I Bought an Apartment Nobody Wanted to Buy, at Night I Heard a Child Weeping from Bathroom – Story of the Day

Samanta is sick of her boyfriend always neglecting his house duties and hiding behind the fact that he owns the apartment. After leaving him and moving, she finds out that her new apartment is haunted. She is forced to choose between coming back to her boyfriend or dealing with a mysterious force.

Samantha stood in the middle of the living room, frustration boiling over as she glanced at the cluttered space that Mark had once again neglected. "Mark, this is ridiculous!

You can't just leave your stuff all over the place and expect me to clean up after you," she exclaimed, trying to keep her voice steady despite her growing anger.

Mark, lounging on the couch with a carefree attitude, looked up at her with a smirk. "Oh, come on, Samantha.

This is my apartment. You knew what you were getting into. Why should I change now?" he chuckled, dismissing her concerns with a wave of his hand.

Samantha felt her heart rate quicken, a mix of disbelief and resolve hardening within her. "I can't do this anymore, Mark. If you can't start taking some responsibility, I'm leaving," she declared, her voice firm.

Mark's laughter faded as he sat up, an eyebrow raised. "And where will you go, huh? You don't have anywhere else. You won't leave," he challenged, his tone confident.

This time, Samantha's reply came with a strength born of certainty. "Not this time, Mark. I've taken out a loan.

I'm going to buy my own apartment. I refuse to be dependent on you or anyone else ever again," she stated, the finality in her voice surprising even herself.

The room fell silent for a moment as the weight of her words settled between them. Without waiting for a response, Samantha turned on her heel and stormed towards the door, grabbing her jacket on the way.

As she slammed the door behind her, the sound echoed through the apartment, marking the end of her tolerance and the beginning of her journey toward independence.

Outside, the cool air hit her face, and a sense of freedom mixed with apprehension filled her.

Despite the uncertainty of what lay ahead, Samantha knew that stepping away from Mark and asserting her independence was the first crucial step towards building the life she truly wanted.

Samantha's heart was filled with a mix of anticipation and anxiety as she made her way to the beautiful apartment for the signing.

This wasn't just any routine transaction; it was the culmination of her bold step towards independence. The apartment, nestled in a quaint yet elegant building, seemed almost too good to be true, especially for the price listed.

Upon arrival, she was warmly greeted by Anna, the owner, a sweet old lady with a comforting presence.

"Welcome, my dear! I'm so glad you could make it," Anna said, her voice soft and welcoming, as she led Samantha through the polished hallway into the bright, airy living room where the signing would take place.

The apartment was even more stunning in person, with sunlight streaming through large windows, illuminating the spacious rooms with natural light.

Samantha couldn't help but admire the place, yet a nagging doubt tugged at the back of her mind. The financial commitment she was about to make was significant.

The loan she had secured for this purchase was a massive responsibility, one she couldn't afford to regret.

As they sat down at the elegant table set up with the necessary paperwork, Samantha broached the question that had been bothering her.

"Anna, this apartment is incredible, but I have to ask, why is it priced so low? It seems like there would be a line out the door for such a place. Is there...a catch?"

As Samantha and Anna sat across from each other in the beautifully lit living room of the apartment, the conversation took a turn toward the mysterious.

Anna's voice became softer, almost hesitant, as she divulged the reason behind the apartment's surprisingly low price.

"You see, dear, there are rumors... about a child who once disappeared from this very place. Ever since then, people have been a bit... well, wary," Anna explained, her gaze drifting towards the window as if lost in thought.

The air seemed to thicken with tension as Anna's words hung between them. Samantha, however, couldn't help but let out a light, dismissive laugh.

The idea that a modern-day apartment could be affected by such ancient superstitions seemed absurd to her. "Ghosts? Really? I don't believe in such things," Samantha said, shaking her head with a smile.

"For me, this sounds like the perfect opportunity. A beautiful place like this at such a price? It's exactly what I've been looking for."

Anna looked relieved at Samantha's reaction, a small smile creeping back onto her face. "I'm so glad to hear you say that. It's been difficult, you know, with all the stories circulating.

But I've always thought this apartment deserved to be appreciated for what it is—a lovely home."

The room filled with a newfound sense of warmth as the two women shared a moment of understanding. Samantha felt even more convinced that she had made the right decision.

The rumors of ghosts and disappearances seemed like nothing more than an old tale, far removed from the tangible reality of the apartment's charm and potential.

