The locker door creaked open, revealing not the familiar metal interior, but a swirling mass of shadows. At first, Munnay thought it was just the dim light playing tricks on her eyes. But then, the shadows began to writhe, to coalesce. The spiders, already unsettling in their numbers yesterday, were now grotesquely large, their hairy legs like sharpened pencils scratching against the metal. One spider, in particular, dwarfed the others, its bulbous abdomen pulsating with an unholy life. It grew larger, and larger, until it towered over her, its eight eyes gleaming with malevolent intent.
Then, the transformation began. The giant spider's form shifted, contorting and reshaping itself until it resembled a lady. But this was no ordinary lady. Her skin was ashen white, stretched taut over sharp bones. Her eyes were hollow pits, and her mouth, a gaping maw filled with needle-sharp teeth, stretched into a silent scream. She wore a tattered white garment, a hood obscuring most of her face, stained with what looked like dried mud and blood.
The figure opened her mouth, and a sound erupted, a high-pitched, ear-splitting shriek that resonated deep within Munnay's bones. It was a scream of pure agony, of eternal torment, and it felt as though the sound was physically assaulting her, piercing her eardrums, shattering her sanity. Munnay was frozen, paralyzed by terror. She couldn't move, couldn't breathe, couldn't even blink. The scream intensified, growing louder and louder until it felt like her head was going to explode.
Suddenly, a gust of wind, icy and foul-smelling, swept through the hallway, swirling around her like a shroud. It was so strong that it almost lifted her off her feet. The force of it jolted her from her paralysis. She stumbled backward, then turned and ran.
The hooded figure and the monstrous spiders were right behind her, their clicking legs echoing through the darkened hallway. The lights flickered erratically, plunging her into momentary darkness, then flashing back on, revealing the grotesque figures gaining on her. The hallway seemed to stretch on forever, a nightmarish labyrinth with no escape.
Just as the figure's shadow loomed over her, engulfing her in its icy embrace, the scene shifted. Munnay found herself in a graveyard.
The air was thick with the smell of damp earth and decaying flowers. The moon, a sliver of bone-white light in the inky sky, cast long, distorted shadows across the rows of tombstones. The graveyard was eerily silent, the only sound the soft rustle of wind through the gnarled branches of ancient trees. It was a place of forgotten souls, a realm of eternal rest… or perhaps, eternal unrest.
Munnay stumbled through the graveyard, her heart pounding in her chest. She scanned the tombstones, trying to make sense of where she was. Each marker was identical, a dark, rectangular slab of granite. And each one bore the same inscription: "R.I.P." No names, no dates, just those three chilling letters.
Suddenly, the hooded figure materialized before her, its pale face a mask of silent rage. The spiders swarmed around its feet, their clicking legs a macabre rhythm. Munnay screamed, a raw, animalistic sound, and turned to run. She wouldn't let it catch her. She wouldn't.
As she fled through the maze of tombstones, the ground split slowly beneath her, and she noticed something strange. Some of the graves had letters etched into their surfaces. An "M," then a "U," then an "N." Her heart pounded harder with each step. The letters were spelling out her name.
She ran faster, her breath coming in ragged gasps. The figure was gaining on her, its silent scream echoing in her mind. She passed a tombstone with another "N," then an "A," then a "Y." Munnay tripped over a gnarled tree root, falling heavily to the ground. She lay there, paralyzed with fear, waiting for the inevitable. The grave with the "Y" was positioned between two larger markers, adorned with a crest she recognized – her family crest.
It dawned on her in a rush of horror. These were her parents' graves.
The hooded figure was almost upon her, its outstretched hand reaching for her. The spiders were crawling over the tombstones, their hairy legs clicking against the granite.
She saw her life flash before her eyes – her childhood memories, her parents' faces, the laughter, the love, the loss. She closed her eyes, bracing herself for the end.
But then, two beams of brilliant white light pierced the darkness, pushing back the shadows, repelling the creature and the spiders. The light was blinding, pure, and powerful. It enveloped her, shielding her from the darkness.
And then, she woke up.
