My Stepmother Locked My Father in a Casket Alive to Steal His Fortune

A Voice in the Dark

Maria's explanation didn't make sense. Leo knew his father, Arthur, had been in perfect health just days ago. They had spoken on the phone about Arthur's upcoming business trip. Why would a sudden, highly contagious disease require an immediate, closed-casket wake at home without a proper funeral home staff present? Leo looked around the room, noticing the absence of any medical professionals or official documents.

"A contagious disease?"

Leo questioned, wiping his tears.

"Then why aren't you wearing protective gear, Maria? Why is he here and not in a hospital quarantine?"

Maria stammered, her face turning pale.

"It... it was his final wish to be home, Leo. Please, you need to go outside and clear your head. Let the funeral directors handle this when they arrive."

She grabbed his arm, trying to guide him toward the door, her grip uncomfortably tight.

Just as Leo was about to yield to his grief, a faint, rhythmic sound echoed through the room. It was a dull, muffled thud, followed by a frantic scratching. Leo froze. He stared at the walnut casket. The sound was coming from inside.

"Did you hear that?"

Leo whispered, his heart hammering against his ribs.

"It's just the wood settling! The temperature in the room is changing,"

Maria lied quickly, her voice rising in pitch. She desperately tried to block his path, but Leo pushed past her. He pressed his ear directly against the polished wood of the casket. Inside, the frantic thumping grew louder, accompanied by a muffled, desperate groan.

Leo’s eyes widened in horror.

"That's not the wood, Maria. Someone is alive in there!"

He grabbed the casket lid and pulled, but it was locked tight. He glared at his stepmother, who was backing away toward the door, her hand reaching into her designer purse.

"Where is the key, Maria? Give me the key right now!"