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Story of mystery
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The Oil lamp shined its light on the old wooden floor as he sat on
the old bed. Knowing himself that Alaska is not a great place to
sleep in, the room had nothing but an old creaky bed, a dying oil
lamp, a door which had holes through which creeps can peak
through and for some reason, a bear carpet lied on the floor.
This carpet is most probably a real bear carpet! How can such a cheap motel
afford to buy a carpet like this? He speaks to himself in his mind.
Maybe they didnt buy it, maybe they made it themselves. Its 4 am and the
skies are completely dark with flakes of snow dancing with the
wind, he can barely see the Truck parked outside as the fog is so
thick. I shouldnt be wasting this precious time and get some shut eye
His name is Robert Parker, he is 19 years old. Part of the US
Military force and has been sent here on a Task to infiltrate an
enemy base and take down Falekh Khudam, a drug lord who has
escaped from danger and has settled here. He doesnt even know that
we are right on his doorstep at the moment. Tomorrow is a big day, I better
close my eyes now
Few minutes go by and Robert goes into his dream station. A
couple hours go by and his Walkie Talkie Shrieks with a voice
from a man, Get up Robert, this isnt a drill anymore. Robert
gets up and tries to focus on the walkie talkie, he squints while
trying to pick it up as the light pierces through the old glass
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window, dust can be seen floating around and passing through the
holes of the door, Copy that chief, Im on my way Robert says
in tiredness. He picks up his bag, his rifle and wears his Bullet
proof jacket that all soldiers should wear unless they want to
welcome a bullet through their chest. Robert walks through the
thick snow, he is surprised how it is not as thick as he was
expecting, the sun really did something for him. He walks past
through the Army trucks and reaches the base where all the
soldiers are having a meal on cafeteria-looking tables, some are
quiet, some are not, some arent even there. Ey Robert! Come
here! Jason shouts while eating a bowl of cereal, Robert smiles
and sits down on the wooden chair, drops his bag on the ground
right next to him, I gotta say Jason continues while munching
This is gonna be a great team, that Falekh guy isnt gonna stand a
chance! We are US! Arent you excited man?!, Whats there to get
excited about? We are going to enter an Enemy Zone where Snipers will shine
its laser pointers on our head, every heart beat will count, every heart beat will
measure the amount of time we are still alive on the battlefield. Jason waves
his hand on Roberts face Hello?, Robert wakes up from his
faze and smiles in embarrassment, Where did you go? Jason
asks, II was just thinking about- Robert tries to change the
subject about how the General is gonna think about us, Jason
laughs My god dude, you are in the army, act like one! Dont
think that- The Chief enters the base and shouts Aright
everyone! Play time is over! Suit up, its time to do what you were
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supposed to do! The Chief turns back and walks to the trucks
Hustle up everybody!. Even though Robert knows he is the one
who chose to become a soldier, he doesnt want to get into
another warzoneHe misses the peace of just going into locations
and collecting Enemy Intel. As Jason walks with his Crew, he
notices how everyone either looks like a newbie or someone who
saw World War 2 unfold in front of their very eyes, he has no one
to talk to since everyone is either nervous to the point that they
want a bucket to puke in or so brave that they consider having a
chat too distracting. The sound of the footsteps start growing
louder and louder like a Marching band, Alright everyone! the
Chief shouts again Operation Cartel on the left and Operation
Labyrinth on the right!, Whats a Labyrinth? Jason asks, Some
sort ofMaze or something, I dont know Robert Replies,
PhffMaze? I feel sorry for whoever has to go right, they are not
facing the real deal brother Jason says in confidence. Robert
reduces his walking speed and starts thinking about this Operation,
starts questioning himself, Am I allowed to go there? Is it any different
from where I have to go? What if it is one of those Intel things that I used to
do? Should I go rightor left?
Robert starts walking so slow that all the soldiers are ahead of him,
he has only a fraction of a second left to choose his destination,
either go kill Falekh or go to thisunknown Labyrinth Operation.
Robert makes his decision as he shifts his foot to the other
direction and turns right, not letting Jason know.
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The base looks quite different from the ones he has been at, it
doesnt have people screaming, people eating cereal, people
puking. It doesnt even have people! Robert fills his stomach with
regret as he might be the only one going for this operation, I have a
feeling that this Operation is really dangerous that no one wants to go for this,
Am I the only one that-, three soldiers enter from a cabin, loading
their weapons, checking their pockets, adjusting their helmets, one
had short blonde hair with a scrub on his chin, one had thick curly
brown hair with a beard, another one was bald with a green dyed
goatee, all of them looked like they were in some rock band and
Robert saw himself as this young fresh looking, clean shave, new
kid-on-the-block. Ey! I told you we could get another guy! the
Blonde-haired man spoke, Welcome to hell brother! the beard
man spoke in confidence while patting Roberts shoulder, I got
one question for you kid the green-dyed-goatee-man spoke
What made you come here? The other operation is much better
than this crap, Robert was confused at how each person had a
different attitude towards this operation, he cleared his throat and
spoke UmmI want to do something different for my country
you know? Im tired of doing this Falekh thing over and over,
wont he die already? Robert faking his confidence. The three
men laughed, Ey, I like you Blondie says while pointing, Give
him the gear, he needs to know what this Operation is all about!.
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The Beard-man approaches forward and speaks This is your last
chance to walk away, after knowing the mission of this operation,
you will not be allowed to leave, this is highly confidential
information, if you approve this mission. You will either have to
finish this operation or kill yourself, understood?. This speech
was a lot for Robert to swallow, small drops of sweat started
pouring down his forehead, he still had a chance to walk
awayBut he doesnt, I approve, sir Robert says to Beard-man.
Robert follows the three men into a tent, shadows blend in his
eyes as a white light blinks on some electronic device, he can
barely see anything except for shadows of the three men walking
to the other side of the room, a loud beep sound is heard as a
projector is switched on from the back of the room, right behind
Robert. A Smooth sided square is projected on the Tent Cloth,
Blondie stands in front of the projected image and speaks Before
we start this, I would like to introduce myself, my name is Eric, I
was part of the SEALS. The guy with the beard is Tyler, he is a
professional sniper who had several operations in Afghanistan, the
rock star with the goatee is Allen, and he served in the Mexican
Military for quite a while as an undercover until he was exposed.
As you would know, Robert, all of us have code names which are
used in Walkie Talkie Communications which- Tyler interrupts
Quit the icing on the cake and just tell the codenames already,
AlrightTyler Eric replies with a look of disappointment I am
Cobra, Tyler is Tiger, Allen is Falcon. Robert nods and says My
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codename is Rooster, Alright then Eric says
RoosterWelcome to the team.
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LadiesTyler and Allen already know about this but Im gonna
do it again just for Rooster here. Eric says. He picks up the
remote and shows an image projected on the screen, its a blurred
picture of an island, looks very old, probably taken by the man
who made the first camera, Now this here is a picture of an
Island extracted from some of Falekhs Close friends, this was in
two of their books consisting of drug records, the Navy Base has
found this location and it is our job to find out what the hell is
going on this island, it may be a terrorist hiding spot, it may be a
city of gold, I dont know, but whats important is that the four of
us work as a team Eric comes close and places his hands on the
table, slightly bending down as if he is going to share a secret We
dont know what lurks on this island, we might not be the first
people to step on this islandso be careful.
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Robert isnt sure whether he should be scared or excited, this isnt
the usual operation he goes through. For the first time in his life,
he fears deathhaving to not know what lies in that island is what
creates this sense of nervousness in his body.
As they get ready and go to the boat, the three musketeers baffle
along as they start talking about their ex-girlfriends and how they
miss their kids back in United States but RobertRobert is
quietHe walks with them looking down at the melting but thick
snow, staring at his gun which has completely changed its color
due to the snow. They reach the boat and Robert is surprised by
how basic it looks. The boat is a normal boat that a sailor would
buy from Taiwan, it had Chinese letters engraved on the sides and
had adequate space to fit more than 10 passengers. Aright ladies
Eric said Get in, Is this the best boat weve got? Robert finally
opened his mouth as he felt his lips tear off. Yes Eric replied
We need a big boat in case of extra passengers, Extra
Passengers? Robert asked with his left eyebrow lifted, He means
Prisoners, Rooster Tyler said in a groan-like voice. Allen was
already onboard while Robert and the other two got in with their
guns behind their backs.
The boat sailed off the port and so started their operation. The
island was very far, none of them were able to see it, even with
binoculars. Robert knew that he will be spending the night on this
shanty boat with 3 other soldiers who he still doesnt trust much
because he has known them for a day.
