Tragic Ghost Short Story

The project is a self-contained supernatural horror piece that centers on ghosts or spirits, unfolds within an old haunted house, and ultimately leaves readers with an emotional, tragic aftertaste rather than mere jump-scares. I’m aiming for a short-story length—something tight enough to be read in one sitting yet rich in atmosphere, back-story, and character depth.

Tone & Mood
From the first paragraph, the narrative should lean into sorrow, loss, and lingering regret. Fear is important, but the heartbreak of the haunting must linger even longer than the dread. Think subtle dread building toward a gut-punch ending rather than nonstop shocks.

Setting
The entire story stays inside (or immediately around) a creaking, age-worn house. Draft vivid details—peeling wallpaper, warped floorboards, forgotten family photos—so the location feels like a character in its own right.

Supernatural Elements
Ghosts or spirits are the only occult force at work. No witches, no monstrous creatures. The apparition’s presence should emerge gradually through unsettling echoes, cold spots, or flickering memories before its true, emotionally tragic purpose is revealed.

Required Deliverables
• Final story manuscript (2,500–4,000 words) in .docx or Google Docs format
• A brief (150-word max) synopsis summarizing plot, theme, and core emotional hook
• Confirmation of original work and full rights transfer on delivery

Acceptance Criteria
1. Story revolves solely around ghostly phenomena.
2. Setting remains the old haunted house throughout.
3. Ending delivers a clear tragic emotional payoff.
4. Manuscript is proofread and ready for publication or contest entry.

I’ll provide prompt feedback on an outline if you send one early; otherwise, jump straight into drafting if you already have a strong concept.