The House on

Magnolia Lane
By Desiree Barte
Published by
High Tech High Media Arts
2230 Truxtun Road, 3rd Floor
San Diego, CA 92106
The House on Magnolia Lane
Spring 2014
Copyright 2014 High Tech High Media Arts
hightechhigh.org/schools/HTHMA
All rights reservedno part of this book may be reproduced in any form without
permission from the publisher.
To Cameron Sweet
I hope you like it! (I really tried.)
PART ONE
The classroom is flled with energetic students impatiently
waiting for the last bell to ring. They look at the clock above
the teachers desk. Their faces resemble close to that of starving
dogs with a large juicy steak dangling in front of them. One of
those faces belongs to Michael Anderson. Although his face
isnt the most eager of his peers, you can still see a sparkle in
his green eyes as the clock ticks closer to 2:30. In the back of
the room, there is the chatter of those sharing their weekend
plans. Then in a quick second, Michaels intense concentration
on the clock was broken by an argument in the back rows of
desks. He couldnt make out what they were saying, but he felt
that it must have been something super important.
Alright class. Settle down. the teachers voice
bellowed. Everyones eyes quickly went to the teachers desk
and everything went silent. Despite the Mr. Quinns small
and almost fragile stature, his voice can really pack a punch.
Michael and his friends once discussed during lunch that one
day, if someone made him raise his voice a bit higher, he might
crack and break into little pieces.
Continuing on, Mr. Quinn made an announcement.
So, I hope you are happy to know that there wont be any
homework assigned for this weekend. But, just know we have a
quiz sometime next week. I havent chosen a date yet so it will
be a surprise for all of us. Just as he fnished the expressions
1
on the students faces became worry and heartbreak. Suddenly,
the thing they were waiting for fnally arrived as a loud ring
echoed the room calling for the end of the day. Class is now
dismissed. Have a wonderful weekend. His face held a smile,
and it was defnitely genuine. Students didn`t know whether or
not to fear it but Michael sure did.
Slowly, the room emptied. Friends left together trying
to cheer each other up. Soon the last student in the room was
Michael. He held his head in his hands muttering to himself,
No no no. A quiz next week? I cant do it, I cant. Please, no.
Ive already failed the last one. I even studied for it. B-but,
now I dont know anything about it. How can I..? I cant- In
his panic he feels a hand on his shoulder and then a brisk and
uncomfortable tone of voice speaks in his ear.
Hellooo, Mr. Anderson. Michael looked up to see who
it was, and there was Janet Erwin. A girl only an inch shorter
than he is, wearing a blue overall dress and her hair tied up
in a neat bun by her mom that morning, held together with a
green ribbon. In her hand she holds a pink pencil with the fuffy
feather end up to his face.
Get that thing away from me, Janet! Michael
exclaimed. What do you want from me now? Do you have
any new gossip you want to share with me? If you do, dont
bother. I dont care.
Hmph. she puffs her cheeks and asks, Whats the
matter Mr. Anderson? I havent seen you that upset since you
failed that quiz a couple weeks ago. Cmon, I promise I wont
tell anyone if you dont want me to. He knew she was the kind
of person who wouldnt be able to keep a secret, especially if
it was a juicy one. Then everyone, even parents, would end up
fnding out one way or another. But, if it`s a promise, she will
keep her word. No matter what.
Michael breaks his attention to her and stared back to his
desk. Janet sits down in the one next to his and says, Another
2
one? Wow, I bet Mr. Quinn has a thing out for his students. I
hear those test he gives are like a form of torture. Glad Im not
in your class.
Looking back up to her, he replies sarcastically, Wow,
thanks for rubbing that in, it makes me feel a whole lot
better.
You are welcome Mr. Anderson. she says back to him
in the same tone, smiling.
So, what did you want from me?
What? A pal cant just pick up another pal from class
to walk home together and nothing else?
He raises a brow in response. Were not friends. I know you
know that.
'Alright, fne. You caught me. She raises her hands up
to her chest defensivly. But, there is something. I wanted to
talk you about it as we walked together. We should go now too.
Mr. Quinn has been waiting for us to leave for a while now.
Michael looks over to the front of the class and the
teacher meets his gaze and taps on the watch on his wrist.
Spending a couple extra seconds, his eyes fnd the clock on the
wall and sees that its already 2:43. Oops.

Outside, the sun is well up into the sky and is sprinkled
with clouds. Along the fowering sidewalk, Michael and Janet
walk together. Janet skips and hums with each step, whereas
Michael holds his arms crossed on his chest a couple steps
behind her feeling uncomfortable. He stops walking and breaks
the silence. Janet, come on what did you need to tell me? Its
been a while since we left the school. What was so important?
