Hollow Man

By Diane S Kersey

In the heart of the ancient woods, where shadows stretch long and echoes of forgotten tales swirl in the mist, I thought I had found solace. My home, a weathered cabin entwined in the embrace of nature, has always been a sanctuary from the chaos of the world. But when whispered legends come to life, serenity turns into terror. 

I find myself being confronted by the Hollow Man—a supernatural creature born from nightmares, both haunting and relentless. With a terrifying rake—a sinister entity that preys upon fear—by his side, our peaceful existence spirals into a harrowing fight for survival. Together with my friends, we discover the depths of fear as they unleash an assault that seems never-ending.

 

Trapped in a twisted game of cat and mouse, we will uncover the cursed history that binds the Hollow Man to these woods. Each night, the shadows grow darker, the air heavier with dread, and we struggle to keep our wits as madness creeps closer. Each encounter leaves us shaken, and only the flickering flame of hope keeps us moving forward.

Will we find a way to end their relentless pursuit, or will the woods become our final resting place? 

"Hollow Man" is a gripping psychological supernatural horror fueled by courage, friendship, and the primal terror hidden within the dark recesses of the mind, where reality blurs with the supernatural, and survival comes at an unimaginable cost.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Publishdrive
• Release date: Jan 17, 2025

Book preview

Hollow Man

© Diane S Kersey 2025

Chapter 1

It was not until later that evening around ten or so, that I noticed the deep foreboding stillness surrounding my house and the woods which bordered it. The stars twinkled in the night sky and the moon cast an eerie shadow over the tree line of the woods. There was a palpable stillness in the air. No animals, birds or crickets made their usual sounds tonight as they usually did. The woods were always alive with their sound, but there was something different.

I would often sit outside on the porch, coffee in hand and just gaze out at the wide sprawling sea of trees before me. It was a beautiful sight, and the sound of the flowing brook nearby completed the scenery. But tonight, something was off. I could not put my finger on it, and the quiet of the night just put me on guard for some reason. I told myself that it was just my imagination, but the other part of me told myself to get inside and bolt all the doors and lock every window. I’ve never been skittish before, and as I thought about it, still sitting on the porch, something was out there, way in front of me. I could feel eyes on me from a distance. Cold calculating eyes that could see what I could not. A shiver ran down my spine as I got up and tossed the last dregs of coffee out onto the ground beyond the porch. I could feel it now. A slight breeze had picked up, but with it an unknown sense of danger. A shiver ran down my spine as II gave a last short look into the tree lined darkness before me and turned to walk inside. Suddenly I heard a faint sound, barely audible from where I was standing. It sounded like rasping laughter. I really did not linger to find out which, but hurriedly went inside and bolted the door behind me. I went to every room that had a window and rolled the metal window blinds down and locked them in place. Thank heavens I had the foresight to have these metal roller blinds installed above every window. Bears were known to roam this part of the woods, so I had to make sure to bear proof my home just in case.

I have never felt so happy about doing so, until now.

I put the kettle on the burner again and brought the water to a boil. I took it off before the pot started to whistle. Filling my mug again, I dragged out a chair and sat by the round kitchen table.

A basket of fruit sat at its center but I had no appetite. I had my cellphone on charge in front of me and I wondered to myself whom I might call at this late hour, just to hear another human voice at the other end of the line. I could phone Carolyn or Taylor, but they would be here with bells on if I did. Even trying to convince them that there was nothing wrong and that I just wanted to talk, would not have stopped them from driving out this way to be with me. Such were my friends.

As I sat there, I wondered long and hard about the thing in the woods near my home. Sure, I have heard of the legend of Bigfoot and other so called cryptids, but surely, something such as that, if they existed at all, would venture so close and scare me half to death. Would it?

As I pondered this, I thought about my two Labradors, Rusty and Oak. Such a weird name for a dog. Oak! But I loved her very much. They loved to roam the woods near the house on their own. Always coming back home in time for dinner. On this particular Saturday, in November last year, they ventured a little too far from the house than they usually did, and they never returned.

I hunted for weeks for them, but to no avail. I even had the county sheriff friend of mine looking for them too at one stage. After two months, I knew that they were gone, for sure. It took me a long time to get over the loss of my two beloved dogs. I never thought to replace them.

After their disappearance, Carolyn urged me to move into town, but I had adamantly refused.

I have always liked the woods. I loved the sound of the animal’s sounds emanating from it and my bubbling brook. This was my home. My comfort zone and nothing could tear me away. My mind wandered again to the unfamiliar noise I heard outside. I got up and walked to the gun safe at the back of the house. I took out a shotgun and a hand gun. I laid them carefully on the table and retrieved some ammo from the top of my kitchen cupboard. I always kept my guns and ammo separate.

Checking to see if both were fully loaded, I replaced the ammo and sat down and stared at my phone. I would have probably jumped right out of my seat had it begun to ring, but it did not. Still I felt the urge to call someone. I shrugged and decided to go have a cool shower.

As I stood in the dim light of the kitchen, trying to steady my nerves, the sudden chirp of my phone startled me. I glanced at the screen—an unknown number. For a fleeting moment, I hesitated.

Should I answer it? My heart raced as I remembered the eerie stillness outside.

Chapter 2

Come on, just pick it up, I muttered to myself, shaking my head. I pressed the green button.

Hello? I said cautiously, trying to sound braver than I felt.

Hey, it’s me, Carolyn! Her voice broke through the tension, a warm wave of familiarity washing over me. I was just thinking about you. How’s everything going?

I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding. Oh, you know, just the usual. Enjoying the peace and quiet, I replied, trying to keep my tone light.

Peace and quiet? At this hour? You’re kidding, right? You should be watching a movie or something, not sitting out there alone, she chided playfully.

Actually, I was just out on the porch, I admitted, glancing toward the door that led out to the darkness. But it got a little... unsettling.

Unsettling? What do you mean? Carolyn asked, concern creeping into her voice.

I hesitated, debating whether to share what I had felt. I don’t know. Just a weird vibe. I thought I saw something in the woods, and I heard this strange noise. It sounded like laughter, but not the good kind.

Laughter? That’s creepy! Are you sure you didn’t just imagine it? she asked, her tone shifting from playful to serious.

I wish I could say I was imagining it, I replied, running a hand through my hair. "But it felt real.

I’ve never felt this way before, Carolyn. It’s like something is watching me."

Okay, okay. Stay calm. Do you have your shotgun with you? she asked, her voice firm and reassuring.

Yeah, I’ve got it, I said, glancing at the table where I had placed the guns. "But it’s not just that.

I’ve lost my dogs, and now I’m sitting here thinking about what might be lurking out there. It’s just... too much."

I understand. But remember, you’re not alone. You have me. Why don’t I come over? I’ll bring some snacks, and we can watch a movie together. You’ll feel better, she suggested.

I hesitated, feeling a flicker of relief at the thought of company. Are you sure? It’s late, and it’s a bit of a drive.

Of course, I’m sure! You need someone there with you. I’ll be there in thirty minutes. Just lock the doors and don’t let that creepy laughter get to you! she chuckled lightly, trying to ease my tension.

Okay, I’ll be waiting, I said,