Chapter 5: Midnight Confessions
228 Words
The barn stood at the edge of the woods, abandoned for years. As Daniel arrived, the wind howled through the cracks, and the rusted door creaked as he pushed it open.
"Hello?" His voice wavered.
A shadow moved in the corner. Footsteps echoed on the wooden floor.
"You took your time," the voice said.
Daniel’s heart pounded. "Who are you?"
The figure stepped forward, and Daniel’s breath hitched. It was Ethan Carter.
But that was impossible.
Ethan was dead.
Daniel had seen the life leave his eyes.
The boy stood there, pale and motionless, his eyes hollow and dark. "Why did you kill me, Mr. Reed?"
Daniel stumbled back, his throat dry. "I… it was an accident."
Ethan took another step. "Was it?"
Daniel’s mind screamed that this wasn’t real. His head spun. Was he dreaming? Was he losing his mind?
Then, Ethan smiled—a cold, knowing smile. "You can’t escape what you did."
The lights flickered. The barn filled with whispers. Daniel covered his ears, but the voices grew louder.
"You left me in the cold, Mr. Reed."
"You buried me like garbage."
"You thought no one would know?"
Daniel collapsed to his knees, shaking. "I’m sorry!" he sobbed. "I didn’t mean to—"
The whispers stopped.
When Daniel looked up, Ethan was gone.
The barn was silent.
Had it all been in his head?
- Writer
