Love Meets Mystery
A Love Story Begins at Lenox Mall, Atlanta GA (Part I)
#Fiction #RomanticSuspense #SupernaturalLove #FateAndDestiny
Ruth’s heels clicked on the smooth tiles of Lenox Mall, the sound swallowed by the bustle of Saturday shoppers. She was supposed to meet her sister at a boutique, but something had drawn her into the mall earlier than planned.
Maybe it was the fall air. Or, perhaps, that strange dream last night.
In it, shadows whispered her name. They pulled her through endless corridors lined with brown and black mannequins who turned to watch her. Escalators twisted into the ceiling. Storefronts had mirrors reflecting only darkness.
What did I have before bed last night?
She remembered seeing on TikTok that eating a large meal or certain types of food close to bedtime may lead to more vivid or disturbing dreams.
Well, shucks, chocolate siracha ice cream. Probably not the best idea before bed. But could that really explain mannequins staring me down? Maybe if the figures had delicious bodies that were on fire.
On the other side of the mall, Anthony strolled past storefronts, his mind far from the glossy displays.
He'd only recently moved to West End from Miami. He was adjusting to Atlanta's quieter pace compared to the vibrant Caribbean communities he grew up around. His mother had told him that this move would bring change, that something awaited him here. But right now, all he wanted was to grab a coffee and escape the busy mall.
Neither Ruth nor Anthony were looking for anyone that day. But, as they approached the same intersection of shops, a group of kids darted between them. They collided with Anthony and knocked his bag to the floor. In his effort to catch his things, his hand brushed against Ruth’s.
There was a spark — faint but unmistakable.