The Renaissance: “Them” by Chloe Horstmann ’26, “Witch” by Elena Brutus ’24

“Them”

By Chloe Horstmann ’26

The large doors opened, sending a chill down her spine in the already frigid air. She turned around, unsure of her next move, although she already knew what they wanted her to do.

Her friends snickered behind her yelling, “You won’t do it! You can’t! Look at the scaredy cat!”

This made her blood boil and only increased her drive to prove them wrong.

Although everything in her body cringed at the thought of stepping inside the dust, mildew, and mold-filled house, she made quick advances inside, hoping to end the torment soon. She stood far back in the main hall and turned around to face the others.

She triumphantly exclaimed, “Look! I did it. Who’s the chicken now?”

She practically screamed to overcome her trembling voice. However, her friends had other plans. Two of them walked to the sides of the huge decaying double doors, quickly shutting her inside.

There was confusion for only a second before she became filled with horror. She ran towards the entrance in an effort to escape. She was not fast enough. The long hall was holding her hostage. She begged and yelled, but all she got in response was a collection of wicked laughs and a strange voice from inside the mansion, telling her that she’d better get comfortable: she was staying the night.

She was really shaking now, losing hope as she heard the giggles turn to cries outside the double doors, much too big for her to open on her own. She slumped down onto the plush carpet in the middle of the room, and began to sob.