The morning brought sunshine and clear skies, but I couldn't shake off the unease from the previous night. I was eager to check out and leave as soon as possible.

Feeling lost, I made my way to a nearby restaurant called "Savor & Spirits." It was run by my childhood friend Jake, whom I had known since high school.

As I walked into "Savor & Spirits," the warm and cozy atmosphere immediately put me at ease. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon filled the air. I spotted my friend, Jake, behind the counter and felt a wave of relief wash over me.

Jake and I had been close since high school. We were both members of the debate team and shared a passion for literature. Even though we had drifted apart over the years, I knew I could always count on him.

As he saw me approaching the bar, a broad smile lit up his face. "Hey, old pal! It's been too long!" he exclaimed, pulling me into a hug.

I returned the embrace, feeling grateful to have someone to talk to about my strange experience. After ordering a coffee and a breakfast sandwich, I finally worked up the courage to ask Jake if he had ever experienced anything supernatural.

To my surprise, he nodded his head solemnly. "I've seen some pretty bizarre things in my time," he said, a glint of mischief in his eye.

As we sipped our coffee, Jake began to tell me about the old curse that haunts the village of Westbrook. "You know, this town used to be a mining town back in the 1800s," he said, taking a sip of his own coffee. "There was this wealthy businessman named Sean Connor and his wife Malinda. They brought fame and fortune to the town, but with that came some dark secrets."

I leaned in, intrigued. "What kind of dark secrets?" I asked.

"Well, legend has it that Sean Connor made a deal with the devil to ensure the success of his mining operations," Jake explained. "But when Malinda found out about it, she was horrified and tried to put an end to it. She killed her 2 children by drowning them in the lake, believing they were possessed. Stricken with grief, she killed herself with her Winchester shortly after."

That's horrible," I said, feeling a shiver run down my spine.

Jake continued to explain that since that tragic event, strange occurrences have plagued the town. People have gone missing, only to reappear with missing limbs and covered in blood, yet still wearing a smile on their faces despite obvious pain. Inanimate objects move on their own, and sightings of Malinda's ghost wandering the streets at night have been reported. Many believe that the curse is still alive and that Malinda's sorrow and anger have taken on a life of their own, haunting the town and its inhabitants.

"People also claim to have been visited by the spirit in their dreams and suffered from nightmares and other disturbances. It's believed that the spirit is able to enter the dreams of those it seeks to harm, and it can be a terrifying experience."

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Jake paused, taking a sip of his coffee before continuing. "I've even heard stories of people who visit the lake at night, only to see the ghostly figures of Malinda's children, forever trapped in the place where they met their tragic end." The hair on the back of my neck stood up at his words, and I couldn't help but shudder. Westbrook suddenly seemed like the last place I wanted to be.

"Some even claim that the ghosts of the children will drag you into the lake, trapping you there forever."

My heart gave out for a second, but I regained my composure, somewhat.

"Why hasn't anyone done anything about it?"

I asked.

Jake shrugged. "Most people in town try to avoid the lake and the surrounding area altogether. But some people are drawn to it, either out of curiosity or ignorance. And when they do visit, well, let's just say they don't always come back."

“Has anyone come close to breaking the curse?”

Jake shook his head. "None that I knew, anyway. The curse has been around for generations, and most people in town have accepted it as a part of life. Plus, the lake and the surrounding area are considered sacred by some of the local tribes, and they believe that it´s a result of the land being desecrated."

"That being said," Jake continued, "there have been a few brave souls who have attempted to break the curse over the years. But they were never successful. Some say that the curse is too powerful to be broken, while others believe that it's simply a matter of finding the right person with the right skills and knowledge to do so."

Jake shrugged. "To be honest, I'm not sure. It is a complex and ancient thing, and the knowledge required to break it may have been lost over time. However, there are a few individuals in town who might be able to help you.

“Like who?”

"There's an old woman who lives on the outskirts of town. Some people say she's a witch, while others claim that she's simply a wise woman with a deep understanding of local folklore and traditions. She might be able to offer some guidance or advice on how to break the curse.

"She’s quite an enigmatic figure," Jake explained. " Often seen wandering around the woods or tending to her garden, and she rarely interacts with anyone outside of her small circle of acquaintances. Some say that the woman is reclusive by nature, while others believe that she simply prefers to keep to herself.

"Although she's known to possess a deep understanding of local folklore and traditions, she doesn't share her knowledge with just anyone. It's said that she only reveals her secrets to those who she deems worthy, and even then, she can be quite selective. So if you're planning on seeking her help to break the curse, be prepared to earn her trust first."

“How can I possibly do that?” I asked, feeling helpless.

"Some people believe that bringing her gifts or offerings can be a good way to start. Others say that demonstrating your worthiness through acts of kindness or bravery is the best approach. Ultimately, it will depend on the old woman's individual preferences and the situation at hand."

"The specific offerings that the old woman prefers are not widely known, as she can be quite selective in what she accepts. However, it's said that she appreciates gifts that show thoughtfulness and care. Some people have brought her herbs or flowers from their gardens."

"Whatever gift you choose, it's important to present it with respect and humility. Be sure to explain your intentions and express your gratitude for any help she may be able to offer. Remember, the goal is not just to offer a physical gift, but also to show that you are sincere in your desire to build a relationship with her and earn her trust."