AISLINN

In the silence, I stand there, listening. But it's an illusion. The deceptive calm belies the chaos that roils inside of me. Each thud resounding in my chest threatens to burst me open at any moment. I squeeze my eyes shut, hoping this terror would dissipate, but it's no use.

What the heck was chasing me through the forest? And, more importantly, why?

Maybe it's all in my mind.

Rallying my nerve, I open my eyes again, scanning the room. This old, dilapidated house is just as imposing as the outside. Its cavernous room leads into shadowy hallways. Sucking in a deep breath, my throat catches on the heavy air, thick with dust and decay. It's like standing in a refrigerator, and I pull my jacket closer, trying to warm myself.

What's that?

It's faint, but I know I heard it. Another creak confirms my suspicions. I'm rooted to the spot, like a statue in the middle of the room. Overwhelmed by fear, I must also eliminate the sound of my own footsteps. I hope I haven't just trapped myself inside this place with the thing from outside.

With one cautious step forward, I wait. But there's nothing. So, I take another. And another. It's as if each one could be my last, but I can't think about that now. My eyes dart left to right, keeping my guard high as I creep through the building. Surely there's somewhere I can rest for a moment. Somewhere hidden. Somewhere safe.

Darkness drenches each hallway and room. How can I find some place safe when any of these spaces could already hide something beyond each shadow? But then, at the very end of a hallway, I see it. A flicker of light. Mustering my dwindling strength, I race towards it. The closer I get; I see it's a doorway of some sort. Perhaps it's a way out of this curious maze?

Slowing as I approach, I reach out towards it. But something grabs hold of my arm. Instinctively, I try to recoil against the cold, firm grasp. It squeezes tighter. My pulse races furiously, desperate for freedom. I let out a terrifying scream as I desperately try to release myself from the grasp. It's merciless, tugging me towards it. Tensing my body, my muscles strain.

"Stop running, little mouse." The words are low but clear, almost wispy.

Oh, my goodness. This is it. This is where I die!

I try to scream. For anyone to hear me. But the paralysing fear silences my voice. Not that anyone could hear me this far out in the woods, anyway.

Something brushes against the back of my neck. I tremble at its presence, yet I can't make out what it is. Twisting and turning, searching for answers, the disembodied voice speaks again. This time louder.

"Please," it begs. "I need your help."

The grip loosens, and I pull my arm free. Rubbing at the sore spots, I locate the voice. A man's outline is visible in the dim light. Despite his slender build, his posture commands attention.

"What do you want?" I ask in a whisper, quivering.

He steps closer. "I need your help," he says again, pleading.

I hesitate for a moment. There's just the two of us here. That I know of, anyway. What might he do if I refuse his request? I know he's strong. Much stronger than I am. I don't have a choice; I must agree.

"What do you need me to do?"

With another step closer, his grin comes into focus. My stomach churns at what awaits me, and my mind spirals, imagining various ways my life could come to an end. And no one would ever find me.

"Come with me. There's something I want to show you."

I step backward, shaking my head. "I don't think that's a good idea."

But he's already moving towards me with his hand outstretched. "Please. You must follow me."

Every horror movie I've ever seen runs through my mind.

Get out of here, now!

I spin on my heels and run in the opposite direction. But the man is deceptively fast. He closes the distance quickly, gliding across the floor. It's the same sound I heard earlier.

Then, just when I thought he would catch me, he stops.

With caution, I turn around. Our eyes meet in the quietude. Glancing past him, there's a large wooden door. Despite the layers of spiderwebs and dust, I can just make out the intricate carvings that decorate it. Without a word, he pushes it open, inviting me in.

This is it. The moment of my downfall.

Taking in a deep breath and straightening my shoulders, I prepare myself for what's coming. Then I step through the doorway.

Large glass windows filter the moonlight, littering the room with golden hues. It's a stark contrast to the shadowy halls I've just come from. The shadows here have a tinge of blue. Vintage chairs and side tables fill the room, with old carpets underfoot. What purpose did this space previously hold? Reading or sitting, I suppose we'll never know.

He leads me through the room, towards a set of French doors. With both hands, he pushes them open. A large balcony awaits. Again, he motions for me to follow.

As I step onto the balcony, I feel the familiar cool breeze gently caress my cheeks. Even though it's dark, the moon lights up a breathtaking view. Past the trees and shrubbery, water shimmers. We must be near the lake. Straining my eyes, I can make out the mountains silhouetted in the distance.

"It's beautiful," I whisper. Amongst the setting, my nerves finally relent. It's calm, silent but for the sound of nature.

The man, now beside me, also fixes his gaze on the horizon.

"This has always been my favourite spot," he says wistfully.

Curious, I turn towards him, finally able to get a proper look at his face. His cheekbones are prominent, and he has a strong jawline. I bet Mum would think he's quite handsome. His eyes catch mine, and I notice something hidden behind his mask. I've seen that look before. Right after Mum and Dad split up. Perhaps it's sadness? But I also have a gut feeling that there's something peculiar about him, and his connection to this place.

