Year 2021, The Month of Chrysanthemum.
[ Allyson's POV. ]
Rumors...
Gossips...
Conspiracies...
Your average words can describe everything that is not explained by science.
They are the Creatures that are far from being normal. Creatures that invoke people's curiosity and fright.
Told by the web, history books or even told as rumors or bedtime stories. These superstitious beliefs are nothing but opinions. A far-fetched story passed from one to another. No one can prove if they are real or not.
People don't believe in others but only in themselves. Believe, it if they've seen it. Assume, if they caught a glimpse of them...
In the end. It's always a mystery.
...
" Ally! ".
A voice snapped me back. I was reading a newspaper taped onto the board.
" Why are you standing there doing nothing? Come help in the Kitchen! ". It was Todd which I answered back.
Today's sure is busier than I expected.
I saw Sherry at the corner of the kitchen— she continued to pour hot water over the coffee ground. It made a fresh aroma that gently wafted around the kitchen. Fred, our waiter, took the initiative to serve the already-finished expresso and cappuccino to the tables.
Currently, a customer wants two Cream cheese flavored and one Strawberry Matcha flavored. There seems to be a parade from the flood of teenagers and people here.
Despite the rush, I'm perfectly fine to aid the crew. Though, it can be a little concerning if this keeps on for days.
I finish with a sigh. This is why I want to recommend Boss to hire more staff.
" Ally, could you get another coffee grounds. ".
Sherry pointed to the room where we stacked the fresh goods. I headed towards the room and searched for the bags of coffee grounds. The familiarity of the strong scent coming from the bags made me feel more alive.
* Rustles *.
It startled me when the television nearby changed to another channel. Someone must've left the remote on.
Man 1: "This past week, we have covered lots of missing reports... and horrible findings in the neighborhood. This news is a bit trigger warning, you may change the channel if you don't like hearing this..... ".
The man took a minute before continuing...
Man 1: " Okay, a severed hand was spotted near the Isterr park. Police have determined it is a woman's right hand and is currently missing. The severed hand is then later taken for DNA tests as Investigations are being held right now as we speak. "
Man 2: " The authorities are on a chase on a possible serial killer on the loose. Authorities suggest that be careful to wander late at night to avoid any danger. "
It was creepy enough to make me turn it off. A serial killer on the loose? Can't the city have enough crimes for a day?
With a jar of coffee grounds in my hand, I returned to the kitchen and handed them to Sherry.
She thanked me and then continued where she left off.
...
[After 3 hours]
Expectedly, all is well. The flood had gone calm and we had to take turns for some breaks.
Fred sat on a nearby chair; clapping his hands in satisfaction. Sherly wondered through the window, she told us how unusual the surge of people today was.
Removing her dirtied towel — she placed them beside the table. Todd stood up and decided it'd be nice to whip up some iced tea.
" Ooh. Can you make us Boba instead? ". I replied. He placed his apron on the board before returning to the kitchen.
" But why did the number increase this morning? ".
Sherry asked. Todd points to the closed store a few miles away from the café. A medium cafe, relative to the size of our establishment, has its blinds shut and doors locked.
" Ah. That one? That explains everything. "
Fred nodded. I picked up a few plates in the dish bin. Todd handed the fresh drinks at the counter. A soft cold wind sublimated from the dripping glasses.
" The owner of that café was more popular than ours, but why did they decide to close today? ". Sheryl spoke.
" Maybe they're tired of working? Last week there was an incident regarding a wild customer in that place. ". Fred responded.
Todd looks at him and flicks his forehead.
" Nonsense. It's because the owner's mother was missing. The owner had to close the store to focus on what's important. ".
Fred massaged his forehead. Sheryl was worried about the news. The serial killer was only a few blocks away from us — she reminded us.
Fred broke the silence as he assured us nothing bad would happen as long as we were careful.
We looked at each other before we headed back to work.
***********
[ Third Person's POV ]
Time passed after the work ended. Allyson, who was staring at the screen of her laptop had different options after the night arrived. The sound of her keyboard caps clicking echoed in her room. She sighs.
