THE HOUSE ON THE HILL

In my youth, a friend from the neighborhood and I visited a house in ruins on the outskirts of town. The house was and still is situated on a treeless hill. Inside it, there is a room with a blue door. Above the door, written in large red letters, there is a warning that says: "Whoever opens this door will experience all the pleasures of the world, but also all its horrors."

I still remember the shiver that ran down my spine when my friend Tomi opened the door. I remember running out. I remember the screams. I remember fleeing through the trees, too scared to look back.

The police never found my friend, and I never had the courage to return there. Until now. Standing in front of the door that haunted me for so many years, I start to tremble, but I control myself. I am an old man now and have nothing to fear. I turn the doorknob of the blue door, and the latch releases. The door opens, and a very bright light blinds me. Then I hear my friend's voice! Tomi's voice calling me! Still fearful, I lean forward and almost can't believe that after so many years, I finally dare to cross the threshold.

Almost immediately, I feel strong arms around me, pulling me. I feel unable to resist, and the arms finally pull me into a larger, very cold space.

Now I am hanging upside down, being shaken. I try to call for help, but it's futile, only a muffled scream comes from my throat. I start to lose consciousness, not fully understanding what is happening. I feel a figure wrapped in a bright white something, enveloping me in a warm and cozy blanket. I have no more strength and surrender to my fate. Before I pass out, I only manage to hear someone say: "Congratulations, it's a girl."

THE HOUSE ON THE HILL

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