She stops moving down the sidewalk, and takes a couple steps
back to Michael.
Oh dear. My bad, I was just enjoying my walk with
you so much I forgot. Well, not really. But it really did slip my
mind. Anyways, I found something out recently that is very
3
interesting. Very.
Well, what is it?
Its about a house.The old one that was abandoned
over ten years ago on Magnolia Lane. I just so happened to
overhear some guys talking about it during lunch a while ago.
Apparently, they were playing baseball in the street and they
were stupid enough break a window with their ball. One of them
tried to retrieve it, but while doing so he heard something.
Michael looked at Janet waiting for her to continue. He
heard something that seemed like it was a group of little kids
singing. Said it was really creepy too but couldnt make out the
words. Being the scaredy cat he is, he left the ball there. I doubt
he was going to get it back anyways.
Wow. Thats really weird. He scratches the back of
his messy, red hair. But, what about it?
I want to experience it for myself. Thats what! And I
want you to accompany me.
Why me though? He felt shocked and worried.
Breaking into a house? That has to be illegal, he thought. Even
if it hasnt been touched in years, who knows whatll happen?
Because, I hear you like going on adventures and this
should be under that category. And from what I hear, youre
not a scaredy cat. Well, at least not as bad. So, what do you
think? Are you going to join me Mr. Anderson?
Let me think about it. Its kinda risky.
Well if you change your mind, here is how you can
contact me. She quickly digs into her backpack, pulls out a
light pink card and hands it over to Michael. Its a buisness card
that lists her home address, phone number, and email address.
All the words look like they were written in gold. At the top her
name is imprinted in a fancy font that curls at the ends. Well,
thats what he thought. It was kind of hard to tell.
Wow, how many of these things do you have on
you?
4
Just enough. You dont need to worry about it.
Michael though it was odd that Janet carried these contact
cards. Especially since they were only in middle school.
Um, alright then. After those words were spoken, the
two again walked together quietly before parting ways.

Hey mom! Im home! Michael called out as he opened
the door to his house.
The frst response back to him wasn`t his mother, but
Kevin his pet corgi. The dog runs out of one of the rooms
towards the doorway with his tail wagging. Michael knelt
down to pet him, and Kevin affectionately licked him on the
face. Aww, youre just the cutest dog Kevin. He hugs the
dog`s small fuffy body in his arms
Oh, Michael! Is that you in the hall? Michaels mom
called out from the kitchen.
Yeah mom its me! I just got back from school.
How was your day?
Trying to avoid telling her about the upcoming quiz he
just says, It was good mom! Yeah, there is no way she'll fnd
out he thought. But, there was a hint of panic in is voice.
Do you have any homework to do this weekend?
He hesitated, and lied. No mom, I dont have any.
Good! Maybe the whold family could go out this
weekend. That would be nice right?
Yeah, mom. he said. By the way, Im gonna go
upstairs to my room. With Kevin still in his arms he picks him
up and walks over to the staircase.
Passing by the kitchen he sees his mother. Shes
struggling to cook something by the stove. Her hair is pulled up
into a ponytail - a messy one at that. The counters around her
are a mess, and he notices the sweat forming on her forehead.
He can tell shes frustrated. She isnt the best cook, no matter
how hard she tries to improve. Hes knows what it feels like,
5
he`s been there. Under his breath as he takes his frst step up the
stairs he whispers, Its OK, mom.

At the top of the staircase, Michael faces a golden
yellow hallway, the walls littered with photos. They were from
past trips and birthdays and other special occasions. The trips
to the Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, and the California
Redwoods, his sisters second birthday, a photo from his parents
wedding from a million years ago, the day when they adopted
Kevin, and the last time Michael got an award in school (not
in academics, theyre not his strong point). His parents loved
to take photos. They capture the moment and one day youll
have something to reminisce about once youre old like me and
your father, his mother would say.
His room was the second door to the right. He put Kevin
on the foor and he opened the door and Kevin runs in and
jumps on his bed. The blinds by his desk are open from when
he woke up that morning. His room is painted in a blue-green,
with posters hanging on the walls from video games, but other
than that theyre pretty empty. Michael drops his backpack by
the corner of his bed and sits down at his desk. Like the rest of
his room, its clean. Pencils and pens in a cup, his laptop, some
fgurines, a stack of paper (white, lined and graphed as his dad
always tells him to be prepared), and some books sit there.
He opens the screen to his laptop and turns it on. While
he waits to log in, he calls Kevin and pats his hands on his lap.
