American Spring Break Horror Book

Chapter eight

The parents who were skeptical about their children’s plan to travel to South Korea have now succumbed to pressure. They are all releasing their children for a week in South Korea. They agreed that their children should relax for a few days before traveling for spring break. Fortunately, their children were clever enough to use this time to study and understand more about South Korea. Having watched several horror movies from South Korea, they were eager to understand it more. Thus, settling on Korean folklore. Some parents still feel uneasy as they plan to release their children to stay in South Korea. The protectiveness they give to them always warrants their safety, which will not be the case in South Korea. They are worried about their stay but can't help themselves. Dhruv Khan, Amber Ray, and Laura Martins could not hide their joy anymore. They spoke about how life would be in South Korea. They couldn’t stop appreciating their parents for the golden opportunity as they were about to travel with the rest. In the morning, Hailey Beryl complains that her friends have neglected to visit her parents’ house. The last few meetings were done at Sandra Robert’s home. Jun Suravi agrees and requests everyone to change the plan and meet at Hailey’s house. It was the last day before they traveled to South Korea. There was a surprise party at Hailey’s home. Her mother had planned a farewell party as they were to leave the next day. However, before they went, they had to learn about the water ghost, Mul Gwishin. The party was scheduled for 4 p.m., and they couldn’t wait for it. The final Korean folklore they learn is Mul Gwishin, also called the water ghost. Mul Gwishin is a water spirit of anyone who drowns in large bodies of water, with the Han River being the most renowned. As the Mul Gwishin perished alone, it is said that they have a penchant for luring unsuspecting victims down to join them. Many people who visit the Han River are warned about the presence of the Mul Gwishin, which attracts swimmers and kills them on the spot. It is a scary revelation to them. They can vividly remember the existence of mermaids in the Han River and term it as mystical. Among the twelve, Jun Suravi is the most shocked to learn that spirits exist in the bodies of water. He is afraid of daring to swim in South Korea. He had wanted to explore his swimming skills in South Korea, but the stories about spirits and mermaids couldn’t give him peace.

. Interesting mythology claim: fishers in ancient China knew that the spirits of the dead could be found at the bottom of any river or ocean. They had no idea that the Water Ghost of Huangbo River was actively looking for a successor to fill his void in the community. The fishers of Yichang withstood every test until the Water Ghost of Huangbo climbed aboard the boat of a fisherman named Zhijian one night and tore nets and bored holes in boats. The ghost hid in a corner as Zhijian prayed for a good catch. The spirit pushed the fisherman into the frigid water as he leaned over the edge to retrieve his nets. After Zhijian was pulled to shore, the ghost smeared river slime on his face and placed a ghost tablet on his tongue. His actions had the effect of preparing Zhijian for his journey into the realm of the dead. It was tragic.

Later, when Yen Lo Wang, Emperor of Dead Souls, arrived, the ghost flew down to see him in the underworld. He announced, "I have found someone to take my place." But Zhijian had not been buried in the ground. To be safe, he slid the tablet out of his mouth and tucked it away in his pocket. After that, he dashed back to his house and locked the door. Zhijian had not yet been entered in Yen Lo Wang's "Book of the Living and the Dying," however. "Return to your rightful position!" Yen Lo Wang broke the news to the phantom. “As for your tablet, if you don't get it back, you'll never get out of the river.” He said harshly.On returning to every house, the ghost scoured the area in a panic. In the middle of the night, he found the fishers’ shack: in response to the knock, Zhijian began to weep. "I need my tablet back, or I'm going to die!" "I will return your tablet as long as you ensure that my nets are always full," despite his good intentions. From that day forward, Zhijian's nets were full of seafood, thanks to the ghost's agreement. It didn't take long before the Water Ghost started appearing and conversing with Zhijian. It wasn’t long before Zhijian was invited to the Water Ghost for dinner and conversation. Zhijian and the Water Ghost are best friends. For once, they reaped big from their agreement. People always wondered how Zhijian made it as an angler. Even when there were tides, Zhijian always caught the highest number of fish. They got envious of Zhijian and secretly planned to investigate. However, the plan wasn’t as easy as they imagined because Zhijian received protection from the Water Ghost.

