Two cars. One couple per car. They were headed to Genting Highlands for a weekend getaway and a wedding the next day.
Ramesh and Kok Han, the two guys, worked at the same company. They were supposed to leave Kuala Lumpur right after work, but a client meeting dragged on till 7pm. Friday traffic was hellish, so they grabbed a quick dinner before picking up their girlfriends.
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By the time they finally hit the Karak Highway, it was close to 9pm. Rain had started to drizzle, and both cars slowed as they climbed the winding roads toward Genting.
In the front car, Kok Han was chatting with his girlfriend Wei Wei about the wedding couple when he saw something near a streetlamp up ahead. A woman. Standing by the roadside. No, not just standing, waving. Stepping dangerously close to the road.
He eased the car to a stop.
Wei Wei rolled down the window.
“Miss, are you okay? What happened? Why are you out here?” she asked.
The woman looked pale, almost bluish in the cold night mist. Her long hair clung to her face, soaked. Beside her stood a small boy who just stared at the ground, unmoving.
“Skidded off the road,” the woman said. Her voice was flat. “Hit a tree. It’s back there.” She pointed into the dark forest behind her.
“Just the two of you?” Kok Han asked, frowning.
“My husband went to get help. Hasn’t come back. It started raining.”
Wei Wei looked at Kok Han, concern written all over her face. “We’re heading to Resorts World. Maybe they can help you there? You and your son can come with us?”
Kok Han nodded slowly. “Yeah, it’s dangerous out here. And the rain’s picking up.”
Just then, Kok Han’s phone rang. Ramesh. He glanced in the rear-view mirror and noticed Ramesh’s car was parked behind them.
“Hey Ram, what’s…”
“Drive.” Ramesh’s voice was sharp. Urgent. “Just drive, now!”
“What the hell?” Kok Han blinked, confused.
The woman and her son began moving toward the back door. She reached out for the handle.
“Don’t let them in! For god’s sake, Kok Han, drive! Right now!”
“Ah crap!” Kok Han shoved the phone into Wei Wei’s hands and slammed on the accelerator.
“KOK HAN!” Wei Wei screamed. “They didn’t get in yet! Are you crazy?!”
“Ram told me to go!” he said, eyes locked on the road.
Wei Wei stared at him in disbelief. “Why? What’s happening?” She noticed the call was still active and hit the speaker button. “Oi Ramesh, you better explain yourself right now!”
“No legs.” Ramesh said.
Wei Wei froze. “Huh?”
She turned back to look through the rear windshield and she saw them. Still standing there. Still staring at them. And then she really saw it.
The woman’s feet weren’t touching the ground. Neither were the child’s.
Their lower halves…gone.
Wei Wei went pale. “Oh my god…”
Kok Han glanced at her and exhaled shakily. “You saw it too.”
“I saw it in the mirror when I drove off,” he added, voice low.
There was a long silence on the call. No one said a word for a while.
“You guys okay?” Ramesh finally asked.
“Goosebumps everywhere,” Wei Wei whispered.
“Yeah… same,” Ramesh said. “I’m hanging up. See you at the resort. And please…don’t stop for anyone else tonight. No matter what.”
