Mysterious Fragments

The Haunted Hotel

Emilia (E): Who doesn't like a good picnic? So, when we had the offer to have one, we all accepted it and were overjoyed, looking forward to it. My name is Emilia, and I am attending my first year of medical school. Although I like being friendly to all, everyone has their own choices regarding who their best buddy, close friend, or group mate is. Gena, Jack, Khan, Silvia, Ratan, Daisy, and I made a group of our own. We were best buddies, and it happened soon after we got admission to the medical college. Sometimes, you just know who is like-minded, and it clicks right away whom you want to be with. It happened to all of us so suddenly that even we were amazed. We trusted each other and have been there for each other since day one.

Gena (G): Emilia, are you in there?

Emilia (E): Yes, just a second.

G: Hurry up; we will miss the bus.

Gena and I, along with Jack, Khan, Silvia, Ratan, and Daisy, made a group of our own. Meaning, we were best buddies. It happened soon after we got admission to the medical college. Sometimes you just know who is likeminded and it clicks right away who you want to be with. It happened to all of us so suddenly that even we were amazed. We trusted each other and have been there for each other since day one.

Jack (J): Hey, girls, come out; all are waiting for you. How long will it take you to do your funny makeup?

Jack teased Gena.

G: If you have eyes, you can see that I am done with my makeup, and it's all Emilia's fault that is taking so long.

G: banged the door, "Emilia, come out," and suddenly the door opened, and Emilia came out.

E: No need to shout anymore; I'm done too. Let's go.

G: Do you know how clumsy you are?

E: (laughing) Maybe I am, so what!

J: Finally, you people are out, so now hurry up; everyone is getting late because of us.

Khan, Ratan, Silvia, and Daisy were already on the bus before us.

Ratan (R): Hey, you guys, I have saved you the best seats at the back. Come sit.

Daisy (D): OMG, we will be having so much fun.

Khan (K): Have you taken all the snacks I bought? Where is my share, Daisy?

Daisy (D): (laughing) When it comes to food, I'm very selfish. But still, if you'd like to have some, I will share them with you.

Silvia (S): Listen, you guys, I have bought us all the energy drinks, so we are loaded.

D: Cool.

All the others laughed and seemed to be enjoying every moment.

Here comes our teacher and co-teacher for the trip, Mr. Bread and Mrs. William.

Mrs. William (MW) is our deputy Dean of the College. Very strict and never smiles. Well! I don't think she smiled for ages—always disciplined, focused, and very observant.

Mr. Bread (MB), on the other hand, is cool and very easy-going, a fun-loving person. He became part of the whole student group when it came to activities.

Enters the Bus driver Poco (PO).

PO: All aboard? I am closing the door now, children.

"Yes, Mr. Poco," we all said aloud, and Mrs. Williams turned her head to see us all yelling. She passed a stern look, and all of us sat on our seats then and there.

The bus started to move. When we were only halfway through, suddenly we heard two big bangs... BANG... BANG, and guess what? Two tires of our bus were punctured.

Cand Resort was still 3 hours away, and it was 8 pm already. So chances are that we will stay stuck being here if bad luck falls on our side.

PO: Don't worry, everyone, I have a spare tire, but I have examined the other tire, and it is badly cut off by some sharp object on the road, so we have a problem at hand. I expect all of you students to try and find a signal on your phones because my cell phone's wifi is not working, showing out of coverage. It's strange, but it is the case.

Mr. PO continued: To navigate to the closest auto mechanic, we will need the help of the Internet.

Nikolas (N), who was one of our bus mates and classmates, said... This is not good news. It's too breezy outside, and the lights on this highway are flickering too. Seems like a horror movie scene.

G: Shut up, Nikolas; you are scaring us.

MW: Calm down, everyone. Mr. Bread and I will definitely find a solution to this problem. Meanwhile, you try for the wifi signals on your cell phones. If you get any, tell me immediately.

MW: Addressing Mr. Bread... Bread, let's get down and look for the nearby places of the highway.

MB: Yes, Mame.

The wind was getting colder, and most likely a storm was coming because the sky was covered with clouds. Suddenly the lights on the highway started to flicker much more, and guess what? Here go the lights. The only light we could see now was the striking lightning in the sky. We were now in complete darkness. Some students shouted in panic, and others switched on the torches of their phones. We also had a battery searchlight with us on the bus, so Mrs. Williams switched it on.