As they continued with the paperwork, Samantha's doubts about the apartment melted away, replaced by a growing excitement for the future.

She was already envisioning how she would decorate each room, turning the space into her own sanctuary. The thought that she could be deterred by a ghost story seemed laughable now.

She was ready to make this apartment her home, undaunted by the shadows of its past.

Samantha's first day in her new apartment was filled with the sort of bustling activity that comes with setting up a new home.

Boxes were unpacked, books and trinkets found their places, and the once-empty shelves began to brim with life.

She moved around with contented energy, pleased that each item could have its own space without negotiation or compromise.

"Finally, no more fighting over shelves," she thought to herself with a smile, appreciating the solitude that her new living situation afforded her.

As she arranged her living room, Samantha browsed through an online furniture store on her laptop, searching for the perfect pieces to complement her space.

She had been eyeing a sleek, modern sofa and a chic coffee table that would fit perfectly in front of her large living room window.

"This is going to look amazing," she mused, imagining her new purchases in the room. The process of making the apartment truly hers, of imprinting her personality on every corner, was exhilarating.

Yet, as the day turned into evening and the apartment began to take shape, Samantha couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. Everything was coming together just as she had envisioned—perhaps too seamlessly.

The apartment, with its beautiful fixtures and spacious rooms, was everything she had wanted, but the ease with which everything was falling into place made her pause.

"It's perfect...too perfect," she whispered to herself, a flicker of doubt crossing her mind as she remembered Anna's story about the apartment's past.

Shrugging off the uneasy feeling, Samantha decided it was just the jitters of moving into a new place alone. She focused on the positives, on the freedom and independence this apartment represented.

"I'm just being silly," she convinced herself, turning her attention back to her decorating plans. As night fell, she felt a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Her new beginning was off to a fantastic start, and she was determined not to let an old superstition cloud her happiness.

However, the feeling that she might have overlooked something important lingered, a shadow at the edge of her perfect new start.

The night had settled in quietly around Samantha's new apartment, wrapping everything in a blanket of peace.

She had gone to bed feeling a sense of contentment in her new space, her mind at ease for the first time in a long while. However, this tranquility was abruptly shattered when she was roused from her sleep by an unsettling sound.

It was the persistent drip-drip-drip of water, each drop a sharp contrast to the silence of the night.

Concerned that she had forgotten to turn off a tap fully, Samantha slid out of bed, her feet touching the cool floor. The apartment felt different at night, the shadows stretching longer in the moonlight, making her heart beat just a bit faster.

She moved quietly towards the source of the sound, her mind rationalizing the noise as a simple plumbing issue. But as she neared the bathroom door, a chill ran down her spine.

The dripping sound was accompanied by a strange echo, unlike anything she had ever heard. It was as if the bathroom was not just a small, enclosed space, but a vast cavern.

Hesitantly, Samantha reached for the door, her hand trembling slightly. She pressed her ear against the door, listening intently. What she heard next stopped her heart—the distinct sound of a child crying.

It was a soft, sorrowful cry, intertwined with moans that seemed to reverberate off the walls, filling the bathroom with a haunting melody of despair.

Samantha's hands trembled uncontrollably now, her initial concern for a forgotten tap forgotten. The cries of the child, so clear and so close, evoked a primal fear in her. Questions raced through her mind.

"How could this be? Am I imagining things?" She was frozen in place, torn between the urge to flee and the compelling need to open the door, to confront whatever was on the other side.

The apartment, so perfect and inviting during the day, had transformed into a stage for a chilling mystery by night.

Samantha realized that perhaps she had indeed missed something crucial about her new home—the warnings of ghosts weren't just old wives' tales after all.

The reality of her situation was now impossible to ignore, as the cries of the unseen child continued to echo through the bathroom, a stark reminder of the apartment's troubled past.

In a state of panic, Samantha didn't hesitate. She grabbed her phone and jacket, fleeing the apartment as quickly as her legs could carry her.

Once outside, under the dim streetlights, she dialed the police, her voice shaky as she explained the situation. As she waited, the chill of the night air did little to calm her racing heart.

Unexpectedly, Mark appeared, holding a bouquet of flowers. His timing was uncanny, almost as if he had known she would be there, outside, in the middle of the night. "Samantha, what’s wrong? You look terrified," he said, concern etching his features as he took in her pale, distressed appearance.

Samantha, still catching her breath, barely managed to respond. "Mark, I... the apartment, there's something wrong with it," she stammered, the fear evident in her voice.

