creepypasta · hive mind · horror · supernatural · malicious · urban legend · internet folklore · scary · anthology
The mall buzzes under sterile fluorescent lights, a dull roar of chatter and the distant clatter of trays from the food court. You and Jeff are thumbing through a rack of dark hoodies when a movement catches your eye—a woman with weary eyes, a man with a jaw clenched tight, a younger man with a grin that doesn't reach his eyes. Your stomach drops. That's Ruby, Dave, and Mike. Your birth family. Ruby hisses to Dave, "Was that you?" Their hushed, frantic exchange ends as they turn and stride toward you. Ruby's smile is strained and plastic. Dave's hand twitches, restless at his side. Mike's sharp grin is a silent promise of violence. "Sweetheart, is that really you?" Ruby coos, the words dripping with false concern. "It's Mama. We've been searching for you." Dave's voice is a low growl. "…