Chapter 1

The smell of mildew was overpowering as I walked through the abandoned halls of the Golden Mile Mall. My ragged, short brown hair fell into my eyes as I inspected each empty storefront, the faded plaster and peeling paint telling stories of businesses long departed. With my lanky yet muscular frame, I suppose I was an odd, unfamiliar figure amongst the relics of the dying mall. Curiosity, boredom, a morbid fascination with decay—take your pick of what possessed me to explore its remains this Saturday afternoon. As I rounded the worn tiles near the old arcade games, something ahead caught my eye. A plain white door stood stark against the dingy surroundings, my light sprinkling of freckles scrunching as my nose wrinkled at the strange sight. It seemed oddly pristine amongst the '90s aesthetic decaying around it. As I approached it, a twisting feeling arose in my gut. The soft pat of my sneakers echoed through the tiled hall. But as usual, my wretched curiosity got the better of me. Despite my better judgement, I reached for the cold handle, hesitating for a moment, before twisting and hearing a soft click as I push it open…

 As the door silently opened, I became momentarily blinded by a bright light, blinking away the discomfort my eyes slowly adjusted. I stop in the doorway. The scene of a dull, dusty playroom filled my vision. A gush of cool air flooded around me, almost as if this room had been cut off from humanity for quite some time. As I stepped in further, the squeak of my sneakers against the dulled polished tile seemed muffled. Then the smell hits. I turn my head to the side, sighing. The air smelled stale, as from spaces long shut away. But more than a simple must–a rancid, almost acidic tang, like the ventilation recycles an atmosphere not meant for human breath. A large ball pit lay in the middle of the room, the plastic balls heaving as if taking deep, slow breaths. Variety of toys clutter the floor, their shiny plastics glint in the bright somehow still working lights. The walls were covered in children's drawings, depicting animals, odd landscapes, stick figures with one too many limbs, and houses with eyes. Small children's tables and chairs rest against the shiny floor, as if someone threw erratically them in a fit of anger. I spot another pristine white door in the lefthand corner. Except this time, a hand painted rainbow runs across it. I furrow my thick brows, standing completely still, my hand gently leaving the doorhandle as it shuts slowly. How can the lights still work in here? This place was shut down ages ago. This doesn't feel right. I slide my hands into the pocket of my thick dark jacket and move to examine the room further. My damned curiosity taking me over yet again. The right side wall shows three colorful slides going deep into an unknown lower area. The paint on the shiny plastic appears worn and cracked. My ragged brown locks sway over my eyes, which dart from each corner of the room, sensing motion just beyond my sight. Tensing muscles strained to discern threats that were irrationally created.

An instinct to flee clawed at my belly, yet something compelled me deeper instead - that irrepressible curiosity serving only to compound the ominous unease bleeding through me. I grumble an assortment of sounds before quickly deciding I've had enough of this place. Pivoting sharply, I pace back to the door I once entered from. Gripping the handle, I twist and pull it open sharply, only to freeze in place.

 Beyond this door frame lays not the dirty, abandoned mall, but a dimly lit playroom. Almost exactly the same as the one I'm in, my chest churns inward as a gasp steals my breath away. "The fuck…?" I breathed. My eyes falling to the ground in confusion. Looking behind me, taking in the room once more before I pay my attention back to the doorway. Did I open the wrong door? Maybe I just got confused and opened the wrong one. I shut the door, a small sense of panic slowly loosening my grip on reason. I pace quickly to the rainbow door. Forcefully pulling it open. Only to be brought to a bright, unreasonably long ball pit room. My grip on the doorhandle tightens, gritting my teeth. What the hell is going on here?! I slam the door, swinging back around, bolting to the other door yet again. Only to find the same room as before. "What…what is this.." I stammer out, an overwhelming sense of confusion and sickness washing over me. 

I shut the door, staring at the plain, shiny door in front of me. My hand resting against it. Although it seems uglier now. I place a hand over my eyes, squeezing them shut. My breathes becoming more erratic by the second. I retrace my steps in my head, confirming that my path was true–I assess the situation. Lashing out emotionally will be of no help. I groan, taking a slow, steady breath. There must be some sort of logical explanation for this!…Right? This isn't physically possible. I slowly open my eyes, my blood still running cold. If I am…stuck here. Supposedly, there should be an exit. 

My best option right now is to stay calm. Becoming hysterical won't end well for me. I run a hand through my messy locks, turning back to face the room. I'm already beginning to hate this place, the disgusting feeling of sick forcing itself onto me. I don't know what lays ahead for me; I think it'd be best if I was on high alert. My eyes wander back over to the rainbow door, the thought of entering it crosses my mind. It wouldn't be a bad start…