Phoenix recently sponsored a writing contest asking students to write a 100 word mini-saga over a spooky topic. Our students did not disappoint as all the stories were definitely extra terrifying. The first place winner earns a large pizza delivered at lunch.
FIRST PLACE: “Tomb Digger” by: Emmarie Murphy
A gravely creak rang through the air as the steel gate moved from its immobile position. The man began to stride forward into the cemetery, his shovel dragging across the gravel, moving swiftly towards his undead target. He stopped at a grave, shoveling up dirt. The coffin grew clearer as more dirt was tossed out. The ground rumbled, causing the man to drop his shovel. Hands erupted out of the ground, grabbing his legs and waist, pulling him into the tomb. The man tried to struggle out of their grasps. More hands pulled him into the grave: his new home.
SECOND PLACE: “The Windigo” by Danise Li
After I lost my wife to the relentless snowstorm, the howls of the wind seemed to resemble her laughter, a myriad of voices. I treaded for hours before finally encountering a dim campfire nestled beside a cave. The spot was egregious; inscrutably faded and weathered. Amidst it all, there stood a daunting rock with the inscription, “When the human body gives in to starvation, the Windigo is born.” Then I heard a familiar voice from within the cave; enticing me in. The putrid stench became evident before I finally saw it; a flesh eating emaciated creature before me.
THIRD PLACE: “Inhuman” by Jasmine Windisch
They said I wouldn’t make it out of there alive. The halls of the archaic fort echoed with each step I took. It wasn’t long before I heard what sounded like wails of agony that seemed to emanate from the walls themselves; they sounded almost human but deep and distorted, inciting a primal fear. I turned to retreat, but blocking the tunnel was a large, hunched shape. Its scraggly-haired shoulders lurched with every sob it released. I froze. It turned its head to me. I saw my reflection in its dead eyes. At that moment, I knew they were right.
“Perfect Sacrifice” by: Emerson Rose
I couldn’t move as their artificial claws scraped my skin. More crimson dripped, and all I could do was watch my people. After all, I had been prepared for this beautiful moment. Despite enduring through the inevitable suffering of metal to meat. I still felt that my people raised me to be perfect. Perfection was sacrifice. Sacrifice was perfection. Here I was, tearless and calm- except for my desperately beating finale, but that’s only natural–as my people embraced my glory. Leader’s hands grazed over my heart. Its prideful smile told me I was the perfect sacrifice, just as expected.
“You’re It” by: Rubyann Sullivan
The loud bone chilling sound of a siren cried out as my ears rang and we all knew. The haunting forest around us had been flashed with a luminous red light. Without wasting any time, all of our legs started to move; running in every direction possible. Before anyone knew it we were in some kind of dark, twisted maze. Everyone was tormented by fear, unable to comprehend the dangers before us. IT ran faster knowing that it was catching up. As I ran screams filled the cold air; I turned to realize I was cornered. I was caught.
“My Breath” by: Caedmon Ward
My breath escaped me, gasping for air, the cold bitter floor piercing my feet. Each beat of my heart brought a second of apprehension. Everywhere my eyes turned, there were bagged corpses plunged through bloody hooks. One of them, I knew, was my son. If only I had been what the world had dubbed me; a loving mother. Tears began to flood my eyes. Comprising myself, feeling devastating agony. The haunting footsteps I feared moments prior now felt like static. Seeing the bloodstained hatchet sway back and forth, I smiled, “Bring me to my son!”
