Question
You are advised to write between 350 and 500 words on the following topic:
Write a story or episode of suspense, in which a character enters a room and finds that it has been disturbed and may even still be occupied by the intruder…
Model Essay
The Uninvited Guest
Emily had always cherished the quiet solitude of her countryside cottage. Nestled between rolling hills and dense woodlands, it served as her sanctuary from the chaos of the city. After a long week at work, she eagerly anticipated a tranquil weekend: a good book, a warm fire, and the soothing sounds of nature outside.
As she pulled up to her cottage late Friday evening, a strange unease settled over her. The front gate, which she always closed carefully, hung slightly ajar. She brushed off her discomfort, attributing it to the wind or a stray animal. But as she approached the front door, she noticed it was slightly open, the lock hanging loosely from its frame.
Her heart raced as she stepped inside. The hallway light was on—a light she distinctly remembered turning off before leaving. The cottage, usually filled with warmth and comfort, now felt cold and menacing. She took a deep breath, her mind racing through possible explanations. Maybe she had forgotten to lock the door properly. Maybe a neighbor had needed something and had forgotten to close up afterward. But deep down, she knew neither explanation made sense.
Emily crept further into the house, her senses on high alert. She glanced into the living room and immediately noticed signs of disturbance. The cushions on the couch were scattered, a lamp lay on its side, and her books were strewn across the floor. She took a step back, her pulse quickening. Someone had been here, and they might still be.
A sudden noise from the kitchen snapped her out of her thoughts. It was a faint clatter, like a pan being shifted. Summoning her courage, Emily grabbed a heavy book from the floor and made her way towards the kitchen. She could feel her hands trembling, but she tightened her grip on the makeshift weapon.
As she entered the kitchen, she saw more evidence of the intruder: open cabinets, drawers pulled out, and broken dishes on the floor. She scanned the room quickly, her eyes darting from corner to corner. Then, she heard it—a faint rustling sound coming from the pantry.
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Emily’s heart pounded in her ears as she approached the pantry door. She could feel the adrenaline surging through her veins, giving her the courage to face whatever was behind that door. With a quick, decisive movement, she yanked the door open and raised the book, ready to defend herself.
To her shock, a pair of wide, frightened eyes stared back at her. It was a young boy, no older than twelve, huddled in the corner of the pantry. He looked dirty and disheveled, his clothes torn and his face smeared with dirt. Emily’s initial fear gave way to confusion and concern.
“Who are you? What are you doing here?” she demanded, trying to keep her voice steady.
The boy didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he looked down at his feet, his small body trembling. Finally, he whispered, “I’m sorry. I was just looking for food. I haven’t eaten in days.”
Emily’s heart softened as she took in the sight of the scared, hungry child. Lowering the book, she knelt down to his level. “It’s okay,” she said gently. “Let’s get you something to eat, and then you can tell me what happened.”
As she led the boy out of the pantry, Emily couldn’t shake the feeling of unease. Who was this child, and why had he ended up in her home? The questions lingered in her mind as she prepared a simple meal for him. While he ate, Emily dialed the local police to report the break-in and to seek help for the boy.
The night had taken an unexpected turn, filling her once peaceful cottage with tension and mystery. As she sat with the boy, waiting for the authorities to arrive, Emily couldn’t help but wonder what other secrets this night held. The suspense of the evening had just begun to unravel, and she knew it would be a long time before she felt safe in her home again.
Word Count: 675