The Curse of Caroline Kaswell

By Dan Diaz

About the Book
The story of Caroline is one that feels unique. Twist and turns will leave you guessing as she discovers the terrors around her curse. Mystery and horror oozes from her hometown undergoing with experiences of sins. This story brings in a full side of different characters. Each one revealing a separate take on Caroline’s misfortune.
About the Author
Dan Diaz has taken an interest in creating short stories at a young age. Growing up he uncovered the desire of diving into the story and characters’ development. The inspiration of writing this book came upon when Diaz discovered his creativity of coming up with alternative endings for movies or shows he’d seen. He felt that a story could have multiple directions and outcomes. Diaz comes from a Mexican background as a Latino raised in El Paso, Texas. He has a bachelor’s degree in 3D Animation and Visual Effects and was in theater in high school.
This is his first published book.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dorrance Publishing Company
• Release date: Oct 31, 2023
• ISBN: 9798886839159

Book preview

Curse_Page_i.epsCurse_Page_ii.eps

Chapter 1

---

The Nightmare

I stood surrounded in pure silence in a dark cold room. I look down and notice I’m wearing my white nightgown. Standing there I realized I couldn’t recognize the place. This is not my house or any other house I recall being at. I looked above and noted the ceiling consumed by spiderwebs. My body cringed with the thought of spiders crawling around me. I shook my head for a moment and took a few steps. The hardwood floor squeaked with each step I took.

The walls were made of dark wood and have portraits hanging on them. A picture of a young woman with vivid blood red hair and green piercing eyes. Other portraits with a dark figure that I couldn’t distinguish. An old piano placed by the fireplace. Red sofas surround it with a red rug in the center. A black wooden coffee table on top with dusty books and candles scattered about. The candles and fireplace illuminated the area. There’s only one thing going through my mind, this place is giving me the creeps and I need to get out of here! I approach the front door and turn the doorknob, but it won’t budge. After a few more attempts, I realized I was stuck there.

My hands began to tremble. I grabbed a candle from the fireplace and warmed myself a little. After gathering my thoughts I started to investigate the house. There’re five rooms on the first floor, two on the right side by the fireplace, the other two on the left, and the last one behind the staircase. On the second floor, there are three rooms one as soon as you go up the staircase and the other two on each side of the house. I tried opening all the doors but had no luck. I walked down the stairs to the main floor, and I noticed a jigsaw puzzle piece on the ground right in the center. That wasn’t there before. I reached to pick it up and it could barely fit in my hand.

It appeared that its design could be part of an ocean or a beach. I searched for the other pieces, when suddenly, I heard a noise coming from one of the rooms. I was stunned, the thought of someone else in the house with me hadn’t crossed my mind. I went towards the door which is located on the right side of the fireplace. Hello, is anyone there? I asked. It got quiet… uncomfortably quiet. I wasn’t sure if I was relieved or scared that there wasn’t a response.

Ahhh!!!, I screamed. I dropped the puzzle piece to the ground. It had grown sharper around the edges giving me minor cuts on my hand. Blood came rising from my fingers and I quickly rubbed them against my nightgown . Great! I’m stuck in this terrifying house and now I have a bloody white dress.

The door began to shake, and I gasped catching my breath. I looked down below the door and on the ground, there was a hole shaped like a square. Could this be for the puzzle? I turned around, and sure enough, the other puzzle pieces were hanging around the portraits. It was like if the house wanted me to complete the puzzle, but for what purpose. I tried not questioning it as I wanted to leave this place and if this was the only way out, I was willing to do it. I grabbed the rest of the puzzle pieces carefully making sure I didn’t cut myself again. Once I had them all I ran up to the door to finish it up. It took me a few minutes to complete it. A loud click came from the door as I entered the last piece. The doorknob slowly turned. Terrified I cringed my eyes, I wasn’t sure what to expect on the other side. The door cried wide open, it was dark and ominous. I grabbed the candle and slowly made my way in. I felt my feet sink a little with each step I took. Sand?

