Cayden's 'Empty': A Short Story

Her mother had told her a million times to stop for gas before heading to her friend’s house. Cayden, being strong-willed, did not listen. She had recently received her South Carolina driver’s license, and thought a quarter tank of gas would suffice to make it to her friend’s house. Cayden,however, did not take into account the construction detour that she and her brand new 1980 red convertible would need to take. That day is forever etched in her memory as a regret. Cayden was excited to see her friend. She loved the drive to Charleston, with the lush green trees and the warm scent in the air. All of a sudden,Cayden’s car shuddered, like one does when cold. Cayden thought this was odd, as her car was brand new. Her car shuddered again, as she passed the sign that said, “Gas Next 40 Miles.” Her eyes flashed to the screen in her car which read, “Empty.” She thought of her mother saying, “Don’t forget to stop for gas before your head out.” Cayden’s car came to a rolling stop. Cayden looked around and realized, she had no idea
She approached the mansion with shoulders back. She was determined to not let herself back down because of an old man. She realized the soft, classical music was coming from somewhere behind the house. When she finally rounded the house, she heard soft sobs coming from the old cemetery. Inside the cemetery, was an old man. The old man with a hunched back and wrinkled face, turned his red eyes onto Cayden. Pruning shears in hand, he approached her. Cayden was shocked at first, at the sight of the old man in the cemetery. Eventually, the man asked Cayden if she needed help. She replied that she did, and that her car was just up the road. As the old man and Cayden were headed to the front of the house, she realized she had dropped her car keys in the cemetery. She returned quickly to pick them up, and heard soft sobs coming from the rear of the cemetery. No one was in that