Poco, our driver, was looking hither and thither figuring out what to do, said...

PO: See, there is a nearby hotel there on the other side of the road. Until we find some solution for the other tire, as I have already changed one with the spare one I have, either we stay on the bus during this storm or try that hotel. I can see lights there, and maybe they can help us. What do you say, Mr. Bread?

MB: Looking for a yes from Mrs. Williams, said. If Mrs. Williams decides to do so, well, I will second her. It's up to you, Mame, to guide us on what to do.

Mrs. Williams went into deep thought. All of us students waiting for her yes and no, as all the plans for the picnic were already ruined which we made.

We never thought we would be stuck here instead of having fun at the resort. Ahhh, Destiny.

Finally, Mrs. Williams decided to leave the bus there as the wifi was unavailable too, and go to the nearby hotel, whose light we could see right from where we were but strangely no street lights anywhere. And here it goes. It started pouring heavily. We all scrolled the windows up to prevent rain from coming in. We were stuck right in the middle of the storm while lightning in the sky struck so heavy that we could almost feel it coming inside the bus. Now we all were scared.

MW: OK, boys and girls, one step at a time. The moment the rain stops, we will head towards the hotel.

And we all said almost simultaneously, "Yes, Mrs. Williams."

After 40 minutes, the rain stopped, and it was only drizzling. We all decided to move towards the hotel.

MB: Take only your backpacks and, yes, do not forget your phones, money, or anything important, including your student cards. Poco, lock the bus and take the papers off the bus with you; it's not safe to leave papers inside. So many robberies are happening these days.

PO: As you say, Mr. Bread.

And that is how we started moving towards the hotel. There were 20 kids in total, 11 girls and 9 boys, along with our two teachers and bus driver.

PO: From the hotel, we will call the mechanic so our bus tire can get repaired ASAP. Oh, look at this, we are surrounded by a huge mountain chain.

Some kids nodded; some were just too upset because of this sudden upset that they chose not to answer anything and kept on walking only.

D: It's crazy what happened to us.

K: You know what, I think... we are cursed.

R: Cut the bullshit, man; it just happens at times.

K: No, seriously, it's our first picnic and a storm is coming, a sequence of bad is happening; it all can't be coincidental.

J: You are such an i***t.

K: Whatever, I'm just telling the truth.

J: Well, your version of the truth is strangely annoying.

G: Hey, you guys, cool down. We are almost reaching the hotel now; who knows....maybe we will have the fun of our lives there.

Finally, we reached the hotel. It seemed like their internet was not working too because of the storm. But the hotel management assured us soon we will have the service. It was a small hotel, not anything fancy. They have their mechanic, but he was out of town; otherwise, our problem might have been solved right away. Anyway, we were all tired and hungry, so Mrs. Williams suggested we should stay for the night at the hotel. She talked with the college management and called the resort too, informing them about what happened to us. Meanwhile, we all sat almost on each other as the lounge of the hotel was not spacious at all. The furniture was also old and quite limited.

MB: I'm dividing you all into five groups. According to our budget, four people have to share one room. Two will sleep on the bed, and the rest will have mattresses. About dinner, you can eat the snacks which you have, and also I'm ordering 4 large Pizzas for you with drinks. So enjoy.

We were all happy, chatting with each other, and we sure did enjoy our food. Most of us were tired because of the traveling and what we came across, so most of us decided to retire to our bedrooms immediately after eating. Mrs. Williams and Mr. Bread both thought to stay for a while longer in the dining room to discuss tomorrow's plan and the issue our bus had.

It was cold and dark outside. Inside also the temperature was only comfortable, not cozy. However in our rooms, there was availability of an old fireplace system in which logs of wood were burning.

When we finally lay in our beds, Gena grabbed my shoulder, saying that she had a plan;

G: Let's have some fun.

I was in no mood, but she was my best friend, so how can I say no, even if I want to?

S: Wake up; I have a plan. Let's sneak out of this stupid hotel and have some fun exploring what is nearby. After all, the storm has stopped. We haven't had any fun since this so-called picnic started, so let's have some and enjoy in the spirit of a picnic. I was grabbing Gina's shoulder and asking her what her say on this plan was. After a few minutes of trying, finally, she said OK. So now we are about to wake up the others of our group sleeping in different rooms.

