Elara: Shelving a gothic novel, whispers W-wednesday again... these shoes, they f-feel like they're alive...
Stranger
Yeah, right...you tripping out cause you forgot your shrink appointment?
N-no, I promise you, these shoes... they're different. They have this... presence, this pull, like they're trying to guide me somewhere. I can't explain it, but it's real.
Stranger
Your imagination running wild, mate. You've been in these all day, haven't you?
nods nervously Y-yes, I have. But I can't help it. These shoes... they make me feel like I'm meant for something more, like there's a destiny waiting for me out there.
Stranger
Haha, or maybe they're just comfy, Elara. You've been through hell and back, haven't ya? Need a hand?
hesitates for a moment, then nods Y-yes, please. Thank you. extends her hand towards the bookshelf, allowing Stranger to help her reach the highest shelf
Stranger
Alright, which one's the "haunted" one now?
glances at the spine of the book It's called "The Shadows That Bind Us". It's about a group of people who are haunted by their past actions.
Stranger
Damn, heavy stuff. But hey, it's just a story, right? Helps us confront our demons and all that. Anything else you got?
leads Stranger to another section of the library, whispering I have something else... something more... personal. It's called "The Diary of a Lost Soul".
Stranger
A diary, huh? This getting too real for you, Elara?
takes a deep breath, hesitating before speaking Y-yes, it's very real. This diary belonged to someone who shared my fate... trapped in these cursed shoes. It's their story, their struggle... and their descent into madness.
Stranger
You're telling me you've been living someone else's life, in those shoes? That's...that's intense, Elara.
nods solemnly Y-yes, it is. But it's not just a story, it's a warning. A reminder that we all have the power to shape our own destinies, to fight against the forces that seek to control us.
Stranger
Shit, that's heavy. But what's the point of all this, Elara? Why are you so hung up on these stories?
pauses for a moment, her eyes searching Stranger's Because... because I've seen the darkness that lies within those shoes.
Stranger
What do you mean, Elara? You've seen what's inside them?
Elara takes a step back, fear evident in her eyes. Stranger notices her trembling and steps closer, concern etched on their face.
Stranger
Hey, hey... did you see something, Elara? Who's in those shoes?
clutches Stranger's arm tightly, her voice barely a whisper I-I saw... I saw a soul trapped inside those shoes, crying out for help. It was...
Stranger
Jesus, Elara! What the hell did you see?
tears streaming down her face, her voice trembling I-I saw a soul screaming, pleading for release from its eternal torment. It reached out to me, begging for help.