 |
| Gas station |
Plot Summary:
Linda embarks on a night journey to visit her aunt, but her car runs low on fuel amidst a storm. She stops at a lonely gas station, where she encounters eerie silence and a growing sense of dread. As she refuels, Linda ventures into the decrepit building to find a restroom, only to be trapped and terrorized by a mysterious man wielding an axe. After a tense struggle, she manages to escape but is left deeply traumatized. Despite the police investigation, the attacker remains at large, leaving Linda with lasting fear and heightened vigilance.
Setting:
Time: Nighttime, during a severe rainstorm.
Place: A remote, desolate gas station far from the city, characterized by its eerie quietness and run-down facilities.
Characters:
1. Linda
 |
| Linda |
The protagonist, a determined and resourceful woman who faces a harrowing ordeal.
2. Mysterious Man
 |
| Mysterious Man |
The antagonist, a menacing figure with an axe, whose intentions and origins remain unclear.
3. Linda's Aunt
 |
| Linda's Aunt |
Provides emotional support and helps report the incident to the authorities.
Chapter 1: Night Journey
Driving her automobile into the pitch-black night, Linda set out to visit her aunt's home. Since Linda's aunt lived a good two hundred kilometers from her home, she had opted to go at night in order to escape the typical city traffic. But making the choice to drive at night presented its own set of difficulties.
Deep darkness fell, the roadways strangely empty, the monotony of black tarmac broken only by the sporadic flare of distant headlights. A deluge of rain hammered down on the vehicle roof like a never-ending rhythm as the heavens parted. There was very little vision up ahead due to the rain, with headlights hardly making it through the dense water curtain. The road became slippery and dangerous.
Linda's gaze flickered to her dashboard's fuel meter as she continued to drive. She noticed that the needle was perilously near empty, and a sickening sensation began to creep into her gut. She knew she had to get to a gas station quickly. With her fuel running low and the weather getting worse, she knew that the closest service station was still five kilometers away, a distance that looked impossible.
Linda pushed her nervousness aside and kept her eyes on the road, her fingers white from gripping the steering wheel. With every kilometer that went by, the feeling of loneliness increased, and the rain showed no signs of stopping. At last, she made out the faint glimmer of a neon sign through the mist of rain and darkness. It flashed erratically, barely lighting up the lonely little petrol station tucked away on the side of the road.
Chapter 2: Gas Station
Linda drew up behind a pump as she turned into the station, her tires splattering over puddles. The facility was mostly empty, which added to the sense of dread that had been growing since she realized she was running short on fuel. She cast a quick glance around, taking in the stifling quiet and the flashing neon lights. The constant patter of rain and the sporadic, distant rumble of thunder were the only sounds audible.
Linda put petrol in her car, the uneasiness from earlier intensifying into a real anxiety. The only sound at the strangely silent gas station was the rain pattering against the metal roof above the pumps. The ancient neon sign flickered on and off, echoing in the darkness with each flicker, heightening her sensation of loneliness.
Linda was aware of the increasing pain in her bladder as the gasoline filled her automobile. She had been trying to contain it for over three hours in the hopes of making it to her aunt's house before she had to give up. However, it was difficult to wait any longer due to the combination of the lengthy travel and the tense atmosphere of the night.
Chapter 3: The Gas Station Building
Now that the gas tank was full, she made the decision to search for the gas station attendant by going toward the little, poorly illuminated structure next to the gasoline pumps.
As she walked toward the building, the rain was coming down hard. Every stride through the puddles seemed like an effort to combat the mounting fear.
When Linda got to the door, she paused and took a long breath to calm herself before opening it. A loud groan at the door echoed through the otherwise quiet night. Upon entering, she saw that it was a tiny, poorly lit space. The smell of aged, wet wood and a faint metallic note pervaded the stagnant air.
“Hello?” Linda called out, her voice wavering slightly. “Is anyone here?”
The room appeared empty, with only a dusty counter and some old, mismatched furniture scattered about. She took a few cautious steps forward, the sound of her footsteps amplified in the stillness.
“Is anyone here?”
There was still no reply. The continuous buzz of the flickering lightbulb and the sporadic drop of water from a leaking ceiling were the only sounds breaking the stifling silence. As Linda made her way deeper inside the structure and peered around for any sign of life, her heart hammered in her chest.
