The Problem

Creeping slowly, the two boys entered the musty room. The temperature dropped as they edged closer towards the dust-covered fireplace. Sam held out a trembling finger and pointed towards the painting on the wall.

“What’s that?” his voice wavered.

“Just a painting,” replied James, “nothing to be scared of.”

Suddenly a high pitched wail echoed around the room. It shook the ornaments in their cases and the paintings banged against the wall.

“Run for it!” screamed Sam.

The two boys rushed towards the open doorway, but as they got closer it slammed shut, leaving them trapped and alone.

Clutching on his friend’s arm, Sam’s terrified gaze fell upon the painting on the wall.

“Did I just see its eyes moving?” whimpered Sam.

“Wh . .what . . what’s happening?” came James’s frightened response.

“Is there somebody there?”

A loud, mocking laugh boomed out from the painting above the fireplace. The ghostly figure in the portrait turned to face them and its eyes opened wider.

“I have been expecting you,” said the strange figure.