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The sun has gone down. Darkness absorbs all the light, the moon
shines in the sky which makes the sea look like a crystal bed. No
island could be seen, only birds hovering through the clouds. The
sea was calm and provided a soothing sound, the boat moved
gently and creaks were heard every time someone walked.
Everyone lied down at the back of the boat with their bags under
their heads and their guns on their side, looking straight up at the
sky. Robert starts to close the curtains of his eyes when Eric
decides to open his mouth You knowWhat really strikes me is
how we put all our sweat into these operations and all these
citizens only remember is the death of some corrupted
terroristthey never realize how we-, Allen interrupts Im sorry
to interrupt but I would really appreciate to close my eyes in
silence, I know you wanna talk about war and all butanother
time?, Eric goes quiet and breathes out. Robert still hasnt figured
out how these 3 work together, he doesnt know who the heartless
soul is, who the caring one is and who the pathetic piece of crap is
that every group of soldiers have to go with even if they didnt
have a choice. But he did feel as though Eric was that touchy-
feely type person and he knows that the kindest people are the
first ones to die because they always put themselves in front of the
battlefield to protect their friends, to protect their country. Robert
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starts feeling the heaviness under his eyes and finally decides to
travel into his dream world, everything is quiet, everything is
peaceful, everything is silentuntil a quiet creek flows through the
floor to his ears. Robert opens his eyes and feels as though
someone else is also on this boat
He slowly gets up and tries his best to avoid creating any loud
creaks of this old boat, picks up his Assault Rifle and keeps the
trigger grip firm to his finger. Pointing in front of himself, his view
is covered by the small cubical room which only consists of the
control system of the boat, he slowly shuffles his feet to the left
and brings his gun up to his eye, ready to fire. As the room starts
to move away from his view and the front portion of the boat
starts to appear, he slows down his pace and keeps his gun steady.
His body starts to fade out to brightness as the moons shine starts
to reveal its light on himself, as he finally gets the full view of the
frontHe sees someoneitsits a womanshe has long, thin
and grey hair, following the calm wind. She wears a white dress
that one would wear when going to sleep, her feet can be seen,
completely filthy with old skin crumbling on the sides. Her arms
are not to be seen, it looks as though she is holding something.
Humming a calm song. Roberts face creates a drop of sweat on
his forehead, he quietly asks Maamwould you kindly turn
around?, no reply from the woman as she stands there in the
same position like a statue except for her hair and the thin-see-
through dress. Robert walks closer to the woman and tries to see
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what she is holding. Only a couple of steps away before the
woman and Robert would be in a kissing position, Robert starts
raising his weak hand which is not used to fire the gun and
approaches the womans shoulder. He slowly rests his arm and is
about to touch his hand on the womans shoulder, maamTurn
around so that-, the woman immediately spins around and looks
straight at Robert. The face that Robert witnessed will haunt his
dreams Her face his completely scarred and bruised, her skin is
pale and her teeth are completely filthy, some of her inner gums
can be seen due to the deep cuts of the lips, her eyes have shades
of orange and brown. Robert jumped back when he witnessed
what the Woman was holding
It was a dead baby, having the same facial features of the woman
butbut.it wasmovingit was moving like a live baby! Her
hands were tightly gripped to the baby as though she is protecting
it from some sort of danger.
Dont let my baby drown the woman starts talking in a demonic
tone Dont let him drowndown let my-, Robert couldnt
handle this terror anymore and fires the gun. The bullet flies
through the air and pierces right through her brain, she screams in
agony and falls over the boat straight through the water, the sound
of the splash was loud enough for the birds to wake up. Robert
looks down the water with buckets of sweat on his face, his eyes
completely wide and is in a state of shock. The 3 soldiers are
heard, picking up their guns and coming to Robert. What the hell
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just happened Robert?! Eric screamed, Robert turned around and
his teeth were shivering, his gun was shaking due to his hands and
even with that traumatic experience, he replies There.wasa
womana dead womanwitha baby.it was
alsodeadtheyI..I shot the-, Robert immediately stopped
and saw the faces of Eric, Allen and Tyler. They had the faces of a
boy seeing the tricks of a magician for the first time. They didnt
disbelieve Roberts answer but neither did they approve it, they
just had the face of dismay. There was no explanation of how
anyone can even get on the boat in this location at this time.
Robert knew that the 3 soldiers had Questions racing through their
mind. ThisI dont know what to say about this Eric said. But
what we can do is to sleep in the front rather than the back of the
boat. No one objected his idea and picked up their bags and
dragged it across the front of the boat. Robert sat there and tried
his best to sleep but couldnt, thinking about that woman and how
she could come back again, how she could whisper in his ear while
he sleeps. How she could come out from the water and pull him
in. But unsurprisingly, the comfort of the 3 Soldiers sleeping right
next to him spooning their Rifles did make his fear seem more like
just an imagination, but he knew what he saw and how this was
not at all an imagination, he wishes the woman to reappear in the
morning so that all of them would share the fear that, as of now,
only Robert is having to live through. He closes his eyes and
thankfully goes into his dream state.
15
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Robert wakes up in no hesitation, due to the fact that, sleeping on
a bag with a moving boat isnt exactly the most comfortable
experience, the sun was shining right on his face and most
important of all, the woman
He notices everyone packing up their bags and cleaning their eyes,
Tyler holding his large Machine Gun and jumping up and down to
warm himself up, Allen checking the ammo in his Sniper Rifle,
Eric drinking a juice box while looking at something behind
Robert. Robert looks back to see the view and there it was, the
Island.
The Island looked like the old picture which was projected on the
screen but more clearer and had the color of the real world. It was
not a Caribbean island that people see in the movies but it had a
city on top of it, it had nothing odd about it. The Island had
houses and buildings and all, nothing seemed out of the ordinary
in the structure of the island. The boat slowed down as it reached
some sort of a port with old boats which were, most probably,
used for fishing. The boat creaked loud as it stopped and the
immediate stop of the continuous motion that the soldiers had to
go through throughout their journey made their heads spin. They
took their time to adjust their heads back in motion and stepped
off the boat. The bricked floor crunched as their boots stepped
upon it. Robert looked around and saw the island right on top of
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his head, he sees nothing but a wall and a long trip of stairs on his
right. Ladies and Gentleman Eric said Dont be awed by the
island, the terrorists might be watching us right now, keep your
guns up. Robert knew that this is the moment where one of his
teammates will get sniped down and cans of smoke will be thrown
down with bullets flying everywhere, screams echoing and blood
splattering across the island. This is the end
Robert and the others start walking up the old bricked stairs,
whenever they stepped on the next step, small rubbles of sand
cracked off the sides and dropped into the water. Dont look
down guys Allen said, they reached the top and their jaws
dropped by, not how beautiful the island looks, but by how the
entrance covers the whole island, it was an old abandoned-looking
building with broken windows teasing its inner dark halls, the
banner was completely destroyed and placed in the corner,
revealing only certain letters like AS and UM. Grass was grown
in certain patches of the floor. The entrance had a wide door
which was closed. Robert and Eric got closer to the door while
Allen and Tyler pointed their guns to the skies, searching for any
terrorists with snipers pointing at them. Eventually, they all got to
the door, waiting for Eric to speak a plan. Alright Eric spoke
very softly, trying to avoid anyone behind the door to hear what he
says Breach in, keep your guns loaded, whoever with a gun is
behind the doormust be killed. Robert had his gun gripped his
hands, his feet were shaking. He hopes that his bulletproof vest is
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enough to save him from death. Only god knows whats behind
this door, there might be a C4 under the door making their bodies
splatter across the walls. There might be an army of Taliban with
their rifles pointed at the door, outnumbering us. Time slows
down for Robert as he sees Eric moving back to prepare for the
kick. Robert sees Tyler with his eyes slightly closing, focusing at
the door, Allen adjusting his hands to his gun, standing in a
position which one would stand in an Athletic race. Eric lifted his
Leg and pushed his boot to the door, the boot travelled through
the air and the door had a short meeting with the boot. A loud
bang and the door opened. For Robert, the opening of the door
went slow as he saw everyone lifting their guns in slow motion.
