Echoes in the dark

Chapter 1 SCENE ONE PROLOGUE: As I move around the house, I'm overwhelmed by the number of people here. It's difficult to manoeuvre through the crowd, and I can't help but feel a little hurt that there are so many people present. It's almost as if they think I'm no longer alive. In the background, I hear people crying and mourning, which makes me feel the same way. However, I can't cry. The delicious food on the dining table catches my eye, but when I try to take a slice of lemon meringue pie, my hand passes through it. It feels strange. As I continue through the living room, I can't shake the feeling that I'm like a ghost. * * * BEFORE: I walked to school as usual, texting my friend Emma on the way. The road was quiet, empty, and abandoned. It was a relief to not have anyone watching me. In English class, I started feeling dizzy and rested my head on my desk. I must have dozed off because I was startled awake by Mr. Smith's booming voice, "Wake up, young lady! You can't sleep in my class!" "I'm so sorry, Mr. Smith," I quickly blurted out. My head still felt heavy and weird, and I was struggling to stay focused on the lesson. After school, I walked back home but something caught my attention on the lawn next to mine. It was Mrs. Winkles's house. There were police cars all around her house. She was a 90-year-old lady whose husband died 15 years ago. "There she is, we found her!" A voice came from inside. Then one of the officers exits the house. "Sir, we found her body lying underneath the bed and there was a bad smell coming from there."The officer seemed to be confused. "OK, take her out and I'm gonna call Mr. John to come and investigate the crime." I get back home... * * * "Hey Mum," I shouted as I walked through the door. "How was school today?" Mum asks with a smile. "It was pretty average," I said, not wanting to bore her with the details of my day. "Just a lot of classes and homework." Mum nodded understandingly. "Well, I'm glad you're home now. Do you want to eat dinner now or are you not hungry yet?" "I'm okay for now, thanks," I replied, eager to go upstairs and join my friends for some gaming on my PC. "Alright then, just let me know if you start to feel hungry," Mum said as I made my way up the stairs. Chapter 3 It has been a couple of weeks since school started and things seem to be improving. Today, I had chemistry class in the morning and I was excited about the food energy experiment we will be conducting after the break. I quickly grab my cornbread square and head to break. I turn around to see Emma approaching me, clearly out of breath from running. "Mia, wait for me," she says. I smiled and waited for her to catch up. "Hey Emma, what's up?" I asked. She takes a deep breath before speaking. "I'm not sure if it's true, but I heard that Tilly, the girl you reported for using her phone in math class a few weeks ago, got suspended for it, and then something terrifying happened," Emma says. I feel a pang of guilt in my chest. "Y-yeah, what happened to her?" I ask, my voice shaking slightly. "There is a rumour going around that she drowned on Tuesday when she was strolling on the beach and no one has found her body yet." Chapter 4 A couple of months later, the dream had always been the same. As I walk along the path, I am guided by the gentle breeze that carries me through the beautiful green forest. Eventually, the trail brings me to a serene and peaceful beach, where the air is filled with the refreshing scent of rain and the surroundings feel cool and moist. My steps are light as I tread upon the soft bed of fallen leaves, knowing that my companion's spirit cannot follow me to this sacred place. As I approach the bottom of the hill, the beach comes into view, rising above the horizon. The sky above is dark as coal, with endless grey clouds looming overhead. A feeling of vulnerability washes over me, and I can't help but feel frightened. The air here is different, bigger, and less forgiving, with a scent of sea, salt, and decay. Seeking solace, I move closer to the water's edge, and a rush of water washes over my boots, leaving behind two identical, dark stains. I shiver against the chill and take a moment to observe my surroundings. Is her soul still around me? Another wave comes up, more imposing than the last, and I step back. The water crashes onto the shore with a deafening roar, and I feel the sand give way beneath my feet. But the wave doesn't retreat. It keeps rising towards me, not cresting or breaking. Panic sets in as I realize I am on the path of a powerful undertow. I cried out and stumbled backwards, trying to regain my balance. The water engulfs me, dragging me under its current. I struggle to keep my head above water, gasping for air as the waves toss me around like a rag doll. The wave grows larger, more menacing, finally overtaking me and sucking me into its icy deeps. Hands, fingers, hair. Her hands, her fingers, her hair. They all wrap around me, colder than death, and pull me under as I scream. The last thing I know is my lungs getting filled with the brackish water and I black out in nothingness, as she calls out my name in vain… "No!" I shouted, jolting