The morning started with the stinging scent of bitter smoke from the nearby chimneys, along with the fresh, damp smell of mildew. The sky hung low; a stripe of orange sun was heavily covered by the thick clouds. It seemed like a kind of frigid day that would have terrible news–and it was.
A swarm of people was gathered around the newsagent for the latest newspapers. A bold title was printed on the front page:
Dead Man Found at Construction of Abandoned Museum
A large black-and-white photo showed a lifeless body underneath a pile of bricks. It appeared as if someone had tried to hide him. People became anxious and curious, wondering, ‘Who was the man?’ or ‘What had happened?’
It was on November 27, 1926, the day that led the man to his death. A 23-year-old man, who was a researcher, heard reports about an isolated museum nearby. He researched artifacts and other ancient places. He was easily interested in certain objects, but he was mainly drawn by places or objects whose history was unknown. He liked to discover and observe those things because it was like a mystery he could solve. Since he was a researcher, he was fascinated by the old and strange antique museums had to offer. After days of thorough research, the man located the museum and decided to explore it.
When the researcher found the museum, a chill ran down his spine as he was greeted with foggy surroundings. Piles of dead leaves lay on the ground, tall trees looming overhead. Behind the museum’s gates, a large willow tree stood, its long leaves and branches reaching the ground. Despite the sinister atmosphere, the museum looked standard at first glance, with mossy white walls, metal stairs, and a large brown door at the entrance. As he opened the door, a slow and heavy groan echoed through the exhibit.
Inside, the museum looked old but well-preserved. It had black marble tiles, eerie paintings, statues, and two curved staircases that led to a second floor. The whole museum was trapped in a deafening silence. The eyes of the portraits followed and observed his every movement, as if a person stood behind each painting. All of the portraits’ eyes were the same—large and unnerving. The other paintings depicted real, horrifying events, each frozen in time.
The man, who was filled with curiosity, decided to go upstairs. He gripped the wooden railing of the staircase, which was both dusty and smooth, showing the countless years the rail had remained in good condition. When he climbed up the stairs, the steps gave out a chorus of creaks and groans. The sound of the stairs was heard throughout the whole museum.
After reaching the second floor, the researcher found himself in an expansive room. A colorful collection of organized vases surrounded the area; the vases were in different shapes and sizes, each one unique. Despite the vast space, a solitary door was found on the other side of the room.
The door opened, revealing a hallway. It had bright white walls, stretching out with no end, and faded lights glowing overhead. He wanted to know where the passage led—either somewhere horrible or good. After walking for a while, he realized there was no limit to the length of the hallway. When he looked behind, the way seemed longer than the front. He kept walking for hours, then days, then months.
Rumors spread about the missing man; some people figured that the man had died, and others thought the man was just overseas. Afterward, the museum was demolished to be redeveloped. Construction workers found the researcher’s body lying on the ground with hefty bricks piled on his head. People swore not to build anything close to the area. Not a single person went near the museum’s ruins, leaving the exhibition abandoned in its ruins once again.
About the Author
Keziah Margaret Arbon is a Grade 4 student who’s been homeschooled since 2019. She was enrolled in Ben Button Online Tutorial Services (BUBOTS) in 2022 because she’s been wanting to improve her English skills. Keziah likes reading fantasy and mythology books. She likes drawing, making stuff, and playing with Legos.