Nocturnal Journal–Mandy M. Roth

Okay, not death but a near death experience for me. I spotted this house and knew I had to stop and photograph it. I couldn’t not. The compulsion was too great. (I know now it was clearly the "other side" trying to lure me to my death. but, I got the pics so I’m okay with that.)

I had my camera with me (like always anymore). I pulled off the side of a country road that is not really heavily traveled but when someone does go down it, they don’t seem to understand there is a speed limit and dangerous curves. This house sits on one of those very curves.

I pulled way off the road, got out and began taking pics from every possible angle. Once I got over the initial creepy vibe the place let off (children of the corn-ish to the max) I was lost in the moment. Then I heard it, the sound of a car coming at a high speed. I didn’t think much of it. I figured I was safe because I wasn’t in the middle of the road. Hell, I was about fifteen feet from the gravel shoulder. But then I saw it, the kid (and I’m not just saying it, he couldn’t have been more than 16) flying around the corner in his car, on the wrong side of the road, more than hugging the shoulder. The very side I was standing near. He saw me and slammed on his breaks. Did I mention he was just a kid? I’m not sure if it was fear of hitting me, the old house or slamming into my SUV that did it for him but he managed to gain control of the car again and sat there for a min, clutching the wheel. I arched a brow and he looked very guilty. He stayed there a minute or two and I waved him onward because being parked at a dead stop on that curve left him a prime target for someone to come flying around that corner and nail him. I can’t be sure but I’m betting the kid wet himself.

Oh, and in case you’re wondering, I returned to taking pics but stayed on the backside of the house.