Harold had just finished making the corn maze. Fall was here, and the crowds would be coming soon. He needed the corn maze and the haunted hayride to attract customers and move his pumpkins. Each purchase of a hayride ticket included a pumpkin of the rider’s choice from the patch at the end of the ride.
Every year, Harold tried to make the ride scarier. The new giant spider that dropped down over the riders would be a great addition to this year’s ride. It would surely get lots of screams and nervous laughs.
Harold was walking away from the maze when he experienced a strange sensation. He turned around and looked. A young boy stood at the start of the corn maze with his back to Harold. The boy turned around, and Harold almost fainted. It was Ryan, his son. Except Ryan had gone missing at age eight and was never found.
That was twelve years ago. Ryan would be twenty now; it couldn’t be him. Harold slowly approached the boy.
“Who are you, lad,” Harold called out.
The boy didn’t answer.
As Harold got closer, the boy turned and walked into the maze. Harold walked faster, trying to catch up. When Harold entered the maze, he saw the boy waiting at the first turn.
“Stop. I just want to talk. I won’t hurt you,” Harold called out.
The boy turned the corner.
Harold ran, but it didn’t matter. Every time Harold saw the boy, he was turning another corner.
“Ryan, is that you?” Harold called out. “Please stop.”
But the boy kept moving.
Harold continued to chase the boy. The sun began setting behind the trees. Eventually, Harold had to stop. His chest was pounding. He leaned over and put his hands on his knees.
The following morning, a young police officer named Ryan found Harold at the back of the maze, lying on the ground dead.
Thanks for reading and responding. You make it fun.
Mark
Mark, I did *not* predict you would go with a Halloween-themed story! Took me by surprise — in a good way. 👹🎃👻
Yikes! That turned dark. Not surprised. It IS that time of the year.... brrrrr.