The door slightly revealed darkness in the room, Robert knew that
the terrorists have equipped Night Vision Goggles, the door
opened even more and nothing but darkness was seen. Robert saw
Tyler and Allen pushing themselves through the door and pointing
their guns in the darkness. Back to normal speed, the door was
completely opened and there was nothingnothing but
darknessthe soldiers walked around the room, searching for any
terrorists, but there was nothing. They switched their night vision
goggles on and so the room revealed old wheelchairs and hospital
beds. This is a hospital Eric said, Robert looked around in his
night vision goggles, his vision was bright and green. He looked all
around the place and found old papers scattered in different
places. He picked up one of them and tried to read it, the paper
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had information of a patient, nothing was odd about it, it had the
name, the birthdate, the blood type and all. Robert read it from the
bottom to the top, as he reached the top and read the heading, he
realized that this wasnt just a place to treat the ill, Ericyou
need to see this Robert said, Eric came to Robert as Robert
looked at the paper, indicating him to read it too, as Eric read the
paper, he quietly mumbled the words on the paper until he read
the heading Haven Asylum Eric read Home for the mentally
Ill, We are standing in a house for maniacs Tyler said, Yeah
but I dont think any maniac is gonna be lurking over here, this is
abandoned, remember? Allen replied in confidence. The only
thing we know about this Island is that this was mentioned by an
Arabian Terroristwe do not know what lies in this islandso
dont get cozy Robert said in confidence. He finally said
something that showed himself as a soldier, not an inferior among
the crew. You heard him guys Eric said We dont know what
lies here, so keep your guns up, lets search this place.
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Crunches of Glass and Paper echoed through the halls as the 4
soldiers searched with their Night Vision Goggles. The halls were
completely littered and filled with Broken Wheelchairs and Upside
down Hospital beds with rooms on each side, they reach the
central area where 2 hallways go on the left and the right. Aright
everyone Eric spoke softly Lets split up. Tyler, you come with
me. Allen, you go with Robert, Allen and Robert nodded as they
split off to different directions. Splitting upis never a good Idea,
Robert spoke in his mind. Robert and Allen walked and walked
and walked, the hallway seemed to be endless, You know Allen
spoke Im getting the creeps from this place, my momma used to
talk about the ghosts and shit and how she once encountered a
man with no headthe man was watching her from a window.
She used to tell me these stories when I was a teenager, and for
some reason, I wanted to see stuff like thathopefully today isnt
the day, Yeaha place full of dead psychos walking around is
not exactly something you can adjust to Robert said. As they
walked through the hall, pointing their guns in each room they
check, a slow shriek is heard behind their backs, they turn around
and see a wheel chair slightly moved, Holy shit Allen says Im
pretty sure that wasnt the wind, Robert doesnt say anything and
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slowly turns around and starts moving on. Allen has no choice but
to move on. Their walking speed slightly decreases, their grips get
more firm. Robert sees something move across from one room on
the left to the other on the right, he didnt see much of whatever it
was due to the distortion of the Night Vision, but most of the
thing was white, Did you see that? Robert asked, II dont
exactly know Allen said, Robert knew Allen didnt really see it
because his mind started going back to his old memories about the
man with no head and such. I saw someoneFocus Allen
Robert said. Robert and Allen got closer to the room where the
thing went to, they stood right beside the door which was open,
Robert was in front with Allen behind him, he turned out and
communicated with Allen through Sign language, using Army
Jargons. Allen nodded his head. Immediately right after Robert
was ready to shoot the thing, the woman appeared in his mind,
his fear took over his confidence and his heart started beating
louder than ever. Robert jerked and went right in the room with
Allen behind his back screaming Freeze!. No onewas there.
Robert turned around and looked at Allen, Freeze? Seriously?
Robert asked, Ahyesabout that Allen replied I watch way
too much of Cop Drama, so every time I have to breach in, I say
this, Robert chuckled and they both shared a laugh. But the laugh
ended when Robert notices something behind Allen, it was a man
in a patients clothes, bald head, walking across the hall, barefoot.
Roberts expression completely transformed, he was stunned,
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Allen Robert shivered ThereIsaw a manbehind
you. Allen froze, he was too scared to turn back. Robert wiped
off the sweat from his palm and gripped his rifle, he walked out of
the room and pointed his gun across the hall where the man was
walking but nothing was therenothing. Allen came out of the
room and joined Robert, the strap of his gun was heard due to the
shaking of his hands. Ro..Robertwhat you sawwas itwas it
a terrorist?, Robert stood there and didnt reply until a few
seconds later with a simple answer Noit wasnt. Allen starts
panicking and screams TYLER! ERIC! COME BACK HERE!,
Robert pushed Allen to the wall, What the hell do you think you
are doing?! Robert spoke quietly but loud enough for Allen to
hear, You just let the terrorists know where we are!. Allen was
sweating and his eyes were completely open, Robert couldnt
blame him. For a few seconds, the hallways were quiet until creepy
laughs were echoed, the laughs started loud and ended in light
coughs. Robert knew it was one of those patients he saw. We
need to get outta here Robert said, that was not a Taliban
laughing.we need to go. Allen, being a soldier who was
prepared for war, ran across the hall, not thinking about leaving
Robert behind. Allen! Dont Run! Robert screamed. As he heard
Allens footsteps starting to get quieter and quieter. Footsteps
from behind started growing louder and louder, Robert didnt look
back and started running, trying to catch up with Allen. He
sprinted, jumping over broken obstacles, the footsteps from
23
behind didnt stop, he knew someone was running behind him,
someone who didnt have shoes, someone who was so fast that
even if Robert took a millisecond to stop, he would get snatched
by the person behind. Roberts heart was up to his throat, it was
beating so loud that it was all he could hear. Not knowing what
was behind him made his terrors come to reality, he imagined the
woman he saw on the boat chasing him. His stomach is going to
explode any moment, the footsteps didnt stop but got slightly
louder, he had no time to look back because he knew that looking
back would decrease his speed. He finally saw Allen running and
running, looking right behind and screaming Robert Run! He is
right behind you!. Robert heard slight drops of water on the
ground, thinking of the mans saliva dripping on the ground. As he
was running, he looked left and right at the rooms he kept
crossing, expecting another thing to jump on him from one of
the rooms, none of that happened. But he did see something for a
fraction of a second, it was a man hung from a rope but still
moving. He didnt have time to examine but knew that the image
that he saw will now be burnt in his collection of nightmares on
one side of his brain. The footsteps behind him got louder and he
knew that the thing was one step away from snatching him, he
could hear the fast breathing hff hff hff hff hff hff hff hff. He
saw Allen turning left and so Robert did the same. Eventually,
Tyler and Eric was seen, stopping Allen from running, questioning
him. Robert screamed Shoot him! Behind me! Shooot him!, he
24
saw Tyler and Eric pointing their guns up with their jaws
completely opened. Two bright flares were seen from their guns
and a loud grunt was heard behind him. Robert tried to stop but
fell down, he turned around and moved back until his shoulder
touched Erics leg. Tyler picked Robert up. We heard Allen
screamwhat the hell is happening here? Eric asked. Robert
didnt say a word, Eric waited for a response but gave up. Roberts
face was the answer. Eric and Tyler walked to the dead body,
examining. Ey Allen Eric called Come here, Allen was
sweating and shivering, he got up and walked to the dead body, he
looked at it for a few seconds and looked up at Robert
Robertis this what you saw behind me?, Robert walked to the
dead body and noticed the man having the same clothes and
features. Ye-.yes Robert replied. Allen covered his mouth
with his hand Oh my god.. Eric and Tyler got up and looked
at Robert and Allen with a look of disappointment. Aright, the
exit is there, lets head out Eric said. The 4 soldiers walked
together, closer than ever, to the exit. II dont know what the
hell is happening herebut it doesnt mean that we can take a
breath of relief, there still might be Falekhs men on this island
Eric said, trying to sound confident. They reached the exit and it
was completely blocked with heavy tables that even Tyler, the
strongest among the crew, couldnt pull. Tyler. Hand me the C4
Bomb Eric said. Tyler opened his pocket and took out a C4 and a
Remote and passed it to Eric. Eric placed the C4 on the door and
25
held the remote in his hand, taking a couple of steps back, Get
back everyone, cover your ears if you want Eric said. They all got
back and Eric pushed the button on his Remote. BOOM! The
debris blasted across the walls and the tables were nothing but
pieces of steel. Bright Light shined through the Asylum and the
halls were not dark anymore. Robert squinted his eyes as they all
walked out of the Asylum with relief. The surprises of the island
continued as the area they entered was not a city but a Forest,
filled with trees and bushes and leaves covering the grass. This
island is more diverse than I expected Allen said. The suns
going down, lets move fast Eric commanded. And so they start
the walk in the forest.
