A PRESENCE FROM THE PAST

The last of the light faded, leaving her in total darkness. She heard a sound at her back, and, in quick panic, turned her head to see him.

He was coming slowly down the stairs, a huge man, in a Confederate uniform, all in tatters. His hair was wild and matted, his beard as long as his waist and hanging in greasy folds. He glowed with a red light. She froze, unable to scream.

The light spread until the house was filled with an eerie glow that followed him as he kept coming closer. Then she saw his face. His lips were bloody...he smelled of decay....