I was walking through what seemed like an endless hallway filled with many dark figure portraits, and then I was standing around a beach before I knew it. It was nighttime. The sky was dark, and clouds covered the full moon. A small breeze came upon blowing my snow wavy hair across my face. I looked around and no one was there to be found. The beach seemed familiar. It didn’t take me long, but I was at Moonlight Beach. The beach a couple of miles from my house. How and why did I end up here? It was too quiet it made me feel uneasy. I then heard a loud scream behind me, it sounded like a young man. I quickly turned and saw a dark cave and it stood where the door I came from once stood. I knew I shouldn’t enter but my curiosity overpowered my sense of self-preservation. Before I knew it, I was shivering and slowly making my way getting closer and closer to the cave. Before entering the clouds parted and the ray of moonlight illuminated the entrance. It revealed a peculiar shadow. I looked harder as I wanted to see what it was. But what I didn’t know it was death itself. A long black tattered cloak floating a few inches above the ground. I felt my body moving even before I processed the movement inside my brain. I had screamed so loudly I could still hear my ears ringing. I ran in terror, but my feet kept getting caught by the sand making it hard to do so. I had no sense of direction and found myself paralyzed by the shore. I felt its horrifying presence, I could feel it floating behind me. Its arm reached out to grab me. Its cold bony fingers went through my hair and pulled me down into the water. Completely petrified I couldn’t move a single muscle and in the blink of an eye, I felt my last breath be filled with salty water. My body felt light as a feather. I could see myself floating above the ocean.

Chapter_break_image.psd

Caroline

Kaswell’s Residence- Caroline’s Bedroom

September 14, 6:30 a.m.

I heard the sound of the alarm go off. At that moment, I woke up. My heart was pounding so hard and fast it felt like it was going to burst. I took a few breaths to relax and wiped off the sweat from my face. It was just a dream, I said to myself relieved. I slowly got up from my bed still shaking. I walked towards the window and watched the colored leaves falling from the tree. I soon heard my mother calling for me. I left the room and made my way downstairs. She stood there by the staircase. Her beautiful red hair could be seen down to her hips and her eyes were like mine bright hazel eyes.

Morning, sweetie. Let me give you a hug for your seventeenth birthday. You’ve grown up so lovely. She said while approaching me. I felt her arms come around me and pressed on me tightly. Here I want you to take this as your gift, She held an exquisite amulet.

Mom, this is so pretty! Where did you get this from? I asked. I’ve never seen you wear this amulet before. The amulet had a pendant with a small red rose on it.

It has been passed down in our family for generations and I have kept it away until today. I think it is time for you to have it. She waves to me to turn around. I carried my hair in one hand and held it away for her.

Thank you, Mom! I love it! I told her as I looked down and gently caressed it.

It’s perfect. Also, don’t forget Adam will be here later this afternoon.

Right! Today he move’s in. I’ll be here right after school.

Adam is the name of my younger cousin or as I prefer to call him, my younger brother. He’s starting as a freshman in my high school and is moving in with us temporarily. His mother passed beginning of Summer. Not much has been spoken about it since they may think it was a homicide. His father was arrested recently as a suspect. It’s been a really devasting time for all of us. However, my mother and Adam still try to keep things from me, almost like if they were walking on eggshells around me. I couldn’t blame them for being cautious due to recent events.

My mother and I are the only family Adam has left. I was very excited to have him living with us, but I wished it was under better circumstances. Adam and I are a lot alike. We used to trick other people making them believe we were twins. Both of us were the same height and have the same hair color, white as snow. Our bond is very strong. We are both an only child and felt a strong connection ever since we were little. For that reason, we preferred to refer each other as siblings.