26
Ey Robert Allen called IIm sorry about what happened
thereI told you beforeI dont have such a good experience
with ghosts and all, Robert rolled his eyes as if whatever Allen did
was explainable Its finejust be sure to not do that again, Allen
nodded. Eric turns around with his mouth open and his finger
pointing at the sky as if he is about to say something Hold
upfor a second, everyone stops, Let me get this
clearwhatever you saw therewas no ghost aright? It was a
psychotic son of a bitch who wanted to eat you alivethat doesnt
make him a ghost
But, But he just- Allen replied
But? But what Allen? Eric asked
ButRobert, tell em what you saw
All faces were turned to Robert as he started to put his gun to his
back II saw a dead guyhe was hungbuthe was
movinghe was actually moving, Eric sighed and turned around
and started walking, Tyler followed. What the hell is wrong with
Eric? Allen asked, getting closer to Robert II dont know, he
wont believe this until he will see it himself Robert said.
The forest reminded Robert of some of the jungles in Afghanistan
where he had to snipe from. Places like these werent new to him
when it came to survival. As they continued the long walk, what
27
appeared in front-but-far away from them was an old house, a
cabin. It was made of wood and looked exactly like a house that
one would see in a horror movie. This reminds me of that movie,
Cabin in the woods Tyler said. Everyone was surprised, not at the
house, but at how Tyler actually opened his mouth and spoke a
few words, and what he spoke about was stranger. ArightI
guess we check whats inside this house Eric said. They got close
to the house and rested their shoulders to the wooden walls.
Surround the Perimeter Eric commanded in whisper. Eric and
Tyler covered the door and Robert and Allen covered the back.
Ey Robert Allen spoke That story my momma told aboutit
aint the only story I know, some other things happened.
Robert distracted himself and looked at Allen LookWe will talk
about this later ok? Lets clear this house first, Allen nodded and
went back to looking through the window. They heard a bang and
saw the door break open by Tyler, Eric Scanned through the
house, searching room by room. He then gave Robert a sign to
enter. Robert and Allen entered the room with their guns down,
looking up at the ceiling, noticing how old this house looks.
Everything was made of wood, the tables, the chairs, the bed.
The sun is going down Eric said Were gonna rest here for
the night. Robert, Robert looked up at Eric Go find some
Firewood, its gonna get cold here at night. Robert nodded and
went for the search. He searched through the Rooms, they had no
doors, most of the rooms where empty with a window in each of
28
them which had a view of the forest, slowly darkening because of
the sun. He looked under the table and saw big logs of firewood,
nicely arranged. He picked them up and as he was turning back, he
noticed a door, it was also made of wood but had small holes in
them. He approached the door and tried to open it but it wouldnt
budge, after a few tries he gave up and tried peeking through one
of the small holes, but could see nothingnothing but darkness.
He heard Eric calling him Rooster! Got any wood?, Robert got
up and went back to the main area where all of them were
unpacking their bags. Tyler was on the old bed, looking up at the
ceiling. Meanwhile, Allen was staring out the window, watching the
leaves follow the gentle wind. Eric was sitting next to the fireplace,
looking at Robert. Hand em over Eric said. Robert gave the
Logs to Eric, dusted off his hands and sat down, resting his head
to the wooden wall, having the view of the fireplace in front of
him.
A few minutes later, with the help of a cigarette lighter, the
fireplace was bright hot. Darkness fell upon the sky and the fire
created unearthly shadows across the walls. The fire sounded like
someone was barbecuing corn on a stove. The room was
warmwarm enough for Robert and the others to feel comforted.
Eric had his eyes closed, laying his back against the wall. Tyler was
sleeping on the old bed. And Allen was still looking out the forest,
dark as the sky, the trees could not be seen anymore. Robert didnt
want to disturb anyone as this was truly a pleasuring moment for
29
all. Allen looked at Robert and whispered Robertcome here.
Robert got up slowly, not trying to disturb the two sleepers in the
cabin and sat near Allen, looking straight out the window.
Thisthis is the backside Allen Robert said.
YeahI know Allen replied
Then why arent you watching the front?
I just wanna make sure those Goons arent following us
Allendont worry, you need to rest
II wanna tell youabout another storythat happened
Yeah sure Robert looked at the two sleeping and went back to
Allen Tell me
Allen re-adjusted himself, took a deep breath, and began his tale.
When I was 1010 years oldMy dad rented this old house
across the street cuz we didnt have the money to afford a nice
house at the moment, it was temporary cuz my mom and I left
him and we moved to a better housewe stayed at the old house
for 2 yearsI used to call my friends over to the house in the
weekends but most of the time, they never used to come, claiming
that the house is haunted, that ghosts and all that scary shit live
thereand as a kid, I was terrified. But I did have a best friend
called Timmy, he didnt want me to feel bad so he decided to stay
with me for a week because he was leaving to New Zealand the
week afterhe brought all his clothes and toothbrush and all and
30
we had this plan to stay all night and watch movies and play video
games. This was going to be the best week we hadbutit never
was the bestit was indeed memorablebut not in a good-sorta
waythingsthings happened
31
The first two nights went alrighta few noises here and there but
even Timmy knew that old houses have pipes and all so he didnt
worrythe third night was something he witnessed, he claimed
the next morning that he walked out to the hall to go to the
bathroom to pee and saw a door open right behind him, he looked
backand saw a shadow on the floorthe terror forced him to
go back to the room and so he went back to bed with his blanket
on his faceIstarted getting scared Robert Allen looked
down with his hands on his eyes. Robert laid his hands on Allens
shoulder Hey its alrightits just the past. Allen looked up at
Robert and continued Sothe fourth night, I decided to go out
to the hall to grab a sandwich from the kitchen and so it happened
againthe dooropenedslowly creaking right behind meI
looked back and there it wasa shadowon the wallI could
see the hands appearing from its darkness and so I ran back to the
bedroomstaying close to tommytrying to comfort myself. The
next morning, I told my parents about it and they didnt care,
except for my mom. I could see, from the look of her face, that
she believed. My dad said that the previous owner of this house
worked as a clown at the Delleby Circus across the street, this
didnt make things any better. My mom persuaded my dad to sleep
in that room, after a few arguments, my dad agreed and so began
the fifth night. I was laying on my bed, next to Timmy, I started
32
feeling sleepy and almost went to dream citybut thenthree
loud thumps were heardTHUDTHUDTHUDI brought
my blanket close to my eyes and looked at the door in front of me.
No noise was heard after those thumps. Then, the door
openedthe hall usually has a small night lamp but the light didnt
reach my room so it was all darkThe door was slightly open, my
heart was up to my throat, I was sweating like a mad-man. I tried
to wake up Timmy and thankfully he did, he looked at me with his
eyes barely open and I pointed at the door which was open, he got
under his blanket with his eyes on top, looking at the door.
The door stood thereuntil a hand appearedit was wearing a
white glove, the hand slowly rested its fingers across the door and
I was so scared, I was about to faint. Expecting a monster to eat
both Tommy and Ibut what came next was no monsterit was
no goddamn monster Robert, Roberts eyes were completely
wide, Whatwhat was it Allen?
Ittherethere were balloonsballoons appeared on top of
the door hanginghaving different colours Allen said And
thenthen came the voiceit said Hey boys.your daddy.
The thing giggled like a small kid and continued Heheheheyour
daddy is far asleepyouwanna have some fun, boys?
Both Timmy and I screamed our lungs out! The hand went back
and so did the balloons, lights got switched on and my mom came
running in the window, she saw both of us crying and sweating.
33
She hugged us tight. Later on, my dad entered with a bat in his
hand shouting What happened?! Im gonna search the house!.
Timmy and I explained what happened and mom listened to us, I
could see that she believed everything that we said, but not dad.
He never listened to us. After a few daysmy mom and I left him
and got a better housenone of this ever happened again.
Allen cleared his tears and looked out the window. IIm really
sorry for what happenedbut- Robert interrupted AllenI
know youre strongyoure a soldieryou joined the army to
fight for your country right? YeYes Allen replied. You can
do thiswe can do this Allen Robert said. Stop the chatter
you bothget some sleepwe dont know what lies ahead of
us... Eric said with his eyes still shut.
Robert went back to where he was sitting and closed his eyes, he
thought about the island, he started doubting this house, he fears
that the Terrorists will surround this house, that this house is a
trap. His thoughts circled around his brain. Allen, on the other
hand, sat quietly and continued to look out the window. It was
quietthe only sound that was heard was the fire.
A few seconds later, footsteps were heard outside the door, the
footsteps sounded heavy, thumping and thumping, getting closer
and closer to the door. Robert opened his eyes and noticed Allen,
Tyler and Eric getting up slowly and quietly, picking up their guns.
Robert picked up his gun and soon, all of them pointed at the
34
door. The footsteps grew louder and louder till it reached the door.
