The place was boarded up. It was old. I don’t know how old, but I know it was one of the oldest buildings in this small town.

And I’d heard all the tales. “The last owner killed his wife and child before his disappeared.”

“The place is haunted.”

“If you go in there, he’ll get you!”

Come on, people. Really, now. It was the 21st century! How people could still believe in spooks and spirits was beyond me. So, some of the kids in my class dared me. “You’re not scared? Prove it. Spend the night there.”

“Alright, I will. Tonight.”

I found a window with a loose board, and I crawled in. It was dusty. No one had been there in decades.

I cleared a spot on the floor and laid my sleeping bag out. My flashlight went out.

You’re in my house!

What the hell?! “Who’s there!”

I’ve got you! he said. I turned around, and there he was. And now, you’ll never leave!

They were right. He got me.

200 years I’ve been alone with him, his wife and kids.

And now, he’s after you. Turn around.

And welcome to the family.