I rushed for a refreshing shower and a pair of new clothes. Once I was done, I brushed my hair and I stared at myself in the mirror and held my amulet with such great joy. I couldn’t believe how beautiful it is. I was happy for a moment, even after enduring a difficult relationship with my mother in the past. I made my way down and noticed how much my mother had changed. She was a completely different person than before. I was thankful and gave her a kiss on my way out.

I headed to school which was only a few miles away. It was a public school in process of becoming a private school for the rich. My mom didn’t have a wealthy job but when my father passed, he left everything to her to take care of us. At school, we had to wear uniforms. All the girls wore black plaid skirts and jackets; a white button-up shirt with a red bow around the collar. While the guys wore black plaid pants and jackets; a white button-up shirt with a red tie. The black plaid blazers consisted of a small lion crest of our school logo. I liked walking there, especially during the fall. It gave me the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the colors from the leaves. I lived in a very nice wealthy neighborhood with beautiful houses. Across the street at the end of the corner stood a two-story house with a balcony in the backyard. The light cream colors on the walls, a lovely fountain with birds singing and the big tree with a tire swing. It was my dream house, and I would always imagine myself living there; my father pushing me back and forth on the swing. I could stare at it for ages, but I knew my reality wasn’t as how I imagined. I continued down the street and I knew my least favorite house was approaching. I walked by the most horrifying house, scarier than haunted houses from stories.

My classmates tell terrifying stories about the house. They’d say it’s haunted by an evil witch’s spirit. I knew it was all bull crap. But could it be possible? I just tried my best to avoid it. Walking by it gave me an awful presence as though someone was watching me from the inside. Soon enough a strange figure came running towards me.

CAROLINE! Happy birthday! the strange figure shouted running down the street. It was Lucy Matsui. She and I became recent friends during summer school.

Thank you, Lucy, I told her as I was being crushed by her.

Can’t believe you are year older! Tell me, how does it feel? She asked me excitedly waiting for my response. Lucy had recently turned sixteen. She had skipped a grade and was tired of classmates making fun of her age.

It really isn’t a big deal. I thought it would be, but I still feel the same way, I told her as I saw her cleaning her glasses with her shirt. She always braided her dark hair into two ponytails.

Caroline, don’t ruin the excitement for me! People will finally stop teasing you and treating you like a baby. She sounded frustrated as she was speaking for herself.

I’m sure those boys will get tired of teasing you. I smiled.

What? I wasn’t talking about me, bu –but how do you know they will?

You’ll just have to wait until graduation, I stated while watching Lucy’s smile turn into a frown of disappointment.

Chapter_break_image.psd

Caroline

Elk Valley High School

8:30 a.m.

We continued walking until reaching the school grounds, Elk Valley High. We made our way inside the building feeling like prey. Everyone staring at me and whispering about me as we walk by. I did my best to ignore them, but it’s been like this since school started a few weeks ago. I couldn’t blame them. I’ve done something that a lot of people can’t forget so easily. Lucy and I made our way to the second floor and headed to our classroom. I held the door wide open, and Lucy went right in. The room was quiet. I remembered last year on my birthday everyone wished me happy birthday and brought me balloons and flowers. I guess things definitely have changed since then. Part of me felt sad but I wasn’t going to let it ruin my day.

Our teacher, Samira Fitz, walked inside behind us. She was wearing her favorite purple skirt with her white button-up blouse. Lucy always told me that Ms. Fitz should be a model. She has beautiful pale skin and dark wavy hair.

Alright class, it’s time to start the lecture. Please take your seats. Mike, will you go ahead and read the first paragraph on page twenty-one when everyone returns to their desks, please? Ms. Fitz said as she grabbed her book and sat at her desk.

Uh sure… Ms. Fitz…z, Mike replied nervously.

