Down

"It's my secret playhouse," Ellie said.

Carl looked in amazement at the old house. It has stood vacant for years since the Depression drove the previous occupants out. He stood at the end of the stairs and marveled at the old dusty staircase.

"You just gonna stand there or you gonna come up and play?"

Carl smiled and raced up the stairs, nearly killing himself on the way. Ellie had moved down the hall, and Carl followed her. He went into a room and found himself alone. The old room smelled like death, and piles of clothing were lying on the bed. He turned and went back in the hallway only to find no one.

"Um, Ellie?" he called cautiously, walking down the long, cobweb-filled corridor.

"In here!" she called from a back room.

Relief filled him as he ran into the back room but it quickly vanished. Ellie was now accompanied by a large, stone-faced man. Carl backed away slowly.

"I... I thought this house was abandoned?"

"It was until my friend started staying here. I was scared of him at first too, but once I got used to the game, I kinda like it now."

"What game?"

"Oh, you'll see," Ellie said with a devious smile. "Well, I've got to go now. Have fun!"

Carl could barely move before the large man seized him. He kicked and flailed but his hopes were dashed. The only person who paid attention to this house had already bounded down the stairs.