Voting for Eternity: The Haunting Poll

The quaint town of Eldridge had always been shrouded in whispers and eerie legends. It was said that the old, abandoned town hall, with its peeling paint and creaking wooden floors, was a gateway to another world. The townsfolk spoke of the "Haunting Poll," a poll that took place every century, where the souls of Eldridge were to vote on their eternal fate. No one knew its origins or why it was so vital to the town's existence, but the poll was a fact of life, an unspoken agreement among the residents.

In the year 2045, Eldridge was preparing for the next Haunting Poll. The town was bustling with excitement and fear, as the event was not only a part of their history but also a part of their destiny. The polls were set up in the town square, and the residents gathered, their faces a mix of anticipation and dread.

Lena, a young historian from the city, had come to Eldridge to research the town's folklore. She had always been fascinated by the supernatural, and the Haunting Poll was a chance to delve into something truly extraordinary. As she walked through the town square, she couldn't help but feel the weight of the town's fate resting on her shoulders.

The polls were simple: each resident had to choose between "Eternal Rest" or "Endless Vigilance." Those who voted for "Eternal Rest" would spend eternity in peace, while those who voted for "Endless Vigilance" would become the eternal guardians of Eldridge, protecting it from the darkness that lurked beyond.

As the polls closed, the townsfolk anxiously awaited the results. The tension in the air was palpable, and Lena felt a strange connection to the event. She had heard tales of those who had voted for "Endless Vigilance" and how their lives had changed forever.

The results were announced, and to the shock of everyone, the majority of the town had chosen "Endless Vigilance." The news spread like wildfire, and the townsfolk began to prepare for their new role as eternal guardians.

Lena decided to stay and document the events, hoping to uncover the truth behind the Haunting Poll. She moved into an old, abandoned house at the edge of town, a place she had heard was once a home to a family that had mysteriously vanished.

As days turned into weeks, Lena began to notice strange occurrences around the town. She heard whispers at night, felt cold drafts in the house, and saw shadows move where there should have been none. She knew that something was amiss, but she couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched.

One night, Lena was awakened by a loud crash. She stumbled out of bed, her heart pounding. The house was dark, and the only light came from the moonlight filtering through the window. As she reached for the light switch, she felt a presence behind her. She turned, and there stood a figure, cloaked in darkness, its eyes glowing with an eerie light.

"Who are you?" Lena demanded, her voice trembling.

The figure did not respond, but Lena could feel its presence, heavy and menacing. She knew she had to escape, but she was trapped in the house, with no way out.

Suddenly, the figure spoke, its voice echoing in Lena's mind. "You have chosen to see the truth, but be warned: the truth is a dangerous thing."

Lena's heart raced as she realized that the figure was one of the eternal guardians. It had chosen to reveal the truth to her, but at what cost?

Over the next few weeks, Lena learned more about the Haunting Poll and the eternal guardians. She discovered that the poll was not just a vote on eternal fate; it was a contract between the living and the dead. The eternal guardians were the spirits of those who had chosen "Endless Vigilance," bound to protect Eldridge from the darkness that threatened to consume it.

But there was a catch. The guardians could only be freed from their eternal duty if someone chose "Eternal Rest." Without a volunteer, the guardians would be trapped forever, their spirits bound to the town and unable to rest.

Lena realized that she had to make a choice. She could either continue living in fear, haunted by the presence of the eternal guardians, or she could become the volunteer, freeing them and potentially facing the darkness herself.

As the day of the final decision approached, Lena was torn. She knew that choosing "Endless Vigilance" would mean facing her deepest fears and possibly being trapped in the town forever. Choosing "Eternal Rest" would mean she would never see her family or friends again, but she would be free from the haunting presence of the guardians.

In the end, Lena decided to face her fears. She voted for "Endless Vigilance," her hand trembling as she marked the ballot. As she handed it in, she felt a strange sensation, as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders.

The next morning, Lena awoke to find the house empty. The guardians had left, their spirits freed from their eternal duty. The town of Eldridge was once again at peace, but Lena knew that the Haunting Poll would return one day, and the cycle of life and death would continue.

As she left Eldridge, Lena couldn't help but feel a sense of relief and gratitude. She had faced her fears and made a choice that would affect the town's fate for generations to come. And as she looked back at the town square, she knew that the Haunting Poll would always be a part of Eldridge's story, a reminder of the delicate balance between life and death, and the choices that we all must make.