A childhood ritual becomes a lifelong fear when a summer blackout in a creaking Massachusetts Victorian reveals a staircase that shouldn’t exist. When the power cuts out during a violent thunderstorm, I leave my younger brother in the attic and begin counting the familiar fourteen steps down to the second floor. But in the pitch‑black silence, the house feels different - heavier, colder, wrong. The adults blame shadows and panic, but I know what I felt. For listeners who love atmospheric hauntings, childhood liminality, and stories where the familiar becomes terrifying, this episode explores the thin line between memory and the unknown... and the steps we’re too afraid to count. Not for kids - listener discretion advised. ------------ Beth's Spooky Story Time is your new favourite horror podcast, best enjoyed alone with headphones. All stories are suggested or submitted by listeners. Have you had a spooky experience? Email your story to [email protected] now. For ad-free content, Spooky Chat Time, and extra perks, support us on Patreon: patreon.com/bethsspookystorytime Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices