In this short story, the plot revolves around the encounter of a driver with a phantom hitchhiker. The driver, thinking they are doing a good deed, offers a ride. As they travel, the hitchhiker may seem a bit off, perhaps with a strange appearance or an otherworldly air. Eventually, the hitchhiker disappears in a very strange way. This could be in the middle of a conversation or right when they reach a certain point. It makes the driver question their sanity and the reality of what just happened. It's a classic spooky story setup that plays on our fears of the unknown and the supernatural.
The two main characters are the kind - hearted (or sometimes not so kind - hearted) driver. This is the person who is going about their normal day, driving along. And then there is the phantom hitchhiker. This character is often described as mysterious, maybe with a pale complexion or wearing old - fashioned clothes. Their presence is what drives the spooky nature of the story.
In the 'vanishing hitchhiker' short story, typically a driver picks up a hitchhiker. They might have a conversation during the ride. Then, at some point, usually when the driver reaches the hitchhiker's destination or stops for some reason, the hitchhiker mysteriously vanishes. It often leaves the driver bewildered and sometimes leads to further investigations or just becomes a spooky tale they can't forget.
In 'the hitchhiker short story', usually it involves a person who picks up a hitchhiker during a journey. There are often unexpected events or interactions that follow this encounter, like the hitchhiker having a strange backstory or leading the driver into some sort of adventure or mystery.
One key element is the lonely road setting. It's often a deserted highway or a spooky back road. Another is the appearance of the hitchhiker, who seems normal but has an air of mystery. And of course, the sudden disappearance of the hitchhiker is a major part.
Well, the 'phantom hitchhiker' story typically goes like this. A motorist is driving along, perhaps at night or on a desolate stretch of road. They see a figure by the side of the road, thumb out, looking for a ride. The driver stops and the hitchhiker gets in. They might have a brief conversation. But then, when the driver looks over again, the hitchhiker has vanished into thin air. Some versions say that when the driver reaches the destination the hitchhiker said they were going to, they find out that the person had died in that area long ago.
Well, if we assume it's a common type of hitchhiker story, it could start with the main character seeing a hitchhiker on the side of the road. They pick the hitchhiker up, and then things start to unfold. There might be strange behavior from the hitchhiker. Maybe they have a hidden agenda or are running from something. As the story progresses, the main character could find themselves in unexpected situations, like getting lost because of the hitchhiker's directions or getting involved in some sort of danger that the hitchhiker brought along.
I'm not sure specifically as I haven't read this exact story. But generally, it might be about a hitchhiker who encounters something supernatural related to a ghost, perhaps during their journey on the road.
In 'phantom of the opera short story', the phantom, who has been living in the catacombs beneath the opera house, becomes obsessed with Christine's voice. He secretly trains her. But when Christine falls in love with someone else, the phantom's jealousy leads to a series of dramatic and tense events. There are elements of mystery, love, and horror throughout the story.
One key element is the appearance of the hitchhiker out of nowhere on a desolate road. Another is the sudden disappearance during or after the ride.
I'm not sure who wrote it. Maybe you can check some literary databases or ask a librarian.