2023 Elementary School Winners

1st Place

"The Spooky House"
Paige Lovins

     "I dare you to go up to that abandoned house," Allie said with an evil grin. "Okay," I said, already walking toward the house. Suddenly Allie sprinted away yelling "See ya!" What was supposed to be a calm sleepover had turned out to be me alone in the middle of the night. I looked up at the house and gulped.

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     I looked more closely and spotted spiders skittering up the wall and the checkered roof was blanketed with moonlight. As I stood there shivering I heard a creek in the door. It was only then I realized I had to open this rotten piece of wood to get credit for the dare. The door smelled strongly of mold mixed with moss. I could almost taste the rotting wood! Then I glumly remembered the dare. So I turned the dusty knob and stepped in.

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     I looked around and saw a light up the winding stairs. Immediately thoughts rushed up to my brain. Why is there a light on? Should I follow it? Will I die being eaten by a mega man eating ghost? Curiosity got the better of me and I slowly walked towards the stairs. The steps were creaky and very dusty. How old were these things? I thought. When I got to the top I could see that the little faint light had gotten more vibrant. Suddenly I heard rustling and froze.

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     I was almost too scared to move but I forced myself to take a look around. There were cobwebs in every corner of the dark hall so I decided to just walk with my eyes closed. Then, thump! A man screamed and I quickly opened my eyes! A bald man was staring down at me wide eyed."What do you think you're doing Missy? This is private property!" "Ss-sorry sir" I murmured back. "Get out now!" So I sprinted down the stairs and out the door all the way to Allie's house.

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     I will never forget my adventure in the spooky house. The way the steps creaked and the way the hall was coated with cobwebs was all deathly terrifying! I hope I'll never have to hear that mysterious man's voice ever again! Next time I play truth or dare I'm definitely picking truth!