The House That Didn’t Let Go

ByJohn Revokee

Emma had always dreamed of living in a quiet, peaceful town. When she found the small white cottage for an unbelievably low price, she didn’t hesitate.

“No one ever stays long,” the real estate agent admitted with a nervous laugh. “But maybe you’ll be different.”

Emma didn’t ask why.

The house was perfect—cozy, newly renovated, and surrounded by other identical little homes. Everything was neat, clean, and oddly untouched. It felt like no one had ever truly lived there before.

But she would soon learn why.

Night One: The Rocking Chair

Her first evening was peaceful. She sipped tea on the porch, enjoying the sunset. The chair beside her creaked slightly as the breeze rolled through.

She went inside.

But as she reached the door, the creaking continued.

The chair was still moving.

She frowned, stepping closer. There was no wind now. No reason for it to move.

Still, she ignored it. Probably just settling wood, she told herself.

She locked the door and went to bed.

Night Three: The Camera Footage

Emma installed a small security camera outside—just for peace of mind. She wanted to feel safe in her new home.

That night, she heard it again. The creaking of the rocking chair.

She stayed in bed, refusing to check.

By morning, she reviewed the footage.

At 3:12 AM, the rocking chair started moving on its own.

At 3:14 AM, faint footsteps appeared in the gravel path.

But no one was there.

At 3:17 AM, the front door handle twisted.

She hadn’t heard it.

She hadn’t locked it.

The Note Beneath the Floor

Fear settled deep in her chest.

Something wasn’t right.

Determined to understand, Emma searched every corner of the house. She knocked on the walls, lifted rugs, and checked the attic.

That’s when she found the loose floorboard in the bedroom.

Underneath was an old, yellowed piece of paper.

Her hands trembled as she read the faded words.

“If you’re reading this, you need to leave before midnight. Or you’ll never leave at all.”

The ink was smeared, as if written in a rush. Below it, another scribbled message:

“It doesn’t like when you stay too long.”

The rocking chair creaked outside.

And then—

A soft knock at the door.

It was 3:12 AM.

She didn’t check the camera this time.

She just ran.

Would you stay for a night in this house? Or leave before the chair moves again? Let me know in the comments! ⬇️

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