If you have had the misfortune, of finding this note, then you are most likely the new owner of this property. And for that, I can only apologise, and offer my condolences.
I have done everything within my power, to ensure that this property never gains a new owner, but as the years go by, and my body and mind begin to fail me, I fear that all of my preparations, might have been in vain, as one can never hope to fully prepare for every eventuality.Â
As such, all I can do now, is offer what little advice, I have managed to gather over the years, in the hopes that whichever poor soul, is reading this, will be able to avoid the fate that myself, and all those before me, were doomed to.Â
1 - Never extinguish, or move, the lantern in the attic.
2 - If the lantern moves by itself, do not try and put it back in its usual place. It will return there in due time.
3 - Never use the back door. It does not lead to where you think it does, and it is locked for a reason.
4 - If said reason, starts knocking, or scratching, at that door, do not respond, but be sure to cook a little extra that night, and try to pretend you do not notice, when there is nothing left behind, come the morn.
5 - Never remove flowers from the garden, without having something on hand, to give back in return.
6 - Do not light the fireplace on the north wall. There is something living there, and the flames will be seen as an invitation.
7 - Those are not people, by the lake, and they do not like it when you stare.
8 - Do not touch the apple tree. You cannot afford what they cost.
9 - The fourth step, will squeak if you step on it during the day. Pay no attention to how it growls, when you do so at night.
10 - Never leave a mirror uncovered, when you leave a room. These too, will be taken as an invitation, and not all guests, are as polite as the chimney beast.
11 - Mysterious books should be avoided at all costs.Â
12 - No, that corner was not always that dark. Do not try and investigate it.
13 - Do not respond to the whispering you hear during the night. They do not only seek to wake you.
Good luck, dear stranger.Â
May you succeed, where all before you, have failed.