Once upon a time in the quaint town of Hemlock, every Halloween, the formidable mansion atop Gallows Hill would glow with a supernatural light. The dire tales of its haunting made both young and old shiver in anticipation.
On one memorable Halloween night, Charlie, the town prankster, decided to add a dash of reality to the mansion’s haunted lore. Rigging up elaborate illusions, Charlie prepared for a show that would leave the town breathless.
With his heart doffed in his impish delight, he invited the town’s folks for a midnight Halloween tour. As the clock struck twelve and the mansion doors creaked open, he unveiled his spooky spectacle – phantom shadows danced, ghostly wails echoed, and random cold drafts breathed life into the charade. Entire Hemlock shivered, screamed and ultimately, applauded Charlie’s theatrical deception.
Delighted by the success, Charlie retired to his chambers, only to find a note on his bed – “Impressive trickery, young man. But remember, this house was built on real stories, and not illusions.” It was signed by the mansion’s original owner, Old Man Mortimer, who, as everyone knew, died over a century ago!
Realisation hit Charlie like a ton of bricks. All his life, the biggest trick was played not by him, but on him!