Special Features
THE SWEET SMELL OF THANKSGIVING BREAK
MYA BAILEY
Photo taken by Mya Bailey
Halloween has nearly come to a complete finish as we count every piece of candy we scavenged, and as we watch every October special we used to watch as a kid like Hocus Pocus, Halloween Town, or my personal favorite Scary Godmother's Halloween Spectacular for the last time. It’s hard to give up the spookiness that rides with the headless horseman each year to give us Halloween, but this leaves room for November. Thanksgiving is just around the corner; hiding with that occasional turkey as always. The food, the time spent with our families, the food, the Thanksgiving day parade that awakes some of us each Thanksgiving morning, and the FOOD! I love holidays, personally, and I love the way everyone is so enthusiastic at times about celebrating them.
Something us students, and maybe older readers that were in school when they were younger, truly like about Thanksgiving is the break that we receive within. You’ve got to be thankful for that break, come on. School can take a little melatonin and chill on its own while the rest of us get to do as we please. The real question is, what will I do with my time during this break? Some of us don’t usually have free time causing even the slightest confusion as to how to spend our days with not much of any work. Not to worry, I’ve spent countless hours contemplating the source of boredom to start planning ahead to I don’t fall into this gaping hole of weariness. Here are 6 things that are in my full belief and opinion, timewasting yet at the same time super fun!
Something us students, and maybe older readers that were in school when they were younger, truly like about Thanksgiving is the break that we receive within. You’ve got to be thankful for that break, come on. School can take a little melatonin and chill on its own while the rest of us get to do as we please. The real question is, what will I do with my time during this break? Some of us don’t usually have free time causing even the slightest confusion as to how to spend our days with not much of any work. Not to worry, I’ve spent countless hours contemplating the source of boredom to start planning ahead to I don’t fall into this gaping hole of weariness. Here are 6 things that are in my full belief and opinion, timewasting yet at the same time super fun!
- Decorate EVERYTHING! It’s not a crime to be festive, especially in this time of the year where the festivities and other traditions don’t seem to halt. Create little arts and crafts for Thanksgiving; Maybe a cute little hand turkey like the ones you may have created when you were younger. It may sound a tad tacky and obviously cheesy, but as spending my time creating tons of turkey hands then they do seem to get pretty entertaining to create. For example, create a turkey hand of a celebrity you admire like, I don’t know, Obama maybe? Obama may be leaving office, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be included on your wall as a festive turkey man! Another little decoration you could use are mini scarecrows! They’re actually adorable, and handy to stick around your house. They’re inexpensive and Walmart sells these little guys for around the price range of 2-5 dollars per scarecrow, which isn’t that bad of a deal for being super festive ). Next, you’ve got a simple yet still really fascinating decoration technique that I’ve been doing since I was young: Pick out pretty colored leaves, and bring them inside for decoration. Caution: Wash the leaves off before bringing them in with you. Bugs are slick, I tell you.
- Rake Leaves Into Piles to, what may come as a surprise to kids these days, jump in. For example, if I so happen to get a few friends and gather leaves to create some sort of “bush” then we can so happen to just jump right in. The simplest things like a crunchy, battered up leaf can make the world a fun play zone for you and a few partners. Although, if jumping does not quench your need for activity then build a fort out of leaves, make leaf crowns and attire for oneself, color leaves, step on leaves to shreds with every powerful thump as your shoe stomps scraping that fragile leaf into itty bitty nothingness against the concrete. That last one may of taken a turn, but I still enjoy doing it for fun.
- Start a new T.V show! For us human beings who tend to be attached to the safety of our indoor regions, then this idea should work out just fine. As a huge fan of countless T.V shows, and not even just T.V shows because, this girl loves her some cartoons, I can say that beginning a new series is just this feeling of excitement and curiosity. It's like a gateway into this whole new atmosphere where a new plot structure is developed, and characters are perceived for the first time in your eyes. For example, last Thanksgiving Break, I took it upon myself to finally start watching, now one of my favorite shows ever, “The Office”. I chugged down endless amounts of Starbucks mocha drinks, and covered myself in layers of warmth to watch the hilarious Michael Scott run this just phenomenally amazing paper company. I finished the series, season to season, by the end of winter break. Turns out starting to watch a show is actually really epic, and some tv shows have so much heart to learn from which is just a great overall experience. If whomever is reading this needs show suggestions then I totally have many suggestions, cartoons, and regular tv shows.
- Get Others In The Festive Spirit By Being Positive! A smile can do wonders for happiness. Surprising, right? No, it’s true that even just complimenting a human being can make their day 10 times more outstanding than it may be already. Your positive manner can cause someone other than you to become happy, or in this case festive. Even listening or hearing the sound of christmas jingles and discovering the bright voices of gleeful citizens I just feel so overjoyed in an overrated festive way. I guess what I’m getting onto here is that if you are even offered the slightest grin or hint to being enthusiastic about Thanksgiving or even further holidays then don’t crush others spirits. They want you to feel merry with them. Also, if others are stressed, try to bring the spirit of the holiday to those pressured individuals. Sing a song, decorate around, compliment others, and just speak about the holiday in a great way to where people are bound to burst in excitement. It feels good to make someone happy, as their expression rises and pleads into a lighthearted mood!
- Express Yourself !! It’s not rocket science people. Being yourself is something everyone can own up to, and expressing yourself is more than welcome on this break. I end up drawing and writing my quirky little stories on these time periods of breaks; It’s fun to just do what you love when you want to do it. So, I challenge thy reader to partake in some personal time with, well, yourself. Take a breather, and release your feelings on whatever you’re interested in. Stressed? Sing your heart out where you’re able to be as loud as your vocal cords can scream. Emotional? Draw and outline personal pieces of art on paper that spark your interest. Angry? Describe it to yourself in the art of writing. Confused about life in general? Play a sport and try to connect with a zone where you can understand at your own pace. You’re the only one stopping yourself, reader. Just relax from the everyday dying struggles of human nature, and brush your sentiment into something worthwhile. These are your passions and the ability they want to take in the future are depending how much love and work you place into it.
- Challenge yourself in the menacing battle of Black Friday. Black Friday is popular among the people of our country. For those who are wondering what Black Friday is, I can say that it’s a day of the year, usually right after Thanksgiving, where stores give the hottest deals on items that are usually rather expensive. It gives shoppers the finest deals for holiday time shopping, which you can guess gets a little chaotic. Now, I’ve never actually participated, but watching the live footage on T.V seems far more safe. I suggest this form of entertainment for those who would rather be at home, but still want to watch the Black Friday chaos. It's pretty entertaining stuff, people. Another idea for those who wish to take no part in Black Friday is online shopping. It’s referred to as “Cyber Monday”, and it is practically the equivalent of Black Friday. This day has tons of deals for online shoppers, and it’ll be occurring on Monday, November 28th. Otherwise, if you’re still up to taking on Black Friday then it’ll be on Friday, November 25th. I wish you luck in getting the best deals on stuff you really enjoy.
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Fall Comfort Food: Mac-N-Cheese
Morgan Stark
Serves: 15
Serving Size: 1 cup
Ingredients:
1 package (16 ounces) elbow macaroni
6 tablespoons butter
6 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons Mustard, Ground
1 1/2 teaspoons Black Pepper, Coarse Ground
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups milk
6 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
1 teaspoon Paprika
Directions
15 mins Prep time 45 mins Cook time
Preheat oven to 400°F. Cook macaroni in large saucepan as directed on package for al dente pasta. Rinse under cold water; drain well.
Melt butter in same saucepan on medium heat. Sprinkle with flour and seasonings. Cook and stir 2 minutes or until well blended. Gradually stir in milk until smooth. Stirring constantly, cook 3 minutes or until sauce starts to thicken. Stir in cheese until melted and smooth. Remove from heat. Add macaroni; toss gently to coat. Pour into greased 13x9-inch baking dish. Mix panko and paprika; sprinkle evenly over top.
Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Recipe-source: http://www.mccormick.com/recipes/main-dishes/ultimate-macaroni-and-cheese?utm_term=MCK_Weekly_Vol4_September2014&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=McCormick_Newsletter
Serving Size: 1 cup
Ingredients:
1 package (16 ounces) elbow macaroni
6 tablespoons butter
6 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons Mustard, Ground
1 1/2 teaspoons Black Pepper, Coarse Ground
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups milk
6 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
1 teaspoon Paprika
Directions
15 mins Prep time 45 mins Cook time
Preheat oven to 400°F. Cook macaroni in large saucepan as directed on package for al dente pasta. Rinse under cold water; drain well.
Melt butter in same saucepan on medium heat. Sprinkle with flour and seasonings. Cook and stir 2 minutes or until well blended. Gradually stir in milk until smooth. Stirring constantly, cook 3 minutes or until sauce starts to thicken. Stir in cheese until melted and smooth. Remove from heat. Add macaroni; toss gently to coat. Pour into greased 13x9-inch baking dish. Mix panko and paprika; sprinkle evenly over top.
Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Recipe-source: http://www.mccormick.com/recipes/main-dishes/ultimate-macaroni-and-cheese?utm_term=MCK_Weekly_Vol4_September2014&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=McCormick_Newsletter
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The Thanksgiving We Now Live
CALLIE SPICE
A dark historical background this holiday takes,
We must not forget but realize and awake
Once we know how it came about,
We can be more thankful for the lives we live now
Loved ones visit from here and there,
A sentiment of thanks in the air
Gathering together to consider and reflect,
Over conversation and food they recollect
The feeling of love occupies the space,
As they come together to embrace
The arguing is done, the bickering is out of sight,
Adoring each other for even just one night
Happiness is to be had, love is to be felt,
Appreciating one another in the life we are dealt
Modern day celebrations carry a different meaning
To enjoy food and family, Thanksgiving is a reason
It’s right upon us so ‘tis the season!
We must not forget but realize and awake
Once we know how it came about,
We can be more thankful for the lives we live now
Loved ones visit from here and there,
A sentiment of thanks in the air
Gathering together to consider and reflect,
Over conversation and food they recollect
The feeling of love occupies the space,
As they come together to embrace
The arguing is done, the bickering is out of sight,
Adoring each other for even just one night
Happiness is to be had, love is to be felt,
Appreciating one another in the life we are dealt
Modern day celebrations carry a different meaning
To enjoy food and family, Thanksgiving is a reason
It’s right upon us so ‘tis the season!
Present Day
I can hardly hold my breath. My pulse is moving like the speed of light. So fast, I can´t find it. Am I dead? Is this all some twisted fantasy? That sure as hell would have made things easier. Both of my friends were doomed for death or most likely dead already. Should I even continue to fight back? - It got what it wanted...to make me feel hopeless and scared...that “thing” creating such a hell so I would wish I was dead. But I can’t give up now. I have to persevere. For my friends, for my family, for myself.
November 23, 1904
It was pitch black and the fog was just setting. The careless cries, of those locked up in the asylum, echoed through the fog. Almost creating what looked like a luminant effect, leading you towards the psycho-infested nest. As you enter the asylum, you turn right and walk all the way down to the very last room of that narrow hallway. There lies room 126 where the infamous Bunny Man took his place in that unforsaken “society.” Sinister screams bounced off the walls, rattling the other inmates and guards.
“We can’t afford to keep this place up and running,” stated one of the CEOs as he walked down the hall, trench coat in hand, along the side of the supervisor of the asylum.
“Where will they go? Not like they can just be released out into the community. They would cause horrific occurrences,” argued the supervisor. “The company has a larger space reserved. Only problem is that there is limited space and we will have to make room for the newcomers.”
“What do you suggest?”
“I think you know,” The CEO said as he peered down the dark and filtered hallway where one room held a chair able to instantly kill any person with one ZAP.
“The chair? You really think these...people deserve to die”?
“Don’t you? We need room, and they are irrelevant. They have nobody left to vouch for them. They’re a waste of space and are of no use to my organization.”
The supervisor looked down, glancing at the list of inmates. He then looked up and nodded along, signaling his agreement with the CEO.
August 19, 2014; 2:38 p.m.
I was on my way home when I ran into Faith and Ned, holding hands and being all lovey dovey.
“Hey Lily,” said Faith as she turned and hugged me.
Ned smiled and then gestured toward Faith to hold his hand again. They have been together since Freshman year - we are Seniors now. Only four months ´till we go out into the world.
“What are you guys up too?” I asked, even though I was pretty sure that I already knew that they were going to say. I presumed that they were heading down to the old and creepy building in the back roads of the town.
Those two were always searching for new places to hang out in and investigate. Ned told me that the building was an asylum at one point and that it is haunted by those that were killed there. I am not much of a believer so I told him I’d believe it when I see it.
“We are going to that old asylum. You should come with us and check it out. I think you would find it really cool,” replied Faith.
“Uhhh, I don’t know. I have homework.”
“What are you scared? Bok-bok-bok,” Ned said as he impersonated a chicken. Or at least I thought it was a chicken. Hard to tell with Ned sometimes, he was such a character. Which suited him since he was a drama kid. Always acting and not being afraid to be himself. Sometimes I wish I could be like Ned. Outgoing and smart - but I am who I am, and I’m pretty satisfied with that. I am the realist and the bookworm of the group. It suits me.
“Fine, I’ll go. Just stop doing whatever that is,” I said with a partial giggle peaking through the cracks of my final statement.
Faith grabbed my arm and Ned’s hand, and we headed out on our adventure. It only took a few minutes to get there, but once we did, my stomach dropped. Just looking at the building gave me chills and a bad feeling,like we shouldn’t go in there. And I was right - if only I trusted my gut at the time. We walked in and they automatically led the way. Having been here so many times, they probably knew this building by heart.
August 19, 2014; 6:22 p.m
I got home later than I thought. After we walked around the abandoned building we went to go get some Fro-Yo.
“Where have you been?” my mom asked calmly as I entered the house.
“I was with Faith and Ned.”
“Oh, okay. Could have thrown me a text. I was getting worried.”
I locked the door and walked to the kitchen where she was cooking her famous broccoli soup.
“Sorry mom,” and I kissed her on the cheek.
“Dinner will be done soon. Go wash up.”
I walked up the stairs and went into my room. I set my book bag on my bed and felt a shivering draft. I looked up and saw my window was opened.
“Mom,” I yelled, “did you open my window?” I was given no response back. I figured I must have opened it earlier and just forgot so I let the curiosity inside me die, and I went down to eat.
November 25, 1904
“Everything is ready. They will be transported later tonight. The others have been sentenced and will soon be long gone in the blink of an eye,” said the CEO.
He began to walk off and became unnoticeable once he turned the corner. Guards began to march. Each taking a room where they were responsible to transport their given inmate to the proper bus. It was silent. So silent one could hear as each door hinge unlocked. The inmates fought against the guards shouting orders, but one by one they began to cooperate. Treading out into the hallway - bare feet touching the ground. They resembled the appearance of the homeless. Each of their aspects are dirty and gloomy. The only one smiling was Jacob M. Bunny, widely known as The Bunny Man. His name may not make you fear him, but do not be fooled. For a great evil lurks within his spirit that cannot be undone.
The buses began to fill quickly. Bullet proof windows that couldn’t be opened from the inside, guards posted at both exits plus one extra. The up-state facility was about an hour and a half away from the original location they were placed at.
“Looks like a storm is coming,” said one of the guards as he looked out the window.
August 22, 2014
That morning I remember it being so sweet. Mom made me breakfast (like she does every morning) and I was able to catch up with Faith on our way to pick up Ned. Most days Faith is able to get the car from her older brother so she can sometimes give me rides to school. Which is nice.
“How are you?” I asked her as she began to make the slow turn leading towards Ned’s house.
“I’m good. Something weird happened last night though,” she responded in harsh whisper.
“What happened?”
“I was brushing my teeth and I could of swore I saw someone looking through my window.”
“That’s weird,” I replied in a worried tone.
“Yeah it was. When I went to go get a closer look no one was there. It must have just been my imagination.”
“Maybe.”
The rest of the ride was silent besides the radio playing some 80’s songs. As we pulled up to Ned’s, we saw him waiting with a detestable look on his face.
“What’s the matter?” asked Faith as he slammed the door.
“Nothing. Just drive. I don’t want to be late for school.”
