Sees an open cellar door.

(chapter originally by Lolwritingcom at writing.com)

Creeping along the side of the house, Mackenzie noticed a small staircase leading downward, almost entirely hidden by greenery. Had she not passed right by it, she probably wouldn't have noticed. At the bottom of the stairs was a weathered wooden door, slightly ajar.

All thing considered, the cellar sounded like her best option. It would probably be less crowded than the ground floor, and she might find a toolbench or something that would let her unbind her hands. She would still be naked... but it sounded a lot better than naked with her hands tied behind her back. Mackenzie approached the door and pushed it open a little, just enough to poke her head in and check for people inside.

The room was pitch black. Maybe the lights were motion activated, or the room was supposed to be dark as part of the haunted house. Either way Mackenzie was going in- if she stood around in one place, she was sure to be found. She stepped in, and to her alarm the door swung shut behind her! Panicking, Mackenzie fumbled around in the dark for the doorknob. She had to put her back against the door to be able to turn it with her hands, but when she did the door opened easily.

Mackenzie felt relieved, but foolish. It was okay to be nervous, but she couldn't freak out over something as simple as a door closing shut on its own. She had to get a grip! She needed to concentrate to get out of this and stop imagining that every little thing was out to get her.

Letting the door swing shut again, she stepped into the room and felt along the walls for a light switch. She...