Kevin looks up from the bed and jumps off going over to his
owner. Michael lowers his chair so Kevin could jump on him
and make himself comfortable. He raises the chair back up and
types in his password. (Hint: Its Michaelisawesome2k14)
Opening up the internet, he gets some messages from
his friends. They tell him that theyre video chatting each other
and if he wants he can join.

6
On Michaels screen there are is three friends: Jordan,
Ryan, and Lucas. Hey Mikey how ya doin pal! Sooo, sorry
for leaving you in the classroom earlier. We tried to snap you
out of your probable shock about you-know-what, we really
did! But, we really wanted to get out of there. Mr. Quinn was
giving us a really off-putting look waiting for us, said Ryan.
Michael sighs before replying. 'It`s fne. Really Ryan.
But, thanks for trying at least.
Oh hey! Thats right! When we were leaving the room
I saw that Janet girl by the door, exclaimed Lucas. He had
blond hair that hit his chin and mole under his right eye. He
was sitting in front of a window, and the light coming from
behind him had him look like a shadow on the screen. What
was she there for? Like, did she want something from you?
Janet? Isnt she that loner who spreads rumors all the
time? It cant be good if its coming from her. voiced Jordan
before taking a bite of a sandwich. Michael could tell he was
sitting on his bed from the pillows behind him.
Well, theyre not rumors if theyre true and so far
everything thats come out of her has been true. corrected
Ryan. He wore round glasses and very short brown hair that
hid beneath his green beanie.
Shut up, Jordan yelled back.
Well, she wants me to visit this house with her, said
Michael.
What? That seems boring, Lucas said yawning. Is
there a catch?
She said its that house on Magnolia Lane. Apparently
its been abandoned for a long time now and she heard that
creepy voices are coming from that house.
Isnt that street full of old people? said Ryan.
Ha, sucks for you. Are you going to go? said Jordan.
Im not sure What do you guys think? Michael
replied nervously.
7
I think you should go Bro. Youve always wanted to do
something rad, and this seems like a start right? said Lucas.
I guess so. But I always imagined something more like
scuba diving or visiting the amazon. Like what we get arrested
for trespassing or something? My dad will not be happy about
picking me up from jail.
But, thats the thrill of it Mikey. That is the thrill.
Lucas replied back.
Well, Michael said. She did give me a way to contact
her. Quickly grabbed his backpack and pulled out her contact
card. The three boys on his screen were surprised. It was
probably because their nervous little man had a girls number.
She has those? questioned Ryan. Why?
I asked her that same thing but she told me to not worry
about it.
That seems pretty shady. said Jordan
Are you going to try calling her or something? asked
Ryan.
Probably. I might tell her that I wont go.
Laaaame! called Lucas.
Hey, after your call her get back to us on that alright
Mikey? We wanna know whats going to happen and well be
here. I was actually planning on having us watch a movie over
video chat tonight. said Ryan
What? Youre watching a movie without me?
Dont worry pal, its just Bee Movie. said Jordan.
'When you come back and the movie is fnished we`ll
watch something more to your liking. Cool?
Yeah, cool. Thanks guys, Ill be back soon.

Before leaving the chat, his friends waved and said See
ya as per tradition. Kevin was fast asleep on Michaels lap. He
closed his computer screen and grabbed his phone from his bag.
An old fip phone that his parent`s got him a couple years back.
8
Everyone else had their fancy smart phones that they could
use the internet on and take photos with. Michael couldnt do
any of that, but he didnt really use it much anyways. He can
hear the echo of his dads voice saying, Only for emergencies!
Nothing else. You might regret it one day when youre stranded
and need to call us and you cant.
In one hand he has the light pink card Janet gave him
not too long ago and his phone in the other. He carefully dials
out her number and presses call. He brings the phone to his ear
and hears the repetitive beeps as he waits for her to pick up.
Hello who is this?
Uhh, Janet. Its me Michael.
Oh! Mr. Anderson. I was waiting for you to get back to
me. So what do you think? Will you go with me?
To be honest I dont think Ill be going. Sorry.
Oh, poo. When I just managed to get more information
on the abandoned house Well, its a shame, but I dont know
how I would ever be able to get over this.
You got information? Its only been like three or two
hours since you told me this.
Mr. Anderson, when I hear something interesting I act
fast and get whatever additional information I need. I am a
professional at what I do.
Alright, so what did you learn?
I thought you werent interested in joining me in my
little escapade Mr. Anderson?
Im not, but it doesnt mean Im not curious.
Thats all I need to hear. Although he couldnt see
her, Michael could just imagine Mr. Quinns smile when he
announces his good news itching across Janets face.