As we arrived at school, Ned jumped out and started to speed walk as if trying to get away from something. Was it us? Did we do something to upset him?
“What’s up his butt?” I asked.
“I don’t know. I am sure he will come around by the end of school.”
As we entered the front entrance, we broke off and went to our classes. It was an A-Day so my first block was a free period. I decided to spend it in the library. Maybe I would see Ned and be able to ask him what was wrong. It was unlike him to be angry at anybody. Especially if he was angry at me or Faith, or even both of us. And if he was, he would definetly tell us why. But this was different. Not telling either of us anything was a new level for Ned. He tells us everything.
November 25, 1904
The storm began to pick up. Whips of wind hit the windows, startling the inmates. One by one, they got out of control. Jumping around and screaming like wild animals - except for Jacob. He was just sitting there, smiling. Hearing the jangling door in the back by his seat. Watching as the guards were preoccupied wrestling his fellow convicts. He reached over, turning the knob in a slow manner. He was not going to take his newly found escape route by chance. With a push, the door swung open and he was gone with the flash of lightning. Nobody noticed his sudden disappearance - so there were no search parties, no lookouts. The Bunny Man was able to roam through society unseen and only be known by legend.
August 22, 2014
I caught up with Ned later that day. I saw him walking home, clenching both fists. I could see the veins in his hands popping out. I ran up to him tapping on his shoulder.
“Hey. How are you?”
He looked at me as if I was a stranger who had just walked up and punched him in the face. Like it was so outrageous that I asked him a question about how her was.
“I am fine. Damn. Stop smothering me, jeez!” he replied. Staring down at me, he made me feel powerless. I was scared. I grabbed his arm, turning him with all my power.
“What the hell is wrong with you? I’m concerned about you and so is Faith. You haven’t been yourself lately. So what’s wrong?”
He looked down and went into a gloomy state. He reached into his backpack and pulled out a sheet of paper.
He began to unfold it when he said, “I think Faith is cheating on me.”
I was shocked. Never has Faith remotely hinted she was doing stuff behind Ned’s back. They loved each other. Everyone knew they would last.
“Why do you think that?”
He handed me the note. Showing texts between Faith and a guy named Ben. I couldn’t believe it. I wouldn’t believe it. Faith loved Ned so much. She wouldn’t cheat on him. But it was her number on the page.
“I don’t believe she would do this. She is crazy about you. Where did you get this?”
“I found it taped to the front door. No name.”
We looked around. Worried how someone could get or hopefully even make up this information. I told him that he should talk to her and how worried she was about him. He shrugged and said that he would text her, so I thought that was progress.
November 25, 1904; 12:43 a.m.
The rain was pounding down like a thousand bullets. Jacob was walking as fast as he could towards the now shutdown sanctuary, a place he had called home for 31 years of his twisted life. When he arrived, he began to roam the facility. He saw what had been forbidden from him and many others for years. There were three floors, each with 30 rooms going left to right. The third floor mainly contained offices where the facilitators worked. They analyzed and evaluated the former inmates through hidden cameras which projected into every single room. When he realized himself and many others were just guinea pigs to those - “scientists,” he vowed right there and then, that when he died he would terrorize whoever dare come into his fortress of solitude and mess with him again. He marched down stairs, got a single chair where he sat upon, and with the shot of a gun he had found in a desk drawer, he was gone. Cursing the place on his deathbed. Binding himself to this place, even in the “afterlife.”
August 23, 2014 ; 8:30 a.m.
I walked into school praying everything would be back to normal. That Ned and Faith would be back together again, as if nothing had happened. I prayed I would lose this sudden paranoia. Over the last couple of days, I felt like someone has been watching me. I kept seeing shadows when no one was around, hearing strange noises - it’s all been really…peculiar.
As I walked to my first hour I saw Faith. I figured she had talked to Ned about what he had found based on her expression. While approaching her I could see her head tilting away from me. Like she was ashamed to talk to me. Her best friend. The one who stuck with her when her dad left. The one who supported her and Ned from the very beginning.
“Hey.” I said hoping to get a useful response back. “What’s up?”
She looked towards me. I could see the tears forming in her eyes.
“I think Ned is gonna break up with me.”
“Why?”
“He said he found some stuff that proves I cheated on him. But it isn’t true, I would never cheat on him. He agreed to talk to me after school. But I don’t see how we could come back from this. I don’t know why he doesn’t trust or believe me.”
I gave her a helpless look. I want to believe her. I do believe her. But the evidence was too real for me to just set it to the side.
August 23, 2014 ; 3:06 p.m.
The bell rang so I sped outside to see if Ned and Faith were together. I looked around the sea of people, only to see Ned and Faith sitting in Faith’s car. They didn’t look angry, so I guessed that was a good sign. Then they kissed and drove off. Everything seemed to be back in order.
August 24, 2014; 9:00 p.m.
My phone was blowing up with calls from both Ned and Faith’s mom's, asking where the hell they were. Why weren’t they home? Where could they be? I asked myself as I heard Faith’s mom on the other end of the line. Sobbing.
“Where is she?” She asked already knowing I didn’t have an answer.
What if her and Ned ran away together?
“Ms. Joans, I have to go. I am so sorry. I will do whatever I can to find out where they both are. And if I find anything I will call you right away.”
“Okay….” She said as she sniffled and then with the click of a button, she was gone.
I began to think. Where could they be? And then it hit me. That old building. That was like their new hangout. I bet they are there or at least near there. Maybe it was too late for them to come home and they just decided to crash in her car or something. Whatever the reason was, I was going to find them and relieve their mothers’ stress and anxiety. Mothers always are over protective, but for good reasons I suppose.
August 25, 2014; 12:00 a.m.
I began walking towards the building, no car in sight - just that rusted and busted down building my friends were obsessed with. I walked up to the front door. It was cracked open. Was someone already here? I stepped inside.
“Hello?” My voice echoed. “Anyone here? Faith…Ned?” I waited for a response. Nothing.
I began to walk up the nearest staircase. Hearing the pitter patter of my own two feet against the metal floor. I started to realize how cold it was in there. Everything was metal. Except for the one piece of furniture laying on its side across the floor. Laying there - motionless. Which I guess is a good thing. It just looks so sad. What happened here? It’s so deserted and foul. What is this place?
As I got to the third floor, I could see what looked like offices, going both ways up and down the deserted halls. I walked into the first room I could see. It was cold and had no reflection that anyone with a heart ever worked here. It was so - lifeless. I began to get chills running down my spine. Exiting the room, I turned around the nearest corner and entered what looked like a lab. Test tubes were broken all of the floor. Teared up lab coats hung from the hooks. What happened here? I walked into a room connected to lab. Two metal tables with straps layed there. I wondered if Ned or Faith ever got this far to see all this. Oh god...Where the hell are they?
August 30, 2014; 9:00 a.m.
“Two teens with the names of Ned Petes and Faith Joans have been missing for over a week. If you have any information regarding their whereabouts please contact the local police or call the number at the bottom of your screen,” the Newscaster said when I came down to say “morning” to my mom.
She was sitting down at the kitchen table. When she heard me walk in she shut the TV off then stood up and hugged me.
“I’m sorry, baby,” she said as she stroked the back of my head.
We separated.
“Mom, where do you think they are?” I began to tear up. “What if they never come back?” I began to cry.
My mom embraced me again and replied, “I am sure they are fine. They will be home soon.”
September 5, 2014; 4:00 p.m.
“It has now been 2 weeks since the teens went missing. There will be a gathering held in their honor. Please come to the St. Mary’s Church located North of Woodrow Avenue tonight at 6 p.m. to show your support and give your blessings and prayers to the families.”
September 5, 2014; 6:00 p.m.
I was the first one to arrive to the gathering. I prayed that they would be safe and sound somewhere. Once it hit 7 p.m., more people began to show up. Friends, family, strangers, classmates. Basically everyone in our whole town showed up in support for Faith and Ned. Oh, guys...Where are you? I began to walk away - towards the end of the crowd where I left a picture at the site the families had made in honor of them. I began to glance and the crowd, reading their emotions when I saw...something in the distance. It seemed to be calling me over, but I thought I was just hallucinating - so I looked away. When I looked back it was gone. Must have been my imagination.
