This story goes way back to the 18th century. The Pickinsons were famous in the small town they lived. The family had 12 children of all sizes and ages. Though huge yet the family had limited means, as the father worked in a coal mine, while the mother was a housewife. One fine evening, the father entered home all excited and happy. “I have some good news. I have got a better-paying job in the city. That means, we will be living in the city,” he said. “Hurrah!” chorused a dozen voices. The children had read so much about the city and were eager to see it with their own eyes. They would be actually living there and this was even better. Even the mother was overcome with joy. She was quite fed up of her life in the small town and was looking forward to something new and exciting. Who knew, what was in store for them?
The Pickinsons Love the New House
One fine day, the Pickinson family finally moved to the city. Their house was the biggest in the neighbourhood. “Are you sure you can afford this place?” Mrs. Pickinson asked her husband. “Actually, even I am surprised. Though it is big yet it’s cheaper than most other houses,” replied her husband, “Besides, we have a big family.” The living room in the house was so spacious that the boys could actually play football in it. Mrs. Pickinson was extremely pleased with her neat and roomy kitchen. The master bedroom was grand and there were two more bedrooms. The boys took one, while the girls took the other. There were rumours floating about how the house had been lying vacant for long, but the Pickinson were not worried. The house was bounded on all sides by a majestic garden that was just right for the children to get on with their evening games.
The Hooded Woman
Soon the Pickinsons settled down in their new home. The children started going to a new school, while the father started his new job in the city. One night long after supper time the father had not returned. The children were already droopy-eyed. ‘What’s taking him so long?’ thought the mother. Just then she heard a loud rap on the door. ‘Ah, here he comes,’ she thought and ran to get the door. But she was in for a shock. A woman dressed in grey shroud stood at the door. A hood covered her head and her face had no eyes, lips or nose. She found it strange and terrifying! “Leave this house now or you will repent,” the woman boomed in a menacing voice. The mother stifled her screams and banged the door shut on the faceless figure. She then ran to her children and quickly put them to bed.
The Hooded Woman is Back
After tucking in her children, the mother sat by the fireplace praying and lost in thought. She prayed her husband would return soon. As she sat mumbling her prayers, she heard the sound of a door creaking open. There was a slight shuffling and then the sound of footsteps made their way up the stairs. “Is it you, Mr Pickinson?” she cried and ran behind the footsteps. She could hear the door of the boy’s room open and close. She ran into their bedroom and was dumbstruck. It was the same woman in the hood; she had no face! She stood by one of the beds. “Children, run!” she cried in terror. The children woke up with a start and ran downstairs as instructed by their mother. The mother then led all the children out of the house and into the garden. As they made their way to the gate, the mother looked back. The hooded figure stood on the porch.
