LEGEND

 

The Legend of the Witch’s Curse

 

Long before Thornhill Woods became the quiet neighbourhood it is today, the land was said to belong to a mysterious witch known only as Hazel Blackwood. Hidden deep within the forest, she lived in a crooked cottage where no birds sang, and no sunlight ever reached the ground. The villagers feared her, whispering that she could speak to the dead, command the shadows, and curse anyone who dared cross her path.

One cold autumn night, the villagers gathered with torches and drove Hazel from her home. As the flames consumed her cottage, she disappeared into the darkness, but not before making one final promise.

“You may destroy my home… but every October, I shall return. Those who enter my woods will never leave unchanged.”

The next morning, the cottage had vanished without a trace.

Years passed, and the legend slowly faded. But every Halloween, strange things began happening in Thornhill Woods. Thick fog would roll in without warning. Children spoke of hearing an old woman whispering their names. Brooms were found standing upright on their own. Black cats watched silently from the shadows before disappearing into thin air.

Then came the pumpkins.

Each October 28th, carved jack-o’-lanterns mysteriously appeared throughout the woods, their glowing eyes pointing toward a path that wasn’t there the day before. Those brave or foolish enough to follow the trail claimed they heard bubbling cauldrons, fluttering bats overhead, and the cackling laughter of a witch echoing through the trees.

Few who entered ever spoke about what they saw.

Those who did shared the same warning:

“Don’t look into her eyes… don’t drink from the cauldron… and whatever you do… never accept her invitation.”

Now, every year from October 28–31, the curse awakens once more.

 

NOTE: This legend is a work of fiction!