Jane was on her way to the annual Harvest Festival, a highlight of the year where familiar faces gathered around bonfires, and laughter filled the air. But as her boots crunched on the gravel, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. The local police had been receiving reports of strange happenings lately, whisperings of a shadowy figure lurking near the old church that stood at the edge of town.
Arriving at the festival, Jane was greeted by the cacophony of laughter and music. Colorful lights twinkled overhead, and the smell of caramel apples filled the air. Yet all she could think about was the mystery that had been gripping the community: several villagers had vanished in recent weeks.
“Jane! Over here!” Her friend Sarah waved from the crowd, her red hair bouncing as she made her way toward her.
“Are you excited?” Sarah asked, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
“Yeah, I guess,” Jane replied, forcing a smile. “But have you heard about the disappearances?”
“Yes, it’s so creepy! I heard Mrs. Hargrove’s cat went missing too!” Sarah said as she rolled her eyes dramatically. “Everything is falling apart!”
Just then, the lights dimmed, and the town's mayor took the stage. “Welcome, folks, to the Millridge Harvest Festival! Join us for games, food, and a ghost story or two!”
As he spoke, Jane noticed a figure cloaked in black standing at the edge of the festival, watching them. Unease settled in her stomach, yet she feigned enthusiasm, clapping along with the crowd.
After the mayor’s speech, Sarah pulled Jane toward the haunted hayride. “We need to go, it’s going to be so much fun!”
Reluctantly, Jane followed. As they climbed aboard, a chill ran down her spine when she spotted the cloaked figure again, now standing much closer, peering from behind a tree. “Sarah, do you see that?”
“See what?” Sarah laughed, settling next to her. “Don’t tell me you’re scared already!”
The ride began, jostling through the woods as faux ghosts jumped out to scare the passengers. Jane couldn’t enjoy it. The figure was still out there, lurking in the shadows, its dark face hidden.
After the ride, Jane stepped away from the festivities, feeling overwhelmed. She wandered toward the edge of the woods, a place she used to explore as a child, but now felt haunted by the tales of disappearances.
Suddenly, a rustle broke the stillness. Jane held her breath. “Hello?” she called, her voice quivering.
Silence.
Just as she turned to leave, a flashlight beam swept through the trees, momentarily blinding her. “Who’s there?” A deep voice called out.
“Uh, it’s just me, Jane!” she shouted back, heart racing.
A man stepped into the dim light, his face lined with worry. “You shouldn’t be out here alone. It’s not safe.”
“Why? What’s happening?”
“Strange things have been going on. I’m part of a group trying to figure it out.” he took a step closer, and Jane could see he was wearing a police uniform. “I’m Officer Harris.”
“Jane Palmer,” she replied, slightly comforted. “What have you found out?”
“Nothing yet, but there are rumors about someone—something—taking people.” He looked around cautiously. “You shouldn’t be out here. If you hear anything or see anything strange, you need to report it immediately.”
Before she could respond, a loud scream pierced the night, causing Jane and Officer Harris to jump. They exchanged horrified glances before racing back toward the festival.
As they reached the clearing, panic had erupted. People were running in every direction. “What happened?” Jane shouted to a passing festival-goer.
“Someone—someone’s gone! I think it was Emily!” the girl cried, tears streaming down her cheeks.
The festival that had been filled with joy was now engulfed in chaos. Jane grabbed Officer Harris’s arm. “We need to help find her!”
“Stay close!” he instructed. Together, they combed through the crowd, asking questions, trying to discern details.
Emily was a recent college graduate, beloved by everyone in town. As they learned more, it became clear: she had stepped away from the crowd just moments before the scream
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