"Where are we?" I ask.

He smiles. "This is my home," he says, then sighs. "Or at least, it used to be."

Confused, I tilt my head. "What do you mean?"

"All of this used to be mine," he says, motioning towards the landscape. "The land, the gardens, and this home. But I lost it all," he pauses, "When I died."

My eyes widen, and my breath catches. "You're a ghost?" I murmur.

Holding my gaze, he nods. "Yes," he replies, as if I'd merely asked whether he'd like sugar in his tea.

But the profoundness of his words and what it means weighs heavily on my shoulders. If this is real, it's huge. My pulse beats faster, but I'm not scared.

"Why did you bring me here?" I ask, recalling the chase from earlier.

His smile fades. "I wanted someone to talk to, and to show you what I lost. I wander these halls alone every day, with nothing but painful memories to keep me company. Without my wife and child, I have no one. I don't even have a pet to talk to. You're the first person I've seen in many, many years."

I can't even imagine how terrible it must be for him. All that sadness and longing.

"What can I do to help?"

"I'm not sure. All I know is that I'm trapped here. I can't leave." He hangs his head, a solemn expression on his face. "I don't even know how long it's been."

I struggle to find the right words to say, to soothe his soul. Then I see it. A small photograph. Moving over to it, I pick it up, inspecting it. It's faded and yellowed, but I can make out the images of a young man and woman in vintage attire, standing in front of this very house.

"Who are they?" I say, showing him the photograph.

His face lights up. "That's my wife and I on our wedding day. We were married in the gardens here. We were supposed to grow old together here too, but life had other plans for our love."

Reinspecting the picture, it's not hard to see their love. It's written all over their faces, in their smiles, in the way their eyes sparkle, and the way their bodies seem to respond to each other.

"What happened to her?" I ask.

His voice lowers, "She died during childbirth." The pain in his voice is palpable, almost bringing me to tears.

"I'm so sorry," I say, reaching for his arm to comfort him. But it glides through him, leaving a billowy cloud-like trail in its wake.

"It happened a long time ago. But thank you for listening."

We remain on the balcony, watching the sky change from inky blackness to shades of orange and pink as the sun ascends. I hadn't realised how long I'd been here. Yet my mind turns to this odd connection with this man. We're both outsiders, it seems, lost and seeking solace in our own way.

"It's time for you to go now, Aislinn," he says, voice firm yet gentle. "But remember what I showed you."

As the dawn grows brighter, I think of Mum. She must be panicking by now. I must find my way out of this house and through these woods. And I need to do it soon.

I follow the path of my dusty tracks as I navigate through the house, descending the grand staircase. Through the foyer, I make my way out the front door. During the day, you can see the small details and it's obvious that the ghost lovingly built this house for his wife. If only Mum could see this place, she'd go crazy over it.

With one last glance at the mansion, I know that this is one experience I will never forget. And will probably never have again. Yet, guilt pangs at me, knowing I'm leaving him without easing his suffering.

On the porch, the crisp morning air rejuvenates me. Despite my sleepless night, I'm not tired at all. Heading towards the forest trail, the scent of roses hints on the breeze, almost directing me which way to go. Before long, I'm surrounded by thick woods.

Slowly my anxiety heightens. I'd hoped to magically find my way out of here within a half hour. Wishful thinking, I suppose. At least the woods are less imposing in the daylight, and there are no signs of stalkers about.

As I walk, my mind turns back to my mother. Throughout my life, she's always been there for me. Steadfast in her support. No matter what I have done or said. And as much as I complained about coming on this trip, it's been nice to reconnect with her. Even if only for a short while. But will last night erase all that progress? A knot forms in my stomach. Maybe I've ruined it all. I guess time will tell. But for now, I need to find my way back to Lakeview Hollow and my mum.

For what feels like hours, I trudge through the thick undergrowth. It must only be mid-morning since the sun isn't directly overhead yet. A tidbit of information I learned at school and thought I'd never use. Exhausted, I sit on a low boulder resting at the path's edge. My mouth is tacky with thirst. I wonder how long someone can live without water. Or food? If I can't find my way out, I worry I'll discover the answer soon. Mustering my remaining energy, I stand and continue down the path.

It's wider, more trodden. I hope that means I'm heading in the right direction. Closing my eyes, I pray on a whim, to help me out of this mess.

Sounds reverberate through the forest. Voices? I try to clear my throat so I can call out, but only a low murmur comes from my lips. Then I try again.

"Hello?" I say. It's faint, barely audible.

Third time lucky, maybe?. I swallow, and clear my throat, ensuring my voice is louder this time. "Hello?"

Birds rush from the treetops, confirming my success. I hope someone out there has heard me.

