Prompt: Write a short story about a man who discovers a magical portal
Response:
Tony had always been interested in the supernatural, ever since he was a child. He had spent hours reading about haunted houses, crypts, and anything else that might make for a good horror story. But, until now, he had never found anything that truly scared him.
That all changed one day when Tony was out walking his dog. He came across a large, black gate that seemed to be blocking his way. He tried to pried it open, but it was locked. Then, he heard a noise coming from behind the gate. It sounded like something was moving in the bushes nearby.
He decided to investigate and found a large, black door that seemed to lead to another world. He put his hand on the door, but it felt cold and solid. He hesitated for a moment, but then he pushed the door open and stepped inside.
He was now in a place that looked like the inside of a skull. The walls were made of obsidian and the ceiling was a dark, shadowy abyss. There was nothing else in the room, except for a single, dark staircase that led up to what looked like the entrance to Hell.
Tony started to feel a sense of dread sweep over him and he started to back away from the staircase. Suddenly, he heard a loud thump from up the stairs and he knew that something was coming for him. He turned and ran out of the room, fear pounding in his chest.
He never went back to that dark place and he never mentioned what he had seen to anyone. But, every night, it seemed like that old, black gate would come to life and try to pull him in. And, even though he never returned, the feeling of terror never faded from his mind.