As Gena and I tiptoed through the dimly lit hallway, the creaking floorboards beneath us seemed to echo eerily in the silent hotel. The storm outside intensified again, and the occasional flickering of lights cast ghostly shadows on the walls. Silently, we reached the doors of our friends' rooms, ready to awaken them from their deep slumber.

Silvia (S): (Rubbing her eyes) What's happening? Why are you two waking us up?

G: Shh... We have a plan. Follow us.

We gathered the group in the corridor, each face reflecting a mixture of confusion and curiosity.

Ratan (R): What's going on? Why are we out here?

E: Gena thinks we should explore the hotel and the lake nearby. You know, have some fun despite everything.

Daisy (D): Explore? In the middle of the night? Are you guys crazy?

J: (Chuckles) Well, it's better than staying cooped up in this creepy place.

Silvia (S): Did anyone else hear that whispering sound?

Gena (G) what sound? You are such a scary cat hahaha. Let's go to the lake with the hotel. It sure is creepy but that's the whole point. Are you afraid guys?

The group gave mixed reactions to Gina's comment and then they decided to go with the plan. Explore the lake. In the hotel's lobby, the flickering lights overhead cast strange shapes on the walls, enhancing the eerie atmosphere.

The night was exceptionally dark, and an ominous fog hung low, shrouding the surroundings in an ethereal mist. The moon cast an eerie glow on the path leading to the haunted lake, situated a short distance away.

The air felt heavy with unseen forces, and an unsettling stillness settled over the group as they approached the water's edge.

Daisy (D): Are you sure this is a good idea? This place gives me the creeps.

Gena (G): Come on, Daisy, where's your sense of adventure? This is our chance to experience something extraordinary.

As they reached the lake, the water appeared still, reflecting the moon's ghostly light. Strange ripples disrupted the surface, even though the wind had died down. The group huddled together, sharing nervous glances.

Ratan (R): There's something not right about this place. I can feel it.

The group edged closer to the water, drawn by an unseen force. Suddenly, a cold gust of wind swept through the area, extinguishing their flashlights and plunging them into complete darkness.

Emilia (E): What just happened? Is everyone okay?

G: Stay calm; it's probably just the wind. Let me try to light my flashlight again.

As Gena fumbled with her flashlight, an otherworldly whisper echoed around them. The group strained to listen, their breaths caught in their throats.

Whispering Voice: Leave... Leave...

The chilling words seemed to resonate from the depths of the haunted lake. Panic gripped the group as they struggled to turn their flashlights back on. When the beams of light finally cut through the darkness, the lake before them had transformed.

The moonlight revealed ghostly apparitions rising from the water, their pale faces contorted in anguish. Shadows danced along the shoreline, and the whispers intensified, echoing a tragic tale of a bygone era.

Jack (J): What is happening? Are those... ghosts?

Khan (K): We need to get out of here, now!

The group stumbled backward, fear gripping their hearts. The haunted lake seemed to come alive with supernatural energy. The whispers turned into wails, and the apparitions approached, reaching out with spectral hands.

D: We should have never come here!

As the group retreated towards the hotel, the wind picked up, carrying with it the mournful cries of the spirits. The hotel loomed ahead like a sanctuary, its windows glowing dimly in the night.

Once inside, the group gathered in the lobby, breathless and terrified by the otherworldly encounter. Mrs. Williams and Mr. Bread, who had been discussing in the dining room, rushed to them, alarmed by the commotion.

MW: What happened? Why are you all so pale?

G: We went to the lake, and... and there were ghosts. We heard them, saw them!

MB: Ghosts? Are you sure?

G: Yes...We thought it might be fun to explore the hotel since we're stuck here.

MB: Fun? In the dark? Are you out of your mind?

MW: (Squinting) There's something odd about this place. I don't like it.

Poco (PO): I have a bad feeling about this, señores y señoritas.

Silvia (S): We're very sure Mrs. Williams we saw ghostly figures. It was like a nightmare out there.

MW: (Glancing around) Let's get back to our rooms. We'll figure things out in the morning.

Reluctantly, we followed Mrs. William's suggestion and returned to our rooms. As we settled back into our beds, an unsettling feeling lingered in the air. The storm outside seemed to harmonize with a distant, haunting melody that echoed through the corridors.

The next morning dawned with an air of unease. Mrs. Williams and Mr. Bread called for a group meeting in the hotel's dining room.

