A taxi rode along the paved road and a series of houses could be seen in the distance. A middle aged man was driving the taxi while a teenage boy was leaning onto the passanger seat as his gaze roamed the countryside.
"You know, never in my life would I have thought that I'd be giving a ride to the Wilard house." the driver spoke. The boy turned to him with a surprised expression. "I'm sorry?" he asked. The driver chuckled as he said. "That address you gave. Thats to the Wilard House. If you don't mind me asking, why are you going there?" The boy turned away and muttered. "It was my grandfather's house."
It was the driver's turn to be surprised. He glanced at the boy and asked. "You grandfather, as in William Wilard?" the boy nodded not bothering to turn around.
"So he was alive." the driver muttered. The boy looked at him and asked. "What do you mean?" The driver let out another chuckle. "Oh. Nothing really. You see the word around the town is that the house is" haunted". That the spirit of William Wilard and his wife still roams the house unable to depart. Personally, I think its hogwash. I mean the house has seen better days. But come on. You said it yourself your gramps is still alive."
" Well not anymore. " the boy muttered.
" Oh..... I'm so sorry. I meant nothing by it. "the driver panicked only for the boys to wave his hand dismissively and mutter" its fine". This was followed by several moments of silence before the driver spoke again. "So, I didn't catch your name."
"Adam Marcus Wilard. Call me Adam." the boy replied as he saw the town come into view. There were currently entering the suburban area. "Well, you can call me Carl." the driver said.
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"Ummmmmm. Adam, are you sure you can't just stay at a motel just for tonight?" Carl asked as he saw the decrepit house a few yards away from the road. "I would but I used up most of my on hand cash for the flight and the ride. I don't have enough for a motel. Don't worry. I'll just clean up a room and stay in there until the bank approves my card." Adam replied as he took out his luggage. Carl wanted to argue but could only sigh in defeat. Based on the brief interaction they had, he knew that the boy wouldnt change his mind even if he had offered a place to stay. Besides, he was sure that "she" would gladly help him if he changes his mind. He waved goodbye to Adam before driving off.
Adam walked the path leading to the Wilard house. He couldn't help but notice that the house was a bit further deeper in the woods compared to the other houses. Honestly, it was as if it was isolated from the rest. This didn't seem to bother him as he walked up to the entrance. It was simple iron gate around 8 foot tall. He pushed the gate and it opened with an audible screech of rusted metal. Well, Carl was right about one thing, the house had seen better days. He could see graffiti, broken windows and a well worn out wooden floor boards. But there were also signs of obvious attempt at repairs. Despite the earlier problems, the house looked relatively clean, as if some one cleaned it from time to time.
Adam was so engrossed in looking at the house that he didn't hear the sound of footsteps approach him from behind. He was startled when a hand fell on his shoulder. He turned around to see an elderly woman staring at him.
"Can I help you?" the woman asked. It took a few moments for Adam to recover as he said. "Hello. I'm actually moving into this house. My name is Adam Wilard." Adam extended his hand at the woman. The woman froze momentarily as he alternated between looking at his hand and at his face. Suddenly her face brightened as she embraced Adam. "You have your grandfather's eyes." She said happily. Adam could only awkwardly return the hug until she broke it. "Come in. Come in." the woman said has she more or less dragged Adam inside the house.
To his surprise, the house was cleaner inside than it was outside. Some one had obviously been taking care of it. The woman led him through the corridors before coming upto a door on the opposite end of the house. He then took a key from her pocket before unlocking the door. It led to a bedroom.
"Come on, come on. Let's get you settled in. Oh I'm so excited. I had hoped that you would come." The woman excitedly said as she helped Adam place down the bags. The latter looked at the former for a few seconds before asking. "I'm sorry do I know you?" The woman turned around a giggled. "Oh how stupid of me. My name is Miriam Michael's. I'm a friend of your grandfather. I have been taking care of this house as much as a can." she said.
"Oh? Thank you for that." Adam said as he unpacked his luggage. The woman stared at him and asked. "If I may, can I ask you where your grandfather is?"
Adam looked at her soberly and said. " He passed away a month ago.". He noticed the woman flinch in surprise. "Oh. Is that so? I'm sorry for your loss." She said as he let out a sob.
"Were you and my grandfather close?" Adam asked. "Yes. We were neighbors and childhood friends. Me, my husband and your grandparents used to be the best of friends." she answered softly. The few moments of silence transpired before she said. "Well anyways. You must be hungry. Let's go to my house. I'll make you some dinner."
"Thank you. That would be nice."
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Adam woke up to the sound of heavy footprints. He had fallen asleep in the bedroom after coming back from Miriam's house. The sudden sounds of footsteps made him alert as he climbed out of the bed. He glanced at the clock, it was 3:00am. Was it a robber? He thought as he surveyed the room in search of something to defend himself. He eventually took a candle holder and exited his room. He then followed the footsteps which seemed to come from the living room. As he entered the living room, he saw a man leaning onto a wall mounted candle holder.
Adam looked around to make sure the man was alone. He then walked towards him before yelling. "Who's there?" Then man then began turning around. As he did, Adam's eyes were met with glowing red eyes. But that was not what was terrifying. No, what was teriifying was the identity of the man. The man I front of him was none other than his deceased grandfather.
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