From my left, I hear a whistle, followed closely behind by a, "Hello".

Relief floods me, like rain after a drought. I head towards the voice, walking as quickly as my tired legs can manage. After a few minutes, I finally see specks of what I think are people through the dense foliage.

"Aislinn," the voice calls out.

I recognise it. It's Mum. As I pick up the pace, she comes into view. Our eyes meet, and I can see the relief on her face. It's unmistakable. She runs towards me, wrapping her arms tightly around me. Mum doesn't hold back the tears. Guilt gnaws at me, knowing the stress I must have put her through all night. When I think she can't hold me any tighter, she pulls me in closer so I can barely breathe. My ribs ache, but I don't say a word.

When she finally tears herself off me, I see others come into view, behind her. Ben and Ellie, and a guy around my mum's age. I don't know what to think about all of them being here, except for the embarrassment as I recall my prompt departure after hanging with those two last night. I must've looked like an idiot. They must think I'm ridiculous. But before I can wrap myself up in regret, Mum interrupts my train of thought.

"Where on earth did you get to last night?" she says. "I've been worried about you." Then her expression changes from concern to a scorn. "We've been searching for you all night!"

Sheepishly, I answer. "I got lost. I'm sorry, Mum."

"Well, thank goodness we finally found you before anything happened," she says, sounding relieved. She wipes a stray tear from her cheek. "You must be thirsty. Here," she says, passing me a half-filled water bottle. Gulping the fluid down soothes my parched throat. I've never felt so relieved as I do right now. "Now let's get you back to the B&B. I think we both need some sleep before we head home this afternoon."

Mum places an arm around my shoulders. The group agrees to start the trek back to the car park. Soon our footsteps rhythmically beat against the track, like drums. But I can't help feeling that things are different with Mum and me somehow. At least we're together now, and I'm safe.

We spend the next hour navigating our way back through the woods. As it turns out, I'd recklessly wandered halfway around the lake last night. Wanting to break the awkward silence, and feeling the need to express my gratitude to them all, I speak up.

"Thanks again for coming to find me," I say, glancing over at Ellie, Ben, and then at Mum's new friend, Jake. It's hard not to notice he's walking awfully close to her though. I'd better keep an eye on that one.

"Of course," Ellie replies. "We wouldn't leave you out there all alone. Besides, you would've done the same for Ben or I." Her sweet smile puts me at ease.

Ben nods, agreeing with his sister. "We were really concerned, Ais. Anything could've happened to you out here all night."

I shake my head. "It was so dark; I could barely see anything. And my phone died." Pausing briefly, I wonder whether I should bring up the mansion, or the ghost who lives there.

"What's that, sweetheart?" Mum asks, finally able to detract her attention from Jake.

"Well, it was weird out there. Almost like something was following me."

Her face pales, and eyes widen. "Oh my gosh, Ais."

I interject before she goes overboard. "It's fine Mum. It was probably just my imagination running wild."

She flashes me an unconvincing smile. "Are you sure, hun?"

"Yes, I'm fine. Look," I say, spinning around so she can double check.

"OK, then. I'm just happy you're alright." She turns to Jake. "Thanks again for heading up the search. You're a lifesaver."

Oh geez. My eyes roll involuntarily. But she doesn't notice.

"You're welcome," he says back to Mum.

But the smile on his face says a lot more, and I spot a gleam in his eyes. I wonder what exactly happened between these two while they were looking for me. Either way, I'm glad he was there for Mum to help her out when she needed it. Jake seems like a decent guy. No wonder his Aunt Maggie had raved on about him. But of course, she would. They're family, after all.

Trepidation nags at me, though. It looks like there's a spark of something between him and Mum. He's the first guy since Dad, that she's shown any interest in. And now we'll be heading home soon. I feel sorry for her, finally letting her walls down, only to be left hanging once we get home. I just hope she's not too upset when we leave.

Mum and Jake go back to their conversation, while Ben, Ellie and I pull back a little. In a hushed tone, I tell them about the abandoned mansion. The twins share a concerning look.

"What? Tell me, please," I beg.

Ben hesitates. "It's just...there are some stories about a mansion."

"What stories?" I ask.

"They say it's haunted. But honestly, no one I know has ever seen it. It's probably not even true," Ellie explains.

I chuckle anxiously. "Do you believe in ghosts?" I don't want to blurt it all out, especially if they don't think ghosts are real.

Ben shrugs. "I don't know. Maybe. Lots of weird stuff happens in these woods, though. Plenty of people have heard voices and seen apparitions."

With a reassuring hand, Ellie grabs my arm. "But don't worry about that. You said it was just an old house, right? That doesn't mean it's haunted. We should probably just avoid going there. To be safe, you know?"

Agreeing, I nod. By this evening we'd be long gone, anyway. The image of the ghostly man persists, though. Could there be more to the mansion than a rundown, decaying building and its ethereal occupant? I truly don't know.