Locked Room

I don’t even believe in ghosts. Myles reminded himself for the umpteenth time. He stared at the door in front of him, which had mysteriously swung shut on him and his friends about ninety minutes ago. His buddies had convinced him to break into an old, abandoned home at the edge of town, just like the dumb things they used to do as kids. Perhaps he was a bit old to still be getting dragged into these situations. He wondered briefly if Nia would approve. His friend walked over and jimmied the handle some more.

”That didn’t work the last one-hundred and eighty-seven times you tried it.” Myles’ friend, a fellow named Chuck, said sarcastically. The one at the door, Jake, threw his hands up with frustration.

”What else is there to do?!” Jake asked. “I just want to get the heck out of here.”

”We all do.” Denver said, checking the time on his phone.

”Speak for yourself.” Chuck said saltily. “I like it here in the cold, dark, haunted house.”

”Oh, it’s not really haunted. There is no such thing as ghosts.” Denver said, but it sounded to Myles like he was really just reminding himself of that fact.

Another hour passed. With each passing minute, it felt like more of the cold October air was seeping into the bedroom. Denver mumbled something about the beers he had left in his truck, then checked the time again. More than anything, Myles was feeling rather stupid, sitting cooped up in the dusty room. If someone had to come rescue them, he’d be so embarrassed he’d move out of town. He thought back to when he was younger. The teenaged humans and young-ish non-humans sneaking into supposedly haunted locations for some good natured spooks and a laugh or two. They’d all act tough, but more often than not the empty old homes actually scared them a little. He looked at his friends, sitting, pacing, mumbling, and thought that not much had changed.

As the numbers on Denver’s phone changed from four digits down to three, Myles went through the options again. The room was empty, so nothing they could use to pry the door open. The door itself was surprisingly solid. No matter how much they tried, the men couldn’t knock it down. They considered jumping out the window, but none of them were as young as they once were. And of course, like any good horror movie, they were so far out in the sticks that their cellphones weren’t working. He sighed, which startled Chuck and he didn’t quite cover it up all the way.

”I’m going to try and sleep.” Jake said, laying his jacket over his torso like a blanket. “You’re welcome to stare at that door all night if you want to, but I’m tired.” The others decided to try and sleep too, though no one was sure if they would ever be able to drift off.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Myles was the first one to wake up the next morning. His body was stiff from sleeping on the bare floor. It took him a few moments to remember where they were. Geez, we really did end up here all night. Myles thought to himself. Jake’s boyfriend and the other’s wives must be getting worried. I wonder if Nia has tried calling me.

Myles got up off the floor and looked around. It appeared as if their situation hadn’t changed much. He supposed there wasn’t much to do but wait to see how long it took for the calvary to arrive. Feeling a little stir crazy, he got up and went over to the door. He put his hand on the knob, and to his surprise, he felt it turn. With little effort, the door swung open silently. I swear that door was squeaking last night. Still feeling confused, Myles stepped out into the hallway. He turned to his still sleeping friends.

”If you guys don’t mind, I’m gonna go home now.” Myles said loudly.

”Hmm.” Chuck mumbled.

”I said, I’m going home. You guys staying here or what?”

”Oh my poor back!” Chuck groaned. “And very funny.” He said. Then Denver rolled over and opened his eyes. He saw Myles standing in the hallway and Myles waved at him.

Three minutes later they were all back outside. “So,” Jake said. “How’d you get the door open?”

”I asked the ghost really nicely to open the door for us.” Myles replied.

”Alright, keep your secrets.” Chuck said, rolling his eyes. “I’m gonna go to the diner, anyone coming with?”

”Naw, I need to calm down my wife.” Denver said, climbing into his truck. “See you guys later.” Jake got in his car and left after that. Myles bailed on the breakfast too. Before he left he took one last look at the house. Was it just his imagination, or was that a shadow in the upstairs window. He yawned and chided himself. Just his imagination, obviously.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

”That was very rude of you.” Martha said. She cast her son a sharp side eye glare.

”What are you gonna do, ground me?” Her son scoffed, staring out the window as the men drove away.

Martha sighed heavily. Eternity was quite a long time to spend with a thirteen year old boy.