So, whatcha got?
Well, I asked my parents about that house and I called
up my sister. I mean they have to know something about it. My
family has lived here for, like, forever! We should know about
9
everyone and everything. But, theyre older than me so they
would obviously know more than I.

Continuing on, From what Ive gathered, the home
belonged to this woman named Mrs. Caroline Laurent, her
husband Mr. Roland Laurent and their two children who
immigrated over from Europe sometime before the 50s. I was
unable to fnd their children`s names or anything else really.
But they basically ran away from home when they were young.
Not as young as us, but still pretty young. It must have hurt a
lot for the both of them to have their children leave home so
early. Especially without ever coming back to visit.
From then on the Laurents became hermits. They
didnt leave their home to socialize with anyone. They only
went out to tend to their front yard garden or to get groceries.
At least they had each other to keep company right? But, alas,
years before the home was known to be abandoned Mr. Roland
Laurent passed away. Mrs. Laurent was left in the home alone.
He children and husband no longer there with her. It really
sucks.
She never left her home after that. Well, as far as anyone
knows anyway. The house had been quiet since, and people
have assumed she must have moved out or something. But,
with what I found out from listening to those scaredy cats, that
is not the case anymore! Singing voices of children coming
from the house is really odd based on all this information.
Is that all? questioned Michael. Janets information
made him feel even more unwilling to go with her. Despite fear
growing inside of him, so did his curiosity of the house.
Yes, that is all Mr. Anderson. So, what do you think
now?
Well, Im scared of going. In his ear, he could quietly
make out a sigh from Janet. She was disappointed in what she
heard. He was sure, because he has felt the same way about
10
himself before. 'I`m scared, but I am curious to fnd out more
about this house.
Her voice just lit up, You are!?
Yes, I am, he replied reassuringly. So, when is this
going to happen?
I was thinking tomorrow at afternoon around one o
clock. I dont know if there is much to plan out to be honest.
Hmmm, I think itll work. I was planning on walking
my dog tomorrow anyways, so I dont think my parents would
be too worried if Im out for a while.
OOOH, you have a dog? Whats the little guys name
Mr. Anderson?
His name is Kevin, a corgi and hes currently resting
comfortably in my lap. Michaels other hand is sitting on
Kevins soft fur. He could feel his warmth and heartbeat against
his own skin. Kevin moves a bit as if he was to awaken, but he
doesnt and Michael starts to stroke his fur.
That is adorable. I am glad to be able to meet him
tomorrow.
From outside the window Michael hears a car go up the
driveway and park. When the alarm to the vehicle is sounded,
he looks out the window. Kevin shoots up from his lap and
runs out the room. Michael sees a man in a button up shirt,
red tie, and glasses holding a leather briefcase opening up the
door. Michael! Your father is home, his mom calls from
downstairs. Come downstairs and help me set up the table!
Before calling back to her he quickly tells Jane, One
oclock, Magnolia lane, tomorrow. Ok. See ya. Bye, and hangs
up. Calling out the door he says, Alright mom, Im coming!
11
PART TWO
Hey, Kevin. Do you want to go on a walk with me?
Huh? Do you boy? Michael is in the hallway upstairs. Lunch
is over and its a little under thirty minutes until he is to meet
with Janet. He holds his dogs face in his hands. I know you
do buddy. He grabs his leash from the hanger in his room and
clips it on to his collar.
Mom! Im going out to walk Kevin. Ill be back in a
while!
Alright, make sure you remember to bring your phone
and that its fully charged!
I will! Michael digs into his pants pockets and they
are both empty. Wait a minute for me alright Kevin? He
quickly checks his desk and his phone is sitting there as it was
before going to eat dinner. He fips it open and sees that it`s
still on. Only sixty percent huh? I should probably turn it off
so the battery doesnt drain. After turning it off, he shoves the
ancient artifact of a phone into his pocket and goes back into
the hall to grab Kevin.

Michael is wearing a red baseball cap and a short sleeve
button up shirt. The day was like yesterday, sunny and basically
cloudless. Spring is what brings back life after winter, his
mom would say. She`s right. The fowers on his neighbor`s
yards seemed brighter and the trees are starting to grow from
13
their barren, skeletal branches.
Kevin made his occasional stops to mark his territory
on trees, bushes and lawns as they walked together. At one of
the many stops Michael just started talking to himself, Hmm,
so its Magnolia Lane right? Lucas said it shouldnt be too far
from my house. You know Kevin, if I had a new phone and
everything I could just google the directions. I really wish I
printed a map or something for myself before going to bed last
night. I think Im going to end up making Janet wait for us for
a bit. After doing his business, Kevin looks up to Michael and
they keep walking.