I made my way through the third row behind Lucy and in front of Mike Lavington. Mike and I used to be friends. Things changed during our junior year. While growing up he suffered from stuttering and being overweight. Eventually he got over it and was very athletic for a while but before junior year started, he had let himself go and started regaining all his weight. Even his stuttering came back and has only gotten worse. He let his dark hair grow into a round shape like a mushroom and everyone in class makes fun of him for it. I felt bad for him but I myself wasn’t far back behind him. I was also being teased and talked about as much as him. I turned around and saw him turn over the page to start reading. He was nervous and I could see his sweat starting to drip down his forehead. He had a few crumbs around his mouth and his fingertips were caught with flavory cheesy seasoning.

Thee mitho—condrion. No, wait mito…condron. Mike stuttered. I could hear giggles slowly started to get louder and louder.

It’s Mitochondria, stutter boy, Luke corrected him. At this point most of the class was laughing.

Alright class that’s enough! Ms. Fitz yelled. Unless you all want to stay an extra hour this afternoon, I will suggest to stop joking around, She continued looking over at Luke. Thank you, Mike. I’ll go ahead and have Rick continue where you left off.

Behind me, next to Mike, sat Luke Calloway. He’s the tallest guy in our class and his ego and arrogance were the same size as him. He came from one of the two wealthiest families in our town which only kept boosting up his ego. He carries himself with pride and dresses the part for it to the point. His gold wavy hair and clear smooth skin. Wearing his uniform like a glove and his perfect crafted tie. I didn’t see what the big deal was about him, but I had to admit he’s very popular with the other girls in class.

Next to me on the second row sat Rick Nixon. The mysterious guy, a lone wolf and a bit rebellious. He wears his uniform a bit loose and never has his tie completely tight. Rick has messy dark red hair and blue eyes like the dark sea in a stormy night. He never speaks to anyone unless he has to. He had transferred from our rival school, Woods River High, back during our Junior year last spring. Everyone was talking about him and still do to this point. Since it’s a small town the townsfolk only gossip about the newcomers or changes that made them feel uneasy. They are always up on everyone’s business. I saw him clear his throat before he began reading. He’s changed a lot since the accident. I thought to myself. Shortly after he transferred, his parents died from a car accident by the school’s entrance. They died instantly from the collision. He continues to blame himself for their death and somehow, I feel like he blames me too. We haven’t fully spoken since the summer before our Senior year started. I’ve attempted in multiple occasions to speak with him but manages to find a way to avoid me.

It had been a long, sad, and boring day. Not what I had in mind for my birthday.

Thankfully, the bell rang for the end of the school day. I saw Rick sneak through the crowd and was the first one by the door.

Rick, wait! I yelled as I stood up.

Happy Birthday Caroline. He stated as he walked away.

Ah Caroline, you need to give up. It’s been a while since you have been trying to talk to him and he keeps avoiding you, Lucy observed.

You may be right. I replied as we walked out of the classroom. We saw Joel Calloway approaching us, another student from our class.

Hey isn’t Joel, the principal’s son? Lucy asked. She was still getting adjusted to meeting all seniors in our class since she’s new to the class.

Yeah, and he is also Luke’s cousin. They may look a bit identical with their blonde hair and all, but he isn’t anything like his cousin. I added.

That’s good to hear. Lucy commented.

Hey Lucy, Joel called out. He came at ease and a bit shy. He comes from the same wealthy family like Luke, The Calloways. He also gets additional privileges from being the principal’s son but didn’t show it off like his cousin does.

Hi Joel. Lucy greeted.

Just wanted to tell you that we are reviewing your application for the journalism team. We will have our decision soon, Joel stated.

Great! Can’t wait! Lucy responded enthusiastically.

I’ll catch you guys later. Joel left the scene. Lucy and I headed towards our lockers. So you finally turned seventeen, a strange wicked voice said from behind us.

Sandra, I stated as I turned around.

Sandra Perez is not your typical girl. She is different from all the girls in our class; very smart and pretty. Sandra has long brunette hair, paired with bright green eyes, and light skin. The combination made her very appealing to the opposite sex. Her