Encounter 2: Run

Entry #02585

I woke up late today and what's worse? I forgot my amulet before running to school.

There I was... hiding away from ghosts as I finished my classes and roamed around the school grounds. Other students were looking at me so weirdly. Probably, they were wondering why I moved sneakily. If only they knew...

"What is she doing?"

"How do I know?"

"She is always like that. Aren't you used to it?"

"I am. It's just that... it creeps me out every time she acts like that."

"Look."

"What?"

"She's about to hit the wall—"

"—ouch!" There, Eddie, you were not looking in front of you. Now, you bumped your head and fell. Even though I felt dizzy, I stood up. "What a day," and sighed.

I was about to go to the school's main gate when I noticed three male students there, watching me.  I chose to ignore them but then, I saw that their uniforms were covered with blood. One of them had one of his eyes missing. The other one was holding a soccer ball. They grinned, giving me chills.

'Yes, this is the time to... run!'

"You can't get away this time. We will surely get you to play with us!" They laughed as they ran.

I never stopped running. I jumped over the wooden fences at the back of the school. It is my escape route each time the ghosts chase after me. Beyond the fences were the woods heading to our home.

It was strange. I felt so tired and weak today. Then, I remembered, I forgot to eat lunch because I was too focused on avoiding the ghost in the library.

Only a few minutes left before I reached our house but I couldn't take it any longer. I breathed heavily to catch enough air. I felt like I would faint.

I looked behind and gasped. The smiling ghosts caught up.

"D-don't come near me," I warned them.

Of all the ghosts at school, they were the ones I didn't want to deal with the most. They wanted me as a playmate! I was tricked by them before and the ending was so unsightly. I lost in their football game and they hanged me under a tree with a rope tied around my feet. Unsightly.

"Oh, don't you want to play with us?"

"Such a mocking tone. Who wants to play with you? You are all cheaters!" I screamed in anger.

"Eddie is now shouting at us! Guys, shall we take her one eye out like me?"

"No, make it two."

I held my breath out of fear. I shivered at imagining that. 'Please, don't.'

"Pretty cool idea."

"N-no. Don't," I begged.

"'No' can't do, Eddie. You refused to play with us."

They walked near me. The more they came closer, the more my knees got numb.

I could only see trees and dried leaves surrounding us. People rarely come here. My grandparents don't come out often. Asking for help had no use. No one could help me at that time.

I hated to see the ghosts' creepy smiles. If they would take my eyes out, I would rather be blind without seeing them.

I closed my eyes.

"What are you afraid of?"

I was surprised to see no ghost after hearing that voice. Another ghost? Possible.

'Did that ghost scare those three away?'

I looked around but saw no one.

I smiled. I felt relieved somehow. "Thanks!"

- Eddie