Melissa, Eli, and David were inseparable. The three friends had lived in the same neighborhood since they were toddlers and had experienced countless adventures together. Yet, there was one adventure they had always dreamed of; exploring the old haunted house on the hill.

One chilly autumn night, the trio decided to venture into the haunted house. The house stood tall and ominous, its silhouette illuminated by the full moon. The old wooden door creaked open as they pushed it, sending a shiver down their spines.

Once inside, they were greeted by a musty smell and the eerie silence that only a long-abandoned house can possess. Despite their initial fear, they pressed on, their curiosity stronger than their trepidation.

Suddenly, they heard a malicious cackle echo through the house. A figure materialized in front of them. It was an old witch, her eyes glowing a menacing red. She pointed a gnarled finger at Eli.

Eli, unfazed by the witch's appearance, stepped forward. He challenged the witch, hoping to distract her while Melissa and David looked for an escape route. But the witch was not easily fooled.

With a swift motion, the witch cast a spell on Eli. His body became rigid and he fell to the ground. Melissa screamed and David gasped, but neither could do anything to help their friend.

The witch, laughing maliciously, disappeared, leaving the friends in the dark house with their fallen comrade. Melissa and David, terrified but determined, decided they had to escape and get help.

They picked up Eli's lifeless body and carried him towards the exit. However, the door they had entered from was now mysteriously locked. They were trapped inside the haunted house.

Melissa and David realized they had to find another way out. They explored the house, carrying Eli's body, dodging hidden traps, and avoiding the witch who seemed to be everywhere and nowhere at once.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, they found a hidden door leading to the outside. But just as they were about to escape, the witch reappeared, blocking their path.

Melissa, driven by desperation, shouted at the witch, demanding she let them go. The witch, surprised by Melissa's audacity, hesitated, giving David the chance to push past her and escape with Eli's body.

Melissa followed, racing through the hidden door just as it began to close behind them. As they emerged into the cool night air, they could still hear the witch's enraged screams echoing behind them.

They made it back to their neighborhood, panting and exhausted. Eli was still unresponsive, his body cold. Melissa and David, tears streaming down their faces, knew they had to get him help fast.

They carried Eli to his house and called an ambulance. As they waited for help to arrive, they held onto each other, the memory of the witch's red eyes still haunting them.

The paramedics arrived and quickly took Eli to the hospital. Melissa and David followed, their hearts heavy with fear and guilt. They could only hope that their friend would be okay.

At the hospital, the doctors worked tirelessly to revive Eli. Melissa and David waited, praying for their friend's recovery. The night seemed to stretch on forever.

As the sun began to rise, the doctor came out with a grave expression on his face. He told them that Eli had not made it. Melissa and David were devastated by the news.

They left the hospital, their hearts heavy with grief. They had lost their friend in the most horrific way possible. The haunted house, the witch, and their lost friend would forever be a painful memory.

In the days that followed, Melissa and David found comfort in each other. They vowed never to forget Eli and to honor his memory. And they promised never to let curiosity lead them into danger again.

The old haunted house remained on the hill, a grim reminder of their loss. But Melissa and David had learned a valuable lesson about the dangers of unchecked curiosity. And they would carry that lesson with them, always.