Where is that fool, Mr. Anderson? Janet looks at the
time on her phone. Hes ten minutes late. Whats the hold up?
Oh, I hope he wrote the directions or something so he wont get
lost. Hmph She is wearing basically the same things as she
did yesterday, only with slight variation. A pair of pink overalls
instead of blue ones and her hair is kept up in a strawberry
patterned ribbon instead of green.
She looks down both ends of the street. No sign of
the messy haired boy and his dog. All she sees are a couple
elderly people resting in their lawns or gardening. A pair chats
with each other at their mail boxes. They seem rather happy.
It would be cute if they were all neighbors since they moved
in. Decades of building friendships, thought Janet. She goes
back to her phone and tries to message Michael. She cant.
Apparently he cant be reached right now. Mustve turned his
phone off.
Janet turns to the house behind her. Its the one she heard
of when overhearing the conversation between those scaredy
cats that last time. It wasnt hard to pick out from the rest of
the homes on the street. A house thats been abandoned for
years out of the rest that has been given good care? It isnt that
hard. But, like the rest, its an old Victorian styled home. The
14
light blue paint is faded, and peeling off the walls of the one
foor structure. The windows are foggy and are diffcult to see
through. The house is surrounded by a rusted black fence with
an arch leading to the front door. The front lawn is overgrown
with tall dead grass with a patch of old soil where a garden
probably used to be. Then from behind she feels the soft touch
of a hand on her shoulder and she visibly jumps
Uhhh, Janet? Sorry Im late. She looks to see who it
is and its Michael. Kevin looks up to Janet with a smiling face
and a wagging tail. Is something wrong?
Goodness gracious Mr. Anderson! You couldve killed
me!
Oops, sorry. Oh right, Janet this is my dog Kevin, he
pointed at him and Janet went down to pet him, How long
have you been waiting for me?
Quite a bit actually. But, dont worry about it. She
focused her attention to the corgi. He was now on his back she
was petting his stomach.
'Ok, cool. So, I guess we should try to fnd a way in
right? Do we try knocking on the door or try to climb in a
window?
'Trying the door is a silly idea. We can try to fnd
that broken window that those scaredy cats made with their
baseball. She got up and started to walk up the path and then
started to examine the windows. She turned back and called
over to Michael, Come over here and help me.
Michael did as he said and pulled on Kevins leash to
pull him over. Janet was looking at the left side of the house
while he looked at the windows on the right. He eventually
found the broken window, Hey, Janet! I found it, he called
just loud enough so she could hear and she ran over.
The both of them looked through into the room. They
saw the baseball in the middle in the room with shards of glass
around it. The walls of the room were covered with a simple
15
foral pattern, and like the paint outside the house was peeling
and it was torn in some parts. There were photos on the wall
and a desk, some chairs and a wide bookshelf. Right across
from them was a doll. Michael, can you try to open up the
window so we can get in?
Sure. He reached in and found the handle. He lifted it
up and pushed the window up from the outside. Im going to
try to climb in. When he was in, he asked Janet, Could you
bring Kevin up for me? Janet did as asked and then she got
herself up.
Dusting off her dress Janet makes a remark of the room,
'Hmm, this is interesting. I wonder why there are fower petals
scattered everywhere. Beneath them is a wooden foor and, as
she said, fower petals. They seem to come from a variety of
fowers: daisies, roses, cosmos, azaleas, and some magnolias.
None of them were dried out, as if they were recently placed there.
There isnt much dust here either. Hey, Mr. Anderson?
Michael was looking at the photos on the wall; he was
carrying Kevin in his arms who was tired from the walk. It was
like being in the hallway outside his room the wall was covered
with them. There were several copies of the same photos. There
were many photos of an old man and woman, and photos of a
younger couple. The Laurents assumed Michael. They were
shown doing normal things. Reading, cooking, gardening, and
a lot of them were of them sitting down next to each other. It
reminded Michael of the movie Up a bit.
Mr. Anderson? she called again. She walked over to
his side and looked at the photos with him. He didnt fully
notice she was there. Hey there are some photos of kids on
the wall along with the ones of the Laurents. I guess these were
their kids. She pointed over to a pair of kids sitting on a bench,
they both had short hair. They both were wearing dresses
sisters. See, there is a photo with the four of them together.
Unlike the photos of the old couple, there werent that many
16
up.
Janet? There are photos of other kids on the wall.
