Midlothian Short Story

Coal mining ended in Midlothian over 60 years ago, but the trails the miners used to transport coal across, still remains. It's 1983, and Midlothian, Virginia was a quiet and developing town located west of Richmond and south of the James River. 3 girls, Jenny, Barbara, and Miranda are eighth graders who attend a popular middle school in the area, Midlothian Middle. However, the school seems to be surrounded by controversy and mystery. During the months of August and September, 3 students who attended the school went missing, without a trace. Their bodies were never found, dead nor alive. It was early November, the boys' soccer season was coming to an end, and the air was chilly. The girls were friends with some members of the soccer

Miranda's house seemed to be the best option, as it was located in close proximity to the school and was a familiar meeting place for the girls. Seconds after, Miranda's face split into a sinister grin, similar to a cat's satisfying smile after it had just caught mouse. She began to talk quickly of a new path she had been wanting to walk on, mumbling of how it was right behind her house and would get them home in half the time it took to walk the "old way". Jenny narrowed her eyes, she was smart and didn't think this sounded like a good idea. Barbara agreed with Jenny, repeating her opinions. Miranda was offended, her friends had always agreed with her on everything, they would never dare to sway from her opinions. Miranda was blind with rage, she began to scream at her friends, getting into their faces, shouting loud lies. Jenny and Barbara retaliated quickly, yelling right back at Miranda. After what felt like hours, but was really only 5 minutes, Miranda had had enough, and ran away from her

Their bodies were found holding onto one another, in a pile at the bottom of the 40 foot hole. When officers were getting the bodies from the hole, the remains of the other 3 students were found and identified. After 4 years, the sinkhole was able to be filled, and the path was closed for almost 15 years, until 2002 when the school believed the hole would be free of hazard or risk. Today, when runners or students travel the trail, they will mention feeling a slight tug on their leg, as though someone is beckoning for help or attention. Those who experience this phenomenon tend to be crippled with a broken leg shortly after their run. By locals, adults and students alike, the trail has been appropriately nicknamed "Miranda's