I sat there, petrified. Just the thought of being here freaked me out.

I had heard a lot about this place but never thought I’d become part of it. Like many of the locals, I knew the history. It had been built over one hundred years ago; by the people who would later haunt the halls, whispering memories of their misgivings to any innocent ear that cared to listen.

It had been dark when I arrived. Dark enough, at least, for me to see them. They were everywhere. As I climbed the rickety stairwell, I could see them below. They were seated at the dinner table enjoying the meal of the day, joining in the bustling conversation, socialising with the mob.

Their voices reverberated through my mind. Starting like a soft breeze and ending up sounding like a howling gale, they had tales to tell. All of them. All at once. Their constant sound was maddening!!

I smile at the memory as new blood is delivered to me and the bars are slammed shut on his old life. He is left alone with his thoughts and I can’t help feeling a twinge of familiarity. I wonder how long it will take before I scare him completely.

Welcome to prison my friend. "BOO!!"