The Booger

By Crusader1307

 Associated with the ''timeless'' Evil Being known throughout The World as ''The Boogeyman'', a Tale was told in the late 19th Century of American Tennessee History – of ''The Booger''. It is both a cautionary and Ghost Story of potential kindness rendered to those who suffer. As the story goes, a local Doctor was called to a nearby house for help. In those day, without automobiles, one had to travel by Horse or Carriage. The Doctor was busy so He sent word He would arrive ''when He could''. In truth, The Doctor was busy drinking with friends and ''couldn't be bothered''.

After several hours, again word was sent to The Doctor for help. Now intoxicated to a point that He probably could help until sober, He send word that – again – He would ''come later''. The Doctor duly ''passed out'' from His drinking. In the morning, The Doctor awoke and decided to to go into Town to take care of several patients, perhaps forgetting the frantic letters sent to Him. After a day's work – He mounted His Horse and began His return home.

On the way, the Sun set and The Doctor had to traverse a stretch of woods. Mists began to settle and The Forest took on a surreal appearance. Slowly His Horse trot on. Suddenly, The Doctor ''saw'' a form off to the side of a large tree. The ''Being'' seemed to be 8-feet tall and ''pale white''. The Being had a large Head and Red ''glowing eyes''. Further, The Being revealed a mouth of ''sharp teeth and long, razor sharp fingernails''. The Doctor was scared so He spurred His horse faster on.

However, every so hundred feet, The ''Being'' seemed to travel even faster that The Doctor – showing up always ahead of Him and ''snarling''. The Being was coming closer and closer. The Doctor rode faster and faster. Eventually He made it home. From that point forward, everytime the Doctor ventured out after dark, He would ''see'' the frightful visage peering at Him from any nearby tree or wood. It got to a point that the Doctor had to give up His Practice and move away.

As it is told, the Doctor was ''cursed'' by A ''Booger''. This was a conjured Demon by Folk Magic, used to terrorize those who have committed an injustice against another. The Doctor's ''sin''? Remember the frantic letters sent to Him which He ignored? It turns out that they were from a poor Mountain Family whose Grandmother was very sick. Without Medical help, She died. The grieving Family thus summoned a ''Booger'' to plague the offending Doctor. And – as the legend goes, the cursed must provide restitution or be so cursed – FOREVER!