Reflection Of A Missing Boy

By JT WULF

The evening shadows had swallowed the last traces of twilight when 18-year-old Nancy Settler stepped into the dimly lit hallway of the Jamison residence. A palpable heaviness hung in the air, thick with the lingering scents of aged perfumes and an eerie silence. Nancy had tried to decline the offer to babysit the Jamison boy—the mother's text had been abrupt, almost desperate—but her desire to fit in as the new girl on the block overrode her reluctance.

As Mrs. Jamison hurried out with a strained smile, Nancy found herself alone with the young boy, who seemed oblivious to her presence, engrossed in the flickering chaos of cartoons on the television. Venturing deeper into the house, Nancy felt an inexplicable pull towards an antique mirror adorned with an ornate frame, its glass webbed with fractures. What she witnessed within those splintered depths would shatter the boundaries of her reality.

Staring back at her from the mirror's heart was the haunting face of a boy—not the one in the next room, but the child who had gone missing a year ago, his imploring eyes reaching out from an abyss of glass. Nancy's disbelief quickly gave way to a chilling realization: she was being entrusted with a truth that had clawed its way into the present, a mystery buried within these walls and awaiting someone like her to unveil it.

As Nancy vowed to uncover what happened to the enigmatic boy, a sinister force seemed to awaken within the house. Her frantic calls for Mrs. Jamison went unanswered, and the doors began locking themselves, trapping her inside. A disembodied child's voice echoed through the corridors, taunting her with promises of twisted games and a refusal to let her leave.

Just as panic threatened to consume her, Nancy's determination flickered like a fragile flame. She turned to the mirror once more, and the boy's reflection guided her towards a hidden staircase leading to the depths of the house. Descending into the shadows, Nancy found herself in a damp basement, where a solitary chair stood in the center, occupied by the very boy from the mirror.

In a heart-wrenching revelation, the boy confessed that he and his mother had perished in a car accident a year ago, their spirits bound to the house they once called home. Nancy's tears flowed not only for the boy's tragic fate but also for a newfound determination to bring justice to his restless soul.
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: True American Publishing
• Release date: Jan 16, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224429752

JT WULF

JT WULF is a best selling author in the genres of horror and suspense thriller. His books include: The Transition Hole, Dead, The Inn, The Cellar Door, The RIP Club, A Town Called Thereafter, Karma: The Final Payment 

Book preview

REAL INTERVIEW

Watch the Real Interview of 18-Year-Old Nancy Settler by JT Wulf at the Dead Encounter Podcast Episode #4 at www.deadencounter.com.

CHARACTERS

Nancy Settler: An 18-year-old girl with short brown hair and bright blue eyes that reflect her curiosity and intelligence. Friendly yet reserved, she strives to fit in as the new girl in town but can't shake her intuitive sense that something isn't quite right. Nancy is perceptive and courageous, with a strong sense of justice that drives her to help those in need.

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Ethan Jamison: A quiet, introverted 8-year-old boy with sandy blonde hair and wide, hazel eyes. He's often found engrossed in cartoons or playing with his toys, seemingly oblivious to the world around him. Ethan carries a secret sadness that he keeps hidden from those around him, making it hard for him to connect with others.

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Mrs. Jamison: A tall, slender woman in her late 30s with dark hair and striking features, she has an air of mystery about her. Her strained smile and hurried demeanor leave others feeling uneasy in her presence. She appears to be a loving mother, but beneath the surface lies a guarded heart hiding secrets from the past.

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The Boy in the Mirror: A pale, haunting figure with deep, imploring eyes that seem to reach out from beyond the glass. Though he appears to be around 10 years old, there's an ancient wisdom in his gaze that hints at an untold story. He communicates with Nancy through the mirror, guiding her as she seeks to uncover the truth.

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Mr. Jamison: A middle-aged man with a strong build and graying hair, he is a successful businessman who keeps to himself. He is often away on business trips, leaving his family behind. His aloof demeanor and secretive nature make it difficult for others to get close to him.

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The Mysterious Voice: An eerie disembodied voice of a child that echoes through the hallways of the Jamison residence, taunting Nancy and challenging her courage. Its intentions are unclear, and its origin remains a mystery.

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The Vengeful Force: A sinister, unseen presence with ties to the Jamison family. It lurks in the shadows, manipulating events and orchestrating a twisted plot with motives that remain elusive. This malevolent force is at the heart of the darkness that has enveloped the house and its inhabitants.

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Mrs. Parker: A kindly, elderly neighbor with a warm smile and a penchant for gossip. She's lived in the area for decades and seems to know everything about everyone. Her stories provide Nancy with valuable insight into the history of the Jamison family and the town itself.

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Detective Grayson: A seasoned detective in his mid-40s with sharp eyes and a no-nonsense attitude. He's well-respected in the community for his dedication to solving cases and bringing justice to those who have been wronged. Nancy crosses paths with him as her search for answers intensifies.

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Beth Fletcher: Nancy's best friend, a bubbly 18-year-old with long red hair and freckles. She's fiercely loyal and always ready to lend an ear or offer advice. Beth provides Nancy with emotional support and encouragement as she navigates the challenges that arise during her investigation.

INTRODUCTION

The evening shadows had swallowed the last traces of twilight when 18-year-old Nancy Settler stepped into the dimly lit hallway of the Jamison residence. A palpable heaviness hung in the air, thick with the lingering scents of aged perfumes and an eerie silence. Nancy had tried to decline the offer to babysit the Jamison boy—the mother's text had been abrupt, almost desperate—but her desire to fit in as the new girl on the block overrode her reluctance.

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As Mrs. Jamison hurried out with a strained smile, Nancy found herself alone with the young boy, who seemed oblivious to her presence, engrossed in the flickering chaos of cartoons on the television. Venturing deeper into the house, Nancy felt an inexplicable pull