Benjamin's Heirloom Ring

A Glimpse of Shadow

After they reluctantly left the cozy and warm ambiance of the bustling restaurant, Benjamin and Valerie slowly made their way toward the silver sedan they had parked earlier in the day at the now nearly deserted and eerily quiet shopping center. The once vibrant mall's lights, which were now dim and flickering, cast a faint and ghostly glow, creating elongated and distorted shadows on the meticulously clean and polished ceramic floor tiles. The rhythmic sound of their footsteps, a stark contrast to the silence, echoed loudly through the vast, empty hallway, amplifying the sense of isolation in the deserted complex.

"Benjamin," Valerie suddenly said, her voice slightly hesitant. "I need to go to the bathroom for a bit. You can wait for me here or maybe head to the car first."

Benjamin looked at her, his eyes showing concern despite the smile on his lips. "I'll wait near the bathroom door. Don't worry."

Valerie nodded and walked toward the bathroom located at the end of the hallway. Ben