A time-looped subway station
The flickering fluorescent lights cast an eerie glow over the empty subway platform. Ava checked her watch again, the second hand ticking away the seconds as she waited for the train. But something wasn't right - the platform was too quiet, too still. Where were all the other commuters?
Suddenly, a rumbling sound echoed from the tunnel, growing louder by the second. Ava braced herself as the train approached, its headlights piercing the darkness. But as the train screeched to a halt, the doors remained closed, and the familiar chime never sounded. Ava's heart pounded as she realized - this wasn't the train she was expecting.
The doors slid open, and Ava hesitantly stepped inside, her eyes adjusting to the dim lighting. The train was completely empty, save for a lone figure standing at the far end of the car. Ava's breath caught in her throat as the figure turned to face her, a sinister grin spreading across their features.
"Welcome to my domain," the figure said, their voice echoing eerily through the carriage. Ava's mind raced, trying to make sense of what was happening. She had to get off this train, but the doors had already closed behind her, trapping her inside.
The train lurched forward, and Ava stumbled, clutching the handrail for support. As the scenery outside the windows blurred, she realized with growing horror that the train was not moving forward, but rather, circling the same track, over and over again.
"What's going on?" Ava demanded, her voice trembling. "Where are you taking me?"
The figure let out a chilling laugh. "Oh, this is just the beginning, my dear. You see, this station is trapped in a time loop, and you're about to become a permanent part of it."
Ava's mind raced as she tried to make sense of the situation. Time loop? Permanent part of it? The implications sent a shiver down her spine. She had to find a way to escape, but the train seemed to have a mind of its own, circling the same track endlessly.
Suddenly, the train lurched to a halt, and the doors slid open. Ava hesitated, unsure if this was another trap. But the figure gestured towards the platform, a twisted smile on their face.
"Your stop, my dear. Enjoy your stay."
Ava stepped out onto the platform, her heart pounding. As she looked around, she realized that the station was completely empty, save for the flickering lights and the eerie silence. The figure stood in the doorway of the train, watching her with amusement.
"You can't escape, you know," the figure called out. "This station is my domain, and you're trapped here forever." The doors slid shut, and the train disappeared into the tunnel, leaving Ava alone on the platform, her only company the echoes of the figure's laughter.
