The Insatiable Dangers of Curiosity

[As printed initially in TheWriteLaunch, July 6th, 2024]

The roofline caught Wade's attention, prompting him to carefully navigate the surrounding woods in search of an entrance to an unfamiliar and narrow trail. He cautiously approached the porch, carefully considering his next course of action, and surveyed his surroundings with anxiety and vigilance. As he made up his mind and attempted to leave, a sudden gust of wind forcefully pulled him into the house.

With a resounding slam, the door forcefully closed, ushering Wade into the elegant foyer. A woman's voice called out to him, uttering his name. It emerged silently from the shadows, approaching him from his blind spot. He glanced over and spotted a woman who looked as if she were ready for a grand ball. Her long blonde hair, rosy cheeks, and vibrant ruby-red lipstick perfectly complemented her elegant long blue sequinned gown.

"Wade, I've been anticipating your arrival. My name is Sophie. Unfortunately, our conversation time is quite limited at the moment. We need to get moving," she stated. Her voice was incredibly smooth and sweet as it whispered in his ear. Shortly afterward, a book fell to the ground, its dust cover absent. Wade stooped down to retrieve it, then examined the spine. "Thirteen Ghosts." Wade, a passionate reader of ghost stories, possessed an extensive knowledge of the book. Overwhelmed with regret, a wave of goosebumps washed over him as he spoke to her.

"Where are we headed? Instead, I'd rather just leave now. If you’d like to come, I will take you with me. I need to figure out how to open this stubborn door.” Despite exerting all his strength, the door refused to budge.

“Oh, you're charming. But this is my home now.” Her lips curled upward as she gazed at him. "We should leave. Now.” Her demeanour changed noticeably, with a distant look in her eyes. She guided him towards a specific collection of books on the wall in the room at the top of the stairs on the left, and she effortlessly moved through the stack, leaving Wade on the other side.

Wade sensed a gentle pull on his shirt. Sophie opened the door and shoved him forcefully against the wall. They found themselves surrounded by a labyrinth of books. Wade's face became devoid of any emotion or colour. His hair stood upright on his body.

What just occurred? Did you go through the wall? How did you manage to accomplish that?" Wade's voice trembled as he slowly retreated from her. He took a momentary break. "Are you not a ghost?"

"Oh, come on, Wade," she said with a smile, "it's common knowledge that ghosts are nothing more than figments of our imagination." Wade instinctively pulled his head back, his gaze fixating on Sophie's appearance.

Sophie locked eyes with Wade, her face conveying the gravity of her message. "Wade, we will come across books along our journey." Please transport this bag to gather them. We must ensure that we collect every single one.

"This book... I..." Just as he was about to finish speaking, another book fell to the ground: "The Haunting." Wade leaped his nerves in disarray. Sophie swiftly grasped it and discreetly stowed it away in his bag. Her appearance had transformed into that of a haunting figure, with bloodshot eyes, tattered garments, and a skeletal frame adorned with dusty cobwebs.

A booming voice shook the house, trembling books in every room and throughout the maze. As Wade observed the rippling water, he couldn't help but hear a teasing rendition of an old tune: "So-phie, So-phie, come out, come out, wherever you are." The chaser's eerie melody sent shivers down Wade's spine, causing his teeth to chatter in fear.

"Release me immediately!" Wade stated. His breaths were shallow and rapid, reflecting his anxiety.

"He's pursuing me." "He's in charge of the library," Sophie said grimly, indicating his ghostly presence. This maze serves as our most formidable defence. We should consider making a swift departure.

They continued running until Wade's adrenaline dwindled. They were seated on the chilly ground.

Amidst his struggle to catch his breath, Wade inquired, "What is the reason behind his pursuit?" He wiped the sweat off his brow.

I am indebted to him. I prefer that he doesn't hand it over to him. However, should he apprehend me, I will be compelled to surrender it to him. She gazed into Wade's eyes and expressed her aversion to conflict.

"Why does he discard the ghost stories I've already perused?" It's causing me tremendous distress. This house makes me feel uneasy. I would like to depart. Could you please take me outside?

"Apologies, Wade, but we are nowhere near the outdoors," Sophie warned that the only way out was through the house, which could mean meeting the ghost. "I've already mentioned that I'm not afraid of confrontations."

Wade leapt. Large eyes. "I am indifferent." I'll take the risk. I long to confront the individual responsible for that dreadful, grating voice in person. I want to leave this location. I sense a feeling of being trapped, as if the surroundings are becoming increasingly constricting.

