October 18

It was a chilly afternoon in the neighborhood of Majesty Oaks Estates. The autumn breeze is blowing this afternoon, and it is a safe haven for both the birds in the trees and the neighborhood kids at play. One could say this was the safest neighborhood around. I find this neighborhood to be relaxing during the holiday season. Today, I must finish my last assignment before I graduate. I’m feeling anxious, but I am having faith that this project will go well.

As soon as Janet closed her journal, a soft knock was heard at her bedroom door. She opened the door, only to find no one standing there, leaving a confused look on her face. Just as she was about to step back inside, she heard the knock once more. Glancing around, she noticed that a piece of her bedroom window panel was swinging from its hinges, tapping against the glass. What she thought was a knock was simply her old bedroom window slowly showing signs of age. With the thoughts from her journal entry still swirling in her mind, she felt a surge of inspiration and was ready to work on her photography project.

The fall season was one of the best times to feel comfortable. The comforting aromas of cinnamon and cranberries simmering on the stove while listening to a curated collection of 1920s jazz. Janet had long dreamed of completing this project, the final piece needed for her senior portfolio before her journey to New York. This project was important for her; it was more than just an assignment; it was a defining moment. With impeccable skills, Janet had a unique ability to capture objects with stunning clarity and precision. This project would not only showcase her talent but also lay the foundation for her future career as a photographer.

Rushing downstairs, Janet grabbed a chocolate vanilla muffin from the kitchen, freshly baked that morning by her grandmother, before heading out the door. She figured a substantial muffin would keep her satisfied until evening. Strolling down Majesty Oaks was one of her favorite pastimes, especially after long study sessions. The crisp autumn air was filled with the scent of fallen leaves, which were already covering the ground in vibrant colors. Traditional houses lined the street, adorned with colorful foliage and pumpkins placed along the front doors. The wind against the wind chimes created a soothing melody, calming Janet’s mind as she prepared for the long workday ahead.

Janet’s usual route to the nearby café, a popular spot for college students and remote workers alike, took her past two stop signs and an old, boarded house. This dilapidated, boarded-up structure had the eeriness of a perfect haunted house, standing silent and forlorn for years. It was once a lively home, inhabited by an elderly couple who raised five children within its walls for 70 years. As Janet passed by the house on her daily walks, she was often filled with curious thoughts: what secrets and memories lay hidden behind those worn boards? What did the inside of the house look like during its heyday? The unanswered questions filled her brain, lending a sense of mystery to her routine journey.

Today turned out to be a great day for Janet.

Unlocking her phone, Janet quickly sent a text to her two best friends, Kim and Terrance. Her curiosity about the old, abandoned house had sparked a side quest she hadn’t anticipated. Instead of heading straight to the cafe, she found herself waiting midway between the next four-way street, eager for her friends to arrive so they could explore the mysterious building together.

From the outside, the house appeared run-down, yet it still had an undeniable charm. The roof, a dark and faded brown, suggested years of stories waiting to be uncovered. As Janet approached the front gate, she moved slowly, her gaze fixated on the boarded windows.

Terrance stood just a few feet away, finally catching up with Kim, who rounded the corner, cradling a steaming cup of coffee. As they exchanged subtle greetings, the trio found themselves in a moment of indecision regarding whether to enter through the gates. “I feel adventurous today! How often do we get the chance to explore something new?” Janet exclaimed, her eyes alight with excitement. Her passion for photography fueled her curious nature. She found art in almost anything; it didn’t matter if it was in a can of beans. Art was everywhere, and her curiosity was fueled by excitement. Exploring an abandoned building was tied to her passion for photography.

Terrance shrugged his shoulders in agreement. An opportunity for discovery awaited, especially during the vibrant fall season. As they pushed open the gates, they were met with thorns from overgrown rose bushes and piles of leaves that reached knee-deep. Slowly, they made their way toward the front door, awaiting to see what lay beyond the boards.