"It seems like a hoax. ".
She had this troubled look on her face. She stares at the large board next to her. Pictures were pasted in with a large wrinkled map in the middle.
No leads again
She thought to herself. She looked up, staring at the patterns of the ceiling accompanied by the fan spinning at the center. She felt boredom had come to rob her energy. A hint of regret flashes to her eyes.
" Ally? ".
A knock followed by a voice calling her from the outside. A man entered her room. She hurriedly turned off her laptop and arranged the things that were scattered on top of the desk.
" Oh, boss. You're already back! ".
She smiles at him. The man looked at her room and noticed everything — a sign that he knew she was doing that again.
" Just checking up. ". He warily looked everywhere.
" I can see you're still searching? ". He asked. Allyson gave a nervous chuckle.
" Yeah.. I just can't stop. ". She looked into his eyes, waiting for him might say something about her actions.
The man, whom Allyson calls Boss, looked at the board; Pins, pictures, strings and even the little notes for herself.
" Hmm? ". Allyson wondered. He went to the doorstep and before leaving he looked back — remembering few words.
" I know that I'm in no position to say this to you, but. ".
" Curiosity kills the cat. So take it slow, Allyson. ". He added. The young woman smiled and replied to him.
" Don't worry. I will... ".
* Door closes.
As soon as the door closed, Allyson sighed and removed her hand from covering a bunch of crumpled paper.
" Ah. ".
She tried to press her hands to smoothen it up and stopped when a single file caught her attention. A big front text followed by blurred printed pictures of dread. It was clear as day that it was the recent newspaper about the findings of the culprit that could be roaming in their neighborhood. With a gulp, she picked it up...
" Maybe I'm too curious. ".
*****************
Sherry greeted her co-worker Todd warmly as he returned to the café, carrying a grocery bag. When asked about his long absence, Todd learned that Hans had been busy with business matters that morning. To ease their concerns, Hans promised to help out at the café the following day.
The café sparkled, with its floors and window panes free of stains, leading Hans to inquire if Fred had done the cleaning. Sherry confirmed that Fred had indeed put in extra effort, joking that he felt proud enough to say his pay would be doubled upon Hans's return. However, Fred had left early for his midterm exams.
As Hans checked his watch, a sense of urgency loomed. Todd noticed Hans's expression and questioned whether he was leaving again. Sighing, Hans confirmed he had to go, and the two exchanged understanding glances before Hans departed.
Once he was gone, Sherry remarked on their usual situation, and Todd turned to the stairs leading to Allyson's room, noting that he would be babysitting again. Allyson, however, quickly responded that her babysitting days were over.
Both of them looked at her. She was sitting on top of the counter, carrying files in her hand.
" Not again, Ally. ". Sherry said.
" You almost got arrested for trespassing a property 3 days ago, remember? ". Todd exclaimed.
Allyson shows something in her hand, a new lead.
" It's dangerous. ".
Both of them spoke at the same time. Allyson didn't pay attention. " I know, I know. But I have to. ".
" Ally. This is obviously not something you do for fun- ". Sherry stopped when she saw the young woman's eyes.
" I'm serious. ".
" This might be the only lead I can say, they are...real. ". Allyson explained.
Allyson promised that she'd be safe till the night ended. However, both Todd and Sherry have concerning looks — Todd even took the initiative to lock the door as an answer.
Allyson pleaded again, with both palms uniting but both had the same response.
"Okay... Ummm.." . The young woman searched everywhere. She notices a knife lying on the counter. She snatch it.
"I'll bring this. For self-defense of course." She smiled hesitantly. The two coworkers shared the same expression: it was as if the word "FOR REAL" was inscribed on their foreheads.
Sherry sighed.
"You're 17 and you might parkour the window from your room. Here." Sherry took something from the drawer. She gave Allyson a little taser. Todd asked where she got the item. Sherry smiles and jokingly replied that her uncle was a cop.