Mark stepped closer, attempting to offer comfort. "Hey, it’s okay. You’re safe with me. Why don’t you come back? I’ll take care of you," he said, his voice soft, trying to coax her back to the safety and familiarity of their past relationship.

But Samantha, despite her fear, found a well of resolve within herself. She had left Mark for a reason, seeking independence and a life free from his controlling demeanor.

"No, Mark. I can’t. I won’t go back," she replied firmly, pushing the flowers away gently but with determination.

The rejection seemed to strike a nerve with Mark. His face hardened, and the warmth in his eyes turned cold. "You’ll regret this, Samantha. You think you can manage without me, but you can’t," he spat out, his words laced with bitterness.

Samantha watched as Mark stormed off, the promise of regret hanging in the air like a threat.

The encounter left her feeling even more unsettled. She was already grappling with the unknown terror of her new apartment, and now the added weight of Mark's ominous words.

As she turned back to face the apartment building, the flashing lights of the police car finally arriving, Samantha realized that the path to independence and self-discovery was fraught with challenges she hadn't anticipated.

Yet, despite the fear and Mark's intimidation, she felt a strengthening resolve. This was her battle to fight, her fears to conquer, and she knew deep down that she had the strength to face whatever lay ahead.

As the first light of morning crept through the city, Samantha found herself sitting on a cold bench outside her apartment building, awaiting the arrival of the police.

The events of the night had left her feeling drained, her nerves frayed from the fear and confusion.

When the police finally arrived, she explained everything in as much detail as she could muster, from the inexplicable crying in the bathroom to her sudden flight from the apartment.

The officer listened intently, nodding along as he took notes. After a pause, he looked up from his notepad and said, "Miss, you're not the first tenant from this apartment to report something... unusual.

But each time we've checked, we've found nothing out of the ordinary." His voice was sympathetic, but Samantha could sense the underlying skepticism.

Desperate for someone to take her seriously, Samantha suggested, "Could it have been Mark? My ex? He threatened me before..." Her voice trailed off, the fear of Mark's retribution making her stomach churn.

The officer's expression softened slightly. "We'll look into it, of course," he reassured her, "but without any signs of forced entry, it's hard to suspect him at this moment."

Samantha felt her hopes deflate; the police, it seemed, could offer little solace or solution.

As the officer left, Samantha remained on the bench, feeling more isolated than ever. It was then that Anna, the sweet old lady who had sold her the apartment, appeared at the entrance.

With a gentle smile, Anna approached Samantha. "My dear, come inside. Let's have a cup of tea," she offered, her voice warm and inviting.

Grateful for any kindness, Samantha followed Anna back into the building. As they sat in Anna's cozy kitchen, sipping tea, Samantha felt a small measure of calm return. Anna's presence was comforting, a reminder that not all was bleak.

In the warm, sunlit kitchen, Samantha and Anna sat across from each other, the aroma of freshly brewed tea between them.

Despite the comforting environment, Samantha's mind was in turmoil, her thoughts racing as she tried to make sense of the events of the night before.

"I just don't understand, Anna. If no one broke into the apartment, then what's going on? I'm certain I heard something...someone," Samantha expressed, her frustration evident in her furrowed brow.

Anna sighed deeply, her gaze sympathetic yet resigned. "Dear, I must tell you something about the apartment.

Many years ago, a young boy vanished without a trace within its walls. It's said his spirit still lingers, haunting the place," Anna revealed, her voice low.

Samantha's initial shock quickly turned to anger. "Why didn't you tell me this before I moved in?" she demanded, feeling betrayed by the omission.

Anna's eyes were filled with remorse. "I did mention the rumors, Samantha. But truthfully, I needed to sell the apartment. It's been difficult finding buyers who are willing to overlook its past," she explained, her hands clasped tightly together.

Feeling cornered and helpless, Samantha's frustration grew. "What am I supposed to do now? I've spent almost everything on this place. I can't afford to find another apartment," she said, the reality of her predicament settling in.

The room fell silent, save for the gentle clinking of tea cups. Anna, after a moment of contemplation, spoke softly, "I understand your distress, dear.

Let me make you an offer. I'm willing to return part of your payment to help ease your burden. We can cancel the sale if you truly wish to leave."

Samantha sat across from Anna, the weight of her situation sinking in. "So, you'll really help me by canceling the sale and returning some of the money?" she asked, a glimmer of hope flickering in her eyes.