Munnay bolted in bed, her breath ragged, cold sweats clinging to her skin. Sweat soaked her skin. Her hands trembled.
Her breath hitched as she caught movement at the edge of her vision. A shadow, crawling. A trick of the mind—or was it?
Fuck!" She screamed, her voice hoarse. "Holy shit! That was…that was…!"
The remnants of the nightmare clung to her like a shroud – the monstrous spider, the hooded figure's silent scream, the chilling graveyard. Her heart hammered against her ribs, threatening to burst from her chest. She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to banish the terrifying images from her mind, but they lingered, sharp and vivid.
She couldn't even articulate the terror she had just experienced. It was too real, too vivid, too terrifying. She looked around her room, the familiar surroundings a stark contrast to the nightmarish landscape she had just escaped. But even here, in the safety of her own room, she could still feel the chill of the graveyard, hear the creature's scream echoing in her mind. She knew, with a chilling certainty, that the nightmare was not over. It was just the beginning.
A soft knock preceded Nana's worried entrance. "Munnay, darling, what's wrong?" The older woman rushed to her side, her face etched with concern. "I heard you scream. Are you alright?"
Munnay shook her head, unable to speak, the terror still too raw. She simply pointed to her throat, indicating her inability to talk. Nana, ever patient, fetched a glass of water from the nightstand and gently helped her drink.
"There, there," Nana soothed, her voice warm and comforting. "Take your time. It was just a nightmare, sweetheart." She sat beside her on the bed, her hand resting reassuringly on Munnay's arm. "Do you want to talk about it? Sometimes, sharing the bad dreams makes them less scary."
Munnay shook her head again, her eyes wide with fear. The image of the hooded figure was still fresh in her mind, the scream echoing in her ears. "No," she whispered, her voice trembling. "It'll only make it worse."
Nana nodded understandingly. "Alright, darling. Whatever you want. But know that I'm here for you, always." She gave Munnay's arm a gentle squeeze. "I'll just let the others know you're okay. They were worried when they heard you scream."
As Nana turned to leave, Munnay's voice stopped her. "Nana," she pleaded, her eyes filled with fear. "Please… stay with me. I'm scared."
Nana's heart melted at the vulnerability in Munnay's voice. She knew how much the young girl had been through, the pain and loss she carried within her. "Of course, darling," she said softly. "I'll stay with you. We'll chase away the bad dreams together." She settled back on the bed, pulling the covers up around them. Munnay snuggled close, seeking the warmth and comfort of Nana's presence.
***
Munnay woke to the soft morning light filtering through the heavy drapes. Nana was gone. A pang of loneliness hit her, but she reminded herself that Nana was just in the next room, always close by. She stretched, her muscles still tense from the nightmare. Her room was a sanctuary of luxury, a testament to her family's immense wealth. The walls were painted a soft, calming shade of baby purple, her favorite color. A plush, lavender-colored carpet cushioned her feet, and the furniture was a mix of classic and contemporary designs, each piece carefully chosen to create an atmosphere of elegance and comfort.
She glanced at the chaise lounge by the window, where her new school uniform lay neatly arranged. It must have been brought in yesterday, but she'd been too exhausted to notice. She got out of bed and padded over to the dresser, where she began her morning routine.
First, the skincare – a multi-step process involving cleansers, toners, serums, and moisturizers, all from high-end brands she couldn't even pronounce. Then, the light makeup – just a touch of mascara, a hint of blush, and a swipe of lip gloss. Finally, she slipped into her uniform – a crisp white blouse, a pleated green skirt, and a tailored blazer.
As she finished dressing, Nana entered the room, a warm smile gracing her lips. "You look beautiful, darling," she said, her eyes filled with affection. She picked up a hairbrush and began to style Munnay's long, ginger hair into a sleek, high ponytail. "Just like your mother."
Munnay's heart clenched at the mention of her mother. She missed her so much, the warmth of her hugs, the sound of her laughter. She hugged Nana tightly, the familiar scent of her perfume a comforting reminder of home. She almost cried, the memory of her father's hugs, equally warm and comforting, flooding her mind. She quickly blinked back the tears, reminding herself that she had to be strong.
