In the heart of a bustling city, there stood an old shopping mall called Willow Plaza. While it used to be the favourite place for families, over the years, it had fallen into disrepair. Many stores closed, and fewer people came to visit. But one gloomy evening, as rain poured heavily outside, curiosity drew Sarah to the mall. She had heard stories about strange happenings there, but she wanted to see for herself.
As Sarah entered, the automatic doors creaked open. The dim lights flickered above her, creating eerie shadows on the walls. She walked past abandoned stores, their windows clouded with dust. The air was thick with silence, broken only by the sound of her footsteps echoing in the empty halls. A chill ran down her spine, but she pushed through, determined to explore.
Suddenly, a flicker of movement caught her eye. At the far end of the mall, she saw a figure, dark and shadowy, slip into a store. Curious and slightly afraid, she approached the store, the letters spelling “Mystic Curios” barely visible. With a hesitant push, the door swung open, squeaking loudly. Inside, the air smelled of old wood and something sweet yet rotten.
To her surprise, the walls were lined with odd trinkets—ancient dolls, dusty books, and jars filled with strange liquids. As she stepped further in, the atmosphere changed; it felt heavy and suffocating. That’s when she heard a whisper, low and sinister. “Get out…”
Startled, Sarah turned to leave, but the door slammed shut. Heart racing, she pounded on the door, but it wouldn’t budge. The lights flickered, and shadows danced along the walls. In the corner of the room, the dark figure appeared again, its form now clearer. It was a malevolent spirit, a guardian of the mall’s secrets, angered by intruders.
“Why do you disturb my slumber? ” it hissed, its voice echoing in the confined space. Sarah trembled, feeling the weight of fear crush her.
“I-I just wanted to see,” she stammered, desperate to explain.
The spirit paused, its glowing eyes locking onto hers. “You seek what was lost, but some things remain buried for a reason. ”
With a flick of its wrist, the ground beneath Sarah shimmered, revealing glimpses of past memories—happy families, laughter, and joy. Then, just as quickly, they faded into darkness. The spirit sighed, “This place remembers. ”
In that moment, Sarah understood. This mall was more than just a building; it held memories and sorrow. With a newfound respect, she closed her eyes and whispered, “I’m sorry. ”
The spirit faded, and the door swung open softly. As Sarah stepped outside, the rain had stopped, and a new dawn approached. Willow Plaza would always have its secrets, but now, she would carry its story with her—a tale of what once was.
-Ends-
About the Author
Ben Macnair is an award-winning poet, playwright and musician from Staffordshire in the United Kingdom.
