Haunted Hearts

Chapter 2

I trudged through the automatic doors of Walmart, the harsh fluorescent lights stinging my tired eyes. The scent of stale popcorn mixed with disinfectant assaulted my nostrils as I made my way to the checkout counter, my mind already drifting to the mountain of tasks awaiting me when I got home.

I longed to be elsewhere, maybe pursuing a more fulfilling career, perhaps attending prestigious institutions to secure a brighter future for both myself and Mia.
Unfortunately, fate seemed to laugh at me. It seemed to have mapped out a different path for me – one of anonymity, blending seamlessly into the crowd. Forever destined to be overlooked.

"Morgan, you shouldn't be here," Elena said, her voice laced with concern as she approached me. "It's only been two weeks since your father passed away. You need time to grieve."

I forced a weak smile, the weight of exhaustion settling heavily on my shoulders. "I know, but I can't afford to lose this job. David would fire me in an instant if I missed one more shift."

Elena's expression softened, sympathy shining in her eyes. "I understand... Just promise me you'll take care of yourself, okay?"

I nodded, gratitude swelling in my chest for her unwavering support. Elena had always been supportive since the first day I started working here, she was probably one of the oldest people here but she was also the most... human.

The first time I saw her, I instantly thought of my grandmother. Even if I had never really met my grandmother, I figured she would've looked just like her: short gray hair, short height, eyes pulled down from the years and huge glasses resting on that big nose.
She always gave me this indescribable peace whenever we happened to share a shift together. As if nothing bad could happen if she was around. Weirdly, she made me feel safe, even safer than I ever felt when my father was still around.

The day started as usual.
Since it was only seven a.m. the business was going a bit slow, not odd since the peak hours started at around three p.m. Thankfully, I wouldn't be here for the evening shift, since I only worked part time and today I had a day off from the coffee shop.
If everything went according to plan, I would be home by six p.m. and even though I had a lot of paper work to sort out at home. I honestly could do some sleeping after the horrible month I've had.

Hours passed like minutes, and when I saw Elena going to the front of the store, I reached for my phone, hoping for a moment of reprieve amidst the boredom of the day.

But before I could even unlock the screen, a sharp voice pierced the air. "Morgan! What do you think you're doing?"

I looked up to see David, my boss, striding towards me with a scowl on his face. Panic surged through me as I quickly pocketed my phone, my heart hammering in my chest.

"I—I'm sorry, David," I stammered, my voice barely audible over the hum of the fluorescent lights. "I was just..."

He cut me off with a dismissive wave of his hand. His eyes full of anger, "Save it. You know the rules—no personal phones on the sales floor. One more slip-up like this, and you're out."

I nodded frantically, my stomach twisting with anxiety. As David stalked away, I slumped against the counter. With my breakfast burning in my throat.
After all this time, he still made me feel entirely sick.

David was the type of guy who could creep out any woman on the street by merely existing. His whole vibe was just... off.

Six months ago I started working here, six months ago this little twisted dance started.
The eerie chill of discomfort seeped into every pore of my being from the moment I stepped into that office while asking for a job.
His eyes, like hungry wolves, devoured every inch of my presence, fixating on my lips with a hunger that made my gut twist. His interview was a wicked dance of power and submission.
His tongue darting out to wet his lips with every word I spoke, as if savoring the taste of my fear.