September 5, 2014; Later on that night
The crowd began to clear around 8:30 p.m. I said my goodbyes to Faith and Ned’s parents then began to make my way home. I thought it would be good for me to walk around for a bit and wrap on to the twisted reality that has taken over my life, so I took the long way home. I have been trying to hold it together. Not only for my sake, but for their parents’ sake. They’re constantly calling me and asking me if I have any updates on where they could be, and every time I am so disappointed to say that I haven’t heard anything. It really hurts me. I was most likely the last one to see them together. They looked so happy. I doubt they ran off together. They would have at least told me. It must be something else.
I began to pass the old building they were so infatuated with. As I passed the road leading to the building, I heard a scream. I paused. Looking around I saw nothing. But it sounded….it sounded like Faith. But where was she? I couldn’t see her. All of a sudden - the scream came again. I looked toward the direction of the road - waiting for me to hear something more convincing. I mean she couldn’t be in the building. I walked around the whole property and didn’t see really any evidence of Ned and Faith being any where in there. Why would they be there anyway? Are they hiding out? Away from the reality? Or was it bigger than that? Something unexplainable...or was it?
September 5, 2014; 9:12 p.m.
As I slowly pushed open the door, I tried to listen for more cries of distress. Nothing.
I began to walk around in hope of finding some evidence to prove that they were here. There had to be something placing them here, all this time.
I heard a creak. As I walked into the big lounge, I saw a mouse fly past my feet. I jumped in disgust but continued to look around.
“Hello, Lily - I’ve been awaiting you arrival for some time now,” a voice said.
I looked around and saw no one.
“Who is that?” I asked with a hesitating gulp in my voice.
“Oh, well, you know me. I have been with you for sometime. Watching you sleep….hearing the slow pace of your breath -” he paused. I am guessing he was soaking in all the insanity he was putting out on the table. “Watching you and your so called friends.”
“Is this a joke? Do you know where my friends are?”
I asked, hoping it would give me a decent response. I waited for what felt like an eternity. He didn’t respond. I began to get deeper within the facility, finding an old and rusted sign resting on the floor. Rubbing away the dust, I was able to see a clear description for what this place really was. The sign said, Cloudy Heights Psychiatric Institution Founded 1859. I slowly stood up and looked down a hall. The lights flickered with anticipation. As I walked down the hair-raising hall, I saw an office room - door wide open - and one single white light hitting the four corners of the small room. As I entered the small office, all I saw were filing cabinets and a single chair. I made my way over to the first cabinet. It was as grey as molding onion and as rusted as the sunken Titanic. I grasped the handle, looked over my shoulder - the coast was clear. I began to shift through old files. One was listed for a Kyle Logan, another for a Adam Foster. I continued to shift through the other cabinets, when all of a sudden “HA..HA...HA.” A sudden hit of laughter surfed through the air. I looked over my shoulders, one by one. Looking over to my left, I saw nothing. Then over to my right and there it was. There he was. Dressed in a terrifying costume but also making me think of the easter bunny. Why was he dressed in a torn up and stained bunny costume? As he got closer I began to see his full effect. His suit was a palevioletred color with white hinted, stained with black charcoal and what looks like...blood. His face was chiseled, and there was a hole that went straight through his head. As he began to lean in, I could see his eyes. They were as black as night, telling a story with every second I looked into them.
He leaned in closer and closer and then said “BOO” with a very monotone voice and a long smile following afterwards.
I backed up, clenching my fists.
“Where are they?”
He gave me no response - he just continued to get closer and closer, staring down at me.
“Where are they?!”
I screamed. He stopped moving. We continued to stare at each other. He tried to intimidate me, but I wasn’t gonna let him succeed. I was going to find my friends. Even if it killed me.
He began to tilt his head in a mesmerizing way. His eyes glowing with a shadowing shade of purple. In an instant, I was out like a light.
September 6, 2014; 7:37 p.m.
I opened my eyes. Everything was a blur. I began to rub my right eye and then it led to my head.
“Uhh...What happened?” I began to stand up, leaning on my knee then placing my hands on the cold, cold floor. I looked around trying to figure out where I was. It seemed to be a basement of some sort. Quite huge to be exact. I started to walk around hoping to find an exit. I need to figure out who that guy - thing - whatever it is, is or was. As I made my way to what I hoped was the exit, I noticed another neon white light lighting up two steel beds. Like the ones I saw a few weeks earlier. I continued to walk closer and closer then with an prompt swift that one light went out. I stopped my motion waiting and preparing for what might come. Seconds passed, the lights began to flicker with incredible speed. Then CLICK - the light turned on and there they were. Faith and Ned, lying there. I ran over as fast as I could to the middle space in between them. I stared at them. They looked unharmed but were as white as corpses and as cold as the metal table.
I began to tear up. “Faith?” I gave her a little shake hoping it would relieve her. Then I switched over to Ned. “Ned?” I stared down at him then back at Faith. “Guys!” I began to sob. “Wake up!” I leaned over Faith’s body and lost it screaming and crying.
I stood up and wiped my nose and tears. “Where are you? You sick psycho!! What did you do to them?!?”
The light in the distance began to flicker on and off - on and off - on and off. Then there he was. Standing there. Under the spotlight. With every flickering light, he made his way closer and closer to us. Then with the last light he appeared behind me. Turning me around and grabbing me the throat. Choking me.
“I made them get what they deserve, Lily. They trespassed and disrespected my home. They laughed when they found out this was an asylum. They made jokes about the types of people that stayed here. And when they found my file - oh, they invaded and laughed at my personal information. Laughing at the fact that I was too smart to be with others. That I was personally advanced and had my own fictitious friends. Nobody understood me - hell! Not even my own family understood me. Instead of accepting me, they sent me here. They never visited, sent a letter, nada. And then even after I am long gone, your discourteous friends come and violate my privacy. I won’t let it stand!” He squeezed my throat harder and harder. I gripped my hands around his, trying to loosen the reins he had on me.
“Please…” I said with the remaining breath I had and as I looked down at him, I prayed he would take mercy on me.
He slowly rested my feet to the ground and loosened his grip around my throat. I could feel bruise marks forming. He began to turn his back, heading towards a metal table placed behind my paralytic friends.
He turned around and started to speak, throwing his hands up in the air. “What do you expect me to do? Let go of the fact that you have ignorant friends that don’t how to keep their nose out of others people's business.”
“I am sure they didn’t mean to disrespect you. So please let us go. We’ll leave and will not ever come back.”
“Promise?” He asked as he slipped on his cracked, stained, and terrifyingly creepy bunny head - correlating with the rest of his get up.
“Yes.” I stared into his soul-crushing eyes. Hoping he would take the bait so my friends and I could escape.
He glided around Faith’s table and did a sliding hand gesture across Faith’s face, making her awaken.
I put my hand to my mouth and began to tear up. “Faith?”
She raised her neck up. I could see the tears filling her eyes. She was slowly realizing how restrained she was. Strapped down to that metal table. She looked over in a fast locomotion. Seeing Ned still frozen. Trying to figure out if he was alive or dead. I began to make my way around Ned. The Bunny man made his way towards Ned. I hoped Ned would reawaken like Faith did and he delivered my silent request.
“Ned? Ned!” Faith said trying to reach Ned’s hand. Ned looked down seeing the barriers that held him down.
I walked between them. Putting one had on each of their shoulders.
“Now choose.” He said putting both hands behind his back.
“What?”
“I said choose.”
“Why?” I asked with worrying curiosity.
“You didn’t expect there not to be a price to your stupid friends foolish acts against my sanctum, now did you?” He said with a piercing smile.
They both looked up at me. Eyes as big and confused as if they were lost puppies trying to find there way back home.
“What do you want?” Ned asked with a intimidating tone. Not realizing what this thing is capable of.
“For you to pay,” he replied, tilting his head so it swerves to both of them. “You have one hour to make your final decision of who makes it out of here alive and who stays for the ride. Time is ticking, Better get started.” And with the flickering of that one spotlight, he was gone.
