The Picture in the Hallway

January 25, 2026

by Merl

1 min read

Story Premise 1 min read (163 words)

"Last month, I dreamed my family and I had bought a new home. My son, my wife, and I walked through the empty rooms, surprised by our good fortune. In the sunroom, I met a man who seemed very kind. He told me he was happy we were there. But when I said we were […]"

Last month, I dreamed my family and I had bought a new home. My son, my wife, and I walked through the empty rooms, surprised by our good fortune.

In the sunroom, I met a man who seemed very kind. He told me he was happy we were there. But when I said we were the new owners, his smile vanished. He became upset and began to make noises in the walls.

A loud knock came from the front door. Three women stood there, holding my lost wallet. The path to the street was made of smooth gray stones, with tall bushes on either side. I asked where they found it, and they pointed down the road. My wallet was damaged, but my identification card was still safe inside.

I opened the card holder and saw a small photo. It was a picture of the angry man from the sunroom. I woke up immediately. The following evening, I dreamed of the house again.

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