awake with sweat pouring down my face and forehead. It takes a moment to realize that I'm in bed, inside my home, and not on the beach. My heart is pounding in my chest as I try to shake off the nightmare that just terrorized me. I take a deep breath and try to calm myself down. The fear is still fresh in my mind, and I can't shake it off. I reached for my phone and checked for the time: 3:05... Chapter 5 I wake up and go through my morning routine, trying to shake off the lingering feeling of my nightmare. As I walk to school, I notice the wind is particularly strong and the roads are empty. Suddenly, I heard someone call out my name from behind me. I tried to turn around, but I stumbled and fell to the ground. Confused, I looked around but there was no one there. I feel a throbbing pain in my knees as I get up, but there are no visible injuries. It's all so strange, and I can't help feeling a little unnerved. * * * In maths we had Ms Eldred teaching us about Geometry and, because she was a slightly death old teacher, people didn't take the lesson seriously and kept playing around. Then, after school, I walked back home. with my friend Emma until her bus stop that she must take to South Wimbledon station. I can still feel the adrenaline rushing through my veins as I think about what happened last night. I had just left my friend's bus stop and was walking home alone under the cover of darkness. The streets were quiet and empty, and the only sounds I could hear were the rustling of leaves and my footsteps echoing through the silent neighbourhood. Suddenly, I heard footsteps behind me. At first, I thought it was just my imagination playing tricks on me, but as the footsteps grew louder and more persistent, I knew I was not alone. I turned around, and my heart skipped a beat as I saw a white figure emerging from the darkness. I froze in my tracks, unsure of what to do. The figure appeared to be moving towards me, and I could feel my heart racing faster and faster with each passing moment. I tried to convince myself that it was just a passerby, but my gut told me otherwise. As the figure got closer, I could make out its features. It was a tall, slender figure dressed in white from head to toe. Its face was obscured by a white mask, and its eyes seemed to be staring right through me. I felt a chill run down my spine, and I knew I had to act quickly. I started walking faster, hoping to put some distance between me and the figure. But no matter how fast I walked, the figure seemed to be keeping pace with me. It was as if it was toying with me, playing a sick game of cat and mouse. I could feel my fear turning into panic, and I knew I had to do something before it was too late. I turned around and faced the figure, ready to defend myself if I had to. But as I looked at it, I realized that it was not moving towards me anymore. It had stopped in its tracks and was staring at me with an eerie stillness. I took a deep breath and mustered up the courage to speak. "Who are you?" I asked, my voice trembling with fear. The figure didn't respond. It just stood there, silent and motionless, like a statue. I waited for what felt like an eternity, but the figure remained unresponsive. Eventually, I turned around and continued walking, hoping that the figure would leave me alone. As I walked away, I could feel the weight of its stare on my back, and I knew that I would never forget this terrifying encounter. It was like nothing I had ever seen before. It was tall and thin, with long arms that seemed to stretch on forever. I couldn't make out its face, but I could feel its eyes staring straight at me. All I wanted was to get away as quickly as possible. I kept looking around me, making sure I wasn't being followed. If I had felt unsafe, I knew I could have called for help or found a safe place to hide. As I continued to walk, my mind raced with questions. Who or what was that white figure? Was it human, or something else entirely? My curiosity battled with my fear, and I couldn't help but wonder what was going to happen next. Every step I took felt like an eternity, but I knew I couldn't stop until I was out of danger. Chapter 6 I'm home now, and it has been about two hours since I entered my room. I'm feeling creeped out and ghosted feel as if someone is watching me. I'm still alive, tangled in my blanket, but the feeling of unease is getting worse. I keep wondering why Mom is not back from work yet. I tried calling her multiple times, but she wasn't replying. I'm not sure who I am supposed to be telling now. Maybe she is nursing a patient in an emergency. I try calming myself down by watching some TV, but the unease persists. I keep looking at the clock, waiting for mum to come home. Finally, a couple of more hours passed, and it's already 10 p.m. I made up my mind to get up and get dressed in my comfortable outfit. I put on my favourite leggings, oversized jumper, and fluffy coat. I needed some fresh air, so I headed outside. The cold breeze hits my face, and I feel a bit better. However, I can't shake off the feeling of unease that has been plaguing me all day. I call Emma on the way; Hey Mia!" Emma shouted on the phone. "Hi, I