At first, you don’t think much of the room. But when the murmurs told you to do so, you start to get curious.
As the day gives way to night, the ghosts awaken. They whisper in your ears, words that elude your comprehension and touch. They are restless and you hear them shuffling around.
The room was a shrine of the past, where dust and shadows kept vigil. You walk on the wooden floor, listening to its ancient stories. In the corner, a chest beckons you, begging you to open it and solve its mysteries.
As you open a lid, a treasure of memories reveal itself: faded photos, handwritten letters and old books, each bearing a kiss from time. Resting among them is an old tape. You clasp it and read the peeling label:
#1.
You stare at it a few more minutes, trying to make sure you deciphered the scrawny handwriting right. Your hands shake as you go back down to your room, and you plug in the tape player. You insert the tape and after a moment’s hesitation, press play.
The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
The tape clicks.
Unknown: Hello? Can you hear me?
“Yes,” you say even though the person can’t hear you.
The person sounds like they are crying, and you could almost see their tear-stained cheeks. You could almost feel their despair.
Unknown: There is no time. The gods have fallen. The stars have died. She has taken over the world, she has betrayed us all. You cannot trust her. She will heal your soul and then leave it a twisted, broken mess.
The speaker takes a shattering breath, to calm themselves. They clear their throat and start again.
Unknown: Please. You have to choose the right path. The dark side might call to you, and you must refuse. You must remember that the fire inside of you is for the good.
( You blink in visible confusion. Who is this?
It was almost like they heard your silent question. There was a crackle, and a pause. You could hear heavy breaths again, and then there was a muffled scream.
( You’re sure that you have heard that scream before. But where? )
Unknown: The world is ending. You must save us—or we will all suffer.
The tape clicks, and with that warning note ringing in your ears, it’s all over.