“The Gardens of Widow’s Walk”
In the quaint town of Crow Hollow, the gardens surrounding the old mansion held a chilling reputation. For generations, locals whispered about Elizabeth Blackwell “Mother”, the widow who once tended to the lush grounds. Her husband, Jacob had mysteriously vanished one stormy night, and Elizabeth spent her days nurturing the roses, hiding a dark secret beneath their beauty.
One moonless night, a curious young woman named Dahlia decided to explore the gardens, daring to follow the widow's footsteps. As she wandered among the overgrown paths, she felt a cold presence, a sorrowful whisper in the wind. Shadows danced, and the roses seemed to close in around her. Dahlia reached the mansion, its door creaking open as if inviting her inside.
Up the winding staircase she climbed, her heart pounding with every step. At the top, she found an old rocking chair facing the window, gently swaying though no one sat in it. A gust of wind blew through the room, carrying a mournful melody. Suddenly, she felt a cold hand on her shoulder. She turned, but no one was there.
Terrified, she fled, stumbling over a loose floorboard. Beneath it, she discovered a hidden compartment, revealing a bloodstained locket and a diary. With trembling hands, she read Mother’s confession: in a fit of rage, she had killed Jacob and buried him in the garden, feeding his remains to the roses she so lovingly tended.
Dahlia’s blood ran cold as she realized the roses were thriving on more than just water and sunlight. She fled the mansion, the chilling laughter of the widow echoing in her ears. Dahlia never spoke of that night, but the townsfolk noticed the haunted look in her eyes whenever she passed the gardens. The legend of Widow's Walk grew, a reminder to all: some footsteps are better left unfollowed.