Are they of their daughters? I thought I already found
all of them though
No, no. They arent of the sisters. There are photos of a
bunch of random kids. See? He pointed out the photos on the
wall. There were some of boys and others of girls, none looked
at all similar to the Laurent Sisters. Michael and Janet were
able to point out eight different kids out of a dozen copies on
the wall.
Uhh, that is uncomfortable.
Do you remember hearing if the Laurents had any
family members in your research? They could be nieces or
nephews or something less weird.
She shook her head, No, not at all Mr. Anderson. It was
known that they only had each other in the country. They came
to America alone. The rest of them should be somewhere in
Europe.
Yeah, ok. That is uncomfortable. Michael was looking
at Janet. Behind her was the door to the rest of the house, and
by that door was a doll. It looked like it was staring right back
with him with light brown eyes that somehow felt alive. No,
wait. Scratch that. That is uncomfortable. He pointed over to
it for Janet to see.
Please. Its just a doll. I think its cute.
Thats probably because youre a girl.
There is no need to bring in stereotypes into this Mr.
Anderson. Its rude. But, I will admit that I do like dolls. She
walked over to it and started to stoke its hair. Oooh, this seems
to be well made. Its like one of those expensive porcelain
dolls. She picks it up to examine it further.
If its expensive, put it down. You might break it, and
that would be pretty rude even if they arent here anymore.
Even breaking in
17
Fine. Im putting it down Mr. Anderson. Cmon, dont
be so peeved. Its not damaged. You can check if you dont
trust me.
I wont. And believe me; even though Im here with
you it doesnt mean I fully trust you.
Ow hurt. Im just kidding I get that a lot, she smiled
and looked over to the door, Lets go to the next room shall
we?

Outside the room Michael puts Kevin back on the ground
as his arms arent strong enough to carry him for long. Still
hanging on to his leash, he crouches down and tells him, Dont
eat anything you fnd here. It`s going to be gross and I don`t
want you to get sick and go to the vet. Not again. Alright? For
a second Kevins face was in horror in hearing the word vet.
He looked back up at his owner telling him he understood.
Michael and Janet looked through the rest of the house. There
wasn`t much of a difference than the frst room they were in.
Each room was flled with old furniture and fresh fower petals.
Each also had a strangely realistic doll sitting somewhere in
the room and more photos on the walls included the Laurent
family, and more random children. Out of the multiple copies
of photos on all the walls Janet was able to total the number up
to twenty.
Whats up with the photos of random kids in this place?
Its really getting to me now, said Janet.
'It didn`t bother you when we saw the frst eight photos
of kids?
Of course it did. Every time we see another photo I
just want to leave. But, I came here hoping to fnd something.
Anything about those voices those guys heard.
Janet, since we came in here we havent heard anything
but ourselves. What if it were just in their heads?
Then I might just be the fool of fools, Mr. Anderson.
18
Cmon we all make mistakes right? We just have to try
to accept it and move on.
I guess so. But, now it isnt just about the voices. There
has to be something important behind all these photos. What if
theyre related Mr. Anderson?
I dont know. The chances they are only happen in
books or movies.
Dont be such a buzzkill Mr. Anderson. It seems like
we looked through most of the rooms thus far. Did we miss
anything?
I dont think so Michael stopped to think. Wait! I
remember this one door I came across with Kevin when you
were still looking though the living room.
Really? But, how come you didnt tell me? Actually,
how did I not notice it?
'The door was locked, so without fnding a way to open
it I thought it would be useless.
Mr. Andrews. All these rooms have been useless in
fnding answers. All I am getting is questions and I bet you
can agree with me on this. Why are there dolls in every room?
why are there so many photos on the wall of random kids?
why are there fower petals everywhere? and what happened to
Caroline Laurent! Janet covered her face. Michael tried to see
if she was alright. But, as he did she put her hands back down
to her sides. In her face he can see a hint of anger. Although for
the most part, she just looked tired. Really tired.
Janet. Im sorry. Michael tried to apologize. He felt
bad. He never liked having people getting upset. Even if its a
person he doesnt care much for.
No, Janet said. She yawned and covered her mouth.
Im sorry about that. Its unbecoming of someone wanting to
become a professional. Lets look at that door shall we?
Michael walked Janet over to the locked door. She tried
to open it up hoping the age of the door would be just weak
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enough to open it up with sheer will. But, it didnt work. She
tried kick it down and it didnt work. After that she gave up.
Alright. That didnt work, she said.
Yeah I saw. Are you alright? You didnt hurt yourself
or anything?
'No, I`m fne. I should`ve known it wouldn`t work
anyways.
