Is there anybody out there?

When I saw Mum getting ready to go out that Thursday night, I had my plan ready.

I'd just gotten my first mobile phone.

I used the landline to call my phone, then I put it on speaker.

When Mum wasn't looking, I slipped it into her handbag without hanging up the phone.

I waited for her to leave, then I went upstairs to watch her go over to Mrs. Browning's from the window.

I took the landline phone out of the hall and into my room.

I could hear everything that was going on as she knocked on the door and was invited inside.

It was all a bit muffled, and what I could hear most of all was things moving around inside her bag, but I could hear Mrs. Browning loud and clear as she welcomed her inside.

I tried to stay calm and listen to what was happening.

It was hard to hear that much, but there was a definite point when all the voices stopped and things got quiet and all I could hear was Mrs. Browning talking.

I went to the window and saw that the curtains had all been drawn.

They were starting the séance.

I could hear a soft voice, but I couldn't make it out well.

I was listening in closely, waiting for what seemed like the right moment.

Then the soft voice started to get louder, but I could still only make out the odd word.

Then I was sure I heard the words.

I sensed something.

Speak.

Speak to me if you are there.

So I let it rip and shouted down the phone.

Ah! Ah! Help! I'm burning! Burning! It's hot and I'm burning! We're all burning in hell!

I could hear a commotion in the living room.

It was working.

We're all burning in hell! Endless pain! And you're all coming too! We'll see you all soon! In hell! Burning in hell!

Then I hung up the phone, and I fell back on my bed laughing.