The ghost made an announcement one evening that he was leaving his friend. The news didn’t excite Zhijian, and he tried to persuade the spirit, but all was in vain. Zhijian didn’t understand what the ghost meant by that announcement but sensed danger. An older woman is strolling along the riverbank. The spirit mentioned plans to push her into the riverbank so that Mul Gwishin may feast on her. “When I push her into the water, her fate will change, and mine.” The ghost thought. “I'm sorry to have to say goodbye..." the spirit said repeatedly. Zhijian, on the other hand, burst into tears. For a moment, he thought and told nature authoritatively. “Wait a minute! An innocent woman's death must not be yours.” Zhijian pleaded with the ghost not to kill the innocent older woman. He wept bitterly, but the spirit had made up his mind. The ghost’s fate would be more significant by killing the older woman. The ghost would then receive accreditation for providing a sacrifice to the Mul Gwishin. It was hard to convince the spirit otherwise.

“Aside from that, what would I do if you weren't here to assist me?” the Zhijian questioned the ghost. “I'll wait three years,” said the spirit after a long pause. No one died for the next three years from drowning in the Huangbo River. It wasn't long before the Water Ghost told Zhijian he'd pull someone into the river, but those years passed quickly. “I can't stand living in the water forever,” the ghost lamented. Zhijian saw a young boy hopping along the riverbank the next day. He swam over to the youngster as quickly as possible, dropping his nets. "Return to your abode. The time to help your mother is now!" Zhijian warned the boy, who couldn’t understand a thing. “Damn!” the boy exclaimed. He had gone to the river to enjoy his time, but Zhijian spoiled the mood. He gets irritated and leaves immediately.

That night, after the boy had fled, the ghost knocked on Zhijian's door, shaking with fury. “What have you done?” the spirit asked angrily. “I am sorry, Mul Gwishin.” Zhijian pleaded. Zhijian apologized to his friend. Zhijian told the ghost fearfully, "My heart goes out to you, but that boy had the rest of his life ahead of him...” The Water Ghost was aware of this and agreed to wait once more. Despite the passage of three more years, the spirit appeared one night and announced that the moment had arrived. The ghost said, "I love you, but I must take care of myself first.” "The ghost said" and left hurriedly. Zhijian trembles in fear after hearing the news. He knows that the spirit will soon take away anyone’s life, something he has always prevented. “It is beyond my power.” Zhijian thinks regretfully. His hands are tied. He tried to save his community members from dying from the Water Ghost, but it seems that will never be the case.

That night, after the boy had fled, the ghost knocked on Zhijian's door, shaking with fury. “What have you done?” the spirit asked angrily. “I am sorry, Mul Gwishin.” Zhijian pleaded. Zhijian apologized to his friend. Zhijian told the ghost fearfully, "My heart goes out to you, but that boy had the rest of his life ahead of him...” The Water Ghost was aware of this and agreed to wait once more. Despite the passage of three more years, the spirit appeared one night and announced that the moment had arrived. The ghost said, "I love you, but I must take care of myself first.” The ghost said and left hurriedly. Zhijian trembles in fear after hearing the news. He knows that the spirit will soon take away anyone’s life, something he has always prevented. “It is beyond my powers.” Zhijian thinks regretfully. His hands are tied. He tried to save his community members from dying from the Water Ghost, but it seems it will never be the case.

Zhijian plans to commit suicide by jumping into the river and drowning himself. “I will not stand in the way.” The ghost thought it had the power to read anyone’s mind. Zhijian resorts to allowing the Water Ghost to take the life of anyone who swims in the Han River. As Zhijian promises the Water Ghost, it agrees faint-heartedly. In the back of the Water Ghost’s mind, it understands the magnitude of the promise that Zhijian makes. The Water Ghost pretends to believe Zhijian and leaves but plans to do something the following day. Zhijian had promised not to get involved, but the following morning, when he went down to the river, he saw a woman dive into the frigid water just as he arrived. Ultimately, he had no choice but to jump in after her and carry her to safety. The Water Ghost looked at Zhijian’s action and sighed with anger. The water ghost didn’t take it lightly that Zhijian lied to him.