Everything went silent, sounds of sweaty fingers rubbing against
the grip of the rifle was heard. Slowbreathing. The door handle
went down, the four soldiers were ready for anything, is it another
Lunatic from the asylum? Is it one of Falekhs soldiers? The door
opened and a man stepped inside with an old rugged bag pack in
his hand, he wore a plain white shirt, torn jeans, big brown muddy
boots and a wrist watch on his right arm. He walked into the light
being created by the Fireplace, he had a beard and his face looked
nothing like an American, he looked Arab. His eyes were
completely wide, shocked by the 4 soldiers in the house, in his
house.
Drop the bag beard face! Eric commanded while pointing his
gun straight at his head. Okay okay the Arab man said I need
no troubleno trouble okay? he slowly dropped the bag and
kept his hands up. Who are you? Tyler asked, My name is
Abdul TurayI want no troubleI am innocentgood man the
man spoke in his Arab accent. Sit on that chair on your left Eric
said. The man looked on his left, looked back at Eric and nodded,
he slowly sat down on the old chair with his hands up. II have
gunin backcheck back the Arab man claimed, Tyler went
behind the man and searched his back and took out an old pistol,
it had spots of rust all over it, Tyler placed the gun in his holster
and went back to the group. Who sent you here Abdul? Eric
asked. It islong storyplease put guns downI am
35
weakyou are strongyou are AmaericahI am one man
Abdul said. Arightput your guns down Eric said to his
soldiers. Everyone put their guns down. Aright Abdul, what have
you got to say?
Please Abdul requested Please sit downBe-become
comfortableI will tell storyplease listen careful
36
The 4 soldiers gathered around Abdul, eager to hear the story like
kids from kindergarten listening to a teacher telling a story, except
for the fact that their hands were on their guns and not on their
laps. SoYou Americans know about Falekhand you must be
searching for him Abdul said. The soldiers started focusing more
on Abdul than before due to the name Falekh. SoFalekh
wanted to torture the people who against himhe made decision
to put peoplePrisonon this island. Even though Abduls
English was not the greatest, it was good enough for the soldiers
to understand.
Falekh took us onbig boat, Abdul demonstrated the size of
the boat with his hands covered with dirt.
There was manymany people on boatFalekh never slept on
boatHe always awakelooking at usone woman hadbaby
in hand. The last part made Roberts eyes open up and his jaw to
drop, he knew the woman Abdul was talking about was the same
woman he saw on the boat that nightthe same woman
withthat baby.
The womanwas not strongbaby cried very much but
Falekh did not allow mother to breast feed hershe tried to feed
babybut Falekhput gun on her head
37
Jesus Christ Eric responded, rubbing his hand over his face
ThenOne day Abdul continued Falekh start to kill the
people who are notstronghe shot people in front of ushe
put the gun on the womantold her to jump outside boatshe
said gave baby to another woman but Falekh told her to jump into
waterwith babyshe criedshe said not to let her baby
drown. The soldiers had the faces of disgust, it was not easy for
them to listen to this story.
Falekhshot womanbut not babyI grabbed babyBut
Falekh went back to the other side of boathe did not shoot
baby
Sowhere is the baby now? Robert questioned.
I will tell you later Abdul replied then after that happenedwe
reach this islandthere was hospital with mad peoplethey ate
all the peopleII ran outside hospitalI then came here
How long have you been here? Allen asked
Eight years now Abdul replied
Holy shit Eric said.
I now gooutside morning to get foodcome back before Sun
go down
Eric got up and took a deep breath, it looked as though he was
ready to leave the house, Abdul Eric said, looking straight at
38
Abdul Can we sleep here for the night? We will leave tomorrow
morning and you can come with us if you want. Okay no
problem Abdul responded.
Abdul got up from his chair and went to his room, the four
soldiers stood there, watching Abdul turning to the right and
disappearing behind the wooden walls into his room. You guys
better get some sleep, this might be the last safe house we can
find Eric said.
Tyler, Eric and Allen laid down on the floor with their bags acting
as a pillow. Robert was adjusting his bag back, getting ready to get
some sleep until he realized about the baby, he realized that Abdul
didnt answer the question about the baby, is the baby dead? Did
Abdul kill her? Questions started flooding into his head and so
Robert decided to head over to Abduls room to ask him about the
baby.
Robert went to the room and saw Abdul sitting on his wooden
bed, looking down on the floor, Robert knocked at the side of the
wall, Abdul looked up and asked him Yesany problem?.
Robert laid his arm off the wall and got closer to Abdul, I wanna
askwhat happened to the baby? Robert asked, kneeling down
on one leg, looking at Abdul. Abdul sighed in despair Yesthe
babyitshe is eight year oldshe islocked.in small room
39
Abdul Robert spoke, looking back and forth Whywhy is
there an 8 year old girl trapped in your room? Look Abdul
got off his head and approached Robert, as if he is going to tell a
secret This IslanddangerousThe girlshe hasJinnDe-
devilinside herHer mind now crazyI lock her in
roomit has old door with-, Yeah Robert interrupted I
peeked through the door but saw nothingit was all dark.
Room is dark Adbul said but she can see youshe knows
anyone watching her Robert felt a chill flow through his body,
he knew he isnt going to sleep well today. He leaves the room and
goes to the soldiers, preparing himself to tell this creepy story, but
then he stopshe realizes that if he tells this, Allen wont sleep.
Hell, he wont even stay in the house.
As long as its locked, Allen speaks to himself, No one will know
anything.
Robert enters the small living room, the rage of the fire has
dimmed but the warmth still exists throughout the room. He lays
down, adjusting his backpack to his head, all he sees is the door in
front of him. Blue, moonlight slipping through the cracks of the
doors. He thinks about what he went through todayand
yesterday. The Woman on the boat, the lunatics in the hospital.
What is this place? Robert questions himself, he starts to doubt this
island. He starts to convince himself that the island has no
40
terrorists, no Falekhjust Monsters and Lunatics and all. This
Island is something that one would see in a Horror movie. He
knows that whatever is beyond this house is no terrorist Hiding
spot but more places of Horror. All this thinking made his eyes
feel dreary and so Robert closed his eyes, and fell asleep.
A few hours go bye, the sky is still dark. Roberts head lies on the
wooden floor now, his eyes completely shut. The fireplace is
nothing but ash. The rooms are filled up with the light donated by
the moon. Crickets whispering, owls howling in the distance.
Roberts dream suddenly has an earthquake, everything he sees is
all blurry, the image moving left and right. He opens his right eye
and sees Tyler getting up and walking to the other room, probably
to take a piss. Robert closes his eyes and tries to travel back to
dreamland until he realizes that Tyler does not know about the girl
and might try to open that door
The door was locked but it wasnt locked good enough for Tyler
to not break it open. Robert tried to get up, using his arm as the
strength. As he was getting up, he heard the wooden door open.
Robert got up and saw Tyler going in. Tyler looked at Robert and
gave him a sign to stay quiet. Robert screamed Tyler do-, the
Door slammed shut and Robert heard Tyler scream in agony. The
screaming forced everyone to wake up. Robert saw Abdul coming
out of the room, rushing to the door, No! No No No! Abdul
screamed. Get em outta there! Robert commanded. Eric and
Allen rushed to the door with their Rifles pointing. Dont open!
41
Abdul requested, Back off Abdul! Eric shouted and pushed
Abdul aside, he shot the door and kicked it down. The screams
disappeared and all that was left was Tylers meatsplattered all
over the wall, an eye ball in the corner looking like a punctured
table tennis ball with the veins still hanging but cut. Wet, drippy,
intestines lying on the floor like a bowl of noodles. BloodBlood
everywhere. Eric pointed his Rifle at Abdul What the hell is
this?!, II did not want to tell you but-, Eric looked at Robert
and Allen I knew this Son of a bitch was lying, he went back to
Abdul, pushing the tip of the rifle closer to Abduls forehead.
What the hell is on this island that you are NOT telling me?!
Robert and Allen had their guns pointed too. Abdul stammered,
trying to speak but drops of spit splat out on his sweating neck,
Tell me now or Ill shoot you! I swear to god Im gonna shoot
you right now if you dont tell me what the hell is in that room?!.
De-Da- Abdul stammered My daughter.ho-house.
Why did your daughter eat Tyler?! Eric screamed
She.She is..Jinn.Devil.
Eric shrugged and told Allen to pick Abdul up and keep him in the
corner. Robertwere going in Eric said. Robert gulped and saw
Eric fall under the shadows of hell. Robert gripped his rifle tight
and entered the room. What lies in this room is in no ones
knowledge. All they know is that someone is in the roomready
to eat them alive.
