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The Abyss, by Don Tassone

18/3/2022

 
I grew up in a row house on the edge of an old town covered in soot. Our neighborhood bordered woods so dark and deep that they were called The Abyss. Our parents wouldn’t let us go in. Rumor had it that a boy who had gone in was never seen again.

By the time I was 10, though, I’d grown tired of playing games in the street. I wanted to explore The Abyss. My friend Mackenzie did too.

One summer morning, we stole into the woods. It was overcast, and under the thick canopy of trees, our eyes strained to see. We followed an overgrown trail and stuck together.

A mile or so in, we came to a big ravine. The trail stopped there. The ravine was wide, and the terrain ascended steeply on both ends.

“What should we do?” Mackenzie said.

“Want to keep going?” I said, hoping she wanted to turn back.

“I guess,” she said, peering over the edge.

“Okay,” I said. “I’ll go first.”

I was scared, but I wasn’t about to show it. I got down on my belly and scooted back toward the edge.

“Be careful,” Mackenzie said, as I began to lower myself down.

The descent was so steep, the ground so loose that I had to hang onto roots. I struggled to find footholds. My arms shook. I had to constantly wipe dirt from my face.

When I was almost down to ground level, I spotted something wedged into a crevasse. The light was quite dim, and I wasn’t sure what it was. I leaned in for a closer look.

Now inches from the object, finally realizing what I was looking at, no longer feeling brave, I screamed.

“Cole?” Mackenzie shouted. “What’s wrong?”

“Go back!”

“What is it?”

“Go back!” I cried, clambering back up.

I used to love Halloween, but I don’t go out anymore. I’m afraid I might see a kid dressed like a skeleton.
​
Libby Belle link
18/3/2022 02:41:26 pm

Thanks for the chills up and down my spine. I will not be venturing into the woods anytime soon! Excellent story, Don.

Don Tassone link
19/3/2022 01:53:43 am

Thank you, Libby.

phyllis souzaa
18/3/2022 04:48:00 pm

Don, This is great story! Well written, with an unexpected twist at the end. phyllis

Don Tassone link
19/3/2022 01:54:32 am

Thank you, Phyllis.

Peggy Gerber
18/3/2022 06:12:20 pm

I always read your stories twice because they are written so beautifully. If there is a bright side to this, perhaps those mischievous children have brought closure to the family of the missing boy.

Don Tassone link
19/3/2022 01:56:52 am

Thanks for your kind words, Peggy. Yes, let's hope there is a silver lining.

Jim Bartlett link
19/3/2022 01:11:22 am

So well done, Don. And that twist is on fire.
Nice
Jim

Don Tassone link
19/3/2022 01:58:51 am

Thank you, Jim.

Sue Clayton
19/3/2022 02:23:58 am

A tale as terrifying as the scariest Halloween costume.

Don Tassone link
19/3/2022 09:39:27 am

Thank you, Sue.

Krystyna
19/3/2022 03:18:11 pm

Not an exploration I would want to lead or be part of. Splendid gripping tale, Don.

Don Tassone
19/3/2022 03:45:14 pm

Nor would I, Krystyna! Thank you.

Kathy K.
19/3/2022 04:20:32 pm

Ditto to all of the above. I add only that there are lessons to be learned. Don’t go into the woods alone. I always wondered if parents made up urban tales to scare their children into behavior that is proper. In this case no. A real story that would really scare of them.

Don Tassone
19/3/2022 04:37:47 pm

Amen, Kathy. Never hike alone. Thanks.

Dee Lorraine
21/3/2022 12:27:14 pm

You wrote a tension-filled scary story, Don. I'm wondering if the kids told their parents, though. (Of course, they should...)

Don Tassone link
21/3/2022 01:00:40 pm

That too remains a mystery. Thanks, Dee.

Candace Arthuria Williams
23/3/2022 01:33:35 pm

Perfectly choreographed, Don. Right to the chilling end.

Don Tassone link
23/3/2022 01:40:50 pm

Thank you, Candace!


Comments are closed.

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