The Apparition

Neighbors seek shelter from a power outage in another home. Is there another reason?

The plinking rain trickled against the glass windows of the house. 12 year old, Nathan, squinted through one of the windows at the houses across the street.

Suddenly, the whole street block lights went black.

“Mom! The power went out across the street!”

“So it is!”

A loud, rapid knock came from the front door. Nathan’s mother, Diana, answered and standing in the rain were two adults and two children.

“Tammy! John! Did your power go out?”

“Yes!” said John. “It’s completely dark in our house. Can we please stay with you until the power is back on?”

“Of course!”

Tammy and John entered with their two kids.

“This storm is supposed to go on for a day or more. You’re welcome to stay until then,” said Diana.

“Thank you so much!” said Tammy.

“It’s almost 9pm. We have a spare bedroom for you and your kids.”

“That sounds good,” said John. “I’m bushed.”

Tammy nodded. “I agree. Well, I guess we will see each other tomorrow.”

“Sleep well,” said Diana.

Diana awoke in the light of the sun through her window. She stood and opened the window and smelled the air from the previous stormy night. She inhaled the crisp, effervescent scent then sighed.

She exited her room to find her guests awake.

“Good morning, everyone.”

“Good morning, Diana,” said John. “I checked out our house earlier today in the morning and the power is still out.”

“Stay as long as you need.”

“You’re too kind, Diana,” said Tammy.

“Make yourselves at home and help yourself to anything in the fridge. John, I know you work at home and since your desktop is out of commission, you’re welcome to us mine.”

“I was just about to ask. Thank you.”

“Good bye,” Diana said as he exited the front door.

Diana’s day was uneventful. It was the usual grind, filing reports, doing invoices, and processing data on her computer. When the day ended, Diana drove home.

“Good afternoon,” she said as she entered the house. “Did you check to see if power has been restored at your house?”

“Indeed. Still out,” said John.

“I’m sure it will be restored by tomorrow,” said Diana.

For another night, the four guests slept over. And the next day, John reported the power was still out.

“This is so odd. What is the deal with the power company?” said Diana.

So, the four individuals slept over another night which was the third night.

Diana woke up from a vicious nightmare about being chased by shadowy ghosts. To scared to go back to sleep, put on her slippers and took a walk down the block. She noticed something peculiar-the living room light was on in John and Tammy’s house. “He said the power was still off.”

Diana went back home and went back to sleep.

In the morning, as soon as she saw John and Tammy, she spoke her mind. “Why have you lied to me?”

Tammy and John were silent.

“Well!”

“Okay, well come clean. But you may not believe us but, our house has become haunted!”

“You’re joking!”

“We’ll prove it,” said John. “You and I will stay a night in the house and then you will know.”

“Very well, Let’s get moving, now.”

John and Diana went to the house at about 7 pm. They sat on the long sofa and Diana spoke up immediately. “So, when did your house become haunted?”

“A curse.”

“And how and why was it cursed?”

“Me and Tammy took a vacation to China. One night we came to a bizarre shop with strange objects. The shopkeeper warned us that something was cursed. Me and Tammy laughed him to scorn. The old shopkeeper was offended and he said because if our disrespect our home would be hexed.”

“So what exactly happens that is so…paranormal?”

“The sound of groaning coming from the hall. Our dreams are haunted as well-we experience sleep paralysis and we see shadowy figures in our room.”

“We shall see.”

The two watched tv until it was 9 pm and they went to sleep.

In the middle of the night, something I her room disturbed her. It was a fearful presence that turned her blood cold. She opened her eyes and saw a grotesque, transparent face appear over her. She screamed and immediately turned on the lights and the apparition was gone.

John rushed in. “What did you see!”

“Okay! I believe you! Now let’s get out of this place!”

The two drove off in the same car and came to Diana’s house.

“There’s only one thing we can do-we must call an exorcist to cleanse the house. My church pastor has done deliverances in the past. I’ll call him right now.”

“It’s so late.”

Diana laughed. “A pastor’s work is never done.”

Diana called and, in several seconds, there was an answer.

“Pastor Greg, this is Diana Smith. My friend’s house is cursed and we need it exercised. Okay we’ll see you soon.” She addressed John. “He’ll be here in 20 minutes.”

When the pastor came, they told him about the situation and they all went to the house.

“I sense a foul presence here,” said Pastor Greg. He took out a vile of oil and anointed each corner of the house. “I adjure you in the name of God, evil spirit! Be gone!”

“No!” said a deep echoing voice.

“Be gone!” said the pastor louder this time.

A black haze took form and shrieked as it began to dissipate into the air. Then there was silence.

“The spirit is gone.”

“Thank you pastor!” said John.

“The power of our Lord is greater than any earthly spirit.”

“I am tired,” said John. “I’ll sleep here for the night. Then we’ll all move back into our home.”

Diana went back to her home, excited to tell Tammy about the good news in the morning. And because of what had transpired, John’s family began attending church every Sunday and a new chapter commenced in their lives.