42
Robert couldnt see anything, he could hear Eric walking right in
front of him. Night vision, Robert Eric said. Robert brought the
Night Vision goggles to his eyes and so he saw what he thought he
would not see; the room was not a room but a hallway, he saw
Eric pointing to the walls, left and right, back and forth. Keep
your eyes peeled Robert Eric said We do not know what-, fast
footsteps echoed through the hallway. Robert was expecting
another Madman from the Asylum to appear. But soon realized
that Abdul told him about the girl who stayed behind the door.
The hall seemed bigger than how the door looked and by the time
Robert and Eric got to the end of it, there was another hall to the
left. The Footsteps that were heard before still echoed through the
halls, it seemed as though whatever that girl isshe knows where
is where. Eric and Robert reached a point where the hall separated
into two,
Robertits time to split up Eric said,
You serious? Robert replied Remember the last time we tried
to split up? I almost got eaten by that psychopath!
Well now you wont because you know what lies in these halls
Eric says back in confidence.
We are going to be stronger if we work togetherthis woman
knows where we areher greatest opportunity is our
43
separationhavent you worked in the army before man? Robert
said back.
RobertI-fine!
Do you want me to die, Eric?
WhoWho said I want you to-, Pale hands appear from the
darkness behind Eric, attempting to grab him.
BEHIND YOU! Robert screamed.
The pale hands grabbed Erics shoulders and pulled him in the
darkness
Robaaar Help Meeeee! Eric screamed in pain and his voice
travelled far away with the sound of the body being dragged.
Robert tried to shoot but he couldnt see what he was shooting,
even the night vision goggles didnt help much. He turned around
and ran. He ran as fast as he could, he heard nothing else except
for his footsteps and his breath, panting, panting. The Walls were
Claustrophobic and he gasped for air. Panting, Panting. He
reached the end of the hall but the route was not the same as
before, there were new halls going left, going front, going right.
Robert was left alone in this maze with a monster. His face was
dripping with buckets of sweat. He turned left and ran and ran, the
halls did not echo the monsters footsteps. He thought that either
the girl isnt hungry anymore or she is just playing a game nowa
game of cat and mouse
44
Robert slowed down and pointed his guns in every angle possible.
He tried to glaze through the darkness, tried to see more than what
the Night Vision can see but it didnt work. He jogged through the
halls and saw a dim beam of light, hiding behind the wall. Robert
knew that this was the door from where they entered from. He
started sprinting, he was ready to get out of this relentless
nightmare, and he was ready to get out of this Island
As he reached the light, he noticed that the light was not coming
from a door, but from a torch on the ground. Robert knew that
was Erics torch, the girl was intelligent after all. He approached
the torch and slowly picked it up, looking forward into the
darkness, waiting for the torch to pierce its light into the darkness
itself. The light shined and revealed another hall, he kept his rifle
back in his bag and took out the pistol from his holster. He walked
slowly, one hand had a pistol, and another with a torch. He kept
his sights firm and steady, expecting the girl to appear at any
moment. Butsomething strange appeared. The wall ended with a
window, an old window that looked like it survived a nuclear war.
The glass was dusty, the walls were filled with cracks and thats all
there wasa window. Robert got closed to the window and
rubbed the dust of the old glass, he got close to the glass and tried
to look through it. All he could see was an old room, filled with
dusty old furniture covered with heaps of dust. Robert didnt
notice anythinguntiluntil he saw it
45
The girl walked across the room in old, white clothes. Her hair was
long but not in proportionate ways. Her hands were bruised and
dripped with blood. Her feet were filled with pieces of glasses. Her
clothes were similar to what Robert saw at the boat. Her head was
pointed to the other side, she picked up a brush on one of the old
dressing tables, the brush was not clean at all.
Everythingeverything was covered with dust. She combed her
hair slowly and gently. She hummed as she combed, walking across
the room. She walked and then Robert could see the side of her
face, her lips were completely torn out, filled with blood, her eyes
were black as the sky, her face was pale, filled with scars, still fresh
enough to bleed, dripping from her forehead to her neck. Robert
realized that she does not know that he is here, this was his chance
to escape. He knew that the girl already had her dinner. Having to
eat two bodies was more than what she usually must have received.
Robert slowly moved back, resting his torch down but keeping his
pistol pointed to the window. Robert did not want to be the girls
desert tonight. She continued to walk around, brushing her hair.
As Robert walked back, his walkie talkie switched on, Robert
whats going on? Allen asked. The walkie talkie was no silent
machine and Allens voice screeched through the halls. Robert
tried to switch it off and so he did. But the sound was loud enough
for anyone to hear. He saw the girl disappear from the window,
she was not brushing her hair anymore, and neither was she
walking around. The room was empty again. Robert knew that she
46
is coming after him. Robert did not scream, he did not shoutbut
he ran. He ran as fast as he could, the light of the torch waving in
different directions. Footsteps echoing through the hallway.
Robert turned left, Robert turned right, Robert went straight,
Robert turned right, Robert turned left. The maze was nowhere
near to be completed, Robert felt as though he is just running in
circles. Until he finally heard a screamfrom a man, echoing
through the hallway, Robert! Follow my voice! Im here! Robert
knew that was Allen screaming. Robert tried to focus only on the
voice but his footsteps kept distracting him. As he ran and ran, he
finally saw the light coming from the edges of the door. The door
was just a minute away, Robert was just a minute away from being
saved by this monster. As he slowed down and started jogging,
catching his breath, step by step, he heard cracks from above, it
sounded as though someone is cracking their knuckles. He knew
that whatever that girl wasshe was behind him. He continued
jogging, but his palms started to sweat, he couldnt stophe
shouldnt stop. He then heard sounds of someones hands tapping
on the walls repeatedly. The tapping was not normal as the sound
followed him. He was just a few steps away from the door and
there he saw Allen peeking through the edges, waiting for anyone
to return. Allen opened the door wide open, bringing his hand
forward to help Robert. Robert slowed down and started walking,
he looked at Allen and told him Erichehe couldnt- but
Allen interrupted, his eyes were focused above Roberts head
47
Theresomething.be-behindbehind you. Robert turned
around in a swift motion, pointing his torch to the ceiling with his
gun and there he sawthe girl. The Girls head was completely
twisted the other way round, her back was towards the ground and
her feet and hands sticked on the ceiling. Everything about her
body was not the way it should be, her black eyes shined by the
torch and she opened her mouth as her skin tore, revealing the
inside of her gums and she screamed in a high pitch tone. Robert
screamed in shock and ran upstairs, shooting randomly on the
walls and Allen firing his rifle into the darkness. Robert entered the
house and Allen closed the door but the door had no lock. Robert
could hear the girl screaming from the back, banging the door
while Allen is trying to hold it, Get that chair!!! Allen screamed.
Robert looked behind and saw the wooden chair, he picked up the
chair and placed it under the door handle. The door kept banging,
the screams started sounding rougher and rougher, Allen grunting,
using his full strength to not let that door open. Robert placed the
chair in a way that the door handle could not be opened. Leave
the door Allen Robert said. Allen jumped off the door and swiftly
turned around and pointed the rifle to the door. The door banged
and banged but did not open. Robert was on the floor, pushing
himself away from the door, Abdul entered the room with bags of
plants. He went to Robert, checking his body for any Wounds.
48
Are you okay? You got cut or bite anywhere? Abdul asked.
No ImIm fine Robert said. Trying his best to breathe
slowly, buckets of sweat dripping on his face and arms.
Allen crouched and looked at Robert, Whawhat happened to
Eric?. Robert looked at Allen with a face of regret Hehe
didnt make it.
Allen got up and walked out of the room with his hands on his
face. Abdul dragged a chair from another room and sat right next
to him. Thisthis Island Abdul said This is island of
deadthis is Devils home. You peopleshould goshould
leave this Island. There is no Falekhno Taliban no Arabthere
is only Devil.. Im getting us out of here Robert said.
No no Abdul replied You cannot get outYou cannot go
back Robert got up and said Then how am I supposed to get
out of here then? Abdul kept silent for a few seconds and got up
Wait hereI come back in five minutes. Robert saw Abdul
walking to another room. Robert got up and searched for Allen, he
knew that Allen just wants to kill himself now. He searched room
to room and then saw Allen sitting in the same place he was sitting
before, next to the window, but this time he was just looking
down. Robert sat next to him.
Allenwe are getting outta here ok?
.okay. Allen said with a tear on his cheek
Abdul is gonna help us, we are going back to the way we came
49
from, we will get that boat and go back to our homesthis is
going to end alright?
okay Allen replied the same thing with the same tone.