I looked down once more at both my friends. How could I choose between them? We have all been the best of friends since we were in Kindergarten. I met Ned when he accidently threw gum in my hair. Had to get a haircut up to my shoulders. When I walked into class that day, Faith walked up and complimented my hair. We have all been inseparable since. Having sleepovers when we were little, going to school dances and learning the basics of what to expect in life when we were in middle school, then throughout high school - talking about our future lives and how we would carve out time at least four times a month to visit one another. Now this - choosing who I like more in a battle of killed or be killed. It’s ridiculous.
September 6, 2014; 10:59 p.m.
One minute left on the clock. Within the hour, I managed to release both of them from their tables. We were just standing there, holding each other’s hands - waiting for the lights to flicker revealing his return.
September 6, 2014; 11:00 p.m.
The lights went on full speed flickering back and forth. He was here. Through the jerking of the lights we could see him walking towards us. The lights gave him a sinister effect as he walked towards us, swaying his arms.
He paused under the middle light and began to ask his questions. “Have you decided?”
I took a step forward, letting go of my friends hands. “Neither. You’re not taking my friends away from me.”
He stared straight for a moment then began to laugh a cringe worthy laugh. “Watch me.”
And with the snap of his fingers my friends fell to the floor, hand in hand.
I dropped to the floor and began to shake them. “What did you do to them?!”
“I told you that you had to decide, and you didn’t,” he lifted his arms up and shrugged, “so I chose for you.”
“That wasn’t the deal,” I protested.
He snapped his fingers and all three of them were gone. I began to hyperventilate, hardly holding my breath. My pulse was moving like the speed of light. I thought I was dead and that this was all a fantasy. That sure as hell would have made things easier. Both my friends were dead as far as I knew and It got what it wanted. To make me feel hopeless and scared...that “thing” creating such a hell so I would wish I was dead. But I can’t give up now. I have to persevere. For my friends, for my family, for myself.
I began to run, searching for a way out. They had to be somewhere. I couldn’t abandon my friends and leave them for dead. I came this far and couldn’t give up now. They don’t deserve to be trapped in a psychotic fantasy with “it” lurking around every corner.
I turned corners, ran down halls, and skipped up stairs. Finally being able to find the main entrance from where each of us has entered.
I walked up the main staircase. A pink light was glowing from a closed door. I felt drawn to it. Like something was there that could help me clear up this whole mess. I turned the handle and slowly opened the door. Wasn’t going to take any chances. When I walked inside, there was no light projecting. Just a monotone room with a single desk and a desk lamp, whose light was focused on a single file. The file was labeled to be about a ‘Jacob M. Bunny.’ Was this the true identity of that...Bunny Man? As I opened the file I began to thoroughly read it. But it didn’t seem like a normal case file for a patient. It was different. Like it was written after he was dead. “Death by suicide.” Like someone took notes down on exactly who he had become after death.
Everything about him was put into three categories - what he was, his abilities, and weaknesses. Bingo! This is what I need to take him down. There was only weakness listed: Fire. When I looked in the desk drawers I was lucky enough to find what I needed, matches. All I need to do was find my friends, wake them up and get us out of here while trapping the sicko inside. That way I can burn down this hell hole once and for all.
September 6, 2014; 12:00 a.m.
I peeked outside the door making sure the coast was clear. I started to make my way down the hall, checking in every room as fast as I could. When I went down the stairs, I turned right and continued to look in every room. When I made it room 126, there was no sign of Jacob, but my friends were in there pacing back and forth with their arms folded. I knocked on the door. Faith looked over to the window on the door. Her face shot up with a euphoric expression.
“Open the door,” I said. She signaled that she couldn’t hear me. So I mouthed it again. I could see her struggling to open it up. I backed up hoping to come to a conclusion that there was another way to open the door. Examining the door I noticed that there was a lock on the door from the outside. I gestured to Faith and Ned saying “one second.” I remembered the chair that was in the other room. So I ran over to the other room and grabbed the chair. Running back to the room I threw the chair against the lock, breaking it. I opened the door as quickly as I could. They helped me open up the steel door and then we hugged.
Ned broke off and said, “Let’s get out of here. I can’t take any more of this.”
Faith and I nodded in agreement. We dispatched and started to jog down the hall and headed towards the front door. I grabbed the door handle and tried to pull it open, SLAM! I looked up and saw him. His eyes still as dark as his soul and the same creepy bunny suit.
“Where do you think you’re going?” He said tilting his head. He released his hand from the middle of the door and took a step forward. We stepped back in response.
I wasn’t going to show fear. I stepped forward. It was his time to be intimidated.
“What do you think you are doing? You are so infatuated with my friends and myself and you need to stop it.” I poked his chest. With every step I took he stepped further and further towards the basement door. With that final step he went tumbling down the stairs. He didn’t move but I knew he was “alive.”
“Go to hell!” I said as I slammed the door. Faith grabbed the chair making it so he was the one barricaded in.
Before we ran out the door, I lit a match from the tiny pack I found and threw it on one of the old and dusty curtains. Following Ned and Faith, I ran out - slamming the door behind me. Within seconds lit up in flames. We ran a few feet away and then turned around watching as the building sparked up more and more.
“Is it over?” Faith asked as I saw her holding onto Ned.
I looked at the burning asylum and then responded with a “Yes.”
And it ended, with a scream of defeat from within the flames.
THE END
I can hardly hold my breath. My pulse is moving like the speed of light. So fast, I can´t find it. Am I dead? Is this all some twisted fantasy? That sure as hell would have made things easier. Both of my friends were doomed for death or most likely dead already. Should I even continue to fight back? - It got what it wanted...to make me feel hopeless and scared...that “thing” creating such a hell so I would wish I was dead. But I can’t give up now. I have to persevere. For my friends, for my family, for myself.
November 23, 1904
It was pitch black and the fog was just setting. The careless cries, of those locked up in the asylum, echoed through the fog. Almost creating what looked like a luminant effect, leading you towards the psycho-infested nest. As you enter the asylum, you turn right and walk all the way down to the very last room of that narrow hallway. There lies room 126 where the infamous Bunny Man took his place in that unforsaken “society.” Sinister screams bounced off the walls, rattling the other inmates and guards.
“We can’t afford to keep this place up and running,” stated one of the CEOs as he walked down the hall, trench coat in hand, along the side of the supervisor of the asylum.
“Where will they go? Not like they can just be released out into the community. They would cause horrific occurrences,” argued the supervisor. “The company has a larger space reserved. Only problem is that there is limited space and we will have to make room for the newcomers.”
“What do you suggest?”
“I think you know,” The CEO said as he peered down the dark and filtered hallway where one room held a chair able to instantly kill any person with one ZAP.
“The chair? You really think these...people deserve to die”?
“Don’t you? We need room, and they are irrelevant. They have nobody left to vouch for them. They’re a waste of space and are of no use to my organization.”
The supervisor looked down, glancing at the list of inmates. He then looked up and nodded along, signaling his agreement with the CEO.
August 19, 2014; 2:38 p.m.
I was on my way home when I ran into Faith and Ned, holding hands and being all lovey dovey.
“Hey Lily,” said Faith as she turned and hugged me.
Ned smiled and then gestured toward Faith to hold his hand again. They have been together since Freshman year - we are Seniors now. Only four months ´till we go out into the world.
“What are you guys up too?” I asked, even though I was pretty sure that I already knew that they were going to say. I presumed that they were heading down to the old and creepy building in the back roads of the town.
Those two were always searching for new places to hang out in and investigate. Ned told me that the building was an asylum at one point and that it is haunted by those that were killed there. I am not much of a believer so I told him I’d believe it when I see it.
“We are going to that old asylum. You should come with us and check it out. I think you would find it really cool,” replied Faith.
“Uhhh, I don’t know. I have homework.”
“What are you scared? Bok-bok-bok,” Ned said as he impersonated a chicken. Or at least I thought it was a chicken. Hard to tell with Ned sometimes, he was such a character. Which suited him since he was a drama kid. Always acting and not being afraid to be himself. Sometimes I wish I could be like Ned. Outgoing and smart - but I am who I am, and I’m pretty satisfied with that. I am the realist and the bookworm of the group. It suits me.
“Fine, I’ll go. Just stop doing whatever that is,” I said with a partial giggle peaking through the cracks of my final statement.
