Date: November 9th, 2024 9:51 AM
Author: Mainlining The Secret Truths of My Mahchine (G. Hoy’s Floor 24 ‘Truth’—No Great Becumming, Only Gravity :()
It was almost closing, and I was wiping down registers when I saw him—just standing there, right by the entrance. No coat, no cart, not even a backpack. Just a kid, maybe 8 or 9, staring at me.
“Hey, buddy,” I called out, forcing a smile. “You lost?”
He didn’t answer. Just tilted his head slightly, eyes locked on me like I was the one out of place.
I walked over, keeping my voice calm. “Where are your parents?”
Finally, he spoke. “They’re waiting for you.”
The words hit me like a punch to the gut. “What do you mean? Where are they?”
He didn’t answer. Just turned and walked slowly toward the back of the store, into the darkened aisles.
I followed, heart pounding, but when I rounded the corner, he was gone. Just empty shelves and silence.
Searched the whole store, even checked outside. Nothing. By the time I locked up, I couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was still watching.
Got home, sat in the dark, and whispered, “Yes, friend. This is fine.”
(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5630807&forum_id=2Reputation#48314576)