As she thought about school, her stomach churned with anxiety. Yesterday had been… challenging. The stares, the whispers, the feeling of being an outsider – it had all been overwhelming. And after the nightmare, the thought of facing those judgmental eyes again was almost unbearable.
A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. "Breakfast is served, Miss Munnay," a soft voice announced.
Munnay took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. She knew she couldn't stay in her room forever. She had to face the world, even if it was a world that felt cold and unwelcoming.
She followed Nana downstairs, her hand resting lightly on the polished mahogany banister. The house was even more impressive in the daylight. The grand staircase curved gracefully down to the main floor, its steps crafted from some kind of expensive stone she couldn't name, and the walls were adorned with priceless artwork. The house was a masterpiece of design, a showcase of wealth and power.
Her Aunt, Oana Xane, was already seated at the dining table, sipping her coffee. She looked up as Munnay entered, her face breaking into a warm smile. "Good morning, dear," she greeted. "You look exceptionally beautiful this morning."
Munnay managed a weak smile in return. She nibbled on a croissant, her appetite nonexistent.
"I heard you had a bit of a scare last night," Oana said, her brow furrowed with concern. "Nana told me you were screaming. Are you alright?"
"It was just a nightmare," Munnay replied, trying to downplay the incident. "I'm fine."
Oana's expression softened. "Darling, I know things haven't been easy for you," she said gently. "But you're safe here. We're your family, and we'll take care of you."
Munnay nodded, her heart swelling with gratitude for her aunt's kindness.
"How was your first day yesterday?" Oana asked, changing the subject.
Munnay shrugged. "Teenagers will be teenagers," she replied, echoing a quote she'd heard somewhere. "The world is passing through a very bad phase of adolescence. What we're witnessing is the common cold of immaturity."
Oana chuckled. "True enough," she said. "But don't let them get to you, darling. You're strong, and you'll get through this. Just remember, your father would want you to be happy."
Oana then shifted her attention, her expression turning serious. "I have a very important case today," she said, her voice filled with determination. "It's a tough one, all odds are against me. But I'm going to win it. I have to."
"What kind of case?" Munnay asked, her curiosity piqued.
"It's a criminal case," Oana explained. "A very high-profile one. Your uncle wanted me to drop it. He said it was too dangerous. But I can't back down now. Too much is at stake." She winked at Munnay. "Wish me luck."
Munnay smiled wryly. "Good luck," she said, her mind still preoccupied with the nightmare and the unsettling feeling that something was wrong. She hesitated, wondering if she should tell her aunt about the spiders in her locker, the "R.I.P." note. But she wasn't sure if she wanted to worry her aunt, especially on such an important day.
"Is there something else you want to talk about, dear?" Oana asked, noticing Munnay's distracted expression.
Munnay shook her head. "No, nothing," she said, forcing a smile. "I'm sure you'll do great. You always do."
Oana returned her smile, her eyes filled with love. Just then, a young lady walked into the dining room. She was stunningly beautiful, with the same striking mix of ocean blue and amber eyes that Munnay had inherited from her mother, which her mother shared with her sister, Oana. Her blonde hair glittered in the sunlight streaming through the windows, and her features were delicate and refined. She looked like a goddess.
Oana's smile vanished, her expression turning stern. "Ofelia Litt Xane!" she said, her voice sharp. She calls her daughter by her full name whenever she's mad at her.
The young lady rolled her eyes. "What now?" she replied, her tone petulant.
"You're late again," Oana said, her anger rising.
"Not my fault," Ofelia retorted, grabbing a handful of French fries from the table. She completely ignored her mother and started eating.
"And you," Ofelia said, turning to Munnay, her voice dripping with malice. "How dare you deprive me of my sleep?"
"Had a rough night." were the only words that escaped Munnay's mouth.
"Oh, did you?" Ofelia cut in sharply, her lips curling into a knowing smirk. 'Oh you had a rough night? Poor thing. Must be exhausting ruining lives—even asleep, you suck the peace out of this house. What are you, cursed?" She sneered.