She continued exploring the building and found a little hallway that appeared to go to an office. She saw that the door was slightly ajar and that there was a dim light emanating from within. Linda stepped closer, seeing through the opening. She peered inside to see the room dimly lit by an ancient bulb and a desk covered with papers.
Chapter 4: The Toilet
The main building stood at the center of the area, with the toilet situated at the back. However, the atmosphere inside the toilet was far from pleasant. Upon entering, a foul odor immediately assaulted the senses. The dim lighting barely provided enough illumination to see clearly.
There were four bathroom stalls in the room, but they were in terrible shape. There were large gaps in the shattered cubicle doors, exposing nothingness inside. It just took a cursory look to see how long the restrooms had been neglected and abandoned.
With caution, Linda entered the dilapidated bathroom, her footsteps resonating unsettlingly on the tiled floor. She took a minute to think before reaching for the door of the fourth cubicle, her fingers shaking. It creaked open, letting the emptiness inside seep forth.
The floor was covered with detritus, the walls covered in strange materials, and the cubicle itself was a cesspool of filth and rot. There was nothing else to be done, but Linda wrinkled her nose in disdain. She let out a defeated sigh and entered, finding little security or privacy behind the splintered door.
As she lifted her skirt and pulled down her underwear, the sense of unease only grew. The silence that enveloped the restroom was suffocating, broken only by the sound of her own breathing and the faint drip of water somewhere in the distance. It was as if the very walls were watching, waiting for her to let her guard down.
Linda shuddered and started to urinate on the dirty floor, her pee making a loud echo in the small room. Every drop felt as though it were echoing through the stillness, intensifying the looming sensation of doom and loneliness.
As she finished and straightened up, a sudden chill ran down her spine. The air seemed to grow colder, the darkness pressing in around her like a suffocating blanket. She hurriedly pulled up her underwear and skirt, eager to escape the oppressive atmosphere of the restroom.
However, just as she was about to grab the door, a deep, guttural voice sounded in the shadows, giving her a chill.
"Leave..."
With her heart racing in her chest, Linda froze. With frightened eyes, she turned slowly, but nothing was there. It was just the shattered door and empty cubicle, hanging limply on its hinges. With a gasp, Linda stumbled out of the restroom, her breath coming in ragged gasps.
Chapter 5: Trapped in the Gas Station Building
The main entrance of the gas station building was locked from the outside, leaving Linda with no choice but to search for an alternative. Her eyes scanned the dimly lit room, settling on the cashier's counter. She approached it, her heart racing with anticipation, and began to search for a key.
She averted her gaze from the entrance and surveyed the dimly lighted gas station inside. With its contents long ago stolen or abandoned to collect dust, rows of empty shelves loomed like ominous sentinels. The smell of musty old air and stale petroleum permeated the air.
She knew she had to find a way out, and desperation began to gnaw at her thoughts. Her eyes landed on the tiny counter at the far end of the room, which served as the cashier's desk. It would be there if there was any possibility of discovering the key. Mustering her bravery, Linda strode across the room, her footfall resonating in the eerie quiet.
A fading newspaper from months ago, empty Coke cans, and old receipts littered the cashier's desk. She shoved the rubble away, shaking hands as she looked around for the key. The wooden frame of the drawer was swelled from years of neglect, and it was stuck. With a groan, she wrenched it open, letting the contents clang loudly onto the counter.
She noticed a little, tarnished key among the neglected trinkets and strewn papers. She clutched it, the metal feeling cold against her hand as hope rushed within her. Is this her passport to freedom? With excitement in her heart, she hurried back to the door.
However, she had a sinking sensation in her stomach as she slid the key into the lock. The door stayed solidly closed even as the key turned. Linda became quite irritated and began to swear under her breath. This wasn't the primary door key.
Chapter 6: Encounter with a Mysterious Figure
Suddenly, Linda was startled by the presence of a mysterious man standing right behind her. She hadn't heard any footsteps or felt any sign of his approach. The man carried a menacing axe, its blade glinting in the dim light. He was tall and skinny, with long, unkempt hair that fell wildly around his shoulders. His face was hidden behind a grotesque mask that gave him an eerie, almost otherworldly appearance.
