Hot Date

Cassie flipped the next page in her book. “I can’t believe you, Andrea.”

The girl at the vanity table smirked, powdering her face. “Remind me why.”

“We’ve been in Carmona for two weeks and you’ve already got a boyfriend.”

“He isn’t my boyfriend,” Andrea said smugly. “He’s just my call boy. You should get one.” She grinned. “These Costa Rican men are real easy.”

“No thanks,” she replied. “I believe in true love, not slut love.” She buried her face back into the book.

Annoyed, Andrea paused her work to turn and look over at Cassie. The girl was staring into her book through her thick glasses. The title read Cryptozoology Worldwide. How typical. “Are you still reading stories about gremlins and Bigfoot?”

“Shut up,” Cassie said. “There is substantial evidence to suggest the existence of sasquatch.”

“Spare me,” Andrea said, and turned back to the mirror.

“Did you know that Native Americans kept records of a hairy mountain beast called ‘wendigo’? It was tall and humanoid, like sasquatch, and lived in the same region. The descriptions very much match modern—.”

“I said, spare me.” Andrea began to apply eyeliner.

Cassie snorted, and returned to her book. It didn’t matter if Andrea didn’t believe that sasquatch, or any other elusive being, existed. Someday, scientists would discover the creatures and show to the public that they are more than just petty superstitions. Sasquatch, sea serpents, vampires, the Jersey devil, lycanthropes, Mothman. They were all real, and only Cassie could see it.

Andromeda didn’t share her friend’s beliefs. She much preferred to stick to what she knew for sure was real. Like men, for instance. Why chase after a hairy ape when you can get a loaded, hot guy with much less effort. That is, if you’re pretty. She pitied Cassie. The girl had never gotten a boyfriend, and she doubted she ever would.

“Did you know that Japanese legends tell of a winged demon called ‘tengu’?”

Andrea spun around in her seat, agitated. “Will you shut the hell up for one goddamned moment? I’m sick and tired of hearing your fucking ghost stories.”

“These aren’t ghost stories, they’re for real!”

“What makes you think that?”

“There’s evidence to back it up!”

“What, jumbled accounts from boondock hicks?”

“There’s a lot more, you ignorant woman!”

Andrea opened her mouth to reply, but suddenly she stopped. An idea crept into her head. She turned her frown into a smile. “Well, if you’re so into cryptozoology, then I trust you’ve heard of the ‘hupia.’”

Cassie raised an eyebrow. “The what?”

“The other day when I was with Juan, he was telling me of a legendary creature that lives around here. It’s called ‘hupia.’”

Cassie looked into her friend’s eyes. She had heard of many Central American creatures, like the bloodsucking chupacabra, or the batlike chonchon. But never of a “hupia.” “What’s a hupia?”

Andrea grinned. Hook, line and sinker. “They’re vampiric spirits that come from the mountains. They are pale white, and have no faces. The only noise they’re able to make is a weird gurgling noise that comes from their open mouths. Blood drips down them and onto the ground, leaving a trail wherever they go.”

“Are you sure?”

“It’s what Juan told me.”

“I don’t believe you.”

She shrugged. “Well, then, why don’t you look it up?” She turned back to the vanity table.

Cassie frowned. She had never heard of hupia. It probably didn’t even exist. She turned to the back of her book and flipped through the index. She scanned down the list of names beginning with the letter “h”, until…

hupia 116

It… did exist? There was an article on hupia. She turned to page 116 and searched for it.

There. It was a short section in the corner of the page, with a ghastly drawing similar to the description that Andrea had given. She read the article.

COSTA RICAN VAMPIRE SPIRIT

Hupia

It’s an urban legend in Guanacaste and other parts of Costa Rica that a deadly spirit called “hupia” inhabits the hills of the countryside. They supposedly come into one’s house at night to kidnap a child or young woman. What they do with them is not known.

Locals tell that the hupia is a faceless white ghost. It has no eyes, nose or ears, but possesses a grisly, shark-toothed maw, which drools blood and produces burbling, guttural noises. One can tell where a hupia has been because of the trail of blood it leaves behind.

It is said that they come to a person’s house in the middle of the night, scratching and banging at their door. If nobody answers, they will search for an open window or alternative way to get inside. If they cannot get inside, they will leave. So far, nobody alive has claimed to see a hupia or witness a hupia attack.

“Wow,” she said. “I guess it is for real. Thanks for telling me that, Andrea.”

The woman grinned. “You’re not going to be scared tonight when you’re all alone, are you?”

“No.”

“Well, I hope not.” She laughed silently.

LATER THAT EVENING…

Cassie sat on the couch, watching Andrea anxiously glance over at the clock every ten seconds. “Are you afraid he isn’t going to come?”

“Shut up,” Andrea said with a smile. “He’s always fashionably late.”

“Right,” Cassie said as she leaned back in her seat.