just wanted to ask if you're busy or not because I want to talk to you about something worrying me. Can I meet you at South Wimbledon Park, which's next to you?" "No, I'm not busy at all. And sure, I'll see you at half 10, near the gates at the end of the park." I arrived a few minutes early and walked through the park, my footsteps echoing in the eerie silence. The trees rustled ominously in the wind, and I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was being watched. The darkness seemed to close around me, and I quickened my pace, my heart pounding in my chest. I keep on walking. But then, I noticed something strange happening around me. More leafless trees were appearing, each one of them whispering to each other. The wind was getting stronger now, and it started to rain, so I put my coat's hood on. The air was cool and wet with rain, and My footsteps were light on the carpet of brown, fallen leaves. I stopped for a moment and looked around. The park was transformed, and I felt like I had entered a different world altogether. The trees were bare, and the ground was covered in a blanket of leaves. The raindrops fell on my face, and I closed my eyes, taking in the sweet smell of wet earth. As I continued walking, the wind picked up, and the trees swayed violently. The rain fell harder, soaking me to the bone. 'As I hurried down the path where I knew her soul was waiting for me...' I stir up. Is this where I was in my nightmare? 'No Mia, stop thinking about it.' I told myself. As the darkness falls, I continue onward, unsure if Emma is expecting me to be there. I quicken my pace but avoid running. Suddenly, the smell of smoke fills the air, coming from around the corner. I take cover in the nearby foliage and peek around the bend. I couldn't believe my eyes... Chapter 7 My heart races as I stand on the shore, looking out at the turbulent sea. It's the same one that's haunted my dreams for months. I can feel my legs shaking as I wonder if this is real or just another nightmare. As the storm rolls in, I know I can't go back. I take a deep breath and hope that Emma is waiting for me here. I find myself strolling aimlessly, my feet carrying me further and further along an unknown path. Before long, I find myself standing at the foot of a steep hill. As I looked up, my gaze was met with a breathtaking view of a beach that looked to rise before me. The sky above is shrouded in darkness, with endless clouds stretching out as far as the eye can see. Despite the ominous weather, I feel an irresistible pull towards the sea. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore feels familiar and comforting, as though I've been here before. Standing on the shore, I can't help but feel that this is exactly where I'm supposed to be. I feel a sudden sense of vulnerability and fear. The atmosphere around me feels overwhelming and unforgiving, with the scent of the sea and salt mixing with the smell of decay. Seeking refuge, I head towards the water, feeling the rush of waves against my boots before they retreat, leaving behind dark stains. The chill in the air sends shivers down my spine, and I scan my surroundings, searching for any sign of safety. I stood at the edge of the shore, gazing out at the vast expanse of the ocean. The salty breeze whips through my hair, and I feel the grains of sand crunching beneath my feet. But despite the beauty of the scene before me, my mind is consumed with a single, haunting question: is her soul still around me? As if in answer to my thoughts, another wave crashes onto the shore, more imposing than the last. I step back instinctively, but the wave doesn't retreat. It keeps rising towards me, not cresting or breaking. My heart pounds in my chest as I cry out and stumble backwards. The wave grows larger, more menacing, finally overtaking me and sucking me into its icy deeps. I feel the coldness of the water enveloping me, pulling me down into its depths. And at that moment, I couldn't help but wonder if she was there, in the darkness with me. I remember her smile, her laughter, the way she used to run her fingers through my hair in the evil way she used to look at me. Tia! I wonder if she's still watching over me, if she's still here with me in some way. But as the darkness closes in around me, I'm left with nothing but the sound of the waves crashing against the shore and the memory of her touch. Her hands, her fingers, her hair. Tia's hands, fingers, and hair! They all wrap around me, colder than death, and pull me under as I scream. The last thing I know is my lungs are getting filled with brackish water. and I black out in nothingness, as she calls out my name in vain… SCENE TWO Chapter 8: As the funeral came to a close, the sound of footsteps and chatter gradually faded away, leaving me alone in my room. Memories flooded back as I looked around, taking in the familiar furniture and decor that I had seen just a few weeks prior. The heaviness of the occasion lingered in the air, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of emptiness as I reflected on the loss we had all just experienced. I sit quietly in my room, taking in the familiar surroundings. My eyes