Faith grabbed my arm and Ned’s hand, and we headed out on our adventure. It only took a few minutes to get there, but once we did, my stomach dropped. Just looking at the building gave me chills and a bad feeling,like we shouldn’t go in there. And I was right - if only I trusted my gut at the time. We walked in and they automatically led the way. Having been here so many times, they probably knew this building by heart.
August 19, 2014; 6:22 p.m
I got home later than I thought. After we walked around the abandoned building we went to go get some Fro-Yo.
“Where have you been?” my mom asked calmly as I entered the house.
“I was with Faith and Ned.”
“Oh, okay. Could have thrown me a text. I was getting worried.”
I locked the door and walked to the kitchen where she was cooking her famous broccoli soup.
“Sorry mom,” and I kissed her on the cheek.
“Dinner will be done soon. Go wash up.”
I walked up the stairs and went into my room. I set my book bag on my bed and felt a shivering draft. I looked up and saw my window was opened.
“Mom,” I yelled, “did you open my window?” I was given no response back. I figured I must have opened it earlier and just forgot so I let the curiosity inside me die, and I went down to eat.
November 25, 1904
“Everything is ready. They will be transported later tonight. The others have been sentenced and will soon be long gone in the blink of an eye,” said the CEO.
He began to walk off and became unnoticeable once he turned the corner. Guards began to march. Each taking a room where they were responsible to transport their given inmate to the proper bus. It was silent. So silent one could hear as each door hinge unlocked. The inmates fought against the guards shouting orders, but one by one they began to cooperate. Treading out into the hallway - bare feet touching the ground. They resembled the appearance of the homeless. Each of their aspects are dirty and gloomy. The only one smiling was Jacob M. Bunny, widely known as The Bunny Man. His name may not make you fear him, but do not be fooled. For a great evil lurks within his spirit that cannot be undone.
The buses began to fill quickly. Bullet proof windows that couldn’t be opened from the inside, guards posted at both exits plus one extra. The up-state facility was about an hour and a half away from the original location they were placed at.
“Looks like a storm is coming,” said one of the guards as he looked out the window.
August 22, 2014
That morning I remember it being so sweet. Mom made me breakfast (like she does every morning) and I was able to catch up with Faith on our way to pick up Ned. Most days Faith is able to get the car from her older brother so she can sometimes give me rides to school. Which is nice.
“How are you?” I asked her as she began to make the slow turn leading towards Ned’s house.
“I’m good. Something weird happened last night though,” she responded in harsh whisper.
“What happened?”
“I was brushing my teeth and I could of swore I saw someone looking through my window.”
“That’s weird,” I replied in a worried tone.
“Yeah it was. When I went to go get a closer look no one was there. It must have just been my imagination.”
“Maybe.”
The rest of the ride was silent besides the radio playing some 80’s songs. As we pulled up to Ned’s, we saw him waiting with a detestable look on his face.
“What’s the matter?” asked Faith as he slammed the door.
“Nothing. Just drive. I don’t want to be late for school.”
As we arrived at school, Ned jumped out and started to speed walk as if trying to get away from something. Was it us? Did we do something to upset him?
“What’s up his butt?” I asked.
“I don’t know. I am sure he will come around by the end of school.”
As we entered the front entrance, we broke off and went to our classes. It was an A-Day so my first block was a free period. I decided to spend it in the library. Maybe I would see Ned and be able to ask him what was wrong. It was unlike him to be angry at anybody. Especially if he was angry at me or Faith, or even both of us. And if he was, he would definetly tell us why. But this was different. Not telling either of us anything was a new level for Ned. He tells us everything.
November 25, 1904
The storm began to pick up. Whips of wind hit the windows, startling the inmates. One by one, they got out of control. Jumping around and screaming like wild animals - except for Jacob. He was just sitting there, smiling. Hearing the jangling door in the back by his seat. Watching as the guards were preoccupied wrestling his fellow convicts. He reached over, turning the knob in a slow manner. He was not going to take his newly found escape route by chance. With a push, the door swung open and he was gone with the flash of lightning. Nobody noticed his sudden disappearance - so there were no search parties, no lookouts. The Bunny Man was able to roam through society unseen and only be known by legend.
August 22, 2014
I caught up with Ned later that day. I saw him walking home, clenching both fists. I could see the veins in his hands popping out. I ran up to him tapping on his shoulder.
“Hey. How are you?”
He looked at me as if I was a stranger who had just walked up and punched him in the face. Like it was so outrageous that I asked him a question about how her was.
“I am fine. Damn. Stop smothering me, jeez!” he replied. Staring down at me, he made me feel powerless. I was scared. I grabbed his arm, turning him with all my power.
“What the hell is wrong with you? I’m concerned about you and so is Faith. You haven’t been yourself lately. So what’s wrong?”
He looked down and went into a gloomy state. He reached into his backpack and pulled out a sheet of paper.
He began to unfold it when he said, “I think Faith is cheating on me.”
I was shocked. Never has Faith remotely hinted she was doing stuff behind Ned’s back. They loved each other. Everyone knew they would last.
“Why do you think that?”
He handed me the note. Showing texts between Faith and a guy named Ben. I couldn’t believe it. I wouldn’t believe it. Faith loved Ned so much. She wouldn’t cheat on him. But it was her number on the page.
“I don’t believe she would do this. She is crazy about you. Where did you get this?”
“I found it taped to the front door. No name.”
We looked around. Worried how someone could get or hopefully even make up this information. I told him that he should talk to her and how worried she was about him. He shrugged and said that he would text her, so I thought that was progress.
November 25, 1904; 12:43 a.m.
The rain was pounding down like a thousand bullets. Jacob was walking as fast as he could towards the now shutdown sanctuary, a place he had called home for 31 years of his twisted life. When he arrived, he began to roam the facility. He saw what had been forbidden from him and many others for years. There were three floors, each with 30 rooms going left to right. The third floor mainly contained offices where the facilitators worked. They analyzed and evaluated the former inmates through hidden cameras which projected into every single room. When he realized himself and many others were just guinea pigs to those - “scientists,” he vowed right there and then, that when he died he would terrorize whoever dare come into his fortress of solitude and mess with him again. He marched down stairs, got a single chair where he sat upon, and with the shot of a gun he had found in a desk drawer, he was gone. Cursing the place on his deathbed. Binding himself to this place, even in the “afterlife.”
August 23, 2014 ; 8:30 a.m.
I walked into school praying everything would be back to normal. That Ned and Faith would be back together again, as if nothing had happened. I prayed I would lose this sudden paranoia. Over the last couple of days, I felt like someone has been watching me. I kept seeing shadows when no one was around, hearing strange noises - it’s all been really…peculiar.
As I walked to my first hour I saw Faith. I figured she had talked to Ned about what he had found based on her expression. While approaching her I could see her head tilting away from me. Like she was ashamed to talk to me. Her best friend. The one who stuck with her when her dad left. The one who supported her and Ned from the very beginning.
“Hey.” I said hoping to get a useful response back. “What’s up?”
She looked towards me. I could see the tears forming in her eyes.
“I think Ned is gonna break up with me.”
“Why?”
“He said he found some stuff that proves I cheated on him. But it isn’t true, I would never cheat on him. He agreed to talk to me after school. But I don’t see how we could come back from this. I don’t know why he doesn’t trust or believe me.”
I gave her a helpless look. I want to believe her. I do believe her. But the evidence was too real for me to just set it to the side.
August 23, 2014 ; 3:06 p.m.
The bell rang so I sped outside to see if Ned and Faith were together. I looked around the sea of people, only to see Ned and Faith sitting in Faith’s car. They didn’t look angry, so I guessed that was a good sign. Then they kissed and drove off. Everything seemed to be back in order.
August 24, 2014; 9:00 p.m.
My phone was blowing up with calls from both Ned and Faith’s mom's, asking where the hell they were. Why weren’t they home? Where could they be? I asked myself as I heard Faith’s mom on the other end of the line. Sobbing.
“Where is she?” She asked already knowing I didn’t have an answer.
What if her and Ned ran away together?
“Ms. Joans, I have to go. I am so sorry. I will do whatever I can to find out where they both are. And if I find anything I will call you right away.”
