I was devastated when Grace sent me the text saying “we’re done.” I begged and pleaded for another chance, but was always denied. I gave up. I stopped showering, watering my plants, and I didn’t go to work for a week. When I finally started going back to work I barely got anything done. Then on the 4th day back I saw the fortune tellers phone number on the community bathroom stall. The office I work in is also used by a public service office so this number could’ve come from anyone. I knew I shouldn’t have called it but maybe this was all I needed. Maybe this would give me the hope of having a happy ever after with Grace. As soon as I called I regretted it.

The voice that picked up was slow, deep, scratchy, and was obviously from an elderly woman. She answered slowly “hello?! What do you want?!” It startled me and I considered hanging up. I hesitated but eventually answered “hello? Do you do fortunes?”

She answered quick and loud, “yes, why, do you want one?” “Yes I do” I answered timidly. She continued to explain the rules about the fortunes she reads. She said “First, the fortunes are not 100% accurate. Second, the way a customer acts upon their fortune may effect the the turn out of their future.” She told me that if I wanted my fortune read then I had to meet her next to the creek downtown at the abandoned glass factory. I immediately left work to meet her. “Amber where are you going?!” Yelled my colleague after me. I ignored it and kept running. The only thing going through my mind was my happy ever after with Grace. She would come back to me and realize how much she missed me. She would stay with me forever and help my life come back together again.

I ran to my car and as soon as I got in my car I remembered. A week ago a man went missing at the old glass factory. And 2 months ago a woman in her 30’s went missing there and when the police investigated it was completely empty. I suddenly started reconsidering meeting her there. “Will I be next?! Did they go missing after meeting with her too?! Is it just a coincidence?!” Then I was reminded of Grace because our song came on the radio. I decided “I HAVE to know if I end up with Grace.” I ignored the missing persons cases bang on the door to my brain, trying to persuade me not to go. I didn’t stop once to think on the way there.

As soon as I got to the abandoned factory I regretted coming. It was becoming dark out and it was very windy. There was litter all over the ground around the factory. I slowly approach it. Trying to only think about Grace. When I finally find a way in I have to climb through a hole in the wall on the side of the factory. I slide in and immediately hear the voice from the phone whispering “oh no, she’s here. HIDE!” I can’t see her because it’s so dark so I to try to follow the noise.I can hear scurrying all around me. I am petrified and I freeze. I hear a match lit and then a small figure with a candle enters the room I am in. I am relieved because of the light until I see what’s holding it.

It took a second for my eyes to adjust to the light but then I notice it. A young boy covered in blood is approaching me. I freeze but then realize I need to run. I sprint anywhere but the near the boy. I hear the candle hit the floor and I freeze. I slowly try to find a way out.

I’ve done it! I found a door outside. I open the door and see that it is bright out. “Wasn’t it just night time? How long have I been here?” As soon as turn to face the factory it is gone. The boy appears faster than I could blink. He slowly approach’s me as I sprint towards my car. I can’t find it. “Wait, where is my car? Where am I? This isn’t where I went to meet the old lady!” The boy says “your fortune is death” and then I blackout. I don’t feel anything except mortality