Ariana had brushed off the earlier tales as simple theatrics meant to entertain the audience.
But seeing Melon’s genuine fear made her second-guess herself.
Holding Melon close, Ariana soothed him, saying, “It’s alright.
Mommy’s here, and there’s no such thing as monsters.”
Still, Melon’s teary eyes darted toward the stairs. “It was there, Mommy.”
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Melon’s grip around Ariana’s neck tightened, his small body shaking with fear. “Mommy, let’s leave. I’m scared.”
Ariana, known for her unwavering courage, gently stroked Melon’s back.
“It’s alright, sweetie,” she whispered. “Mommy’s here.”
Confident in the notion that the program crew wouldn’t put them in genuine danger, Ariana aimed her flashlight toward the stairs,
finding nothing out of the ordinary.
“Look, Melon,” Ariana said, trying to soothe him. “There’s nothing there.”
However, as the words left her mouth, an unexpected muffled cough echoed from the staircase, followed by rhythmic thumping,
reminiscent of someone tapping the floor with a rod.
A wave of unease washed over Ariana, causing her to pull Melon closer. She wondered if the production team had added an
unexpected twist to their stay. Was it possible that something malevolent lurked in the villa?
Pushing aside her trepidation and reminding herself of her rational beliefs, she took a deep breath, ready to confront whatever or
whoever was causing the disturbance.
Suddenly, a gust of wind rattled the door, casting tree shadows into the room and enhancing its eeriness.
The unsettling sounds from the stairwell intensified, growing steadily louder. The dim light filtering from the outside revealed the
silhouette of Ariana and Melon and an ominously stooped figure slowly approaching from the stairs.
Melon, terror evident in his voice, cried out, “The monster! It’s here!”
Doing her best to remain composed, Ariana called out firmly, “Enough of this! Whoever’s behind this prank, show yourself!”
Although Ariana projected strength, inside, anxiety gnawed at her.
Eyes locked on the stairwell’s corner, she remained rigid, unwilling to move an inch.
Suddenly, an unexpected touch on her shoulder caused her to shriek.
Ariana swiftly pulled Melon close. Melon’s terror was evident, the boy echoing Ariana’s fear, wailing, “Help! The monster’s got
us!”
The room echoed with the combined screams of Ariana and her son.
Amidst the chaos, a voice attempted to pierce the commotion. “Enough!
Please, stop screaming.”
But Ariana’s panic drowned out any semblance of reason. Holding Melon, her eyes clenched shut, their cries continued
unabated.
Suddenly, with a click, the room was bathed in Light.
Yet, the screams persisted.
Someone then hurried over, giving Ariana a brisk shake. Recognizing Ariana, the person’s voice dripped with both astonishment
and relief.
“Madam! It’s you!”