Anna nodded, her face etched with sympathy. "Yes, dear. I can see how distressed you are, and it's the least I can do. However, I understand this doesn't solve all your problems. You're still left with a loan and no place to live," she said gently, acknowledging the complexity of Samantha's predicament.

Samantha sighed, her shoulders slumping. "Exactly. And going back to Mark isn't an option. I left to escape feeling trapped and dependent.

Returning now would mean giving up everything I've fought for," she admitted, her voice laced with determination and fear.

Anna leaned forward, her expression becoming more serious. "Then, we must consider another solution.

Have you thought about facing the spirit, about finding a way to either free it or reach an agreement?" she suggested, her tone suggesting that she believed in the possibility of coexistence with the unseen.

Samantha blinked, taken aback by the suggestion. The idea of dealing with a ghost was far from anything she had ever considered. "You mean, actually communicate with... it? Is that even possible?" she asked, skepticism mixing with curiosity.

Anna's nod was firm. "It might be. There are ways, rituals and people who specialize in such matters.

It won't be easy, and it won't be without risk, but if the spirit is the reason you can't live peacefully here, then we need to address it directly," Anna explained, her resolve clear.

The thought of engaging with the supernatural was daunting, but Samantha realized it might be her only chance to avoid returning to a life of dependency.

"Okay, let's explore that option. I can't just give up without trying everything," Samantha said, a newfound resolve hardening in her voice.

Anna smiled, relieved by Samantha's willingness to consider such an unconventional solution. "Good. I'll help in any way I can. Together, we'll find a way to make this apartment a home for you, free of unwanted presences."

As they finished their tea, Samantha felt a mix of fear and excitement. The path ahead was uncertain and likely filled with challenges, but the prospect of finally claiming her independence was worth any obstacle.

Together with Anna, she would face the unknown, ready to fight for her new beginning.

Samantha sat at her kitchen table, her laptop open in front of her. The apartment felt eerily quiet, the silence almost tangible after her conversation with Anna.

Driven by a mix of curiosity and determination, she began searching for any information related to the apartment's history. It didn't take long for her to stumble upon a chilling article that sent shivers down her spine.

The headline was haunting: "Local Boy Vanishes Without a Trace." According to the article, the boy, a quiet child who struggled with the constant moves dictated by his parents' decisions, had vanished under mysterious circumstances.

Each move meant a new school, new attempts at friendships that never had the chance to blossom, leading to a cycle of loneliness and isolation for him.

The article detailed how, on the eve of yet another move, the boy retreated to the bathroom and was never seen again.

Samantha couldn't help but feel a deep sadness for the boy. The idea that he had felt so lost and alone was heartbreaking. "No wonder," she whispered to herself, "if his spirit is still here, he must be so lonely."

The thought that this child's presence might be what she encountered the previous night added a layer of complexity to her fear. It wasn't just a ghost; it was a lonely, lost child.

The article mentioned no names, no follow-up, as if the world had moved on and forgotten the boy. But Samantha couldn't shake off the feeling that he was still here, trapped within these walls, repeating his last moments of despair.

As she closed her laptop, Samantha realized that her approach to this situation needed to change. It wasn't about confronting or banishing a malevolent presence. This was about reaching out, offering solace to a soul stuck in limbo.

With her heart pounding in her chest, Samantha stood at the threshold of the bathroom, a single candle in her hand casting a soft glow against the darkness.

The flame flickered as she stepped inside, her breath catching at the thought of what she was about to do. She had never believed in ghosts, always considering such things to be mere stories.

Yet, here she was, about to speak to a spirit, a boy who had vanished without a trace.

Placing the candle on the edge of the sink, Samantha watched the light dance on the walls, casting eerie shadows that seemed to move just beyond her sight.

The silence was oppressive, filling the room with an anticipation that made her skin crawl.

"This is ridiculous," she thought, trying to shake off the feeling of being watched. But she couldn't deny the strange events that had driven her to this moment.

Taking a deep breath, Samantha spoke into the silence. "I... I don't know if you can hear me, or even if you're really here," she began, her voice wavering.

"But if you are, the boy who used to live in this apartment, I want you to know that I understand what it feels like to be lost, to depend on others for everything."

She paused, waiting for any sign, any noise that would indicate her words were heard. But there was only silence, the kind that seemed to absorb sound rather than echo it.

