The Ladies of Horror
Picture-Prompt Writing Challenge!
Weekend Getaway
by Melissa R. Mendelson
Last week, Jesse won two free tickets to some inn that I never heard of. He never questioned where those tickets came from, he just wanted to get away for the weekend, and he asked me to go with him. And I did.
The Absentis Inn was located upstate, it was a beautiful house. I imagined that it would be surrounded by the woods and maybe even a garden, and since the tickets were free, they would probably give us the smallest room. When we arrived, I was actually surprised that the parking lot was empty. The house looked abandoned, and it was getting dark. Did someone play a cruel joke on Jesse? Just then, a light turned on upstairs, and the front door creaked open.
Don’t step inside, a voice said, but Jesse already had, leaving the bags with me. I picked them up and stepped over the threshold, a chill ran through me. It was freezing in here, but Jesse said that it was warm. I watched him call out for service, but nobody answered.
We found our way upstairs where Jesse claimed the largest bedroom. He flopped on the mattress, and as he did, he was sucked in, pulling the covers and sheets with him. Blood shot upward and spilled across the floor.
I screamed and spun around. An old woman grabbed my arm. She pulled me close, her eyes pierced through me. She held a candelabrum in one hand, the flames flickered as if a wind raced through them. With sudden force, she released me and stepped back, blocking my only exit — the door.
Image courtesy of Pixabay.com
More from Melissa R. Mendelson:
The Echo of Trees Falling Down
I never wanted to call this place, home. My life belonged to the streets of Long Island, where civilization lived and breathed and did not die out in the boondocks. I ran away every chance I got. My family remained behind, surrounded by the woods and wildlife, but I was gone, running fast and furious until I derailed, sabotaged by my own mistakes. And then I returned, slowly piecing myself back together, and as I did, I discovered the beauty and quiet that had gone unnoticed for far too long. But after a period of time, I realized that this place was dying. A quiet invasion had begun, one that would tear the trees from their roots and drive the wildlife out into the streets, where they would be run down. And we too would follow because in their eyes, we did not belong, and it’s a losing battle. Their destruction is everywhere, and misery is now our friendly companion. I used to hate living here, but I grew up here. My family lives here, and I am not going to run away because this place is my home.
Spreading the Writer's Word 
Very creepy, I liked it.
Thank you. 🙂