Marcus Bridgestone was a young man of only seventeen looking news to fuel his creativity. He had always been curious, but lately he was digging into new experimental ways to help him. He had the learned the legends in his town about the three witches, and new his town was a hotbed for spiritualism in the past, especially the Morris Pratt Institute. This was a place where they studied the supernatural and may allow him to open his mind a little being in a place like this.

He had always had an interest, but due to his strong religious background had been forbidden to study it to it’s full depth. Now that he was a little older and finding his own path he wanted to make a trip to the building before they tore it down. He drew up some plans, bought himself ouija board and made plans to go tonight and expand his mind. He knew he couldn’t tell anyone about this so his plan was to go alone tonight. Excitement ran through his body as he prepared for the evening ahead.

When he arrived at the building he saw that it had seen better days with paint peeling, shingles missing, and a few of the windows broken. The building was massive though with the large columns in the front, and was imposing site. It had a creepy but interesting feel to it. Walking up the steps he stood before the massive swinging wooden doors, but there was a chain and lock wrapped around the handles. Thankfully Marcus had thought of this and pulled out bolt cutters, and he quickly took care of that obstacle and slid between the doors and closed the shut.

As he entered the building he was impressed with the high ceilings and mahogany wood work. The staircase he faced as he entered was intricately hand carved, and looked stunning. He rubbed his hand along it, and could almost feel the emotions of the artist that created this stunning piece of work. He knew right then he was in the right spot. He looked up where a chandelier might have hung, and could see down the expansive hall the wood paneling. He could tell a lot of love went into building this place and it was a shame that they were going to tear it down.

He stood in awe for only a few minutes, but knew he had work to do. He needed to do what he was going to do rather quickly before his parents noticed he was not at home. He turned to his right and saw what looked like a den or sitting room. The majestic fireplace stood there with an old carpet, he thought to himself This is perfect, and pulled out the ouija board and sat on the floor.

Unpacking the board he looked at the instructions and saw that it recommended at least three people for safety reasons. Marcus laughed to himself and laid the board down on the floor. He pulled out the planchets out, studied it, and set it on the board. He then pulled out the candle for effect. He placed his fingers lightly on the planchette and began asking questions.

“Are there any spirits here with me tonight?”, nothing happened so he asked again, “Are there and spirits here with me tonight?”, and this time the planchette moved a little under his fingers. He asked a third time and it flew over to ‘Yes’ on the board. Marcus then asked how many were here with him, and this time without hesitating it went to ‘3’. Marcus became excited at this but before he could ask any other questions the shutters on the first floor windows flew open, things began falling off the mantle, and knocking noises seemed to be all around him.

Marcus jumped to his feet forgetting about the board when three very distinct figures before him. He became frightened but unable to move and could only utter out “Who are you?”. The three figures, now appearing to be women said together, “We are the three witches.”

Marcus was shocked he had heard the tale before, but didn’t think this could possibly be happening, and then they spoke “Why have you come here?” Marcus thought of the first thing that came to his mind, “I want to expand my creativity.” The entities looked at him, and asked the simple question that would change Marcus’s life forever, “What do we get in return?”.

Marcus wasn’t sure what they meant. I mean what could he possibly give the spirits so he simply said in a low voice, “Anything you want.”, and strangely enough a grin seemed to appear on their faces so they pointed to a small cabinet in the corner. Marcus looked where they were pointing and upon opening it up he saw what looked like a blank canvas and small paint set. He pulled them out and gave them a questioning look asking, “What do you want me to do with this?”.

One of the spirits said, “You will know when the time is right.”, and with that they vanished.

Marcus stood speechless and scared shitless. He thinks he may have actually messed his pants, but he wasn’t sitting around to wait for anything else. He took the canvas and paints and ran out of the building. Little did he know his life was going to change for the worse that night, as would his future son.