Feeling slightly foolish but driven by a compassion she couldn't fully explain, Samantha continued, "I've taken a big step towards being on my own, towards independence.

I know it might not mean much to you, but... but I would really like to stay here. To make this place my home. If there's any part of you still here, could you let me stay in peace?"

The candle flickered, casting shadows that danced more vigorously, as if stirred by her plea.

Samantha held her breath, half-expecting a door to slam or the temperature to drop. But there was nothing—only the steady burn of the candle and her own heartbeat in her ears.

Despite the lack of response, Samantha felt a strange sense of relief wash over her. She had faced her fears, reached out into the unknown with an offer of understanding and empathy.

Whether or not the boy's spirit was real or could hear her, she had taken a stand for herself, affirming her right to this new beginning.

The quiet of Samantha's apartment was shattered by a sudden knock at the door, jolting her from the tentative peace she had just found.

Her heart raced as she moved toward the door, the fear from her encounter in the bathroom still lingering like a shadow. "Who's there?" she called out, her voice betraying her anxiety.

"It's me, Mark. Please open," came the reply, familiar yet unexpected. Hesitation gripped Samantha for a moment as she contemplated whether to let him in.

Mark's presence had always been a complex part of her life, offering comfort in his familiarity but also reminding her of the reasons she sought independence.

Opening the door, Samantha was met with the sight of Mark, his eyes slightly unfocused and his stance unsteady.

He was slightly drunk, a bouquet of flowers in his hand, an obvious attempt at an apology. "I'm sorry, Samantha. I shouldn't have said those things," he slurred, his voice soft and remorseful.

Despite her resolve to maintain distance, Samantha's heart softened at the sight of him.

The night's events had left her feeling vulnerable and frightened, and the idea of being alone in the apartment was suddenly more daunting than the prospect of Mark's company. "Come in," she said quietly, stepping aside to let him enter.

As Mark stumbled into the apartment, Samantha couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. Relief at not being alone, frustration at her own vulnerability, and a faint hope that perhaps Mark's presence could offer some semblance of safety.

Yet, beneath it all, there was a nagging doubt, a reminder of the independence she was striving for and the complexities of relying on someone she was trying to move away from.

"I was scared, Mark. Something strange is happening here," she confessed, watching him as he sat down, trying to gather his thoughts. Mark looked up at her, the fog of alcohol slightly clearing as he registered her words.

"I'll stay with you tonight. You don't have to be alone," he offered, a protective instinct surfacing despite their complicated history.

In that moment, Samantha realized the night would be a test of many things: her resolve, her independence, and her ability to navigate the ghosts of her past, both literal and metaphorical.

As she sat beside Mark, the apartment around them felt both like a sanctuary and a battleground, a place where her future would be decided, one way or another.

The evening had taken an unexpected turn for Samantha and Mark. Initially enveloped by the eerie silence of the apartment, they were startled by the sound of water mysteriously flowing onto the bathroom floor.

With apprehension, they approached, only to find the chilling command "Leave" ominously scrawled across the bathroom wall. The air was thick with tension, and the haunting cry of a boy added a palpable sense of fear.

Samantha's heart raced, her mind swirling with confusion and terror. Mark, sensing her distress, quickly wrapped an arm around her, attempting to offer solace in the face of their inexplicable situation.

As they hastily retreated from the bathroom, Mark, in a protective gesture, slammed the door shut behind them, hoping to shield Samantha from further distress.

The brief moment of calm that followed was abruptly shattered by a new, unexpected sound. Something had fallen in the ventilation, drawing Samantha's attention back to the source of their fright.

Compelled by a mix of curiosity and a desperate need for answers, she cautiously approached the bathroom once again. The ventilation grate, now ajar, hinted at the cause of the unsettling events they had experienced.

With a deep breath, Samantha reached into the vent, her fingers brushing against something small and hard. It was a tape recorder.

Her heart skipped a beat as she pressed the stop button, silencing the artificial cries that had filled the apartment with dread.

The revelation that their haunting experience was nothing but a fabrication washed over her, leaving a mix of relief and anger in its wake.

Mark, peering over Samantha's shoulder, was equally stunned. "I can't believe someone would do this," he said, his voice tinged with disbelief.

The realization that they had been manipulated, that their fear was orchestrated by someone with access to their home, was chilling.

Samantha, holding the tape recorder, felt a surge of determination. "This was all a setup," she declared, her fear slowly morphing into resolve.