We should go back and look at the other rooms and
see if we can fnd a key. We didn`t look everywhere earlier so
doing this should be our best bet.
Alright Mr. Anderson.
The two walked together and went back to the other
rooms to take another look around. They looked through
shelves, underneath couches, behind picture frames, and
everything else you could think of. By the end of their search
they came across two keys.
Hmm, I wonder which keys going to open the door,
said Michael. He held the key up. It was old and a bit rusty. It
was in the same condition as Janet`s. He managed to fnd his
under the sink in the kitchen and Janet said she found hers in a
book while looking through a book shelf.
Janet shrugged. 'Would you like to go frst Mr. Anderson?
Hopefully one of them works.
'Are you sure? If you want to try yours frst, go
ahead.
'Don`t worry about me. You found yours frst. It`s only
right for you to try before me.
As Michael received confrmation to try his key from
Janet, he did as such. He tried to stick the key in the lock and
turn it. The key slipped in and make a click sound. It worked.
He opened up the door and looked in. It was just an empty,
dirty basement. There was nothing in there at all.
Thats odd, said Michael.
Janet tried to look in from behind Michael. Huh? What
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is it Mr. Anderson is there anything in there?
He turned back and looked at her. No, there isnt.
Thats whats so weird. Every room we looked though had the
same things in it. A doll, photos and fower petals. He started
to walk out of the room and Janet went in to take a look. After
a minute she walked back out.
Thats disappointing. I wonder why there isnt anything
there, said Janet. Even more disappointment.
'She might`ve had diffculty going down there. My
grandma had the same problem, couldnt go walk upstairs to
her room anymore. Or she mightve never had any use for it?
I think we should go. I dont think there is any point
of looking around anymore. Im sorry for this waste of time,
said Janet. Right when she fnished speaking, the door to the
basement shut closed and the key she found few into the lock
and it reopened.
What the? the both of them looked through the
newly reopened door. It no longer led down to an empty
basement anymore. It was now a long dark path, and in the
distance they could see something glow.
'Ahem. Ladies frst, said Michael.
Janet stepped into the door. Michael followed behind
her, and following behind him was Kevin. When they were all
in the door shut closed again. It was diffcult to see, so Janet
brought out her phone for light. She brought light where the
door was and it was no longer there. There was only a wall in
front of them.
Shoot, she sighed. Come on Mr. Anderson, lets go.
She turned around and continued to walk down the path.
Michael picked up Kevin from the ground again. He
was scared, and the only thing he had for comfort was his fuffy
little corgi. He followed behind Janet until they came to a stop.
They were in front of another door, with a lamp right above it.
On the foor beneath them, there were fower petals again, and
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they seemed to continue underneath the door. Janet opened up
the door and they continued through.
This path was longer than the other. With the light
coming from Janets phone, they could see the walls were
covered with photos. This time, none of the photos were of any
of the Laurents and there were none of random children. They
were all of dolls. The two of them noticed some of the dolls
they came across in the rooms in the main part of the house.
As they walked together, they were stared down by dead eyes
of more than two dozen dolls. When they were getting close to
the end of the pathway, Michael heard something
Janet? Michael was worried. Uhm, Janet! She didnt
turn around.
I think I heard something. He grabbed her by the
shoulder and told her to listen. Before she was able to yell at
him, he brought a fnger to her lips. 'Shhhh.listen.
The both of them did. They heard the quiet rumble
of voices. It was like what the scaredy cats said when Janet
overheard their conversation. As they continued to listed, the
voices grew louder and louder. But, they couldnt make out
the words. Then the walls around them started to shake, and
the framed photos of the dolls fell to the ground one by one
shattering. In their shock and terror, Janet ran. Michael followed
up behind her carrying Kevin in his arms. They ran and ran,
and the voices became deafening. The door at the end of the
path in front of them looked as if it were becoming further and
further away. Then everything went dark.

Eurghh What happened? Michael lifted his head
from the foor. He couldn`t see a thing. Then he felt a warm
fuffy body on top of him licking his face.
Kevin is that you? Are you alright? The dog simply lay
on top of his lap. Michael sat up slowly, to not disturb Kevin.
Mr. Anderson, said a voice in the dark.
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Janet?
Yeah, its me dont worry, she replied back.
Are you ok?
Yeah. She stayed quiet for a minute. Mr. Anderson?
Could you take out your phone? A light would be wonderful
right now.
Oh, sure. Let me take that out. Michael dug into his
pockets and took out his phone. He fipped it open and pressed
what he thought was the power button and with a second of
waiting, it was on.
Shoot, Michael exclaimed.
Whats wrong? Janet asked.
