Midnight Shortcut Through the Village

Sayan took the shortcut through the village at midnight. Big mistake. The road stretched

endlessly, silent except for his footsteps. Then he heard it. Another set of footsteps

behind him. He stopped. They stopped. A child's laughter echoed through the

darkness. He reached the ancient banyan tree where locals say spirits gather.

An empty swing moved by itself, creaking in the still air. A deep voice whispered,

"It's our time now." Sayan turned to run but the road had vanished, replaced by dense

forest. Tree branches reached for him like twisted fingers. A cold white hand

gripped his shoulder. He spun around to face a massive black shadow with no face. His scream was the