Terror Reading

          

 

 

Sammie, an enthusiastic college sophomore, decided to join her friends Dawn and Sofia on a spontaneous trip to the carnival that had just rolled into town. The trio walked through the gates, greeted by the vibrant lights and children's laughter filling the air. The scent of popcorn mixed with the hints of grease from the food stalls wafted by as they made their way through the bustling crowd.

The trio amused themselves on rides, played games, and indulged in the carnival's treats. Their camaraderie was evident as they giggled at Dawn's attempts to win overstuffed teddy bears and Sofia's fondness for cotton candy.

As they wandered further, Sofia's eyes caught a glimmering sign: "Lady Jewell: Tarot Readings." Her curiosity was piqued instantly, and she nudged Sammie. "Let's get your fortune told!" Sofia suggested, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Sammie hesitated, feeling slightly apprehensive. "I don’t know, Sofia. It all seems a bit silly," she replied, intrigued by the idea. Dawn joined Sofia in coaxing Sammie. “It’ll be fun, just one reading!” they urged.

With a resigned grin, Sammie agreed. They approached Lady Jewell’s tent, adorned with mystic symbols and purple hues. The aroma of incense enveloped them as they entered the dimly lit interior. With her enigmatic smile and a noticeable hairy mole on her cheek, Lady Jewell beckoned Sammie to sit.

Sofia and Dawn stood by as Lady Jewell shuffled the worn tarot cards. The air thickened as the cards were laid on the table, revealing ominous images: death, destruction, deception, and a curse. Sammie took it all in stride, laughing it off. “Spooky!” she joked, her lightheartedness contagious.

Leaving the tent behind, Sammie brushed off the foreboding reading, convinced it was all part of the show. They continued to enjoy the carnival until twilight draped the sky in deep indigo.

Once back home, Sammie relaxed in her cozy room, the night's excitement still humming through her veins. Exhausted yet content, she slipped under her covers, her eyelids growing heavy.

It was nearing midnight when whispers wove through the room. Groggily, Sammie sat up, her heart beating as the whispers grew louder. “You’re dead,” the voices whispered, chilling her bones.

Alarmed, she flicked on the light. Her room was empty, devoid of playful friends lurking in the shadows. “Haha, real funny y’all,” she called out, though unease crept beneath her skin.

Switching off the lamp, Sammie lay back, but a sight made her blood run cold �" a black figure with glowing green eyes hovered above, malice radiating from its form.

Her voice caught in her throat as she attempted to scream. The figure lunged forward, silencing her by mercilessly snatching her tongue and gouging her eyes, leaving agony in its wake.

Morning light trickled in when Dawn and Sofia approached Sammie’s room, finding her lifeless body devoid of eyes and tongue. Shockingly, they exchanged conspiratorial smiles.

In unison, with a chilling ease, they uttered, "It worked." Dawn’s voice dripped with satisfaction. “This is how we care for dead-weight roommates who lag on rent and bills.”

Unveiling their sinister plot, it became clear that the tarot reading was not mere entertainment. Lady Jewell was no psychic but a conduit who summoned a demon to execute their grim task, all disguised under mischief.

The vibrant carnival night lay starkly juxtaposed against the dark reality of Sammie’s fate. Sofia and Dawn had skillfully orchestrated a facade of friendship, culminating in a chilling resolution to rid themselves of their perceived burden.

Their laughter echoed subtly with an edge of relief. Now absolved of what they saw as an inconvenience, each step towards freedom was paved with treachery and deceit. The carnival's memory lingered in the backdrop, its magic twisted forever in their minds.

Sammie’s unwitting participation in their scheme left behind a haunting legacy, a cautionary tale of trust misplaced and the dire consequences of hidden malice lurking beneath smiles.

All that remained was silence punctuated by carnival cheer carrying through the open window, an eerie reminder of the night that had masked such sinister games.