Finally, the summer vacation had started. Bright, warm days of fun-filled activities were here and Peter had his best friend Sally to share them. The children were neighbours and went to school together. The first day of the holidays dawned white and bright. Peter was up early, finished his breakfast, and rushed off to find Sally. However, Sally was already in the garden. They played ‘catch and cook’ for some time. Then it soon became hot, so they decided to move the games indoors. “Let’s play ‘hide and seek’,” Peter told Sally. “You hide. I will find you.” Peter started counting, while Sally rushed off to find an isolated place to hide. As Sally reached a corner, she heard a creaking sound. Further ahead, she saw an open door. She peered inside and saw a set of stairs leading down into dark nothingness. ‘Ah, a secret place! Let me hide here,’ thought Sally, and she went right in.
Pitch Dark
As soon as Sally entered the basement, her heat started pounding. Though she had left the door open behind her yet she could not see her own hands even when she held them right in front of her eyes. The basement smelt musty. Now and then, an eerie chill seemed to envelop her. ‘It seems no one comes down here at all,’ thought Sally. Suddenly, Sally was scared. She thought of turning back. Just then a whiff of cold air enveloped her and she heard the door above her bang shut. Panicking, Sally clambered up the stairs back to the door. It was shut. From without, she could hear the faint voice of Peter calling out to her. “Sally, where are you?” Peter was shouting aloud. “I am in the basement,” Sally tried to say, but her voice choked. She could only let out a terrified croak. She tried to open the door, but it wouldn’t budge.
Sally Has Disappeared
Peter looked for Sally in every nook and corner of the house, but could not find her. He did not think Sally could have gone into the basement, as its door was shut. Worried and tired, Peter soon approached his parents and told them about their game of ‘hide and seek’ and how Sally could not be found anymore. Together Peter and his parents combed the entire house. This time they even went down to the basement. Alas, it was if the little girl had vanished into thin air. No trace of her could be found anywhere. At last, Peter’s parents called up Sally’s family and informed them of the strange disappearance. Sally’s parents informed the police and soon, uniformed men were all over Peter’ home looking for Sally. Still, there was no Sally! Peter was inconsolable. Days passed but Sally did not come back. ‘The summer holidays are over and it is time for school again, without Sally!’ thought Peter sadly.
Strange Experience
Peter put on his school uniform and ran a comb through his auburn hair. He thought wistfully of his long-lost friend Sally. Suddenly, he pricked his ears. Was it a low moan he heard? Peter ran out of the room in the direction of the sound and reached the basement. He could hear the wail of a girl. “Mother, father,” he yelled. The family entered the basement and saw a crumpled figure lying at the foot of the stairs. “Peter,” cried the figure. It was Sally! “How did you end up here, little girl?” asked Peter’s father. “It was strange,” replied Sally, “I was hiding here, when I saw a white hand reaching out to me. I fainted. When I opened my eyes, I was in a strange land. I called out for help but to no avail. After a few days, I found myself here again.” “Who took you and where?” asked Peter. However, Sally had no answer!