drift over to my desk, where my pink laptop sits, and then to my cupboard, which appears to be empty. The silence in the room seems to amplify the emptiness I feel inside. As I sit quietly in my room, I can hear my mum mumbling in the next room: "Mum, I don't know, I always tell her to come back at 5. It's all my fault I didn't answer her calls." I guess she was talking to the nanny after. As I heard her voice full of tears, my heart sank. I realized that as a ghost, she couldn't see me, but I could sense her pain. I approached her gently and tried as hard as I could to talk: "Mum?" I called out, and she looked up, confused. She then looks at Nan, who quickly moves to comfort me. "I can still imagine her calling for me," she cries as tears start to flow down her cheeks. It's a strange feeling to be a ghost, a mere shadow of my former self?" I called out, and she looked up, confused. She then looks at Nan, who quickly moves to comfort me. "I can still imagine her calling for me," she cries as tears start to flow down her cheeks. It's a strange feeling to be a ghost, a mere shadow of my former self, no longer able to fully participate in this world. It's like watching a movie, but I'm not even in control of the remote. The unfairness of it all weighs heavily on my mind. I've been taken away from the people I love and a life that is still full of possibilities. I'm trapped in this in-between world, where I can only observe but not participate. But at this moment, Nan is holding Mum close, reminding her that she's still loved and cared for. It's a small comfort, but it's enough for now. The tears flow, and she closes her eyes, hoping that someday, somehow, things will get better. Chapter 9: As I hover over the beach where I met my fate, I notice a swarm of police cars and officers. Surprisingly, they haven't discovered my body yet. Suddenly, something grabs my attention, and my mind is filled with thoughts of Tilly. I spotted her sitting beneath the cliff. Has she too become a spirit like me? I glided over to her and she didn't seem to recognize me at first. "Tilly?" I queried, hoping to jog her memory. Memories flood my mind as I am filled with a sense of dread about what we once shared. She looks up at me: "Mia? Is that you?" "Yes, it's me. People at school were so worried about you when you went missing." "H-how did you get here? Are you dead too?" She seemed confused. " Well, I drowned here a year ago and I-" I couldn't finish my sentence because she started talking too; "YOU DROWNED TOO? Seriously?" Her face was as pale as my bedroom wall. She also looked stunned. "Y-yes I did." I stuttered. " It was this white figure that I've had a nightmare of for months and then it freaked me out in real life and it-" I noticed that I was talking too quickly. " You mean, Lucy-may who did that?" "WHAT-May?" "The one you are talking about that freaked you out in real life and dreams. She's known as Lucy-May and people have seen her mostly in drains and the oceans." She insists. I looked at her, feeling puzzled. But as I listened, everything started to make more sense. "Anyway, how are your parents, Mia? How are your mom and dad doing? " I feel a pain inside me. It felt weird, that I was a spirit and I had feelings. "Yeah, my mum's fine. A-and Dad." I gulped, then continued."He died 12 years ago then." I looked up at Tilly. She seemed distracted, so I thought about asking her about her family. "Yeah, so how about you Tilly, how's your family going? Have you visited them yet?" I asked. " Yeah, I have, but they aren't doing well. Mum has lost her job and Dad got fired by his Boss a couple of weeks ago, and yeah my siblings have been having a rough time in school but it's fine."I felt relieved that she didn't pay much attention when I talked about Dad. Then she asked: "Wait, you said something about your dad being dead didn't you?" She asks. I began to feel anxious and uneasy. "Y-yes, I did." "What is his name?" "My father? I think it was George." She grabs my arm so rapidly. "If he was dead, we would have seen him or even heard his name around here." "So what does that mean? Is he still alive?" Tilly shrugs. "Have you heard about him passing away or were you there when he did?" She asks. "No, he passed away in a stormy night. So all that I remember is that he only went to work, not Mum, cos he had a meeting and one of the men there, who was my father's friend at work, came and told us about my father's death as he had to go to hospital and no one knew why." I insisted. "Well, so you haven't witnessed it?" "No." "That means he isn't dead. What has your mother told you about him?" "Nothing, just that he has passed away." "Alright, I know who you should see. She is the leader of us all just because she thinks she is tough, but no one likes her, anyway." "Who?" I ask. "Lucy-May. Did you forget her?" "N-no I didn't. But do we need to see her?" "I mean if you don't want to, then I guess you won't be able to ask about your father if she has seen him or not." I sigh. "Fine let's go." THE DAY FARTHER PASSED AWAY: It was the 9th of April 2010, when Dad came back from work. "Beth, Mia,, I'm back," Dad shouts as he closes the door and