The Ghost of Yotei

I recently visited Hokkaido, Japan with my family for a winter vacation. We stayed in a cozy guesthouse nestled at the foot of Mount Yotei, whose snowy slopes were bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun each evening.

On one particular evening, as we were enjoying a traditional Japanese dinner in the guesthouse, I couldn't help but notice a strange sense of unease lurking in the shadows. The guesthouse was eerily quiet, save for the crackling of the fire in the hearth and the gentle creaking of the old wooden beams.

As I excused myself to retire to my room, I felt a cold shiver run down my spine. I paused and glanced back at my family, their faces illuminated by the warm firelight. A strange feeling of foreboding washed over me, as if something wasn't quite right.

As I climbed the creaky wooden stairs to my room, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched. I turned and looked behind me, but the hallway was empty. I quickened my pace, my heart pounding in my chest.

When I finally reached my room, I fumbled with the doorknob, my hands trembling. With a deep breath, I pushed the door open and stepped inside.

The room was dark and cold, the only light coming from the moon shining through the window. I reached for the light switch, but my hand froze in mid-air. I noticed a figure standing in the corner of the room, its form obscured by the shadows.

I gasped and backed away slowly, my eyes fixed on the figure. It didn't move, but I could feel its presence, heavy and oppressive.

Suddenly, the figure moved. It took a step towards me, its footsteps soundless on the wooden floor. I screamed and turned to run, but my legs felt like lead.

As the figure drew closer, I caught a glimpse of its face. It was pale and gaunt, with deep-set eyes that seemed to pierce right through me. Its mouth was twisted into a cruel smile, and its teeth were sharp and pointed.

I collapsed to the floor in terror as the figure reached out to me. Its cold, bony fingers brushed against my skin, and I felt a surge of icy cold coursing through my body.

Then, just as suddenly as it had appeared, the figure vanished. I lay on the floor, trembling and unable to move.

I never saw the figure again, but I never forgot that night. To this day, I believe that I encountered the ghost of Yotei, a vengeful spirit that haunts the mountain and seeks to harm those who trespass on its sacred ground.