Dave Slatin's Dark Secrets in Woodend

The Enigma of Woodend's Corner Shop

This story tells about a stranger, Dave Slatin, who comes to a small village in Woodend, and very strange things happen since his arrival. The stranger bought a house in Woodend, where he established a corner shop at the front. The sign read: The Corner Shop, Proprietor: Dave Slatin.

Anna and The Corner Shop

The new assistant in The Corner Shop was Anna. Sometimes her friend, Peter, helped at the shop. Within the shop was a room accessible only to Dave. A notice on the door of the room read: Special Orders Only: Keep Out.

Miss Greta Gordon's Visit

One day, a strange woman came to the shop. Her name was Miss Greta Gordon. She was a beautiful woman, wearing expensive clothes, and she wished to meet Dave Slatin. She had beautiful hands, adorned with exquisite diamond rings.

Dave and Miss Greta Gordon disappeared into the Special Orders room. When Miss Gordon emerged from the Special Orders room, her eyes were red with tears. But her rings had disappeared.

The Room's Dark Influence

In the following months, more people came to visit the Special Orders room. And every time they emerged, something strange happened.

Anna's Terrifying Discovery

One day, the room was left open. Anna went in there for a look. She saw strange dolls. They looked like real people. One doll had a broken arm. Anna looked for the diamond rings.

"What about the diamond rings?" said a voice. It was Dave Slatin. He was laughing. "I left the door open for you," he said. "I wanted you to go into this room this morning."

Anna was frightened, but she tried not to show her fear. "You haven't found the diamonds," Dave said again. "Anna, I have strange powers. I can give you everything you want." He looked into Anna's eyes. "And my children will have these powers too," he continued. "I will give you money and diamonds. And you, Anna, will give me children."

Anna's Desperate Escape

Anna was terrified now. She kicked Dave Slatin very hard, and he let go of her hand. Anna moved quickly. She ran out of the Special Orders room, through the front of the shop, and out onto the street. She ran all the way home.

A Tragic End

On October 31st, Anna felt terrible and went to bed. Peter came, but Anna was ill. The next day, the doctor came. He said that Anna was very ill.

Around seven o'clock, there was a fire in The Corner Shop. Dave Slatin was still in the shop, standing in front of the window, and he was laughing. Peter went back. The doctor was in the kitchen, talking to Anna's mother. Suddenly, there was a scream. They ran upstairs to Anna's room. Anna was dead.

As The Corner Shop was engulfed in flames, Dave Slatin, with his strange powers, killed Anna.