Take a Leap of Faith

A short story.

They say that when old friends meet, you forget your sorrows and happiness becomes you. Jake gazed out of the window as the train approached the station. The conductor said, “Next stop Belleville! Arriving in 5 minutes.” Jake was eager to meet his two old pals and kept bending down to look out of the windows, it wasn’t difficult with his small stature, as he walked towards the exit door.

“There’s the bloody rascal!”, a voice yelled across the station platform. “Ryan!”, waved Jake. They both walked towards the car that was waiting with Lauren in the driver’s seat. It was almost ten years since the college friends met and there was no dearth of conversation as they rekindled their friendship. Jake, who was sitting in the back seat, was amazed at the quiet and beautiful neighborhoods. Just as Jake was thinking how tiny the houses are in Belleville, they entered Melrose Crescent, and in came the biggest monstrosity of a mansion on his left.

As they drove past the big mansion, Jake asked Ryan and Lauren about the place. “That’s the haunted mansion of Belleville! Don’t look at it!”, screamed Lauren. “I should have taken a different route”, said Lauren to Ryan. “Nonsense! That’s just nonsense, Jake. Don’t believe her!” said Ryan with a nonchalant attitude. Jake was even more interested now and excitedly asked for more details as the haunted house…