The door was ajar.
“Dare you to go in,” chided Magnus.
“What’s in there?” asked his little brother, Ulysses.
“Probably dead bodies. Maybe a few dead animals,” answered Magnus. “Just a bunch of dead stuff. Nothing that could hurt you.”
As if on cue, the wind blew a flurry of dead leaves past the boys with a dry rustle. A few settled in the open doorway. Ulysses instinctively stepped behind his brother, so Magnus was between him and the door.
“Dead stuff can’t hurt you, you know,” Magnus continued. “It’s dead.”
Ulysses cowered even more.
“Dare you,” Magnus said again.
The stone faces on either side of the door frowned at the two boys as if to say, DO NOT ENTER. The door creaked a little with the next gust of wind, like a low heavy sigh.
“Did you hear that?” asked Ulysses.
Magnus nodded. “Dead bodies moan sometimes. I read that in a book.”
The door moved, almost imperceptibly. Both boys looked at each other.
“Do dead bodies open doors?” asked Ulysses.
“Don’t be dumb,” answered Magnus. “Just go look.”
Slowly the younger brother tiptoed toward the door, looking back at his brother multiple times.
“Go on,” hissed Magnus.
Slowly, Ulysses placed a trembling hand the massive stones framing the door. With his other hand, he pushed open the door.
Suddenly, a hand from inside reached out and yanked him in.
Magnus screamed and ran.
The Unicorn Challenge: Write a story of no more than 250 words. Base it on the photo prompt.
Who/what is behind that door?! I wish I knew.
Hot Dogs and Marmalade 
Very eerie.
Yes, indeed
🥹
Magnus will pay for that! If his brother escapes little Ulysses will one day grow up and we all know revenge is best served cold. If he doesn’t escape their mother will surely be distraught and I imagine Magnus will face dire consequences!!
Ulysses is definitely the better of these two. Yes, yes — I need to write a story of him exacting his revenge some time in the future.
I don’t like Magnus at all. Why did he show up in my story?
when it’s ajar*
From ancient childhood memory of one of a thousand nonsensical jokes and riddles
this story is also akin to the other category of story one (older) child told (younger) child
enjoyable nevertheless
Thanks, Clark. When I sit down to write these — and especially today because my week has been so full — I just write. I do it without having read any of the other responses. I laughed when I saw that you had used the same old joke for your story! Great minds think alike?
Thank you!
We have to hope that young Ulysses, like his better known namesake, is able ‘to strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.’
And, Sally, I have to say that Magnus is a wee snotter.
Magnus is a TOTAL snotter. Nobody likes a Magnus. Ulysses, I’m sure, will be the better for whatever dreadful unknown awaited him!
Sirens, perhaps? I always kinda fancied being lured to my doom by a siren…
Older brother were ever thus. That’s why decided not to have one. 😉
It doesn’t matter who’s on the other side of the door – I’m terrified anyway!
Where an older brother is concerned, there surely can come no good, but even so, that hand made more than Ulysses jump!
And typical of a Magnus to scream and run!
You really capture the atmosphere and the characters of the two boys – great story.
I’m always so glad to read your thoughts. You’re so encouraging! Thank you!
I really enjoyed that. Well done, Sally.
Thanks, Chris!
That build-up – spooky! I was hoping Ulysses would come out on top in this story, but no. Fingers crossed that there’s something harmless behind that door, although its ‘recruitment’ method isn’t particularly comforting.
I woke up this morning with an epiphany about this story. I finally understand it!
What if what lies behind that door is ultimately good? Sometimes I think the build-up from others just builds up our own fears. The unknown IS scary — but it isn’t always bad.
Wow. That sounds interesting. I wonder if there’s another story in your epiphany. (I imagine you’re glad it happened after you woke up and not in the middle of the night.)
Maybe there’s another story there. I’ll have to wait and see.
AAAAAH! I’m really hoping Ulysses was punking his brother, with help from a friend….yeah, that’s where I’m going with this one. 😉
Ooh — I like that explanation!
Magnus will live to regret his abandonment. Or perhaps not!
Mwahahahaha! 🧟♂️🧟♂️ 🤣
Yikes! Sounds like one of my nightmares. There’s always a door. I’ve never been snatched in, but sometimes, something tries to push it open or hold it closed.