Juan Raptores was the Costa Rican man that Andrea was dating. He was tall, dark and handsome. Cassie never heard how old he was, but he looked like his early twenties. He was such a charming person, and spoke very good English. He seemed to be of Spanish descent.

But now it was slightly past six, and Andrea’s hot date hadn’t arrived yet. Andrea was visibly anxious, and Cassie lost interest in watching her and opened up a book she had checked out from the library, The Legends of the Lost. She was intent on finding out more on these spirits. She read through the page.

In the Taíno beliefs of many Central American countries, the hupia (pronounced hū’pī’ǝ or hō’pī’ǝ) is a wandering spirit of the damned. They roam the countryside at night, looking for innocent people to take, as they are vampires. Their most common victims are women and children.

Hupia can take on many forms, from that of a ghostly bat to the apparition of a deceased loved one. However, their most common form is that of a pale, faceless human. Legends vary, but in most stories these hupia have large, open mouths that constantly drip blood. Some say that they leave a trail of blood behind them once they’ve devoured a person.

It is said that hupia only come out during the night, when they search for prey. They will sneak up and kidnap people walking the streets alone. If they come upon a house, they will try to enter it and take whoever’s inside. They will knock at the door, and if no answer comes, they will begin clawing at it. If they are not able to get in through the door, they will locate a window or another door to get in. They will eventually give up, especially if the morning is approaching.

What little is known of these creatures is passed down through legend. Though there are many skeptics, some blame unexplained deaths on the hupia. The existence of these ghouls has not been proven.

She sighed. The book gave her only a little more information then the last. But now she knew what she was up against.

Cassie wasn’t sure if these stories were to be taken seriously. But like any tale of elusive creatures, it was vital to keep an eye out for the unusual.

She looked up from the book, reentering the real world. It was 7:07. Andrea was still waiting patiently for her date to arrive. “He still hasn’t come?” she asked boredly.

“Just wait. He’ll be here in—.”

A knock came at the door. Andrea turned and grinned, stepping up from her seat. She dashed to the door and yanked it open.

Juan stood in the hallway, his rogue, devilishly handsome face a captivating smirk. “Are you ready to go, Andrea?” He spoke with a distinct accent. Cassie found it to be rather attractive.

“Yeah,” Andrea said. “Ready to go any time.”

Juan looked past her to Cassie, who was still on the couch. “Hello, young señora.”

“Hi, I’m Cassie. Andrea’s friend.”

The man smiled, and looked down at her book, reading the title. “Ah, I see you are into the paranormal.”

Cassie cracked a grin. “Why, yes. I am.”

“You should never take those tales lightly.” He nodded his head. “Or too seriously. They can be dangerous.”

“Come on, Juan,” Andrea cooed. “Let’s just go.”

“Yes, Andrea.” Juan took the girl by the hand and led her out the door. He turned back, still smiling. “Goodbye, Cassie. May your house never be visited by the hupia.” He turned and left, closing the door behind him.

As the door shut, Cassie suddenly felt alone. She was the only person in the small cabana. She was all alone.

She shook her head. That was no reason to get frightened. Tales of the hupia all come from legend, not factual evidence. There was no proof they even existed outside of peoples’ minds.

The clock read 7:10. There was a lot of time left in the night. She sighed. Maybe she’d make herself some dinner, study a little, read a book, then go to bed. There wasn’t much else to do during the evening in her mind.

She walked into the kitchen to make herself some fish.

MIDNIGHT…

Cassie sighed, shoving her face into the pillow. It was so soft, so comforting. She tugged on the blankets, savoring their warmth. It was rather cold in Costa Rica this time of the year, and the feeling of being bundled up in heavy sheets was very welcoming.

She opened an eye as she stirred from her sleep. It was a little past midnight. She closed her eye, ready to go back to sleep. She would dream, dream of home, of family, of the skies, of her friends, of the life she was pursuing, chasing down legendary creatures.

Her stomach growled loudly. Cassie tried to ignore it, but eventually her hunger overcame her sleepiness. She stood up from bed, rubbing her eyes. Just a small midnight snack, and then it was back to bed.

She slid her feet against the cold tile floor, into the kitchen. The night wind blew outside, rustling the palm leaves in the trees. Everything seemed so quiet, so serene. She almost felt like she was still dreaming.

As she yawned, she pulled open the refrigerator door and pulled out the bread and jam. She shut the door and walked to the counter. Still sleepy, she made herself a jam sandwich, and put the bread and jam away. She carried the sandwich out to the living room and sat on a couch.

Cassie yawned again, before taking a big bite out of the sandwich. It was refreshing. Even in a place as far away as Costa Rica, she could still enjoy something from home.

She finished the meal and leaned her head against the couch. It was almost 12:30, so Andrea could be coming back any time. She yawned once more, and stood up.

Suddenly, a loud thump came from outside. She spun around to the source of the sound. It had come from the deck out front. What the hell was that?