enters. I ran to dad to greet him. Nan comes out of the kitchen with a towel in her hands. "Well, George, I made some dinner because Elizbeth called me a couple of minutes ago and said she because she will be back until 12."Dad goes to work because he had an important meeting while mum didn't. It was a stormy day and the wind was so strong. When I was looking out the window, Mum and Nan were both so worried about Dad. And that night was when the news about Dad's death came... Chapter 10: We drift across a path that leads to a cottage. It wasn't just any cottage. It was an old and abandoned one. We enter it. It smelt damp. "Mia, I will be right back, just stay here." I heard Tilly muttering. "Wait are you going to leave me here?" I blurt out. "Are you scared?" "No." "OK then stay here. I will be back." She leaves. The cottage felt raw and cold. It was a strange feeling, but I felt scared too. "You looking for someone, Mia?" I hear a throaty tone from behind me. I turned, cringing. "Y-Y-Yes I am," I murmured. It wasn't Tilly, it was Lucy-May. She had long platinum hair and sky-blue arctic eyes that stared right through me. But this time she wasn't white from head to toe. She had a long, yellow-stained dress and black-covered high hills. Her face was mouldy with mascara plus tears mixed on stains on her cheekbones. She also seemed skinny and pale. "Looking for me?" she implores with a cold stare. "Yes." For some reason, I felt strong inside me. "mm-hh-mm. Because you want to know about your father, right?" How did she know? "Who has told you about me, and how do you know my name?" "I am a spirit and I have followed you everywhere, but I have wanted to tell you that-" I felt upset but very angry at the same time. Is that why she freaked me out while I was awake and asleep? "Dont say I was you who got me frightened and led me to the ocean and-" "Calm down, you aren't dead. Just wake up Mia and you will know everything about what happened and where your dad is. Wake up." I felt calm. I had to wake up. "But-" As soon as I looked around, I realized she had vanished. Was it just a nightmare or would I wake up soon? Chapter 11: "Doctor, She's waking up!" I heard Mum shouting. I flutter my eyelids. Where am I? I give a gentle pinch on my arm. IM AWAKE. "Mia, you are alright now." I looked up its nan. "Mum?" I try to hope that this isn't another dream of mine. "Yes, honey." "Where is Dad?" I asked. Mum gives a glare at Nan. Then the doctor said: "Well Ms Harris, your daughter has to start to walk on crutches because of the fracture that she had when she fell in the ocean." So I did drown but I'm OK now. "Thanks, doctor," Mum says as she helps me sit up. Nan lent me a cup of water. We are finally home and I'm in bed. I don't feel sleepy anymore. I looked at the time on my phone, it was 2:30 a.m. There they were chatting downstairs. Mum and Nan were still away. I leaned towards the door and got out of bed by reaching for my crutches and going downstairs. "But mum, Mia is too young to know about her dad." I heard Mum saying. "Elizabeth, all she knows is that he's dead. How come she asked about him in the hospital?" "Mum, I don't know. George has been away for 12 years now and she is turning 17 in a couple of months. We haven't heard from him for 7 years since the news about his fake death has been going around." "Beth, he called us when she was young saying that he didn't want his daughter to know anything about him except that he had passed away." I feel my heart beating quickly. Dad isn't dead. That's what Lucy was trying to tell me in my nightmares. Suddenly, without realizing it, they went to the dining room they were sitting in. "Mum. Nan. Where is Dad?" I blurt out. Mum came over to me. "Honey, you know that your dad's dead, so why worry?" Mum was stroking my hair. "No! I just overheard your conversation, Mum, and you two said that he isn't dead and it's just a fib." My eyes were filled with tears as I talked. And then Nan jumps in. "Beth, sit down. `I think it's time for Mia to know." I look at Mum. She seemed hurt. "Mia, your dad, is in a special hospital because he was struck by thunder when you were young. And we haven't heard about it for years now. So he must still be in hospital now." "So is Dad still alive," I asked. "I think so, we will still send him flowers and letters to him, though," Nan claims. Mum stands up and gives me a gentle hug. "OK, you must be hungry. I will make you a sandwich." Chapter 12: A couple of months passed by, and I started to feel better, so I didn't have to use crutches anymore, and school was becoming even better than before. And Mum's job is going well. But Nan has been going shopping a lot these days and she has also got me the grey skinny jeans that I've wanted for months now. "I'm back, Nan!" I shouted as I opened the door. I'm back from school. We had our English summer exams today in class. "Alright dear, go have a shower until I finish making dinner because Mum will be back at 9." "Ok, Nan. At 12, I heard the doorbell go. I was sitting in the living room texting my friend Emma on w******p. I hear Mum's voice crying as Nan opens the door. It wasn't just mum, it was dad too...