Todd shrugged and insisted Allyson stay — her eyes pleading for just one time. It took a moment before they eventually agreed, which made Allyson's day.
" I know you've been careful on your search, but please don't hesitate to stop if danger comes. " Todd warned her.
* Glass door closes.
" We'll be responsible for this. ". Todd uttered which Sherry agrees.
...
[ Allyson's Perspective ]
People tell me that I'm stuck in my hobbies; focusing on unrealistic topics and aimless pursuits.
I'm curious. I want to prove what happened last year.
We were attacked that day. The day when stars fell. My memories about my Aunt are haunting me every time I sleep - It makes me sad, it makes me mad. I want to see what's behind these secrets.
It's like the world has been hiding something very important. So I focus on questions like: " What's the reason? "
" Why is it hidden? ".
" Why did it happen? "
I'm itching to know about them. It's all mixed feelings. I had to do this... I had to start from the bottom...
To find him.
* Stops.
I stopped in front of an abandoned building. Its raggedy atmosphere and the darkness inside reeks mystery and eeriness. I still don't know why the government hadn't demolished this seemingly haunted construction, but I will try and search for clues.
The culprit was here before. I heard about the news about this place. The hooligans who first entered this place reported to have found dismembered fingers in front of the doorstep. Hearing it makes me wonder if it's not human.
I lifted the yellow police tape as I rummaged through my backpack and pulled out a flashlight.
I've done my research on horrific events. I don't plan on confronting but to gather proof of their existence. I remember how I snuck around different parts of the city just to find nothing but fictitious tales.
" Trash.. trash. "
I walked around and saw if I could find any specific leads but all I see are trash - broken bottles, withered grocery bags or graffiti on the wall. It was still dark. Maybe it's because of the clouds shutting the moonlight?
* Phone vibrates.
I stopped after I found out it was Boss's number. Did he find out already? Did those two report me?
" I'll just wait till he hangs up. ".
A liquid fell from the ceiling with the accuracy hit the "ON" button. I tried to wipe it out but it's too late. Before I knew it, Boss had already asked where I'm currently right now.
I was still as a rock, hoping he'd hang up. That backfired at me like a hurling fireball.
" GET YOUR ASS BACK THERE OR ILL- ".
* hangs up..
I've done it now. Sweet condolence to my future self. Well, the search will wait for tomorrow.
I was about to leave when my phone slipped from my pockets. It was then I realized my pockets had a huge hole. These jeans are rather old anyway.
* Drips.
Interrupted by the sound of another dripping. This time, I thought that there might be a leakage of water from the second floor. The dripping irritates me.
I lifted the flashlight to reveal the ceiling — Horror meets me.
It was blood. Blood was dripping from the ceiling. At first, I was about to scream but I managed to keep down my voice. The blood kept dripping from up there. What's more disturbing is why is it very fluid.
" Is the culprit, above? ". I whispered at myself before I slowly walked my way out of this bloody building.
* Someone breathed~
What the heck was that?
As the footsteps echoed from above, I quickly hid from a wall hoping it won't notice my presence. There was also this squelching sound it was making — made me more afraid.
I hear the culprit descending at the stairs; mumbling and is eating something on it's hands.
* It stops.
I try to take a video but I realize I left my phone. "Curse you, Torn-Up Jeans!" I exclaimed. I want to retrieve it as possible, but I don't want to look at him.
" Whose phone this might be? ".
Based on his reaction. It seemed that he picked up my phone to examine. Heart beating like an engine and struggling to keep my composure that I won't make any noise.
" What a lovely scent. ". He added.
That alone sent shivers down my spine. Further making me to NEVER turn around to peek.
" It's quite a rare smell. I've never smelled a scent like this before... * Sniffs. ". He continued sniffing like a dog.
I must say, this killer is quite a perv.
* Crunch * squelch.
Don't tell me...
I had to look. It was dark but the moonlight reveals something that will haunt my dreams.
* Crunch.
He was eating a hand...