II know how you feel Allen Robert said But the only way we
can end this nightmare is to work together and be strongyou
need to be strong okay? Allen nodded back and looked out the
window. Abdul entered the room with a big book in his hand
Come hereI will tell you Island story and went back. Robert
and Allen got up and went to the room where Abdul was sitting.
They grabbed a chair and looked at Abdul, expecting him to give
them the secret passage out of this misery.
I have explore this island fullI know where is what and what
is where, I have written here in Arabic but I will translate for you
Abdul said. He opened the first page and began his story.
50
Allen and Robert sat around like small kids sitting around their
teacher in a kindergarten class. Abdul lit the fire again with more
logs and the room was bright orange, casting shadows of the three
men, smoke swirling around and resting itself on the wooden
ceiling. The room was quiet and the swift turning of the pages
created a sort of crisp sound as though the paper was a thousand
years old. Allen and Robert had their guns laid in the corner of the
room but close to them. After what had happened to Tyler and
Eric made Allen and Robert feel as if danger lurks in every corner,
even in the places where one might compare it with Paradise itself.
Before I startWhat is your name? Abdul asked.
My name is Allen
Im Robert
RobertAllenIf you think story is fakeit is okayI will not
force you Abdul said.
Allen nodded and Abdul opened the first page of the old book.
This Island was built in 1952 as a nuclear test baseThe
scientists made BigBIG Bombs and put them heresafe from
people. But one day, the scientist made error in bomb and it was
veryvery dangerous. The Government shut down island and not
let anyone come in. In 1966, a Rich man called Alfonso bought
the island and made plan to build a Big City, he wanted a country,
51
better than AmericaHe made many housemany
hospitalmany schoolmore children come to island so Alfonso
made good and fun places for children to play, He made Circus, he
made Playground. In 1969, one very young boy was digging hole in
groundhe found old remotethe boy did not know what
remote is and pushed all buttons. In about 2 minutes, there
wassmoke coming out of ground, the children started running.
Everyone was shouting. The smoke went into people bodies and
made them crazy...this was the bomb that the scientists made.
Alfonso saw many crazy people and he made Hospital for them.
What Abdul said about the Hospital triggered Robert and Allen as
that Asylum was what Alfonso made, those crazies, the horror,
that was all part of what has happened on this Island.
Abdul continued The gas did not stopmore people got crazy
and hospital went very full. Alfonso had no way to get helphe
had no way to save his people, his island. So he escaped island
without telling anyone and went to America. He stayed there for 3
years and ask for help from everyone but no one helped because if
anyone find out he has island where people are dyinghe
gonehe goneso he had no choice but to take the dark path
Allen and Robert started to focus more on what Abdul was saying,
they were intrigued by how dense this story is and how no one
knows about this Islands history.
52
He went to an old place where Black Magic was very famous. He
thought that the only way to make island better is to give
himselfto the Devil. He went to an Old Woman and told her
about his problems. The Old Woman told him that she will take
him to another world and he must defeat the devilif he does, he
will get anything he wantsIf he doesnt
If he doesnt? Allen asked
Abdul started to sweat slightly, he said in a lower voice
Thenthe devil will take over him.
Robert took a deep breath and got ready to listen to the most
outrageously insidious story one can ever tell.
Abdul continued, The woman hypnotized the man and he
blacked out. Hours went by and there was no positive signthe
Woman gave a silent sign to one of his men to take this man out
of the house. The old woman knew that Alfonso was not able to
defeat the devil
Abdul closed the book and took a deep breath. Allen and Robert
were speechless, they had no questions, no problems, no doubts.
The story was too unnerving to even question its existence.
Abdul... Allen said So where is Alfonso? Alfonso Abdul
replied The Island has not gotten better, which means Alfonso is
not Alfonso anymore. So where is he? Robert asked,
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supporting Allen, waiting for the answer that Allen asked
previously.
Alfonso is Abdul said Alfonso is on this Island
Allen got up and picked up his gun, started checking all his
ammunition and searched for his bag. Robert was confused at
what Allen was trying to do. Allen, what are you doing? Robert
asked, We are getting out of this Islandnow Allen said. Robert
got up and confronted Allen Allen not now, we are going to do
this first thing in the morning, but not now be-, Allen interrupted
Do you know what lies in this Goddamn Island Robert?! We are
standing on the grounds of hell! There are crazies walking around,
there is a demonic girl in this house and now Abdul tells me that
there is a Walking Devi?! Thats it.
We can leave just like that Allen
Why?!
These crazies are going to be walking around at night, we
wouldnt even last a second at this time
Robert is right Abdul said You cant leave the island just like
that, Robert gave a look of acceptance to Abdul and looked back
at Allen See? Abdul is also saying the same, You need to kill
Alfonso to leave this Island Abdul said. What?! Robert and
Allen turned to Abdul in shock, What did you just say? Robert
asked. You need to kill the devil to escape this Island Abdul said
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just like the old woman said, to solve this problem, this is the
only way. You do know that if we go back the way we came
from, there is a boat which we can- The devil has the power to
destroy the boat Abdul said He will not let you leave. Robert
sighed and wiped the sweat off his face.
HowHow do IHow do I kill the-
Wait Allen interrupted We are going to the boat right now!
Only god knows whether this Abdul is telling the truth or speaking
some crap to force us to go out there and act as though there is
some goddamn Devil just so that the Crazies kill us
Allen Robert said Going now isnt going to make things
better, the crazies will kill us!
You wanna stay here another night?! Allen screamed
Allen keep your voice down Robert said
We are going now! Allen increased his voice rather than
lowering it down.
THUD! Came the sound from the door.
What was that? Abdul said
Allen Robert said Whatever your plan isI suggest we
better do that
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There was only a single Thud and nothing else. Robert slowly
walked back with his gun pointing at the door while Abdul and
Allen tried to open the back window to escape. The whole house
was quiet, no one knew what it was or where it was. Allen hurry
up Robert Whispered Im trying, this window hasnt been open
in years Allen replied. As Allen tried to budge the window,
Robert continued to stare at the door while Abdul was staring at
the window with his hands gripped together. The Window finally
opened and Allen pushed it up. Even though the window was
small, it was large enough for a human to fit through so Allen
climbed out and slowly helped Abdul while holding the window so
that it does not slide back down. Robert continued to stare at the
door in silence, focusing on the target sight, pointing straight at the
door knob. Abdul unintentionally pushed himself out of the
window and this caused Allen to fall due to the force and so the
Window slid down, DAKH! Robert looked back and saw Allens
face filled with fear with Abdul covering his mouth with his hands.
Robert stopped looking at the door and tried his best to open it
but it did not work, he tried and tried to pull it up but it seemed as
though the Window had a very serious relationship with Super
Glue. Robert looked through the window and saw Allen going the
other way to get Robert out of this house. Robert looked back and
saw the door, it looked exactly like how it looked before. Robert
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waited for Allen to bust it open butnothing happened. Robert
stood in silence and started to worry about Allen, he saw him
going the other side butwhere is he now? As Robert stood there,
he heard something slidingacross the floor in the other room.
From Roberts point of view, all he could see was the door in the
far end of this small corridor and two rooms that went left and
right which were hiding behind the wooden wall. The sliding
stoppedas Robert slowly moved forward, he did not hear a
single sound but his mind was flooded with thatsound. He
started walking towards the door and focused on the left room.
The wall was covering the room but he was expecting that small
door to be open and the girl waiting to eat him alive. His footsteps
felt the loudest, THUMPTHUMPTHUMP, even though he
was walking as silently as a Cheetah in the jungle watching its prey.
The Left room began to appear and he could see the other room
inside with Abduls old bed, as he began to move forward, the
edges of the small door started to appear but he couldnt see
enough to convince himself that the door was closed. He took
more steps and there he saw the door which was closed.
Phew said Robert. He laid his gun down and went towards
the door, he approached the doorknob but as soon as his hand
touched the doorknob, he felt as thoughsomeone is herein
the house. He did not know where it was or what it was, but he
knew that someone or something is watching him right now. He
felt a chill which he never felt before, he focused on the door but
57
could not shake off the feeling of someone being present,
someone uninvited. He knew that it was not the demonic girl, it
was not one of the crazies but it was someone else. A sense of
dread surged through his body, he looked back to the window but
nothing was there, he looked to the same room he looked before
but the small door was still closed. He looked to his right and saw
the dead fireplace with the old wooden chairs where they were
previously sitting, an old cupboard where Abdul probably keeps
his supplies. He tried to open the door but it wont budge, the
door would not open! What the hell is wrong with this hou-, a
long creak was heard in the fireplace room. Robert looked to his
right and saw the cupboardslowlyslowly opening. The creak
was long but it was soft, both the cupboard doors opened
simultaneously. Nothing but darkness was filled in the cupboard.