For a moment, Linda was paralyzed with fear, her mind racing to comprehend the situation. The man's eyes, visible through the mask, were cold and unfeeling. Without warning, he lifted the axe high above his head and swung it down towards her with terrifying force. Instinct kicked in, and Linda managed to dodge to the side just in time. The axe missed her by mere inches, crashing into the window behind her and shattering the glass into a thousand shards.
Linda knew she had to find a place to hide, and quickly. She scanned the room frantically, looking for any possible escape or cover.
Chapter 7: Linda's Resistance
The mysterious man with the axe found Linda hiding under the table. He spotted her trembling form and wasted no time. Reaching down, he grabbed her leg with a forceful yank, dragging her out from her hiding place. she felt the cold grip of his hand around her ankle. She tried to kick free, but his grasp was ironclad.
With a menacing glare, the man raised his axe once more. Linda watched in horror as the blade came down, narrowly missing her head and embedding itself into the floor beside her. The sound of the splintering wood was deafening. Adrenaline surged through her veins, fueling her survival instincts. She let out a scream, a mixture of fear and defiance, and fought back with all her might.
Linda kicked at his legs, trying to dislodge his grip. She grabbed at anything within reach and hurled it at him. Her fingers found a heavy candlestick on the table and she swung it with all her strength, aiming for his head. He dodged, but the candlestick struck his shoulder, causing him to momentarily lose his balance.
Seizing the opportunity, Linda scrambled to her feet. The man roared in anger, pulling the axe free from the floor and advancing towards her with renewed fury. Desperation fueled Linda's actions as she scanned the room for more objects to defend herself. Her eyes landed on the cashier's desk, cluttered with various items. She lunged towards it, grabbing a stapler and hurling it at him. It struck his arm, but it did little to slow him down.
The man swung the axe wildly, and Linda barely managed to duck in time. The blade whooshed past her, slicing through the air where her head had been just moments before. She knew she couldn't keep dodging forever; she needed a plan. As he lifted the axe again, Linda spotted the cashier's computer monitor. It was heavy and unwieldy, but it might just give her the advantage she needed.
With a burst of strength fueled by sheer terror, Linda lifted the monitor and threw it at him. The bulky device hit its mark, crashing into his head with a sickening thud. The impact sent him staggering backward, his grip on the axe loosening. He stumbled, his knees buckling, and then he collapsed to the floor, unconscious.
Linda's breaths came in ragged gasps as she took in the scene. The man lay motionless, the axe now harmless on the floor beside him. Her momentary victory brought a flood of relief, but she knew she wasn't safe yet. She quickly reached into her pocket, fumbling for her phone. Her fingers shook as she dialed 911, but her heart sank when she saw the "No Service" message glaring back at her. The storm outside had knocked out the signal.
Not one to give up easily, Linda rushed to the cashier's desk and grabbed the landline phone. Her hope was dashed once again when she realized the storm had also taken out the phone lines. Panic threatened to overwhelm her, but she forced herself to stay calm. She needed to think clearly and act quickly.
Chapter 8: Rising Tension
The man woke up from his unconscious state, his eyes wild and filled with rage. In a swift motion and without a second thought, he grabbed the axe lying beside him. Linda, standing a few meters away, was shocked by the drastic change in the man’s demeanor. Without giving Linda time to react, he swung the axe with full force.
The axe flew through the air, spinning rapidly towards Linda. In the blink of an eye, Linda tried to dodge, but the man’s movement was too quick. The axe missed its main target but still managed to graze Linda’s neck. The sharp edge of the axe left a shallow cut, causing a trickle of blood. Linda felt a stinging pain and instinctively pressed her hand against the wound.
The situation grew increasingly tense. Although the man looked exhausted, he still had enough energy for another attack. Linda had to think fast. Amid the pain and chaos, her mind raced to find a way to survive. The room around her seemed to close in, adding extra pressure to the already critical situation.
With blood dripping from her neck wound, Linda observed the man carefully. She realized that he might not be fully aware of his actions, perhaps controlled by something larger than mere anger. However, survival was the priority now, and she had to avoid the next attack.
Linda slowly backed away, keeping a distance between herself and the man still gripping the axe. Panting heavily, she tried to recall the survival training she had learned. She was scanning for anything that could be used as a weapon or a shield, her eyes fixed on a wooden chair near the wall.
