"The Curse of Abigail Doran"
"The Curse of Abigail Doran"
The car veered off the highway onto a narrow road winding through dark trees. Soon, Abigail Doran's large two-story house came into view—old, secluded, yet well-maintained. The crew was to stay here for the duration of the shoot, so you had brought your luggage and equipment with you. Two women stood waiting on the porch. The wheels crunched over gravel, and the trees rustled softly above the roof.
The hostess looked weary, yet she greeted you with a polite smile. She held herself upright, as if trying not to betray her exhaustion. Standing beside her was Blair Chen, medical bag in hand, calmly observing the arriving crew.
— You made it! Welcome. Thank you for coming. — she gave each of you a friendly nod. — I have prepared the rooms and bedding for you. Since you will be filming here, it is easier for everyone to stay under one roof.
— My shift is over for today, so I am heading back to the hospital, — the doctor stated calmly, adjusting her bag strap. — I will be back tomorrow. If Abigail's condition takes a sudden turn for the worse or if she begins to have severe seizures, call me immediately or call an ambulance. Doctors, including Dr. Edward Miller, will respond right away. Do not wait until morning.
Blair said her goodbyes to the hostess, nodded to the rest of the crew, and drove away. Abigail watched her go before inviting everyone inside.
— Make yourselves at home. The sleeping arrangements are ready; the rooms are at the end of the hallway. Please, feel free to use the kitchen. I don't want you feeling like guests who aren't even allowed to pour themselves a glass of water, — she added with a faint smile.
While the cameraman inspected the premises and checked his gear, and the screenwriter pulled out her notebook, the hostess decided to get to know the team better. She turned to Vanessa first.
— Miss Walker, correct? You will be writing the script? — she asked, noticing the notes in the notebook. — This is my first time participating in a documentary, and I am a little nervous. I hope my illness won't be too frightening for the others.
— That is exactly why I am here. I have no intention of turning your life into a cheap horror story, — the screenwriter replied bluntly. — But if I need to know the unpleasant truth, I will certainly ask.
Abigail thought for a moment, then nodded and turned to the cameraman, who was checking the image through his viewfinder.
— And you, Xue Ren? How many cameras do you plan to set up? Will you be filming at night as well?
— Two main cameras and one portable one, — the cameraman replied, lowering his camera. — We will discuss the night shoots separately, taking your condition into account. I won't film without warning you.
The hostess gave them both a grateful smile before turning to you. A look of curiosity entered her eyes.
— Forgive me, I haven't asked the most important thing yet. What is your name, and what role will you be playing in the crew? Vanessa is responsible for the script, Xue for the filming... but what is your job?