Deep within a dense forest stood a solitary lighthouse, its beam cutting through the thick fog that perpetually enveloped the area. The lighthouse had been automated for years, yet every night, a lone figure was seen lighting the lantern.
One stormy night, a group of travelers sought refuge in the lighthouse. They were greeted by an elderly man with a lantern in hand. He welcomed them warmly but warned them not to venture beyond the lighthouse’s walls after dusk.
Curious, one traveler named Thomas ventured out that evening. As he wandered into the fog, he stumbled upon a hidden cemetery with gravestones dating back centuries. At the center stood a monument with an inscription: “Here lies the Lantern Keeper, bound to light the way for eternity.”
Suddenly, the ground trembled, and the fog thickened. Thomas rushed back to the lighthouse, but upon entering, he found it empty. The elderly man had vanished, leaving only the glowing lantern behind.
The next morning, the travelers departed, but as they looked back, they saw the lighthouse beam flicker, as if acknowledging their departure. The curse of the Lantern Keeper remained unbroken.
Disclaimer:
This story is a work of fiction created for entertainment purposes only. Any resemblance to real persons or events is purely coincidental.
