The Hallway of Hallucinations: Crossing The Line Of Reality

By Tracy S Shade

"In 'Hallways of Hallucinations,' reality is but a fragile construct easily shattered by the mind-bending corridors of an abandoned hospital. A group of thrill-seeking urban explorers uncover a forgotten wing of St Agatha's Hospital, once notorious for its experimental surgeries. What begins as a daring adventure soon devolves into a nightmare a

• Language: English
• Publisher: AfterDark Echoes
• Release date: Oct 31, 2023
• ISBN: 9780645995510

Book preview

1

The Gathering

In a dimly lit basement cluttered with old maps and dusty artifacts, six friends gathered around a makeshift table. The air was thick with anticipation and the slightly musty scent of aged paper. It was their regular meet-up spot, but tonight had a different vibe. A magnetic pull toward something darker.

So, are we all in? Mark, the unofficial leader, looked around the room, his eyes piercing through the dim light like a hawk zeroing in on its prey.

An abandoned hospital? Sounds like something out of a horror movie, Emily replied, nervously twirling a strand of her hair.

Yeah, because it is, said Tim, a lanky guy with a knack for stating the obvious. People go into places like that and never come out.

Come on, where's your sense of adventure? This isn't just any hospital, Mark urged, unfolding an old, brittle map on the table. This one was shut down for 'un-ethical practices.' Doesn't that just make you wanna see what's inside?

Do we even know how to get there? Anna chimed in, her eyes squinting at the map.

Mark traced a route with his finger. An hour’s drive, a turn off the main road, and then a half-mile hike through the woods. We can use the old service road; it's overgrown but still walkable. The place has been abandoned for decades.

Let me get this straight, Sarah interrupted, we're going to break into an old, creepy, illegal-to-enter building that’s hidden away in the woods? And for what? Thrills?

Don't forget the exclusive footage, Mark grinned, holding up a compact video camera. Imagine the views we'll get on our channel!

After a moment of pondering, each gave a reluctant nod. The dice were thrown; their fates sealed. Alright, Emily sighed, let's go get ourselves haunted.

2

The Threshold

An hour and several wrong turns later, the group's van pulled up to the end of a neglected road. Towering trees formed a jagged canopy above, letting in mere slivers of the waning evening light. The old service road, now a mere path choked by weeds and underbrush, waited to usher them into the heart of the forest.

Are we sure this is the place? Tim asked, eyeing the gloomy path with skepticism. Looks more like the entrance to Narnia's evil twin.

Only one way to find out, Mark answered, stepping out of the van. He stretched his arms, feeling a sense of liberation, like a bird released from a cage. He pulled the video camera from his backpack and hit the record but-ton. Alright, gang, say hi to your adoring fans!

With forced smiles, the group greeted the imaginary audience. Fame, after all, awaited no one. Not even on the edge of an eerie, god-forgotten forest.

They began their trek down the narrow path. It was less walking and more stumbling through tangled roots and overgrown brambles. For what seemed like an eternity, nature itself seemed to protest their invasion.

Finally, Anna, leading the group, froze. Guys, she whispered, almost breathless. Her flashlight beam settled on an old, rusting sign half-hidden in the foliage. It read: St. Agatha's Hospital. Authorized Personnel Only.

That's it, Emily muttered, we've officially crossed into the opening scene of every horror movie ever made.

Yet, even as they laughed off her comment, each felt an unspoken truth settling in. They had crossed a threshold, one that was more than just physical. As they stood before the maw of the hospital's crumbling entrance, an inexplicable feeling washed over them.

The building itself seemed to gaze back, its shattered windows like vacant eyes, its doorway a gaping mouth. The air grew colder, as if the hospital was taking a deep breath, ushering them into its long-forgotten corridors.

I guess this is where the adventure really begins, Mark said, steadying his camera. His voice wavered, a crack in his usual bravado.

So, who's going first? Sarah teased, though her own voice betrayed a note of genuine concern.

After you, Tim joked, gesturing toward the dark void beyond the doorway.

Taking a collective breath, they stepped inside. The threshold crossed, the line between the known and the unknown irrevocably blurred.

And somewhere, deep within the bowels of St. Agatha's, something awakened.