Roberts face melted with sweat, his hands shaking, his teeth
stammering. He started to pull the door even harder than before
and screamed Allen! Abdul! HEEEEELP! HEEEELP! but there
was no answer, he looked back to the cupboard and he saw
somethingsomething hideous, something sinister, he knew that
whatever that is in the cupboard has an Insidious agenda. He
started hearing the breathing, it was above the average speed of a
human being with an added hiss to it. Allen OPEN THE
DOOR!! Robert screamed. He started hitting the door and heard
a whisper from the cupboard Robert, come back. This was more
than what Robert could handle and he felt as if he is going to
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Black out. He brought his gun pointed to the door and pulled the
trigger BAM BAM BAM! Holes were created on the door and the
moonlight shined through the holes and Robert kicked the door
down. He got out as soon as he could and see Allen and Abdul
standing in shock with their jaws dropped.
Allen I was screaming, why didnt you open the goddamn door?
Robert, we were screaming our brains out, you didnt hear us?
Allen II did not hear you
Neither did I
They both stood confused but Abdul interrupted okay lets go to
the boat. Allen nodded and they started jogging back to the way
they came from. The woods was dark and eerie, it was hard
enough to notice anything else. No one knew whether the Crazies
were roaming around in the woods but all they wanted to do was
get out of this Island. As they continued jogging, jumping over
bushes, looking left and right, Robert heard music from the far
distance, sounded as an echo. The Music sounded like something
from a Circus. He stopped and turned around and saw a spotlight
shining on top in the distance, What the hell is that? Robert
asked. Allen and Abdul stopped and looked back and came close
to Robert looking at the Spotlight. Its Alfonso Abdul said
Ive never seen him do this before. Dont get distracted
Robert Allen said Lets keep moving.
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The Three men quietly walked through the forest. It was Quiet,
even though their guns were pointed in all directions, nothing
seemed to appear that felt dangerous. Hell, no one was even there
in the forest. Where the hell is everyone? Allen said, What do
you mean everyone? Abdul asked, We blew up the Hospital
door when we tried to enter this place so the Crazies should be
lurking around over here Robert said. The forest was dark but not
dark enough for Robert to put his Night Vision Goggles on, the
spot light donated some of its light with the Moon that was
shining on top. I think they are hiding Abdul said. They arent
that intelligent Abdul, have you seen them? Robert asked.
NoI havent Abdul replied But I dont want to see
themand what you said about blowing up the door scares me
because now they are free. As they walked and walked, they
noticed nothing at all. Not a single speck of dust which from the
Hospital appeared in the forest. Ok, this is scaring me now Allen
said These Crazies are up to something. The three men reached
the door which was wide open with cracks on every side of the
corner. The Hospital was darker than when they entered during
the day, it was quiet, no echoes, no sounds, just quiet. Abdul, stay
close to us Robert said. They stepped inside the hospital slowly,
small pieces of glass shattered under their boots. The Main door
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was just a couple of steps away but Robert felt as if this is some
sort of trap, this Hospital cant be this quiet, and they must be
hiding. A Couple of steps later, they reached the entrance of the
hospital and were outside. Wellthat was easy Robert said, I
still have a bad feeling about this Allen said. They walked down
the crumbling old stairs slowly but tried their best to walk as fast as
they could. Finally, they reached the port and Robert couldnt wait
to get out of this Hell hole. Abdul looked around with a smile on
his face, So where is the boat Allen? Abdul asked. The three
men looked around but the boat wasnt there, it disappeared into
dust and no one could believe the horror. Where is the goddamn
boat Robert? Allen asked in a rude manner, Where is the
GODDAMN FRICKEN BOAT?!, I dont know Allen! Robert
loudly replied, I dont know where the boat is. Oh no
Abdul said, slowly sitting down on the ground Oh no no no.
Roberts head started spinning around, the only method of
transport is gone, there is no way out. I told you the boat
wouldnt be here! Abdul said you just wouldnt listen to-,
Robert interrupted You want me to go confront a Devil?! Is that
what youre saying?!. That Abdul said while sobbing that is
the only way RobertThat is the only way, Robert sighed and sat
down on the ground with Abdul with his hands on his knees,
looking down at the bricked floor. So thats what we are gonna
do? Just sit here and die? Allen said while walking in circles
impatiently. They spend about 10 minutes just sitting there, not
61
saying a word, just listening to the breeze and the constant
creaking of the wooden floorboards due to the ocean. Robert gets
up and reloads his weapon.
What are you doing? Allen asked.
Im gonna go and kill that son of a bitch so that we all can
actually live Robert replied.
We- Allen gets up cant just.kill him, he is too powerful
Allen Robert said Wewe gotta try man, I dont wanna die
here ok? I want to go back to my family.
You Allen said You have a family? You never told me about
that?
Yes, I have a family Robert replied I haveI have a daughter
who is about nine years old waiting for meI gotta do this
Robert doesnt look back at Allen or Abdul and starts walking to
the stairs.
You cant go alone like that Robert Abdul speaks
Yes Allen said Im coming with you.
Robert stops Allen You dont have to Allen, youre gonna get
yourself killed
RobertIfyou go alonelets be honest here, if you go alone,
youre gonna diebut If I come with youwe might have a
chance to survive Allen said.
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They both shake their hands as if they are agreeing to let
themselves get killed. As they start walking. A Crazy man jumps
into the scene! Grabbing Abdul by his neck with a knife in his
hand. Robert and Allen turned around to see what that sudden
grunt sound was and so they saw him. The Crazy man had a
stubble beard but he had the clothes of the patients from the
hospital. Robert and Allen immediately pointed their Rifles at him,
even though he was covering most of his body using Abdul,
keeping his Knife close to Abduls neck while Abdul starts to shed
tears and sweat. The Crazy man had a smile of a boy who just won
a Million Dollar Lottery, as if Abdul was the Golden Ticket.
Heyyo Friends, mind if I take this Gully boy to the party? The
Crazy man spoke in an English Accent. Drop the Knife old man
Robert said, pointing his Target straight on the Crazy mans
forehead. I asked you a Question Buck Face The Old man spoke
back Can I take him?, He isnt gonna listen to you Allen said
to Robert Might as well just-, Time slowed down for Robert, he
could see Allen moving his mouth in different directions to
pronounce words and looked at Abduls teeth shivering with fear,
The Old Knife touched Abduls skin and Robert pressed his
trigger slowly. The Knife pressed against the neck and a small drop
of blood dripped out from a pore. Everything in Time went slow,
Allen turning his head back to Abdul. The Knife moving to the
left direction as small-red-line started to draw out from Abduls
neck, Roberts finger pressed the trigger even harder, almost
63
reaching the point where the Bullet should appear from the gun.
The Knife slowly left the neck and the red line drawn on the neck
started to enlarge. Red, thick blood slowly poured down and
Abduls eyes begin to go white. The Bones of the neck started to
slowly appear through the line as the blood flowed like a river
down to his chest. Roberts finger pressed hard enough on the
trigger and the Bullet appeared, swirling through the air as the Old
Man pushed Abdul while Abduls Neck was not in a proper
position, looking like a Rag Doll. A Bright Yellow flare appeared
from Allens gun as his mouth opened to scream. Both bullets
raced through the wind as the bullet slowly pierced through the
Old Mans forehead, creating a small black hole which started to
enlarge. The Old Man dropped down and so did Abdul. Time
came back to its normal motion as both bodies laid there with
Blood Pouring out and letting itself drown in the Ocean. The
Bricks created Red Outlines as the Blood started going in different
Directions. Robert and Allen stood there with their Guns down as
the crows began to speak and the Pigeons began to fly away. They
knew there was no way for Abdul to come back. They stood there
in Silence and stared at the two bodies, starting to dry up. Their
hair still moving with the wind but everything else just stopped.
Robert laid his hand on Allens shoulder Lets get out of this
IslandCome on and Robert walked to the stairs. Allen stood
for a few seconds and turned towards the stairs. The Main Leader
is dead, the man behind one of the most Lethal Snipers is dead,
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and the man who gave them Shelter, who gave them a way to get
out of this Island is dead. Everyoneis dead
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Robert and Allen can see the Spotlight from the woods. Only a
couple of minutes away, shining at the dark sky. They go past
Abduls Cabin and start to enter the land of the unknown as the
Cabin is the only point that they have reached.