**Overview**

We didn’t intend to come to this place - but somehow we have. I guess we are the 4 lunatics - Rowan (me), Elara, Milo and Callie. The best friend group in town, but also the craziest. Sometimes stupid, sensible or unique - that’s us. My friends since secondary school (they got me through it all.)

**Story**

At the top of a steep hill, lies a mysterious house - shattered slates scatter across the dead garden and clouds as black as smoke are looming over us. “Guys, it feels like a horror movie. It’s making me feel pretty tense.” Callie states. “Never judge a book by its cover” Milo laughs (he’s not very humourous) whilst I try and reassure everyone “Now I know it looks like Edward’s Scissorhands’ house but he was a nice guy. Anyway, it’s an adventure, right? Got nothing else to do.” “I mean it’s exciting but it’s a _huge_ step up from abandoned houses” Elara says.

We are currently entering the house. On the front door, an “_ENTER IF YOU DARE” _sign is stuck wonkily upon the brick wall next to the entrance. “Guys, guys, do you wanna hear a joke” Milo asks and I reply “If you _have _to but it won’t help.” “Okay so why don’t ghosts like rain?” ”It’s not the time Milo!” “It is Elara, anyway do you know the answer?” “No? Why would I know it?” Callie says and Milo responds “Because it dampens their spirits!! Hahaha!” “_Wow_, I clap sarcastically but that’s the good thing about him - he calms your nerves down. Off we go into the house of Hell.

My heart races as quick as a rollercoaster as we witness the crooked floorboards and shut the door. I think we are _locked_ in here. “I want to get out of here but what if we get stuck, get hunted, see ghosts and die.” Callie says with her breathing increasing by the minute. “For the last time, we are _not_ going to die! People do this all the time on television - it’ll be so fun!” I’m so used to lightening up the mood so their happiness shines like a star - if only it worked. If you haven’t figured it out yet - I’m the brave one. I strive for madness, chaos and fun. Elara is shy, Callie is a scaredy cat and Milo, well. Milo is just _Milo._

__

_“_Let’s explore!” and we begin searching through the house. The haunted house. It’s dark and the light is nowhere to be seen but luckily we have little torches to use. We all agreed to go in altogether and we are walking into the living room. There’s something about this room, the overhang lantern with a stake oak door, horrible stench throughout and broken walls. There are pictures of portraits which look historical which stare at you wherever you go. Wherever you go, it follows you. “What if it’s a ghost trapped into a portrait?” Elora worries “You’re overthinking it, just don’t look” I reassure her. We run out quickly and go to another room.

The next room is the library. Usually a calm place but not in _this _place. Nothing is tranquil. It all seems as if you’re in a story but it’s real. It feels nice but I have to admit, I’m a little terrified. The books look old, hundreds of years old with everything looking as if it’s been chucked around. The same wooden floorboards make a major noise whenever you are on and you cannot escape it - like_ this_ house. “Anymore jokes?” asks Milo even though he’s uncertain “No” we all say in unison and go to the other rooms. They’re all the same, with a different feeling in them. I’m still worried if any spirits are in here but I don’t have a clue. _I_ kind of want to leave but I need to act nonchalant. I’m aching with nerves and anticipation. I regret coming here. “I think that’s enough, right” I announce and everyone is screaming internally, bursting like fireworks and we make our way to the entrance. Suddenly, I hear a voice. It’s not us - our mouths are zipped. We are standing, frozen with fear and I whisper “Did you hear that” and Milo replies “Yes” and I hear it again. All we have to do is escape then run away, easy right? I keep hearing the voice get louder and louder, closer and closer as I feel something behind me. A presence. The creature begins to laugh and I know _we_ are _done for._