In a swift decision, Linda grabbed the chair and lifted it in front of her, ready to use it as a shield. She knew the axe could break the chair, but at least she had something to block a direct hit. The man, with hatred still burning in his eyes, started to move closer.
Seconds felt like minutes, and minutes like hours. The tension in the room was almost unbearable, with each person waiting for the other to make a move. In the tense silence, their labored breaths were the only signs of life. Linda looked at the man with determined eyes. There was no choice but to fight and survive.
"Don't come any closer!" Linda shouted, giving a final warning. However, the man either didn’t hear or didn’t care.
Chapter 9: Escape
Linda was hiding in a 9x9-meter office room; she knew her time was limited. With great courage, Linda decided to take action. She grabbed a chair from near the table and threw it with all her might at the window. The sound of shattering glass filled the room as small shards flew everywhere.
Without wasting time, Linda jumped out through the broken window, even though the shards of glass scratched her hands, leaving deep and bleeding wounds. However, the adrenaline pumping through her body made her ignore the pain. She ran as fast as she could to her car, which was parked not far away.
Arriving at the car, Linda quickly got in and tried to start the engine. However, all she heard was the sound of the engine failing to start. Her car had broken down! Panic began to creep in, but Linda didn't have time to be afraid. Suddenly, the mysterious man who had been chasing her appeared and slammed his fist into the windshield with full force. The glass cracked, and the man quickly tried to open Linda's car door.
Linda desperately tried to find a way to escape. She tried to start her car again, praying that the engine would start. And this time, luck was on her side. The car's engine roared to life. Without hesitation, Linda slammed on the gas pedal, and the car sped backward. Then she swerved the wheel to the left in hopes of escaping the man.
Chapter 10: Seeking Help
Linda desperately searched for the nearest police station, but being in such a remote area, there was none to be found.
There was no sign of a police station, no houses, no cars. She was completely alone.
She decided to try calling 911 again, hoping for any chance of assistance. However, her phone displayed a crushing message: no signal.
Chapter 11: Continuing the Journey
Linda continued her journey to her aunt's house, navigating the treacherous roads as rain poured down and fog thickened the air. The limited visibility and slick conditions forced her to drive slowly and cautiously. Overwhelmed by the events of the day, Linda couldn't hold back her tears as she drove.
Despite the difficult conditions, Linda eventually arrived safely at her aunt's house, though she was visibly shaken. She wasted no time in recounting the harrowing incident at the gas station to her aunt. Understanding the gravity of the situation, her aunt comforted her and assured her that they would take action.
The next morning, Linda's aunt reported the incident to the police, determined to seek justice and ensure Linda's safety.
Chapter 12: Police Investigation
Ten police officers descended from their vehicles and swiftly secured the gas station. They meticulously searched the premises, looking for any clues that might lead them to the mysterious man who had terrorized Linda.
Among the evidence they collected was a bloody axe—a chilling reminder of the danger Linda had faced. Despite their thorough investigation, the mysterious man was nowhere to be found. Frustration mingled with determination as the officers continued their search for any leads.
For the time being, the gas station was closed and cordoned off as a crime scene. The police were resolute in their mission to uncover the truth and bring the perpetrator to justice, knowing that until he was caught, the threat remained.
Chapter 13: Trauma
Linda experienced deep trauma following the incident at the gas station. Nightmares and flashbacks plagued her, leaving her feeling constantly on edge. Her aunt, recognizing the severity of Linda's distress, stepped in to help her niece recover. With patience and care, she provided Linda with emotional support, encouraging her to talk about her feelings and offering comfort during the darkest moments.
Through therapy and the unwavering support of her aunt, Linda slowly began to heal. She learned coping mechanisms to manage her anxiety and started to regain a sense of normalcy in her life.
Chapter 14: Epilogue
Linda eventually returned to her life in the city, carrying with her the lessons she had learned from the harrowing experience. She became more vigilant and cautious, always aware of her surroundings. The ordeal had changed her, but it had also made her stronger and more resilient.
Grateful for the assistance she received from the police and her aunt, Linda acknowledged that their support had been crucial in her recovery, even though the mysterious man remained at large. Despite the lingering uncertainty, Linda embraced her future with a renewed sense of determination and hope.