The Mansion on Eerie Street

(Photo taken by visual eyes. Story written by Hope Dream Love)

The green, luscious yard. The vibrant trees filled with yellows and oranges. Reds and browns. The concrete walkway with the occasional blade of grass in between the cracks. All topped off with the Mansion on Eerie Street. It’s attic window cracked. The masonite siding slowly stripping away from the house. Front door hanging off its hinges, just enough for you to see beyond the door to the stairs leading to the second floor where, it happened.

It was a stormy night in the midst of hurricane season. The worst storm in centuries. The wind and the hail beating and battering off houses and cars. Breaking windows and denting metal. Trees being ripped out of the ground by 100mph wind. The power didn’t stay on for very long. I assume a tree hit a power line. With the power off I didn’t have anything better to do so I lit a candle and relaxed on the couch, reading my favorite book.

I’m not to sure how long I was laying there but I must have fallen asleep at some point. I had awoken to my book on the floor and the candle out. Shaking the cobwebs from my head I looked around the house. Oh right. The powers out. I stumble out to the kitchen to get a drink. It was in this moment I heard it. The loudest wail imaginable.

I dropped everything and covered my ears as wail turned to a earsplitting screech. Within seconds there was a scream. I looked out the kitchen window, or what was left of it, to see my neighbors home destroyed. The wind had pushed a tree into her house, completely collapsing the roof in. I rushed over to see if she was ok.

“Mrs Harris?” I called. “Mrs Harris!” The screams i heard following my call were bloodcurdling. You could feel you’re veins run cold. I ran upstairs dodging tree branches and broken boards. Threw the master bedroom door open. Looking across the floor onto the bed I see her. Mrs Harris laying on the bed. Mangled by the tree that now impales her in multiple spots.

To see this poor elderly lady laying there. Drenched in her own blood. I knew I couldn’t leave her there. But there was nothing I could do. She was so entangled there was no use, and even if I could she would bleed to death faster. I ran down to the kitchen and started tearing drawers off their rollers. Finally I found what I needed.

Heading back upstairs I stopped just outside the door. Not quite ready. “Deep breaths. Deep breaths.” I repeat, trying to calm my nerves. I know this must be done. Taking one last breath I step into the room. This must be done.

I kneel down beside her. Gently caress my hand along her jawline. “shh shh shh. It will be ok. I promise. I will make the pain stop.” Standing up I take another breath. This must be done. Gripping the knife in both hands I raise it above my head. “This must be done.” I close my eyes and bring my hands down.

I remember that night crystal clear, like it was just last night, even though its been 29 years. I remember my ice cold skin burn under the heat of the fresh blood. The tears streaming down my face. I have a board over that window now. I refuse to look at it. Every time I do the face of Mrs Harris flashes before my eyes. The fear. But, it had to be done. And no one but me knows.