Its 7 o clock! My parents have been calling and
messaging me for hours. Michael hurriedly looked through
the messages. He attempted to call but, his phone failed on
him. No, signal! Ughh, theyre going to be really angry with
me.
Could you shine some light in my direction please, Mr.
Anderson? Michael did. Janet was already up and standing.
Her dress and hair was a bit of a mess. She was looking at
the door, and it wasnt too far. The walls around them held
nothing. The foor around them was broken frames and shards
of glass. Michael held Kevin in his arms and stood up. Then
they walked.
Hey Janet? Michael kept his phone up so they could
see where they were going, even if its a straight path.
Yes? she replied turning his way.
'Why were you so interested in coming here in the frst
place? Like, why fnd out the source to the voices those guys
said they heard?
To keep talking to him face to face, Janet walked
backwards. Well, since youre asking, its because I want
to become a news reporter one day. On television, on the
newspaper, or radio. It doesnt really matter how. Just as long
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as I share truthful and important information to others Ill be
happy.
What made you want to be a reporter?
My parents. They both work on the town paper and it
just really stuck to me. I see all this unnecessary gossip and
stuff on television and it ends up being found more important
than actual news. It really makes me upset. She turned back to
the direction of the door, and there it was. Under the blue light
of his phone, Janet turned the handle and pulled it open.

It was a room this time and as they both walked in,
Michael closed his phone and put it back into his pocket. They
saw pale colored lights hanging from above the ceiling and
at the further end a chair by some brightly lit lamps. They
couldnt see if there was anyone sitting there, it was only a
silhouette as far as they could tell. Looking at the lights, the
two were surprised to see they were jarred fairies. Their faces
were pale and ghastly. It was almost like they were starved. As
they walked further towards the light, the jarred fairies grew
brighter and brighter. Inside they were pounding against the
glass of their jailhouses. Janet, feeling pity for them went up
she tried to free one of them. But, she was interrupted.
Do not touch them, my darling. The voice was old and
frail. It came from the silhouette sitting in the chair shrouded in
light. Please, come over to me. My boy why dont you follow
her?
Janet and Michael had no control over their bodies no
matter how hard they struggled. They walked closer and closer
to the silhouette. The moment they stopped, they could see that
it was an old woman in the chair. In her lap she had two dolls.
They looked eerily similar to the two kids. Then in a blink of an
eye, she was surrounded by the dolls they sighted throughout
the house and more. In a quick count, there were a little over
two dozen there.
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Are you Mrs. Caroline Laurent? W-what do you want
from us? Janet asked as she tried to break free from her
grasp.
Oh my darlings so you know who I am, she smiled.
You two are going to be apart of my lovely collection. Dont
worry, Ill take good care of you! She held up the two dolls.
Dont they look just like you? I put a lot of effort in making
them look just right. What do you think?
Huh? yelled Michael. Kevin was still in his arms
barking at the woman.
Would you like you know why? I feel that its only
right. The faces of the two were flled with confusion. Janet`s
included a mix of determination. It might be too late for her but
at least she will fnd out that the heck was going on. It was her
goal as a future news reporter.
Caroline continued, Back in the day, a long time before
you two were born and probably your parents, my family and
I moved here from France. My children were about your age
when they came here. A few years after settling in to our new
home, they ran away. I actually dont know what happened to
them, but nonetheless they disappeared. Her face saddened
and whispered, Oh my dear daughters. What happened to
you? Didnt you know we loved you?
After they were gone, my husband Roland entered a
slow, slow recovery. I felt we were so close to moving on but,
then my husband dies of sickness. We only had each other for
so long Well anyways, she smiled again. It was soft and
calming, I locked myself up to the property. I couldnt bear
to go out in life without him. I eventually found these things
while working in the backyard. Rings of mushrooms! Theyre
also known as fairy rings, and wouldnt you know I found
many of them. She pointed out to the glowing lights carrying
the starving fairies.
After my children went missing, my husband and I
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crafted dolls. Kind of my own substitute for them. After he
died and I found the fairies, I found that having just dolls
wasnt enough. So I found several children over the years and
gave them new bodies. I hope my story was satisfactory. Now
I think it`s now your turns my darlings. You will be my fnal
additions to my collection.
She stood up from her seat and walked over to the
frozen children. There faces couldnt move and then everything
blacked out again. The last thing they heard was a chorus of
singing voices. They still couldnt make out the words.

Kevin woke up in front of the basement door. It was
open and there were a set of stairs down to a room of nothing.
Next to him was his owners phone ringing. Outside it was dark
and Kevin grabbed the phone in his mouth and ran back home
alone.
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