Another scary ghost story in our series based on The Mysteries of Harris Burdick…
On one faded night, Mark (10) and James (67) were strolling down the street casually. As they stopped to stare at the magnificent ocean, the full moon peered over the clouds. Without gasping, James and Mark noticed a very peculiar ship appear out of the gloomy fog.
The ship was horrifying: ragged sails; creaky floorboards; its stern disintegrating into the mist.
Mark was full of excitement: he imagined the ghostly boat was full of shimmering gold —he could be the captain and sail the beautiful seas. He couldn’t wait! On the other hand, James was very cautious. He wondered what tragic, evil business could be on that shadowy ship! After years of being a sailor, James knew this boat could not be trusted.
Grabbing Mark in a vice-like grip, James, the old man, tried to persuade him not to go into the wrecked haunted ship.
Without making a noise, Mark grabbed a paddling boat and paddled to the abandoned ship. As he got on deck, an icy gust of wind ran down Mark’s spine. The deserted ship was very quiet but the smell of the ship was rancid!
As Mark carefully edged forward, he heard the battered floorboards creak incredibly loudly as he began searching downstairs. Amazed, Mark couldn’t believe his eyes. He saw an astonishing collection of treasure: sparkling diamonds; shimmering gold; beautiful gems glimmering in the moonlight!
As he went to grab a bag full of diamonds, a creepy ghost appeared through a wall…
Suddenly, the ghost began to attack Mark as he fled from the threatening figure. James was waiting: very bored; hand on chin; groaning and very quiet.
The ghost was very frightening: you could see its bony rib cage. All of a sudden, the transparent figure grabbed Mark in a tight firm grip.
Strangely, the peculiar figure disappeared! But, Mark began to hesitate and, the next thing he knew, his wandering body was strolling down the street with his grandad…
One entire year later…
On one faded night, the ghost in Mark’s body and the ancient man, James, were strolling down the street casually. As they stopped to stare at the beautiful ocean, a haunted wrecked ship appeared out of the fog.
Then, James’ cursed memories came back to him and asked, “Wait. If you went on that peculiar ship last year, can you go on it this year?”
The ghost had no choice and went on that weird ship. Mark wanted his soul back! It was very boring on the ship now. All of a sudden, his ears twitched; he could sense someone walking on top of the deck. As he peeked over the ragged sails, he saw his peculiar, selfless body wandering around the deck. Being as slow as possible, Mark sluggishly crept behind his possessed body and pounced at the threatening ghost controlling his innocent soul.
Ten minutes later…
Mark was back in his amazing body and he was quickly sailing away from the deserted ship!
James noticed Mark as he fled out of the ship and asked,
“What took you so long?”
“Ghosts!” Mark remarked.
I really like the way you use time and repetition in your story to make this feel unnerving…