Cassie felt nervous. Was that Andrea? Had she tripped on a step? Cassie was startled, but knew that she should probably go investigate the sound. Slowly, she walked around the couch and approached the door. She heard only silence now, apart from her beating heart and soft breath.

As she stood a foot away, a pound came against the door. Then again, and again. Someone was knocking, slowly. Cassie gulped. Andrea wouldn’t need to knock, she had a key. The knocking continued, and suddenly grew in speed and ferocity. Someone was pounding on the door. Trying to get in.

Cassie turned and dashed into the kitchen. She pulled open one of the drawers and dug through it, producing a large kitchen knife. Heart racing, she walked back to the door.

The knocking continued. Cassie was terrified, but stepped up to the door. The knocking suddenly stopped. Shaking, she pressed her ear against the door to hear what was outside. There wasn’t any talking nor breathing, but a strange splashing, gurgling noise. Slowly, she looked down at her feet. Blood was oozing in from outside the door.

She shrieked and jumped back. No. It wasn’t possible. Sweat mixed in with tears as she fell to her knees, horrified. Whatever was outside remained quiet for a while, then began scratching at the door. Like it wanted really bad to get it.

Cassie covered her ears, sobbing. It was the hupia. The hupia had come to get her, and it would take her away and murder her. Outside the door, she could hear the hupia hiss and produce its horrific gurgling noise, all the while clawing at the door.

“Go away!” Cassie screamed. “Go away, you fucking demon!” The scratching persisted, the door rattling on its hinges.

Her heart racing, Cassie crawled to the side of the door to the window. She wanted to at least catch a glimpse of the hupia, to see if it was the actual spirit and not Andrea playing some fucking prank. Terrified, she peered over the edge of the window. There was darkness. She couldn’t see a thing. Because the light was coming from the inside of the house, she was unable to see out the window, but in a horrified second she realized that whoever was outside could see in—.

A white, blood-spattered hand smacked against the window. Cassie screamed and jumped away. The hand was pale as a ghost, dripping with blood. It scratched against the window, before slipping away, leaving a red handprint behind. Shrieking, Cassie shut the blinds.

The knocking and scratching at the door persisted. Cassie ran across the room, behind the couch. She looked over, watching the door from afar. It continued to shake as the hupia pounded at it from the outside. She waited.

It seemed like hours passed, but eventually, the noise from outside vanished. The knocking and scratching slowed down and then disappeared, along with the hissing and gurgling. The house was now silent.

Cassie gave a sigh of relief. It was over. The hupia had passed. She was safe. She relaxed, letting the knife drop from her hands. She felt serenity.

Then, her eyes rolled into her head, and she passed out of consciousness.

ONE WEEK LATER…

The streets were loud and bustling with activity. Cars rolled down the roads, people walked along the sidewalks. Everything was noisy, quite contrasting to the quiet air of the cabana in Carmona.

But alas, this wasn’t Costa Rica. It was Manhattan. Busy men and women paced down the streets, walking in and out of buildings like a clockwork toy. Papers blew in the wind, clouds of smoke polluted the sky above.

At a small, green park bench, a man sat, enjoying his early lunch. He took a sip from his drink, and opened the newspaper. He read down the page, then turned to the next. But there was one short article that hadn’t caught his eye.

Cassandra Williams, 21, was ruled to be institutionalized early this Sunday. She has been declared clinically insane, and a danger to society. All of this seems to have stemmed from a recent trip to Costa Rica.

She went to the village of Carmona with a friend (Andromeda Syke, 22) for a college study. On Monday evening last week, Andromeda went out for a date with a man later identified as Juan Raptores, 27, widely known as the Medianoche Slasher. When Cassandra was left alone at night, Raptores murdered Andromeda by slitting her throat.

Andromeda crawled to the cabana and began pounding and scratching at the door for help, but Cassandra was too terrified to answer. Andromeda eventually bled to death, her fingernails reduced to bloody stumps in her effort to get inside.

In the morning, Cassandra went outside and found her friend dead, and called the police. Raptores was taken into custody. When Cassandra was interviewed, she screamed that “the hupia had done it” and that the “hupia” was coming after her next.

Cassandra’s mental health deteriorated, and she has been transferred to a facility in Livonia, Michigan. Her family has yet to comment.

Officials say that there is little they can do to help Cassandra, who was most likely traumatized by her friend’s death. She now spends her days huddled up in the corner of her room, screaming of the “hupia.”

NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR:

Like the rest of these stories, it is a work of fiction based off of an urban legend. The “hupia” is an actual mythical creature of Central America, and the hupia described in this story resemble most stories of the hupia in Central America. There is a legend of a woman who was too afraid to open the door, while outside her friend was dying of a slit throat. This story is meant to show you that just as you should never take urban legends too lightly, you should also never take them too seriously.