It was one fateful night when a group of promising urban explorers' endeavors to achieve fame for being one of the most renowned individuals in their field would be put to their ultimate test--to explore the restricted, infamous Sartre Residence.
Their group is known to defy limits.
Nicolas Burns, known for his stern guidance towards his colleagues; Julia Everett is the most punctual member of the group, she always seem to find a laugh out of any dark situation; Blake Myers, known for his prowess in survival is also Nicolas' right hand; and finally, Samantha Roberts with her tendency to panic in the smallest of mishaps.
After their recent exploration in an abandoned laboratory, they stumbled upon an old house with a burnt facade. This immediately sparked Nicolas' interests, thinking that they might have just found the biggest score of their career.
"Guys, I think we just found our ticket to internet fame." said Nicolas as he pointed at the abandoned house.
"Don't tell me we're barging in that creepy looking house in the middle of the night. I'm tired." Samantha anxiously replied as she wrapped her arms around Julia.
"She's right, my camera is running low on battery already. I've used up my last battery while exploring that lab." Blake replied.
"We should just leave it be for now. We're exhausted as hell. You just don't know when to quit sometimes, eh Nico?" said Julia while rolling her eyes.
"There's something about that house, I can feel it. I feel some sort of calling--as if it's pulling me inside. I don't know how to describe it." said Nicolas as he continues to be mesmerized by the sight of the abandoned house.
"You're probably just exhausted, it was a real challenge getting in and out of that lab. I'm sure your mind is playing tricks on you. A good night sleep might help with that "calling" of yours." said Julia as she continues to be annoyed by Nico.
"You guys go ahead and book your hotel rooms, I wanna take a closer look at this house." Nicolas boldly replied.
"What--are you crazy?" Julia exclaimed.
"Relax, you guys go ahead. I'll just take a closer look and catch up to you guys when I'm done." Nicolas replied.
"Alright, but don't come running at us for help when you eventually disturb the evil spirits inside that creepy house." Samantha mockingly replied.
"Don't worry, I wont." Nicolas boldly responded.
"Suit yourself." Blake added as he led everyone to book their hotel rooms.
The midnight hour is at hand. The sky is consumed by darkness and the path to the house is dim. The path was paved with dead birds and had a strange, ominous ambiance. And as Nicolas trodded closer to the abandoned house, he was hindered by a voice that called out his name.
"Nicolas... Nicolas... Come inside and find what you seek." whispered the voice.
"Who are you? How did you know my name?" Nicolas shouted as he called out to the mysterious voice.
"Come inside, I will tell you how." replied the mysterious voice as it continued to persuade Nicolas to enter.
Unfazed by the voice, Nicolas paid no mind to his fears as he slowly walked towards the house. And as he was about to approach its door, he heard a familliar voice calling him.
"Nico! Nico! Your mom is calling you on my phone! Come quick and don't keep her waiting." shouted Samantha.
He slowly took a step back and ran towards Samantha.
"What happened to you? You look like you'd seen a ghost." asked Samantha.
"There was a voice calling out to me. It knew my name." Nicolas replied with a shaking voice.
"Oh you're just hearing things. You're just exhausted. Just answer your mom and get some rest, okay?" Samantha replied as she consoles Nicolas.
They walked towards the hotel and he was greeted by his colleagues at the lobby.
"God, you look awful. What happened to you?" Julia worriedly asked.
"I heard a voice coming from inside that house... It was calling out to me. Whatever it is, it knew my name." Nicolas replied as cold sweat came dripping down his forehead.
"Nico, you're being delusional right now. There's no such thing as "the voice", the four of us were there a few minutes ago. Don't you think that we would have heard it too? Look, man. You're just tired. Go take a shower, get yourself a nice meal and get some rest. You're hearing things. That's what an empty stomach and exhaustion does to you." said Blake as he gives Nicolas a pat in the back.
Nicolas took Blake's advice and went in his room. As he was taking a shower, he recollects the moments he had earlier and his encounter with the strange voice.
"Nicolas... Nicolas..." whispered the mysterious voice as he struggles to recollect himself.
"I don't know who you are, but soon I will know." he whispered to himself as he exits the bathroom.
He had troubles sleeping, but eventually passed out due to exhaustion. The following day, he would set out to find answers written behind those very walls.
