Chapter 232: Don't Scream!
"Severe Warning!"
"All remaining humans in Maine, please take note! Memorize every single item recorded in the following content of this post."
"Do not scream! Do not scream! Do not scream!"
Matty Walker, who lived in downtown Augusta, was about fifteen years old.
At that moment, she stared at the content on the web page in surprise.
Her computer displayed the website of the Exorcism Agency's Maine branch.
The bold, red text was exceptionally prominent, ensuring that anyone entering the website would see the warning post first.
Matty had always held a high degree of trust in the information on the agency's branch website. After all, in the field of exorcism, they could certainly be considered authoritative.
Her fingers continued to scroll.
"Please pay attention, this is not a joke."
"If you still want to live, regardless of any terrifying things you encounter next, please keep your mouth firmly shut!"
"Because there is a Bizarre creature lurking in the shadows, watching us!"
"Those of you who like to open your mouth and scream loudly, take heed. It will take your tongue, your life, and turn your body into a puppet."
"If you don't want to lose your life, or have the Bizarre use your body to scare your family, always be cautious. Never carelessly open your mouth and scream out loud."
As Matty read the content below the post, she subconsciously covered her mouth tightly with her hand, her eyes filled with terror.
"Furthermore, remember to remind the people around you, but also pay attention to your own safety!"
"Finally, please take note!"
"Do not scream! Do not scream..."
Seeing the crimson text flashing at the end of the post, Matty tossed the computer aside and burrowed under her covers, shivering.
Just then, a familiar voice came from outside the door—it was Matty's brother, Crosley Walker.
"Matty, it's time to eat. Are you in your room? Matty? I'm coming in..."
The familiar voice eased Matty's expression, and the terror in her eyes slowly faded.
"I'm here, Crosley."
CLICK. Her bedroom door was pushed open, and a tall, robust young man stepped in.
"Time to eat, Matty! Mom's getting a bit angry!"
"Got it, I'm coming down right now!"
Hearing her brother's words, Matty pouted and immediately followed him toward the bedroom door.
"ROAR!"
But just as she reached the door, Crosley, who was in front of her, suddenly turned, made a terrifying face, and let out a beast-like roar.
The sudden shock sent Matty falling backward, and she instinctively wanted to scream.
But the flashing crimson letters that instantly crossed her mind made her clap her hand tightly over her mouth again.
"Eh? Didn't I scare you?" Crosley's surprised voice came from above.
Looking at the large hand extended toward her, Matty, still on the ground, involuntarily trembled.
This familiar face suddenly seems so strange. My brother Crosley… it feels like it's been a long time since he last entered my room! And ever since that accident years ago, he's never played such childish, malicious tricks on me.
"Get up! Did you hit your head or something?"
Crosley, looking impatient, extended his hand toward Matty, trying to pull her up.
"No need, I can do it myself!"
Seeing the hand getting closer, Matty quickly shook her head, scrambled up, and rushed downstairs.
I can't let this thing—this Bizarre—touch me!
"TSK."
Crosley, lingering behind, looked at his large hand, a mocking expression on his face.
He looked up at Matty's retreating figure, a mysterious glint flashing in his eyes.
"How interesting..."
Meanwhile, Matty, who had rushed downstairs in a panic, was frozen in place by a stern female voice.
"Matty, come and eat right now! This instant!"
She turned her head; it was her mother who had called her.
Seeing her mother's stern face, Matty wanted to tell her about Crosley's strange behavior. However, after thinking it over, she realized she had no evidence. Besides, a faint doubt about all of this lingered in her heart.
"I'm coming, Mom!"
As Matty approached the dining table, she saw her father holding a newspaper in front of him, seemingly engrossed in reading.
"Dad, stop reading the newspaper! It's time to eat!"
Matty knew her father liked to read the paper, but she had never seen him so engrossed.
What on earth could be in today's newspaper?
Shaking her head, Matty reached out to take the newspaper from his hands, urging him to eat first.
The process was smooth, without any resistance.
It was as if he wasn't holding the newspaper at all.
As the newspaper was pulled away, the sight behind it was suddenly revealed to Matty.
"MMH!"
She instinctively clamped her hand over her mouth, tears instantly brimming in her eyes.
A headless corpse sat quietly on the chair. The familiar ring on its finger confirmed it was unmistakably her father's body.
"No..."
Matty shook her head, refusing to believe what she was seeing.
A woman who looked identical to her mother stood beside the headless corpse, holding a sharp knife. While wiping the blade with a rag, she fixed Matty with a bizarre smile, staring intently into her eyes.
The scene before her completely shattered Matty's sanity, and she stumbled backward.
But after only a couple of steps, her back hit a solid chest.
Turning around, she saw her brother Crosley's familiar face.
"Matty, do you like our surprise gift?"
His gentle, familiar voice and the large hand stroking her head finally broke Matty's spirit.
"AHHH!"
A shrill, desperate scream suddenly echoed through the house.
Crosley, standing beside Matty, and the woman at the dining table simultaneously revealed bizarre smiles.
"Welcome to the family, dear Matty!"
A bizarre aura churned within the house, and the ear-piercing scream stopped as abruptly as it had begun.
「The next day, the weather in Augusta was exceptionally clear.」
"Matty? Why are you calling so early?"
America Weaver, who lived in another part of Augusta, looked at her phone in surprise.
After all, in my memory, Matty should still be in bed, sleeping in at this time.
"I had a fight with Mom and wanted to stay at your place for a while, is that okay?" Matty's voice was low, sounding very sad.
"Of course! We're best friends. You're always welcome here!"
"Thank you so much! That means a lot."