This is Unnerving…
We all have a story about something that’s unnerving, and I’m here to share those stories. So, without further ado, let’s get into it.
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I have been working shifts as a correctional officer since I started working at Clairvaux prison in France, and I really did love working there. It’s out in the countryside, and built on the old Clairvaux Abbey. There is a very rich history in that place, but it also holds so much darkness. I know I’ll probably get into trouble for saying this, but there’s more to the story as to why the prison is closing down soon.
It was still freezing cold in January. When you walk the perimeter at night, you have to make sure you dress warmly. It was about 1am when I was outside, and it was exceptionally cold. As I was passing one of the buildings, I got the odd feeling that I wasn’t alone. I got my torch out and checked every dark nook and cranny that there was, but there was nothing there. I shook my head and continued on. When I got back to the guard room, I checked the camera footage of my walk. What I saw made my blood run cold.
Right at the moment that I stopped, a black figure could be seen passing behind me and disappearing into the building. This was impossible, since the doors and windows are bolted shut. The only places the figure could’ve moved to was checked by my torch. In the video you could see me checking the area, and then the black figure passed me again, back out into the open area. I called over one of the other officers and showed him the video. I was convinced I had seen one of the many ghosts that is rumoured to haunt the grounds of the prison, but a little voice in the back of my mind told me I’m probably just going mad. I’m pushing 50, after all. It’s also no secret that mental breakdowns is a sad and almost inescapable reality for correctional officers, and the mortality rate among us is quite high. Perhaps the daily insults and threats from the prisoners had gotten to me, and I was starting to imagine things. Escapees were impossible, as the last prison break was in 1971. After that, security was amped up significantly.
But the other officer, Jacques, saw it as well. He didn’t want to believe it though, so he suggested we go check it out together. He was acting all tough, but I could sense that he was on edge. I was practically vibrating with fear! As we got to that same building, Jacques started complaining about how cold it was. He stopped mid-sentence, and a feeling of dread filled me. It felt like we were in imminent danger! I looked at Jacques, and his pale face and wide eyes told me everything I needed to know. Without a word we both started running.
Back in the guard house, we checked the footage immediately. The black figure was unmistakable, and the menace coming from it was palpable. I hope I never encounter it again, and I’m glad the prison is closing down. Maybe it’s time for me to retire as well.
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That’s all for today. May the sun warm your face, and the moon light your way. If you would like to share your story with me, send it to unnerving13@gmail.com. Please remember to like, share, subscribe, and follow for more.
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