“Okay….” She said as she sniffled and then with the click of a button, she was gone.
I began to think. Where could they be? And then it hit me. That old building. That was like their new hangout. I bet they are there or at least near there. Maybe it was too late for them to come home and they just decided to crash in her car or something. Whatever the reason was, I was going to find them and relieve their mothers’ stress and anxiety. Mothers always are over protective, but for good reasons I suppose.
August 25, 2014; 12:00 a.m.
I began walking towards the building, no car in sight - just that rusted and busted down building my friends were obsessed with. I walked up to the front door. It was cracked open. Was someone already here? I stepped inside.
“Hello?” My voice echoed. “Anyone here? Faith…Ned?” I waited for a response. Nothing.
I began to walk up the nearest staircase. Hearing the pitter patter of my own two feet against the metal floor. I started to realize how cold it was in there. Everything was metal. Except for the one piece of furniture laying on its side across the floor. Laying there - motionless. Which I guess is a good thing. It just looks so sad. What happened here? It’s so deserted and foul. What is this place?
As I got to the third floor, I could see what looked like offices, going both ways up and down the deserted halls. I walked into the first room I could see. It was cold and had no reflection that anyone with a heart ever worked here. It was so - lifeless. I began to get chills running down my spine. Exiting the room, I turned around the nearest corner and entered what looked like a lab. Test tubes were broken all of the floor. Teared up lab coats hung from the hooks. What happened here? I walked into a room connected to lab. Two metal tables with straps layed there. I wondered if Ned or Faith ever got this far to see all this. Oh god...Where the hell are they?
August 30, 2014; 9:00 a.m.
“Two teens with the names of Ned Petes and Faith Joans have been missing for over a week. If you have any information regarding their whereabouts please contact the local police or call the number at the bottom of your screen,” the Newscaster said when I came down to say “morning” to my mom.
She was sitting down at the kitchen table. When she heard me walk in she shut the TV off then stood up and hugged me.
“I’m sorry, baby,” she said as she stroked the back of my head.
We separated.
“Mom, where do you think they are?” I began to tear up. “What if they never come back?” I began to cry.
My mom embraced me again and replied, “I am sure they are fine. They will be home soon.”
September 5, 2014; 4:00 p.m.
“It has now been 2 weeks since the teens went missing. There will be a gathering held in their honor. Please come to the St. Mary’s Church located North of Woodrow Avenue tonight at 6 p.m. to show your support and give your blessings and prayers to the families.”
September 5, 2014; 6:00 p.m.
I was the first one to arrive to the gathering. I prayed that they would be safe and sound somewhere. Once it hit 7 p.m., more people began to show up. Friends, family, strangers, classmates. Basically everyone in our whole town showed up in support for Faith and Ned. Oh, guys...Where are you? I began to walk away - towards the end of the crowd where I left a picture at the site the families had made in honor of them. I began to glance and the crowd, reading their emotions when I saw...something in the distance. It seemed to be calling me over, but I thought I was just hallucinating - so I looked away. When I looked back it was gone. Must have been my imagination.
September 5, 2014; Later on that night
The crowd began to clear around 8:30 p.m. I said my goodbyes to Faith and Ned’s parents then began to make my way home. I thought it would be good for me to walk around for a bit and wrap on to the twisted reality that has taken over my life, so I took the long way home. I have been trying to hold it together. Not only for my sake, but for their parents’ sake. They’re constantly calling me and asking me if I have any updates on where they could be, and every time I am so disappointed to say that I haven’t heard anything. It really hurts me. I was most likely the last one to see them together. They looked so happy. I doubt they ran off together. They would have at least told me. It must be something else.
I began to pass the old building they were so infatuated with. As I passed the road leading to the building, I heard a scream. I paused. Looking around I saw nothing. But it sounded….it sounded like Faith. But where was she? I couldn’t see her. All of a sudden - the scream came again. I looked toward the direction of the road - waiting for me to hear something more convincing. I mean she couldn’t be in the building. I walked around the whole property and didn’t see really any evidence of Ned and Faith being any where in there. Why would they be there anyway? Are they hiding out? Away from the reality? Or was it bigger than that? Something unexplainable...or was it?
September 5, 2014; 9:12 p.m.
As I slowly pushed open the door, I tried to listen for more cries of distress. Nothing.
I began to walk around in hope of finding some evidence to prove that they were here. There had to be something placing them here, all this time.
I heard a creak. As I walked into the big lounge, I saw a mouse fly past my feet. I jumped in disgust but continued to look around.
“Hello, Lily - I’ve been awaiting you arrival for some time now,” a voice said.
I looked around and saw no one.
“Who is that?” I asked with a hesitating gulp in my voice.
“Oh, well, you know me. I have been with you for sometime. Watching you sleep….hearing the slow pace of your breath -” he paused. I am guessing he was soaking in all the insanity he was putting out on the table. “Watching you and your so called friends.”
“Is this a joke? Do you know where my friends are?”
I asked, hoping it would give me a decent response. I waited for what felt like an eternity. He didn’t respond. I began to get deeper within the facility, finding an old and rusted sign resting on the floor. Rubbing away the dust, I was able to see a clear description for what this place really was. The sign said, Cloudy Heights Psychiatric Institution Founded 1859. I slowly stood up and looked down a hall. The lights flickered with anticipation. As I walked down the hair-raising hall, I saw an office room - door wide open - and one single white light hitting the four corners of the small room. As I entered the small office, all I saw were filing cabinets and a single chair. I made my way over to the first cabinet. It was as grey as molding onion and as rusted as the sunken Titanic. I grasped the handle, looked over my shoulder - the coast was clear. I began to shift through old files. One was listed for a Kyle Logan, another for a Adam Foster. I continued to shift through the other cabinets, when all of a sudden “HA..HA...HA.” A sudden hit of laughter surfed through the air. I looked over my shoulders, one by one. Looking over to my left, I saw nothing. Then over to my right and there it was. There he was. Dressed in a terrifying costume but also making me think of the easter bunny. Why was he dressed in a torn up and stained bunny costume? As he got closer I began to see his full effect. His suit was a palevioletred color with white hinted, stained with black charcoal and what looks like...blood. His face was chiseled, and there was a hole that went straight through his head. As he began to lean in, I could see his eyes. They were as black as night, telling a story with every second I looked into them.
He leaned in closer and closer and then said “BOO” with a very monotone voice and a long smile following afterwards.
I backed up, clenching my fists.
“Where are they?”
He gave me no response - he just continued to get closer and closer, staring down at me.
“Where are they?!”
I screamed. He stopped moving. We continued to stare at each other. He tried to intimidate me, but I wasn’t gonna let him succeed. I was going to find my friends. Even if it killed me.
He began to tilt his head in a mesmerizing way. His eyes glowing with a shadowing shade of purple. In an instant, I was out like a light.
September 6, 2014; 7:37 p.m.
I opened my eyes. Everything was a blur. I began to rub my right eye and then it led to my head.
“Uhh...What happened?” I began to stand up, leaning on my knee then placing my hands on the cold, cold floor. I looked around trying to figure out where I was. It seemed to be a basement of some sort. Quite huge to be exact. I started to walk around hoping to find an exit. I need to figure out who that guy - thing - whatever it is, is or was. As I made my way to what I hoped was the exit, I noticed another neon white light lighting up two steel beds. Like the ones I saw a few weeks earlier. I continued to walk closer and closer then with an prompt swift that one light went out. I stopped my motion waiting and preparing for what might come. Seconds passed, the lights began to flicker with incredible speed. Then CLICK - the light turned on and there they were. Faith and Ned, lying there. I ran over as fast as I could to the middle space in between them. I stared at them. They looked unharmed but were as white as corpses and as cold as the metal table.
I began to tear up. “Faith?” I gave her a little shake hoping it would relieve her. Then I switched over to Ned. “Ned?” I stared down at him then back at Faith. “Guys!” I began to sob. “Wake up!” I leaned over Faith’s body and lost it screaming and crying.
I stood up and wiped my nose and tears. “Where are you? You sick psycho!! What did you do to them?!?”
The light in the distance began to flicker on and off - on and off - on and off. Then there he was. Standing there. Under the spotlight. With every flickering light, he made his way closer and closer to us. Then with the last light he appeared behind me. Turning me around and grabbing me the throat. Choking me.
