I was reading when my eyes felt the softest hands on my face. You couldn’t mistake my joy when I saw my granddaughter. 

“Let’s go, Nanny,” she said. “I’m taking you to lunch.” 

“Such a pleasant surprise, dear.” 

“You read murder mysteries all the time, so I’m taking you to one,” she revealed as she whisked me away.

The room darkened, setting the stage for the actors to enter.

After the lights were out, an aura of mysticism filled the room immediately.

Creepy, creaking sounds filled the atmosphere. 

I knew it was a Murder Mystery train, but I felt a cold chill.

I was beginning to feel it would be much more frightening than I had expected.

“Be Gone, were the first words spoken. You’re not needed here.”

I thought, What on earth does he mean? 

Fear stirred within me.

“Fear not,” I hear him say. 

Trembling, I wonder how he knows I’m afraid?

A long silence, along with heavy breathing, permeates the room.

Something or someone brushes past my shoulder. 

I scream. 

I cannot stop. 

Suddenly, the lights go up.

 I hear shouts of “Surprise!!! Happy Birthday!!!”

2022©Isadora Delavega

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