Munnay flinched, her heart sinking. "I… I didn't… didn't mean to…" she stammered, her voice trembling.
"I don't know and don't care," Ofelia interrupted, her eyes narrowed. "I hope you don't plan on killing me as you killed your parents by depriving me of my sleep with your stupid screams in the night."
Oana slammed her fist on the glass table, the sound ...the sound making both Munnay and a nearby maid cleaning the figurines, jump. The maid, flustered, immediately apologized, bowing deeply before scurrying out of the room. The tension in the air was thick enough to cut with a knife.
"You're not going to say another word to Munnay. YOU HEAR ME?!" Oana yelled, her voice trembling with rage.
"Whatever," Ofelia sneered, rolling her eyes. "The truth hurts, by the way." She shot a venomous glance at Munnay.
Munnay, tears stinging her eyes, grabbed her bag and fled the room, her footsteps echoing through the silent house. Oana's angry shouts at Ofelia followed her, but the words were distorted, all Munnay could hear was "you killed your parents."
Nana, hearing the commotion, rushed downstairs and found Munnay sobbing by the ornate fountain near the fountain. "Oh, darling," Nana cooed, her voice filled with sympathy. She knelt beside Munnay, wrapping her arms around her. "It's alright. It's alright."
Munnay clung to Nana, her tears flowing freely. "She… she said… I killed them," she sobbed, her voice choked with emotion. "She said I killed my parents."
Nana gently stroked Munnay's hair, her heart aching for the young girl. "Don't listen to her, sweetheart," she whispered. "She doesn't mean it. She's just… angry."
"But it's true," Munnay cried, her voice filled with despair. "It's my fault. If only I hadn't argued with Dad that night… if only I hadn't said those awful things…"
"No, darling, it's not your fault," Nana insisted, her voice firm. "You were just a child. You didn't know what you were saying."
Munnay shook her head, her tears continuing to fall. "I wish I could go back," she whispered. "I wish I could tell him I loved him."
Nana held her close, offering comfort and reassurance. "I know, sweetheart," she said softly. "But you can't change the past. All you can do is learn from it and try to make the future better."
After a few minutes, Munnay's sobs subsided, and she pulled away from Nana, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. "I have to go to school," she said, her voice still shaky.
Nana nodded. "That's my girl" she smiled proudly, "Yes, you do," she said. "And I'll make sure you get there on time." She stood up and brushed off Munnay's clothes, smoothing down her ponytailed hair. "You're going to be okay, darling," she said, her smile warm and encouraging. "Just remember, you're strong, and you're loved."
Nana drove alongside with Munnay to school, offering words of comfort and support along the way. As they pulled up to the gates of Prevailers Academy, Munnay took a deep breath, trying to steel herself for what lay ahead.
"I'll be here with him to pick you up after school," Nana said, giving Munnay's hand a gentle squeeze. "And we'll talk about everything that happened this morning. Okay?"
Munnay nodded, managing a small smile. "Okay," she said. She stepped out of the car, her heart pounding in her chest.
As she walked through the school gates, she could feel the familiar weight of the students' gazes. But this time, it was different. There was a palpable sense of hostility in the air, a collective disapproval that made her skin crawl. She could hear snippets of conversations, cruel whispers that made her stomach churn.
"…did you see the video?"
"…she's so weird…"
"…talking to herself…"
"...her eyes were open, but it was like she wasn't there..."
"…she fell just so she can get attention…"
"…desperate chick…"
"…so much for a newbie…"
"…no wonder she's so miserable…"
A girl near the lockers whispered, "I swear the locker just… slammed on its own."
"She probably did it for attention," someone said.
"Or maybe she's just possessed." they laughed.
Munnay's heart sank. She knew what they were talking about. The incident at her locker yesterday, the spiders, the "R.I.P." note — someone had filmed it, and now it was viral. She could hear her own terrified screams echoing from the various phones, her humiliation complete. She felt as though she should just disappear. The day couldn't get any worse.
Then, the whispers died down, and an eerie silence fell over the hallway. Munnay's anxiety spiked. What had she done now?