“I made them get what they deserve, Lily. They trespassed and disrespected my home. They laughed when they found out this was an asylum. They made jokes about the types of people that stayed here. And when they found my file - oh, they invaded and laughed at my personal information. Laughing at the fact that I was too smart to be with others. That I was personally advanced and had my own fictitious friends. Nobody understood me - hell! Not even my own family understood me. Instead of accepting me, they sent me here. They never visited, sent a letter, nada. And then even after I am long gone, your discourteous friends come and violate my privacy. I won’t let it stand!” He squeezed my throat harder and harder. I gripped my hands around his, trying to loosen the reins he had on me.
“Please…” I said with the remaining breath I had and as I looked down at him, I prayed he would take mercy on me.
He slowly rested my feet to the ground and loosened his grip around my throat. I could feel bruise marks forming. He began to turn his back, heading towards a metal table placed behind my paralytic friends.
He turned around and started to speak, throwing his hands up in the air. “What do you expect me to do? Let go of the fact that you have ignorant friends that don’t how to keep their nose out of others people's business.”
“I am sure they didn’t mean to disrespect you. So please let us go. We’ll leave and will not ever come back.”
“Promise?” He asked as he slipped on his cracked, stained, and terrifyingly creepy bunny head - correlating with the rest of his get up.
“Yes.” I stared into his soul-crushing eyes. Hoping he would take the bait so my friends and I could escape.
He glided around Faith’s table and did a sliding hand gesture across Faith’s face, making her awaken.
I put my hand to my mouth and began to tear up. “Faith?”
She raised her neck up. I could see the tears filling her eyes. She was slowly realizing how restrained she was. Strapped down to that metal table. She looked over in a fast locomotion. Seeing Ned still frozen. Trying to figure out if he was alive or dead. I began to make my way around Ned. The Bunny man made his way towards Ned. I hoped Ned would reawaken like Faith did and he delivered my silent request.
“Ned? Ned!” Faith said trying to reach Ned’s hand. Ned looked down seeing the barriers that held him down.
I walked between them. Putting one had on each of their shoulders.
“Now choose.” He said putting both hands behind his back.
“What?”
“I said choose.”
“Why?” I asked with worrying curiosity.
“You didn’t expect there not to be a price to your stupid friends foolish acts against my sanctum, now did you?” He said with a piercing smile.
They both looked up at me. Eyes as big and confused as if they were lost puppies trying to find there way back home.
“What do you want?” Ned asked with a intimidating tone. Not realizing what this thing is capable of.
“For you to pay,” he replied, tilting his head so it swerves to both of them. “You have one hour to make your final decision of who makes it out of here alive and who stays for the ride. Time is ticking, Better get started.” And with the flickering of that one spotlight, he was gone.
I looked down once more at both my friends. How could I choose between them? We have all been the best of friends since we were in Kindergarten. I met Ned when he accidently threw gum in my hair. Had to get a haircut up to my shoulders. When I walked into class that day, Faith walked up and complimented my hair. We have all been inseparable since. Having sleepovers when we were little, going to school dances and learning the basics of what to expect in life when we were in middle school, then throughout high school - talking about our future lives and how we would carve out time at least four times a month to visit one another. Now this - choosing who I like more in a battle of killed or be killed. It’s ridiculous.
September 6, 2014; 10:59 p.m.
One minute left on the clock. Within the hour, I managed to release both of them from their tables. We were just standing there, holding each other’s hands - waiting for the lights to flicker revealing his return.
September 6, 2014; 11:00 p.m.
The lights went on full speed flickering back and forth. He was here. Through the jerking of the lights we could see him walking towards us. The lights gave him a sinister effect as he walked towards us, swaying his arms.
He paused under the middle light and began to ask his questions. “Have you decided?”
I took a step forward, letting go of my friends hands. “Neither. You’re not taking my friends away from me.”
He stared straight for a moment then began to laugh a cringe worthy laugh. “Watch me.”
And with the snap of his fingers my friends fell to the floor, hand in hand.
I dropped to the floor and began to shake them. “What did you do to them?!”
“I told you that you had to decide, and you didn’t,” he lifted his arms up and shrugged, “so I chose for you.”
“That wasn’t the deal,” I protested.
He snapped his fingers and all three of them were gone. I began to hyperventilate, hardly holding my breath. My pulse was moving like the speed of light. I thought I was dead and that this was all a fantasy. That sure as hell would have made things easier. Both my friends were dead as far as I knew and It got what it wanted. To make me feel hopeless and scared...that “thing” creating such a hell so I would wish I was dead. But I can’t give up now. I have to persevere. For my friends, for my family, for myself.
I began to run, searching for a way out. They had to be somewhere. I couldn’t abandon my friends and leave them for dead. I came this far and couldn’t give up now. They don’t deserve to be trapped in a psychotic fantasy with “it” lurking around every corner.
I turned corners, ran down halls, and skipped up stairs. Finally being able to find the main entrance from where each of us has entered.
I walked up the main staircase. A pink light was glowing from a closed door. I felt drawn to it. Like something was there that could help me clear up this whole mess. I turned the handle and slowly opened the door. Wasn’t going to take any chances. When I walked inside, there was no light projecting. Just a monotone room with a single desk and a desk lamp, whose light was focused on a single file. The file was labeled to be about a ‘Jacob M. Bunny.’ Was this the true identity of that...Bunny Man? As I opened the file I began to thoroughly read it. But it didn’t seem like a normal case file for a patient. It was different. Like it was written after he was dead. “Death by suicide.” Like someone took notes down on exactly who he had become after death.
Everything about him was put into three categories - what he was, his abilities, and weaknesses. Bingo! This is what I need to take him down. There was only weakness listed: Fire. When I looked in the desk drawers I was lucky enough to find what I needed, matches. All I need to do was find my friends, wake them up and get us out of here while trapping the sicko inside. That way I can burn down this hell hole once and for all.
September 6, 2014; 12:00 a.m.
I peeked outside the door making sure the coast was clear. I started to make my way down the hall, checking in every room as fast as I could. When I went down the stairs, I turned right and continued to look in every room. When I made it room 126, there was no sign of Jacob, but my friends were in there pacing back and forth with their arms folded. I knocked on the door. Faith looked over to the window on the door. Her face shot up with a euphoric expression.
“Open the door,” I said. She signaled that she couldn’t hear me. So I mouthed it again. I could see her struggling to open it up. I backed up hoping to come to a conclusion that there was another way to open the door. Examining the door I noticed that there was a lock on the door from the outside. I gestured to Faith and Ned saying “one second.” I remembered the chair that was in the other room. So I ran over to the other room and grabbed the chair. Running back to the room I threw the chair against the lock, breaking it. I opened the door as quickly as I could. They helped me open up the steel door and then we hugged.
Ned broke off and said, “Let’s get out of here. I can’t take any more of this.”
Faith and I nodded in agreement. We dispatched and started to jog down the hall and headed towards the front door. I grabbed the door handle and tried to pull it open, SLAM! I looked up and saw him. His eyes still as dark as his soul and the same creepy bunny suit.
“Where do you think you’re going?” He said tilting his head. He released his hand from the middle of the door and took a step forward. We stepped back in response.
I wasn’t going to show fear. I stepped forward. It was his time to be intimidated.
“What do you think you are doing? You are so infatuated with my friends and myself and you need to stop it.” I poked his chest. With every step I took he stepped further and further towards the basement door. With that final step he went tumbling down the stairs. He didn’t move but I knew he was “alive.”
“Go to hell!” I said as I slammed the door. Faith grabbed the chair making it so he was the one barricaded in.
Before we ran out the door, I lit a match from the tiny pack I found and threw it on one of the old and dusty curtains. Following Ned and Faith, I ran out - slamming the door behind me. Within seconds lit up in flames. We ran a few feet away and then turned around watching as the building sparked up more and more.
“Is it over?” Faith asked as I saw her holding onto Ned.
I looked at the burning asylum and then responded with a “Yes.”
And it ended, with a scream of defeat from within the flames.
THE END
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Summer to Fall Transition
Eva Szocik
