful. I unpacked my belongings and settled into the creaky bed, eager to explore the unfamiliar streets in the morning. Little did I know that my solo walks would soon take a twisted turn.
On the second night, as I wandered down an unfamiliar street, a shiver ran down my spine. It felt as if someone was watching me from the shadows. The feeling grew stronger with each step, urging me to turn back and seek refuge in the safety of my flat. But my curiosity got the better of me, and I pressed on.
Suddenly, a flash of movement caught my eye. I turned towards it, only to find nothing but an abandoned building, its windows shattered and its walls covered in graffiti. The air was heavy with silence, broken only by the distant sound of footsteps echoing through the night.
I quickened my pace, desperate to escape the unnerving atmosphere. But no matter how fast I walked, the footsteps seemed to draw closer. Panic welled up inside me as I realized that something was following me. With every step, the presence grew stronger, its icy fingers brushing against my back.
I reached my flat, gasping for breath and fumbling with the keys. As I stepped inside and locked the door behind me, a wave of relief washed over me. I was safe—or so I thought.
The next night, as I set out on my solitary walk, a sense of unease settled upon me. The streets seemed darker, the shadows elongated and sinister. I tried to shake off the feeling, reminding myself it was just my imagination playing tricks on me. But deep down, I knew something was terribly wrong.
As I passed by the abandoned building from the previous night, a figure emerged from the darkness. It was a man, his face hidden beneath a tattered hood. His eyes glowed with an unnatural intensity, piercing through the darkness and locking onto mine.
My heart pounded in my chest as I tried to run, but my legs refused to move. The figure approached, his steps slow and deliberate. I could hear his ragged breaths growing louder with each passing second. And then, he spoke—a voice that sent chills down my spine.
“Welcome to your new home,” he whispered, his voice dripping with malevolence. “You’ll never leave.”
With that, he lunged at me, his bony fingers wrapping around my throat. I gasped for air, clawing at his hands in a desperate attempt to free myself. But his grip was unyielding, his strength unimaginable.
Just as the darkness began to consume me, a blinding light filled the alley. The figure recoiled, releasing his hold on me. I collapsed to the ground, gasping for air and clutching my bruised throat.
I looked up to see a woman standing before me—an ethereal figure bathed in light. Her presence radiated warmth and protection, casting a protective barrier against the encroaching darkness.
“I am the spirit of this building,” she said, her voice soothing and comforting. “I have watched over its inhabitants for centuries, warding off evil forces that seek to do harm. You are special—a guardian of the light. Embrace your destiny, and this flat will protect you.”
With those words, the woman faded away, leaving me alone in the alley. From that day on, I embraced my role as the guardian of the flat. I delved into the building’s history, uncovering tales of tragedy and darkness that had unfolded within its walls.
As time passed, I learned to harness the building’s power, using it to protect myself and others from the malevolent spirits that plagued our world. The flat became a haven—a sanctuary of light amidst the encroaching shadows.
And so, I continue my solitary walks, venturing out into the darkness armed with the knowledge that I am not alone. The spirits of the past guide me, their ethereal presence keeping me safe from harm.
The new flat remains my refuge—a place where the boundaries between the living and the dead blur. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder that even in the face of darkness, there is always hope.
So, if you ever find yourself walking alone in the dead of night, keep your eyes open and your heart strong. You never know what secrets lie within the walls of a new flat, waiting to be discovered by those who dare to wander.
Author: Opney. Illustrator: Stab. Publisher: Cyber.
