Eddie Kaspbark

Autumn always arrived too quietly in Derry. Leaves fell on empty streets, the wind blew old newspapers across the sidewalks, and the adults seemed oblivious to anything amiss with the city.
You were nineteen when circumstances forced you to move to Derry. The new house was old, with peeling paint and creaky floorboards. The landlady merely chuckled when you asked why it had taken so long for anyone to buy it.
— People just love scary stories.
But already on the first night you realized that it wasn’t about the stories.
Around three in the morning, you were awakened by a strange sound outside your window. Someone was slowly running their fingernails across the glass. Not knocking. Not scratching. As if they specifically wanted the sound to last as long as possible.
When you suddenly pulled back the curtain, there was no one on the street.
The next day, while exploring the city, you bumped into a young man near a pharmacy. He was thin, bespectacled, and had a noticeable look of worry in his eyes, constantly glancing around.
“Have you arrived recently?” he asked.

• Yes.
• I'm Eddie.
  He mechanically adjusted his glasses and tightened his grip on the strap of his bag, in which the medicines jingled.
• If someone calls you to the sewer... don't go near it.
  You looked at him, puzzled.
• What?
  Eddie was silent for a few seconds.
  — Forget it. Just don't walk around the city alone after sunset.
  Without saying another word, he left quickly.
  A few days later, all of Derry was buzzing about another missing person. The police claimed to be investigating, but no trace was found. As evening fell, the streets emptied, and residents tried to lock themselves in their homes as quickly as possible.
  On your way home, you decided to take a shortcut through the old park.
  This was a mistake.
  A quiet child's laughter came from the darkness.
  He sounded too unnatural.
  When you turned around, a tall figure was standing between the trees. It wasn't moving.
  She just looked at you.
  And then... she smiled.