The deception had unraveled, revealing a sinister attempt to scare her away. But who was behind it, and why?

In the dim light of the bathroom, Samantha's discovery sent a wave of shock through her. There, behind the tape recorder, was a wooden plank ingeniously rigged to lower the device from the neighboring apartment - Anna's apartment.

The realization hit her like a cold splash of water. The kind, sweet old lady who had sold her the apartment was behind this elaborate scheme, using fear to manipulate the property market to her advantage.

Samantha felt a mixture of emotions - betrayal, anger, and a determination to set things right.

"She's been scaring people away, buying their apartments cheap, and then selling them for a profit," Samantha muttered, the pieces of the puzzle fitting together in her mind. It was a cold, calculated business built on the exploitation of fear.

Mark, who had been standing by, shared her outrage. "I can't believe Anna would do something like this," he said, his voice heavy with disbelief.

The realization that the seemingly benevolent Anna was capable of such deceit only fueled their desire for justice.

"We can't let her get away with this," Samantha declared, her mind racing with plans for revenge. She knew they had to act smartly, to expose Anna's scheme without revealing their hand too soon.

"We'll need sheets, ropes, and a Bluetooth speaker," she said, outlining the beginnings of a plan to turn the tables on Anna.

Mark nodded, his own anger giving way to a resolve to support Samantha. "Whatever you need, I'm in. Let's make sure she can't do this to anyone else," he agreed, ready to play his part in Samantha's plan.

As they left the bathroom, leaving the tape recorder in its hidden spot to avoid arousing suspicion, Samantha felt a strange sense of empowerment.

Though the situation was fraught with deception and betrayal, it also presented an opportunity to fight back, to take a stand against manipulation and fear.

Together, Samantha and Mark began to gather the materials they would need for their plan. Each item, from the sheets to the ropes to the Bluetooth speaker, was a symbol of their resistance, a tool in their quest for justice.

They were no longer just tenants caught in a web of lies; they were allies, united in a cause that went beyond personal grievances to a larger battle against exploitation and deceit.

As they worked, the apartment that had once seemed like a place of fear and uncertainty transformed into a stage for their cunning retribution.

Samantha felt a surge of anticipation. The game was on, and she was ready to turn the hunter into the hunted.

The morning sun cast a warm glow over the apartment building as Samantha stood by the entrance, waiting. She had hardly slept, her mind buzzing with plans for the elaborate ruse she intended to set in motion.

The discovery of the tape recorder and the realization of Anna's deceit had fueled a determination in Samantha to turn the tables on the cunning old lady.

As if on cue, Anna appeared, her usual warm smile in place, masking her true intentions. "Good morning, dear! I came to check on you. Did you manage to drive away the ghost?" Anna asked, her voice carrying a hint of curiosity and concern.

Samantha returned the smile, but hers was laced with a newfound confidence and a touch of mischief.

"Yes, Anna, I did. After last night's ritual, the ghost has finally left me in peace. Everything's great now, and I've decided I don't want to sell the apartment after all," Samantha replied, watching closely for Anna's reaction.

For a brief moment, surprise and disappointment flashed across Anna's face, but she quickly masked it with a polite smile.

"Oh, is that so? Well, I'm glad to hear you're not troubled anymore. That's wonderful news," Anna said, though her words lacked genuine warmth.

Samantha could sense Anna's frustration, the old lady's plans thwarted by what she believed was a successful spiritual cleansing. It was satisfying for Samantha to see her on the back foot, even if just for a moment.

Anna excused herself, returning to her apartment with a heaviness in her step. Samantha watched her go, feeling a mix of triumph and anticipation. The first part of her plan had gone exactly as she'd hoped, but the real challenge lay ahead.

Turning back to her own apartment, Samantha's thoughts turned to the preparations she needed to make. Sheets, ropes, and a Bluetooth speaker – the tools of her revenge.

Mark had agreed to help, outraged by Anna's exploitation of her tenants' fears for profit. Together, they would craft a haunting of their own, a taste of Anna's medicine.

The night had fallen, and the apartment building was shrouded in silence, the perfect setting for Samantha's and Mark's plan to unfold.

In her apartment, Samantha carefully set up the Bluetooth speaker, connecting it to her phone where she had already prepared several voice recordings.

With a voice changer app, she had altered her voice to sound eerily like a young boy, aiming to convince Anna that the ghost she had fabricated was real and seeking revenge.