"Watch your desires, Wade." After noticing that he regained his composure, she calmly said, "We're running out of time; we should leave." They continued without stopping until the next book was released. His body was covered in wriggling creepy crawlies.

"I...I...I require some fresh air." Something is amiss here. I must find a way to leave this place. Anxiety surged within him like mercury rising in a thermometer on a scorching day.

"Wade, I will not abandon you."

His breath caught in his throat. "Thank goodness." He cradled his head in his hands. He was struck with a sudden and overwhelming realization. Regret overwhelmed his thoughts. "I wish this bookdropping would cease!" he exclaimed. I'm feeling quite overwhelmed."

Sophie led the way, swiftly turning left and leaving Wade in the enveloping darkness. She halted abruptly upon realizing that Wade was no longer near her.

He had paused to retrieve "The Uninvited," which had fallen before him.

The voice reverberated again, causing the windows to shatter and the floorboards to crack. It was commanding, "Sophie, emerge from the labyrinth. "I can hear you inside. It's time for you and your guests to come out and confront me.

"Hmm, he seems more agitated than before!" Wade exclaimed, pressing his hand against his forehead. Moisture stains are encircling his underarms and collar.

"I've already informed you, Wade, that he's searching for me, not you." I need to repay him and return all of these overdue books. Sophie attempted to reassure him. "It is imperative that we maintain a lead over him." "Let's get going."

"But why?" What actions did you take? "I'm finished with running," Wade declared.

"He desires their return." Sophie arched an eyebrow before swiftly vanishing around another bend.

The ghost echoed throughout the house and maze: "Sophie, please return what you have taken." Wade experienced profound despair due to the intense shrieks and repetitive groans that accompanied it.

"Wade, there's something I need to discuss with you." She whispered, "The entire house is like a hidden library."

Oh, a library? "A ghost library?" He spoke in a hushed tone.

Indeed, he is the librarian at this location. I am required to pay a charge for each book. However, we will face consequences if I decline to provide him with what he desires because I still need to complete what he seeks.

Wade paused, gazing at her, profoundly contemplating her words. He swallowed nervously. As he inquired about my presence, "The Haunting of Hill House" abruptly disappeared into his bag.

Another book, House on a Haunted Hill, tumbled from the shelf.

This time, it landed right in front of Sophie.

The wind grew fierce, and Wade could hear the sound of pages flipping rapidly. He felt a chill as the temperature dropped to 25°F, and the air was filled with his breath. Wade attempted to resist the wind's power but failed because of its strength. The wind carried him effortlessly through the intricate maze, eventually leading him into the heart of the library.

The library's resident ghost, the ghost librarian, greeted Wade as he approached the entrance. Wade immediately recognized the familiar voice, no longer filled with fear.

Sophie had successfully delivered Wade, fulfilling her part of their agreement.

Greetings, Wade, "I've been anticipating your arrival," it said. "A library card is required for entry."

"I just came to return these books." I have no interest in your library card, Wade stated. He emptied the bag of books and positioned himself at the check-in counter. The spook met Wade with a piercing gaze.

Wade observed the intimidating expression on its visage and the eerie green glow emanating from the spook. He noticed tiny black dots nestled within the empty, yellowed sockets instead of eyes. However, what truly terrified Wade were the bulging, purplish veins that grotesquely marred his face.

Ignoring Wade's request to leave, the spook seemed unfazed. Wade reiterated his desire to depart: "I appreciate your help, but I would like to leave now if you don't mind." The individual carefully retrieved the books from the counter and meticulously examined each. I was directing my attention to Wade's eyes.

Wade was handed a library card and a gentle reminder, "Wade, it seems you may have overlooked the main message today." The spirit emphasized the significance of the lesson learned from your excursion today. "Wade, can't you see?" You will be unable to leave this place permanently. You're not going anywhere. You are part of our community. Curiosity has a certain duality about it. The creature grinned widely, revealing its darkened, stained, and yellow-spotted teeth as it looked at Wade. The spook librarian's lips released a most unsettling laugh.

Wade's face had turned pale, his stomach was filled with unease, and his mouth was dry from the lack of moisture. As he attempted to scream, his voice morphed into an eerie laughter reminiscent of the librarian's unsettling chuckle that Wade had encountered earlier that day. The spook disappeared without a trace.

"Now to Sophie," Wade heard a voice say from somewhere deep within the house's walls or maze.

Wade found himself alone in the library, with no escape.