Secret Door Under the Stairs

Ola, Bartek and Zośka had always lived in the same tenement on the corner of Klonowa Street. Everyone knew that at the end of their street stood an abandoned villa with an overgrown garden and windows so dirty that it was impossible to look inside. The adults said the house was too old and collapsed, but the children whispered to each other that something was lurking inside - ghosts, wizards or even stranger creatures. One cloudy afternoon, as the rain drummed against the windowsills, Ola came to Bartek with a big secret. There was something quietly buzzing in her backpack - it was an old brass doorknob she had found among the leaves at the villa gate. - Have you ever seen the door under the stairs? - She asked in a whisper. Bartek shook his head and Zośka opened her eyes wide. Then Ola recounted that she had noticed a small door in one of the windows, hidden under the stairs leading to the basement. They looked as if they were just missing a handle! The three friends decided to enter the garden, although their hearts were pounding. They squeezed through the rusty gate, trying not to make any noise. Blackberry bushes snagged their legs, and little paw prints were visible on the steps. Eventually, barely visible in the semi-darkness, they found the door under the stairs. It fitted perfectly with the brass handle Ola had brought. Zośka held the torch and Bartek stood watch. With trembling hands, Ola screwed the handle on and grabbed it. The door opened with a loud creak. Behind them was not the cellar, but something completely unexpected - a staircase leading downwards, illuminated by a strange blue light. The friends exchanged glances full of excitement and fear. Should they go down? Surely this was a good idea? But curiosity was stronger than fear. Slowly they began to descend deeper into the mysterious corridor.... Suddenly, behind their backs, the door slammed shut with a clatter. At the same moment, a soft, melodious voice came from the darkness in front of them: - You are here at last. I have been waiting for you for a very long time....