Gray Stone Mansion

The screams came from inside the walls causing Jessica to close her eyes tight and pull the blankets up over her head. Why did I let Maria talk me into staying here? Gray Stone Mansion with its high turrets, heavy wooden doors, and maze of rooms, seemed like a great place for vacation when Maria showed Jessica a brochure. Now that they were here, either her imagination was working overtime, or there was something stuck and mad in the walls.

It’s just in my head, Jessica decided and started humming to herself. She picked Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, because her dad used to sing it when she was little and scared. At the end of the song, a knocking on the wall across from her bed made her scream. She threw the covers off of her, jumped out of bed, and ran for the door. I can’t take this anymore!

When she reached the door, she grabbed the handle and yanked it open, screaming again at Maria who was standing there with a camera. The flash was quick and bright and took Jessica by surprise leaving her with a look of disbelief.

“Oh my God… your face... that was so worth it.” Maria doubled over laughing.

“You witch. How did you know… how did you do it?” Jessica stood in shock.

“It’s one of the perks this place offers.” Maria turned towards a tapestry hanging on the wall just down from Jessica’s door. “Jason, come out.” Turning back to Jessica, “there are secret panels hidden throughout the mansion for people to move around.”

As Maria finished explaining, the wall behind the tapestry swung open and Jason, Maria’s brother, stepped out.

“I will get you back for this!” Jessica laughed and looked at Jason, “you too.”


Written for

Daily Flash Fiction Challenge  (13+) Enter your story of 300 words or less. #896794 by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon

Prompt: Write a story about a mansion with secret passages in 300 words or less.