The following is based on actual events from our trip to Tennessee.
For part 1 of this piece: click here
Following along in her directions, we headed further down the road. The trees around us began to fade out and the road turned from gravel to pavement. Before we knew it, we were passing another intersection. I looked around and saw the red, shuttered “Doll House” from earlier. But we were already at least 10 minutes in the other direction from where we had seen that earlier. As we pulled away I looked back to double check and noticed that each worn down building looked exactly the same as the one we left behind earlier.
Something didn’t feel right but as our car started puttering out trying to suck up whatever fumes of gas it still could, I decided to leave those thoughts behind.
After passing a few more farms we returned to a dirt road and noticed a small gape in the forest ahead. A hand-written sign, on white poster board was taped to a tree outside the forest. In black sharpie, “The Smokes” was written across the board.
“No, no way. I’m not going there just call someone for help,” I said to Chase.
“Who? There’s no one out here and we haven’t had service for miles,” he replied.
We both looked out the window and noticed that the sun was setting.
“We’re probably just freaking out. We’re hungry and tired. You’re right. I’m sure it’s fine,” I said.
So we put the car into drive and entered the small path in the forest. The white sign taped to the tree was behind us and we focused on the road ahead. Just as I began to see a building, the fog grew ahead of us.
“That has to be a gas station,” I told Chase.
“What? I don’t see anything,” he replied.
“It was there, behind the fog I swear I saw something. That has to be it.”
He shook his head a little and continued on. Just ahead of us, the fog began to break. A building took shape but we could barely see anything as the darkness had already started closing on the forest. Just as we began exchanging glances, a scream came from the building.
Without thinking, we jumped out of the car. Chase grabbed my hand and we ran forward. As we were running closer, I pulled out my phone and notice a bar of service pop up. I dialed 911 and listened to the operator come on: the line.
“Meghan. Meghan this isn’t a gas station.” Chase said as he began to pull me back.
I couldn’t listen. I picked up my phone and started yelling for the operator to come find us. I looked over to show Chase I was getting help but my hand was empty and he was gone. I dropped my phone and ran ahead.
“Chase! Chase! Where are you? Please!” I screamed.
“Meghan!” I heard from inside the house.
I ran inside, my heart pounding, looking around trying to find him. I turned the corner, running and panicking when all of the sudden, she was there. Just sitting there. Looking at me. The old woman from the gas station. Her eyes were blank and a small smirk grew across her face. I noticed something familiar behind her. A tiny town figure of the old red building with the Doll House sign sat on the mantle.
“You made it.” She said.
“Where is he?” I yelled.
She didn’t answer. Her smirk grew and I could feel breathing behind me. I slowly turned over my shoulder, ignoring the shaking in my bones. The thick smell of iron filled my nose. Fresh blood wafted throughout the room and I saw Chase standing behind me. Barely breathing, blood pouring from his head. I reached for him and he fell to the floor in my arms.
“Chase! Please, are you OK? What happened? Chase!” I called to him.
He barely looked up at me, too focused on breathing. On staying alive.
“You know, it amazes me every time that you still come back here.” The old woman said. “Each time, no matter what happens. No matter how many signs come your way, you two always circle back.”
Just as I was about to ask her what she was talking about, she dove at me, knife in hand. The pain lasted for a second as the knife stung through my head and I screamed, ready to die.
“Meghan! What’s wrong? Why are you screaming?” Chase said.
I opened my eyes and saw the afternoon sun pouring in through the car windows. The forest was bright and airy around us. Chase looked down at the gas light as I tried to catch my breath.
“Crap. We’re running out of gas. We need to find a station somewhere.” He said.