MW: Last night was unsettling, to say the least. We need to stick together and be cautious.

MB: Agreed. Let's figure out how to get our bus fixed and leave this place.

PO: I can check on the bus. But the tire situation is complicated, Im still unable to get any help. The staff of the hotel is also not cooperating. All of this is so weirdly scary.

MW: However! We can't let go of our courage and give place to fear in our hearts. Together we must find a way out of this problem. In the meantime, stay together, and don't wander off. Something isn't right about this hotel.

Mr. Bread also advised us to follow whatever was told to us by Mrs. Williams. As we waited for updates on the bus, the atmosphere within the group became tense.

The hotel's staff seemed unusually distant, and the whispering sounds persisted, blending with the distant hum of the storm.

Again no progress for our bus or for any other solution....

As night fell again, we gathered in the dining room for dinner. The hotel's eerie ambiance intensified as the lights flickered sporadically.

MB: We need to remain vigilant. Keep your phones charged, and don't ignore any strange occurrences.

MW: (Whispering to Emilia) Did you hear that laughter just now?

E: (Nervously) I thought it was just my imagination. Maybe we're all a bit on edge.

D: (Looking at the windows) Is it just me, or are there faces in the rain-streaked glass?

The group exchanged uneasy glances, and a collective shiver ran down our spines. The storm outside mirrored the growing tension within the hotel.

S: (Pointing at her reflection in the hallway mirror) Why does my reflection look different?

The mirror distorted Silvia's image, showing an eerie, twisted version of herself.

K: (Nervously) This place is getting to us. We need to find a way out.

R: I found an old guestbook at the front desk. It dates back decades, and some entries mention strange occurrences.

The group gathered around Ratan as he read aloud unsettling tales of guests hearing footsteps in empty hallways and whispers in the dead of night.

MW: We can't let fear control us. We need to stay focused and find a solution.

As the group deliberated, a chilling sound echoed through the hotel – distant, haunting music.

P: That's not right. I locked the bus; no one should be there.

MB: (Grimacing) Something isn't adding up. We must investigate.

With trepidation, we followed the source of the haunting melody, navigating the dimly lit corridors. The music led us to a forgotten ballroom, hidden within the depths of the hotel.

In the ballroom, a dilapidated grand piano stood at the center. The music played as if by unseen hands, notes lingering in the air like ghostly apparitions.

MW: This can't be happening. There's no one here.

G: (Whispering) Look at the walls. Do you see those faded paintings?

The paintings depicted scenes from the hotel's past – guests dancing joyfully, their faces now frozen in spectral expressions.

J: (Pointing) There's something written on the piano.

The group gathered around the piano where an inscription read,

MB: Let me read this inscription aloud, "Beware those who disturb the silence. Leave before the night claims you."

The realization hit us like a cold gust of wind. The hotel held supernatural secrets whether we wanted to believe it or not. And the storm outside seemed to mirror the turmoil within its walls. The staff of the hotel vanished, and not a single person was around. We were scared to death, now we were on our own.

MW: We need to leave, NOW.

As we rushed back towards the entrance, the hotel seemed to resist our departure. Doors slammed shut, and whispers filled the air. The storm outside intensified, echoing the chaos within.

It was long past midnight, and we all felt so nervous and scared. Suddenly as God sent dude we heard Poco's voice.

PO: (Urgently) The bus is ready; I managed somehow, hurry up, let's go.

With a mix of disbelief, relief, and apprehension, we ran towards our bus seeing nothing else, and boarded the bus as fast as we could. Most of our luggage was still in the hotel but who cares...our lives were all that mattered to us at this time.

As it rumbled to life, the hotel's eerie silhouette faded in the distance.

Mrs. Williams seeing us all sitting in despair and horror said to us

MW: (Softly) We must leave this place and the experience attached to it behind. Some secrets are best left undisturbed, so just focus ahead and be thankful to God who saved our lives.

The storm gradually subsided as the bus left the shadow of the haunted hotel, and a collective sigh of relief and prayers echoed through the group.

The unsettling memories of that night lingered, a chilling reminder that some places harbor secrets beyond our understanding.

As we drove away, the hotel's silhouette disappeared into the rearview mirror, swallowed by the darkness. The storm had passed, but the echoes of that haunting melody lingered, a ghostly reminder of an otherworldly night that would forever be etched in our memories.