The Water Ghost sat back and observed as fate took its course, and he didn't feel angry that night. He explained to Zhijian that he allowed him to do as he wished. Their bond grew much closer than before. The Emperor of Dead Souls, Yen Lo Wang, had been keeping an eye on things and had noted the Water Ghost of Huangbo River's benevolence. He recommended him to the Jade Emperor for a promotion. The Jade Emperor's guards stopped the Water Ghost as it emerged from the river that night to inform him that he had been given a position at the Ch'eng Huang Temple. He needed to show up immediately. The ghost asked if he may bring a companion to the ceremony, and the guards consented. The Water Ghost arrived at Zhijian's house, but his companion was absent, so he placed an invitation to the temple in Zhijian's letterbox. In a hurry, Zhijian made his way to the temple after discovering the invitation. He found the grounds and shrine unoccupied when he got there. There was severe wind, and the fisherman was exhausted after working all day and traveling. As a result, he slept with his coat on the floor.Zhijian awoke to find a bag of riches on the ground before him. Water Ghost was clad in Ch'eng Huang's robes when Zhijian had a dream. A plate of rare meat was given to him by his companion, who then gave the ghost a bag of cash to lay on the ground and bow to him. "My friend, thank you for saving my life. My love for you will always be with you, even though we'll never meet again." The fisherman thanked the Water Ghost for the rest of his life, even though they never met again. “An interesting story there!” John Paul exclaimed as they ended the session.

Farewell Party

We had planned to arrive at Hailey’s home by 4; 00 pm. Firstly, we had to finish reading Korean folklore. The last one about the Water Ghost (Mul Gwishin) was great, thrilling, and funny. It is fascinating to learn how different communities choose to instill knowledge in their peers. Korean folklore plays a significant role in shaping their culture and traditions. We longed to arrive in South Korea immediately. The communication between us and Uncle Chan Yeol was excellent. He was waiting to receive us from the other end. However, we had to hold our horses. We were coming from different destinations but agreed to meet at a familiar place and head to the party later. We didn’t imagine that days would move faster than that. “Our dreams and aspirations are coming true.” John Paul said as we alighted from the train. There were eight of us. The three had arrived earlier to help Hailey with the arrangements before the party. We couldn’t thank our parents enough. When we arrived at Hailey’s home at 3pm, we saw that the host family had made all the arrangements. The dining room was beautifully decorated with charts, posters, flowers, and placards. The main table on which we were seated was beautifully decorated with flowerpots. An extended written piece of embellished charts hangs with the writings “Journey Mercy to You.” It caught our attention. There were enough chairs for us, family members, and friends that were invited. At precisely 4 pm., the party started.

We ate, spoke, and laughed for approximately an hour without any limits. At 5:30 p.m. Hannah Hailey’s mother brought an end to the celebrations. After the party ended, the farewell function began. We were surprised to see some of our parents walk into the room. Dr. Roberts gave an emotional parting address in which he referred to our long friendship since childhood as inspiring. He was happy that our company was beyond partying. Dr. Roberts called on each of us to be our friend’s keeper. He was looking forward to meeting us after the South Korean vacation. The feeling was mutual. How Dr. Roberts made his address was full of respect and admiration for our current behavior. He sought that we maintain the same while in South Korea. Luckily, we hadn’t planned anything fishy except visiting those haunted sites. We promised to be the best children. He spoke to us, hoping we would join our senior school the following academic year. His final words were peppered with compliments and jokes: it was Mr. Meera’s wish that we had a bright future. His presentation moved us and the subject matter he chose. He talked about being honest. We thought Katrina had let the cat out of the bag for a moment. We were waiting for the party to end before we pounced on her.

Some advice our parents offered us in the farewell message should be followed throughout our lives. We were pleased by their presence. They meant well to us. By the end of the party, we were already feeling guilty for choosing to lie to their faces. However, we vowed never to tell them the truth. We went ahead with our initial plans. We couldn’t change just then. In the evening, a strong argument was made in favor of our established promise. We all assured our parents of our decision to maintain the best character. They were convinced. Hailey prayed for us as we retired ahead of the next day’s travel plans to South Korea. That night, we chatted, anticipating the flight to Seoul, South Korea.