One Short Story A Day

October 7, 2024

Prompt: Whatever building you enter, you can see all of the people who died there.

As I walked through the decrepit building, a chill ran down my spine. The walls were covered in peeling paint and the floors creaked under my weight. I had heard rumors about this place - that whoever entered could see the ghosts of all the people who had died here.

I didn't believe in ghosts, but something about the eerie atmosphere of the building made me uneasy. I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched. I wandered through the empty hallways, my footsteps echoing in the silence.

Suddenly, I heard a faint whisper behind me. I spun around, but there was no one there. I tried to shake off the feeling of unease, but it lingered. I continued down the hallway, my heart pounding in my chest.

As I turned a corner, I saw a figure standing in the shadows. It was a young woman, her face pale and ghostly. I froze in terror as she slowly turned to face me. Her eyes were empty pits of darkness, and a chill ran through me as I realized that she was one of the ghosts of this building.

I stumbled backwards, trying to escape, but the ghost followed me, her movements slow and deliberate. I could see the pain and sorrow in her eyes, and I knew that she was trying to tell me something. I tried to speak, but no sound came out of my mouth.

As I struggled to understand what the ghost was trying to communicate, I saw more figures emerging from the shadows. They were all around me - men, women, children, their forms faded and ethereal. I could sense their sorrow and despair, their silent cries for help.

I realized then that this building was a place of great tragedy. These were the spirits of all the people who had died here, their souls trapped in a never-ending cycle of torment. Their eyes bore into mine, accusing me of entering their domain.

I tried to flee, but the ghosts surrounded me, closing in on all sides. I could feel their cold, clammy hands reaching out to me, desperate for release. I knew then that I had to find a way to help them, to give them the peace they so desperately craved.

With shaking hands, I reached out to touch the nearest ghost. As my fingers brushed against its icy form, I felt a surge of energy pass through me. The ghost's expression changed, its eyes filled with gratitude and relief. I realized that I had the power to free these poor souls from their eternal torment.

I closed my eyes and focused all of my energy on helping the spirits move on. With a final burst of effort, I felt a rush of wind as the ghosts dissolved into the air, their anguished wails fading into the distance. The building was finally silent once more.

As I stood there, catching my breath, I knew that I had done something truly remarkable. I had helped those poor souls find peace at last. And as I left the building, I knew that I would never forget the haunting experience of seeing all of the people who had died there.