It’s been 24 hours and there has been no sign of Steve. Thomas could not believe this is happening. What happened?
Growing up for Thomas and Steve has been an adventure, sometimes a mischievous one. Their families have been close friends for a long time in the same neighborhood. In fact they look like twins. They have the same skin tone, height, almost the same appearance. As kids, if they are instructed not to do something, well big mistake. It is that particular thing they want to do.
When their parents tell them: “Don’t go there.”
What they hear is: “Go there, explore and have the ultimate experience.”
One would think it will change when they became a teenager, if anything their degree of mischief only heightened.
Stealing eggs from hen layers? Check.
Driving around the neighborhood unsupervised at age 15? Check.
Making pranks on people that can cause heart attack? Check.
Going where they are not supposed to go under any condition? Well, double check.
The later later became an event that we can refer to as the last straw.
Since their parents are from the same hometown, they travel together once a year to observe a local festival. Even at the village, Thomas and Steve’s mischief knows no bounds.
At their lodge there is a eerie looking house. It was explained to the visitors that no one should ever go near the building. No one really gave a succinct explanation, some said it was haunted, some said it housed supernatural beings, others said it is a portal to another world.
*No goes to the Forbidden Manor, ever.
Thomas and Steve heard all of these, and guess what? What they heard was: “check it out, it might be a lifetime experience”. They were already scheming how to sneak into the fear imposing building. It was obvious, they have no iota of fear in them. Merely looking at the house from afar is enough to discourage anyone.
Except these teenagers are not just anyone, they want more adventures to add to their experiences. But will they?
It would not be long at all, they fixed their time for the next night. Everyone would be asleep, then they will sneak out.
Mr Williams, Thomas dad was a stout man in his early forties. The man suffers from a small bladder, so he wakes up a few time to urinate before day breaks. He woke up that particular, but he started hearing movement noises in their apartment. Well thankfully the room was dark, he lurked in the shadows and tried to figure out who it might be. His wife was on the bed. Who could it be, Thomas?
He made out the figure in the dark. Yup, it was Thomas. He was sneaking out!
“Where do you think you are going?” Mr Williams bellowed.
Stunned Thomas was tongue tied. He tried his best to be quiet, or so he thought.
“Stargazing. There are a lot of stars outside dad, it’s beautiful.”
“By this time, are you out of your mind? Get back to your room now!” Shouted Mr Williams.
And so ends a night of adventure for Thomas.
Steve had been waiting outside for the last half hour, where was Tom?
“I can’t wait any longer, I’m going inside.” He mumbled to himself.
He walks toward the building, the front door was slightly opened.
So much for a ‘keep off zone’, he thought.
He slowly opens the door and … (light flashes).
Thomas woke up the next morning to explain to Steve why he could not sneak out, then ask about the Forbidden Manor’s adventure.Alas, Steve was nowhere to be found. His parents didn’t know too, no one has seen him that morning.
A thought suddenly occurred to Mr Williams.
“Thomas, where did you plan to go yesterday night? Did you plan it with Steve? Speak up now!” Mr Williams demanded.
“Y- yes sir. We planned to go to that forbidden manor.”
“What?!” Exclaimed everyone.
“The keep off sign is so bold and clearly written in the front yard! Why would one willingly disobey it?” Exclaimed the Sheriff.
She was a slim, young looking woman, in her late thirties at most.
She looks exasperated, if not that the report says the boy is just fourteen years old, she probably would consider this a waste of her time.
Thomas has not said a word, what could have happened to Steve? He began to shiver at the probabilities he was imagining. Were there truly extraordinary creatures in the manor? Was it truly haunted? What on earth has happened to his brother (in crime?).
“I’m sorry no one can enter the manor. More lives cannot be lost because of one”. Said the Sheriff.
“What do you mean lost?” Steve’s mom was already sobbing hard.
“Well we don’t know what has happened to him, but of one thing I’m sure. He who dares to go where no man has gone will see what no man has seen. You don’t neglect the handwriting on the wall. ” Concludes the Sheriff.