Mystery Adventures for Kids: Exciting Tales for Young Explorers

STORY 1 – THE STRANGE NIGHT

I was traveling down a very dark and lonely country road. I was tired from driving all day, and sleep was an absolute must. The danger of

driving any farther would surely bring death without mercy. I needed to find a place to stay alive.

Then, from out of nowhere, I saw a house on the side of the road. I stopped the car, got out, and walked up to the front door. It was about midnight, and I could see a light through the window, so I knocked. Not knowing who would answer—or if anyone would even bother—I could only hope that sleep was in my near future.

With heavy eyes, I waited impatiently. Finally, the door opened. A man with a long red beard, wearing blue jeans held up with suspenders, stood before me. Inside, I could see a gun case full of shotguns and two German shepherds sleeping beside a blue recliner.

In a rugged, dry voice, he said, “Who are you, and what do you want?”

I tried to hide my anxiety. Why didn’t I just sleep in my car? “My name is Kyle Denny,” I said. “I’ve been driving all day, and I need a place to sleep. Would you happen to have a room I could rent for the night? There are no motels for miles.”

“The only thing I can offer you is a room in the

barn behind the house,” he said.

“Fine, I’ll take it.”

The bearded man led me to the barn. The room was dusty, with a small cot and not much light, but it seemed to say, Come in and sleep.

“This room will be just fine,” I said.

“Sleep well. And by the way, my name is Chad Quest. Before I leave, I must warn you—do not open that door over there. It must remain closed.”

He said good night and headed back to his house.

At last, sleep was about to become one with my mind, body, and soul. I drifted off—until I heard a peculiar sound repeating over and over, like a voice trying to say something. Maybe I was dreaming. Maybe I was just overly tired. But it continued.

It was coming from behind the door—the one Chad told me not to open.

The sound grew louder. It sounded like an animal crying in pain. I had to find out. I got up, turned on the light, and walked toward the door. Just as I reached for the knob, I heard a knock outside the barn.

It was Chad.