100 Stories to tell in the Dark

1. The Ghost Waltz

Have you ever heard of the old mansion down Crooked Lane? 

Have you ever heard of the wind whisper in your ear, telling you to come closer?

Have you ever heard the door creak open, beckoning for you to come inside?

No? Well, we welcome you with open arms. 

We encourage you to come up the wooden steps and right through the front door. 

Take off your jackets and coats and sweaters because you don't need them in this cozy home. 

Right through the living room and through the dining room.

Behind the double doors lies a big empty ballroom. 

Walk right in and the chandeliers up on the tall ceiling will turn on for you.

Oh, there's nothing to worry. 

There's no one else here but us. 

Watch the piano lid open and the keys play a soft and eerie waltz.

Feel the urge to move your feet across the floor.

Feel the urge to twirl and spin and twist.

Feel the urge to glide across the floor like no one is watching. 

Oh, but what's that?

See the air glitter and shimmer and swirl around you in a blur.

You try to stop but you can't seem to slow down.

You feel someone take your hand and spin you around. 

You turn to face them and give out a shriek. 

You pull and turn and scream trying to free yourself. 

You twist your head and suddenly see other shadow figures dancing and twirling around you. 

You ask me why I lied?

I didn't lie, you didn't ask how many of us there were. 

I only said that we welcome you inside. 

You yell and shriek and cry as you see the piano play by itself.

You can not escape, no matter how much you try. 

Once you start dancing, you can never stop. 

What is this madness you ask?

This is the Ghost Waltz.