Mysterious Awakening

The break of dawn was just beginning to peek through the darkened sky over Dachang City’s pedestrian street. It was an uncharacteristically silent time, with the typical hustle and bustle of the vibrant commercial district stilled in the early morning hours. Closed shops lined the deserted street, their shutters firmly locked, awaiting the day’s commerce.

But suddenly, the tranquility was shattered.

The row of streetlights that had previously emitted a soft white light abruptly shifted, bathing the pedestrian street in an eerie crimson hue. The lamps inside the shades mirrored a terrifying spectacle of red eyes. Unnerving and uncanny, the eyes seemed alive, subtly shifting and reflecting off the lampshades. However, this chilling spectacle was as fleeting as it was sudden.

A quick flicker later, normalcy resumed. But what came next was even more unusual.

From seemingly nowhere, seven young individuals appeared on the street. They seemed to be students, but something about them was clearly off. Fear painted their pale faces, their bodies trembling as if they had just witnessed something deeply horrifying.

With a heavy pant, Miles sunk onto the ground, his back against the glass door of a nearby shop. The pain that felt like his body being torn apart was finally beginning to subside. The terrifying ordeal had come too close for comfort, but he had managed to activate his own ghost domain just in the nick of time.

Shock kept the others silent as their wide eyes darted around fearfully. The sight of the bright streetlights and the slowly rising sun in the distance reminded them of their narrow escape, gradually replacing their fear with a sense of relief.

“I think… we’re on the neighboring street,” Grace finally broke the silence, her voice filled with uncertainty.

William was quick to confirm, “It’s definitely the neighboring main street. I’ve been playing here since childhood. My home is nearby.” He seemed surprisingly excited, relishing the mundane details of daily life.

Peter echoed William’s sentiments, albeit more softly, still trying to comprehend their unbelievable circumstance.

Miles, though still wary, scanned the surroundings. Confirming their escape from the ghost domain brought a sense of relief. As for their unexplainable arrival on this pedestrian street instead of outside their school, he decided not to dwell on it.

Simply being alive was a miracle in itself.

The group found themselves sitting on the street for a long two hours before they could come to terms with their harrowing ordeal. The relief that their fear was finally subsiding was written all over their faces, yet the traumatic incident at the school had left an indelible mark on their hearts.

“Miles, what should we do now?” Coral asks, her nerves still unsettled.

Miles had become their rock, their guiding light, the one they trusted without question. After all, he had led them through the nightmare and into survival.

“We survived, we’ve escaped the school, and nobody’s seriously injured. What else is there to do but go home, rest, and stop our parents from worrying,” Miles said practically after glancing at the spots where those eyes should be.

“But Miles, are we just going to go home and sleep after all this?” Peter asked, his voice shaking.

Miles glanced sideways at Peter, “What’s your suggestion then?”

Intimidated by Miles’ gaze, Peter dropped his head and chose not to continue.

“Look, Miles is right. We’re lucky to have made it out. This is out of our hands,” Grace added, attempting to provide some consolation.

“So we’re just heading home and calling it a night?” William seemed shocked at the casualness of the proposal. After such a harrowing event, was it right to just dismiss it and go to sleep?

“If you don’t plan on going home, are you considering an early morning study session at the school?” Miles retorted with a hint of sarcasm.

The mere thought of returning to the school sent shivers down their spines. They were resolved never to set foot in that building again, let alone its vicinity. Some were even contemplating changing schools, leaving Dachang City behind altogether.

Academic ambitions and future plans were momentarily shelved. They were content to just live their lives without worry for the time being.

“I’m exhausted. I’m going home to sleep. Call me if anything comes up,” said Miles, stifling a yawn. He looked ready to doze off right there on the street, physically and mentally spent.

“Also, you should all avoid the internet, especially any ghost story forums,” he added, showing everyone a specific post on his phone. “See this audio file? Never, ever open it. It’s a recording of a knocking sound, just like the one we heard before. Anyone who listens to it will be visited by that old man.”

With a flick of his thumb, Miles revealed the picture posted on the forum.

“Get rid of it, get rid of it now!”

At the sight of the old man’s image, William and the others recoiled in horror.

“The photo itself isn’t dangerous, I’ve checked. It’s the audio file that’s truly worrisome,” Miles clarified, “The post hasn’t been taken down yet, and thousands of people across the country have already listened to this audio file. If I’m not wrong, the old man will soon be wandering major cities, knocking on doors one by one.”

“In essence, our horrifying experience is about to become a national phenomenon, only we won’t be the main characters anymore.”

“Don’t talk about such chilling things. I’m still a kid,” William responded, his eyes wide with fear.

Miles nodded, “Alright, no more ghost stories. Here, take your phone back.”

However, William quickly shook his head and stepped back, “No way. What if that ‘138’ number calls again? I don’t want the phone. Just get rid of it.”

“But this is the latest X phone. You mentioned it cost over nine thousand, didn’t you?” Miles argued.

With a sheepish smile, William confessed, “I have a confession to make. I’m a bit of a secret rich kid. See all those shops along the street? They all belong to my family. I, William, am not hurting for cash. Later, I’ll ask my dad to get me a Nokia, or maybe even a pager. That way, I won’t have to worry about that terrifying phone call.”

“Why not just carry a walkie-talkie if your family is that well-off?” Miles suggested, his tone somewhat playful.

“Good idea. I’ll think about it,” William agreed.

The mention of the ominous ‘138’ phone number had everyone discarding their phones as if they were contaminated with fear.

Miles intervened, “Don’t just toss them aside, that’s wasteful.”

“Are you not afraid of taking these phones, Miles? They’ve been called by a ghost. What if it comes back?” Grace asked, her eyes wide in disbelief.

“I’ve got nothing to lose,” Miles shrugged. “And if I don’t use them, I can always sell them.” He picked up the discarded phones. “Are you all sure about this?”

A chorus of affirmatives greeted him.

He chuckled, “Fine. I’ll sell these second-hand. And just so we’re clear, any money I make is mine to keep. Next time we eat out, the bill’s still on you.”

Miles got up and turned to leave, a collection of eight or so phones in his hand.

“Coral, still pale from the night’s events, quickly piped up, “Take me with you.”

Miles paused, looking back at her, “You want to come and sleep at my place?”

Coral replied in a weak voice, “I wouldn’t mind staying at your place for a few days.”

Everyone, including Miles, was taken aback. Although Coral was not the most beautiful girl in the class, she had an athletic allure with her long legs and slender waist. Yet Miles, an ordinary guy, had never been close to her. Why would she suddenly latch onto him after one night?

The others were in the dark, but Miles understood. It wasn’t love or attraction that drew Coral to him, but fear. She was still terrified from their ghostly ordeal and longed for company.