Approaching the pitiful building slowly,
She crossed the empty street in a blanket of silence.
It was as if she were the only person in the world for that moment of time.

The paint of the building seemed ancient, like hieroglyphics that had survived through the years.
Chipped and crumbling, the walls seemed like they may cave in any moment.
Her eyes were drawn to the neon blue and red open sign.
It stuck out like a full moon in an empty and dark sky in the darkness of the parking lot.
Her fingers grazed the yellow caution tape as she walked,
the tape was a warning for anyone who ventured close to the gas station.
Stay away, it screamed at people.

There was the faint sound of an unoiled hinge.
It squeaked like a frightened mouse.
She approached the back of the store,
a rusted metal door loomed over her.
Propped open by seemingly nothing but air,
It moved in the wind, similar to the way tree branches lash around in a storm.

Moving forward, she reached out to open the door,
but just as she reached out to open it,
a gust of wind slammed it shut.
It boomed with its metallic voice,
yelling its distaste for the weather.

Locked out of the mysterious place,
She walked back to the front,
the neon sign was burnt out.
Now all that remained here was the bitter cold of winter.

She turned to walk away, now.
Turned to escape back to her warm, bright home where comfort awaits.
But something kept her there, waiting.
She noticed small, white specks of snow falling from the sky.
A new beginning? Perhaps, but she will never know.
For when she opened her eyes, she was home.