He was at a loose end and decided to take a stroll. It was a cool evening. The sunset fostered an amiable ambience. He was new in the neighbourhood. He loved its serene and colourful nature. There were not many places like it. He sat for a while in the park. He took a walk through the meadow.

The old cathedral was his last port of call before going back home. He stood in front of it and gave it a cursory view. It looked abandoned and forlorn. He pushed the door and went in. The door made a squeaky sound as it closed behind him. The receding sun rays gave a dim light to the cathedral’s enclosure. The pews were old and dusty. The sculptures reminded him of past times with his grandma. She recited the Apostle’s Creed every night with him. He loved the artwork and old paintings.

As he moved closer to the pulpit, he could hear the sound of each step he took. He halted in his steps. There was a different sound. It was coming from a far distance. Fear crept into him. As he turned around, the sound approached him. It was a loud sound like a wild celebration.

“What have you got yourself into? Brace up to escape,” he thought.

Suddenly, four men appeared dressed in ancient attires. They were veiled. Each held a horn and blew into it. They stood at the cardinal points. This was followed by a throng of people. They came through a door that stood alone. They made a loud rejoicing sound. Some held upright banners with inscriptions.

He was frightened and confused. They seemed not to take note of him. It was amazing. They encircled the room. As he was about to move his body to join in the dance, they disappeared. A stillness swept through.

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    Margarida Brei
    Margarida Brei(@margarida-brei)
    11 months ago

    Thompson, I love how you build an atmosphere of mystique. Your short clipped opening sentences really described the protagonist’s mind and setting. You really hooked me into the story from the very beginning.

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    11 months ago

    Hello, Thompson. Your story is so mysterious and scary. If I were your protagonist, I would run fast without looking back. Well done.

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    Reply to  Thompson Emate
    11 months ago

    You’re welcome.

    Greene M Wills
    Greene M Wills(@greene-m-wills)
    11 months ago

    Your story has an echo of the Festival by HP Lovecraft so I absolutely loved it! I like especially the mystical feeling that permeates your story, the environment and feeling of a past long forgotten affecting your protagonist, and, through him, the rest of us too! Great!

    Linda Rock
    Linda Rock(@linda-rock)
    11 months ago

    I loved your description of the old cathedral, Thompson, so real that I felt myself wandering around it with your protagonist. A very atmospheric story. Well done!

    Marianna Pieterse
    Marianna Pieterse(@marianna-pieterse)
    11 months ago

    Thompson, if I’m correct in my understanding, the four men he saw were from another dimension, perhaps? I got the impression that they meant him no harm after all? I can only imagine what must have gone through his head when they approached him and when he saw them one minute and the next they were gone!

    Heather Chrzanowski
    Heather Chrzanowski(@heather-chrzanowski)
    10 months ago

    A cathedral after sunset is the perfect setting for a ghost tale! Creepy! I enjoyed reading your story. You did an excellent job at creating a mysterious atmosphere.

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