As the clock struck midnight, the quiet halls of the building were suddenly filled with the haunting sound of a child's voice emanating from the ventilation shafts.

"Why did you disturb me?" the voice echoed, its sorrowful tone reaching Anna's apartment.

Startled, Anna jumped from her armchair, her eyes wide with fear. She quickly grabbed her tape recorder, thinking to play the child's cries she had used to scare Samantha, only to find it turned off and unresponsive in her hands.

Outside, Mark, dressed in dark clothes to blend with the night, stood ready. At the precise moment, he launched a white sheet tied to a rope across Anna's window, creating the ghostly silhouette of a figure passing by.

The sheet fluttered and danced in the breeze, casting shadows that mimicked the movements of an ethereal being.

Confused and terrified, Anna rushed to her window, only to recoil in horror at the sight of the ghostly figure.

She turned to escape, planning to flee her apartment, but as she approached her door, she was met with billows of white smoke seeping in from the gap underneath. The smoke filled her room, clouding her vision and fueling her panic.

Anna, caught in a web of her own deceit, found herself believing in the very ghost story she had concocted. The fear she had intended to instill in others now gripped her heart, leaving her desperate and disoriented.

Samantha and Mark, from their respective positions, watched as their plan unfolded, their orchestrated hauntings convincing Anna that the ghost she had used to scare her tenants had come to haunt her.

As the smoke cleared and the night progressed, Samantha and Mark's satisfaction grew. They had managed to turn the tables on Anna, using her tactics against her to teach her a lesson in empathy and honesty.

For Samantha, it was more than just a prank; it was reclaiming her power and proving that she could stand up to those who sought to control and frighten her.

In the midst of the chaos, with her apartment suddenly feeling like a cage from which there was no escape, Anna found herself truly terrified for the first time.

The ghostly antics she had orchestrated to scare away her tenants now turned against her, her own creation manifesting into her worst nightmare. The white smoke had dissipated, but the air still felt thick with a palpable sense of dread.

"Please, I didn't mean any harm," Anna pleaded to the empty room, her voice trembling. "I was just trying to... to survive." Her words felt hollow, even to her own ears.

She had justified her actions for years, telling herself that the ends justified the means. But now, faced with the terror she had inflicted on others, her excuses crumbled away.

The voice, altered by the voice changer to sound spectral and otherworldly, continued, unforgiving.

"You used my story, my pain, for your own gain. You spread fear, lied, and deceived. Now, you will know what it is to be haunted, to feel the fear you've inflicted on so many."

Anna clasped her hands together, her usual composure shattered. "I'm sorry, truly. I'll do anything to make it right. Please, just let me live in peace."

But the voice was relentless. "No peace. Not for you. Not in this apartment. Every night, I will come, and you will remember the lives you've played with, the fear you've sown."

As the voice faded, leaving Anna in silence once more, she realized the gravity of her actions. For years, she had lived off the misery of others, never once considering the true impact of her deeds.

Now, the phantom she had used to manipulate her tenants threatened to be her eternal tormentor, a constant reminder of the pain she caused.

Shaken to her core, Anna knew she had to leave. The apartment, once her domain, now felt like a prison haunted by the consequences of her actions. She understood that forgiveness was not something she could expect, not after all she'd done.

The next day, as Samantha stepped out into the sunlit corridor, she noticed the realtor she had met when she first looked at her own apartment.

He was standing near Anna's door, and curiosity drew Samantha towards him. "What's happening with Anna's apartment?" she asked, trying to sound casual.

The realtor gave her a small, knowing smile. "Morning, Samantha. Anna's decided to sell her place.

But, you know, with all that talk about ghosts haunting the building, she's had to lower the price quite a bit to attract any buyers," he explained, his voice tinged with a mix of humor and pity.

Before Samantha could respond, Mark appeared from around the corner, a look of satisfaction on his face. "Hey, guess what? I bought the apartment next door," he announced, almost proud. "Looks like I'll be sticking around."

Samantha was taken aback, not just by the news of Anna selling up but by Mark's unexpected decision. It was a lot to take in. Yet, there was something reassuring about having Mark close by, especially after everything that had happened.

They were both looking for a fresh start, and perhaps, this was the universe's way of offering them just that.

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If you enjoyed this story, read this one: Jake is about to learn how important it is to value your parents. However, this lesson comes at a high cost. This day was about to become horrific as his mother was on the verge of dying. This situation presented Jake with a challenge to show what kind of son he is and to test his humility. Read the full story here.

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