Office of Terror

Janani Rajeshwer
The Short Place
Published in
2 min readAug 10, 2023

Whispers of the Corporate Void…

Credit: iStock

In the heart of a bustling city, the Sterling Financial Tower stood high and pridefully at that, its architecture a symbol of prestige.

Katherine, 23 and success-seeking, was pulled towards it — Sterling was undeniably the best law firm in the state and a place where Katherine knew her dreams could flourish.

From the moment she stepped through the office doors, a sense of familiarity embraced her. The air carried a delightful aroma, specifically the comforting scent of rich, decadent chocolate. The warmth in the air wrapped around her, filling her with a sense of belonging that she couldn’t quite explain.

Whispers among her colleagues hinted at strange unsettling rumors. Many had gone so far as leaving the law firm because of such.

Yet, Katherine remained undeterred, captivated by the enchanting atmosphere. The lingering scent of chocolate seemed to dance in the air, a constant reminder that this was where she was meant to be.

Late one evening, when the office had emptied and the world outside had grown quiet, she found herself alone in the soft illumination of her desk lamp. And then it came — an almost imperceptible whisper, a delicate but beautifully murmured utterance that sent a tickle down her spine.

“Kaaatherine…”

The voice was a beguiling melody, a gentle call that seemed to beckon her forward. Her heart fluttered, and she glanced around, her surroundings still. She was captivated by the voice and the aroma, knowing this was a calling, perhaps from her boss wanting to offer a promotion.

As serenity washed over her, the promise of the chocolate-scented air guided her steps.

The aroma led her to a corner of the tower, where an oak door stood ajar. Beyond it lay a room adorned with Candy Land-like striped peppermint designs.

However, what followed left Katherine in utter terror.

The scent of chocolate, once alluring, now holds a sinister secret, as Katherine freezes, jaw dropped, and drowned in shock. She discovers the true fate of her colleagues — Chocolate statues, their faces froze with horror and displacement, a grotesque tribute to the office that lured them in with promises of success and belonging.

To this day, the tower stands “abandoned,” its corridors echoing with the phantom whispers and cocoa-filled hallways of the past.

Please check out my youth-led publication Chasing Purple Skies (pinned to my profile)!!! We are recruiting writers and always looking for new perspectives. Email chasingpurpleskies@gmail.com to apply.

Thanks for reading.

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