Solved Murders - True Crime Stories - From Sneeze Shame to Sunlit Joy Ela and Tanya’s First Day in Phoenix, Arizona PART8 #8

Episode Date: August 29, 2025

#horrorstories #reddithorrorstories #ScaryStories #creepypasta #horrortales #PhoenixLife #NewBeginnings #AllergyStruggles #FreshStart #SunlitJoy  Ela and Tanya’s first day in Phoenix marks a shift from the discomfort and embarrassment of allergies ("sneeze shame") to the warmth and brightness of new surroundings. This chapter explores their adaptation, hope, and small joyful moments that signify a fresh start in the vibrant Arizona sun.  horrorstories, reddithorrorstories, scarystories, horrorstory, creepypasta, horrortales, Phoenix, newbeginnings, allergies, adaptation, freshstart, hope, joy, growth, change, sunshine, Arizona, overcoming, healing, journey

The desert heat hit Ella and Tanya like an oven door swinging open as they stepped off the Amtrak, Texas Eagle in Maricopa, Arizona. It was only mid-morning, but the air was already thick and warm, sticking to their skin like cling film. Coming from the damp gray drizzle of Newcastle underlime, the sudden blast of dry air felt alien, unreal even. Tanya squinted against the blinding sun, muttering something about how she could feel her skin turning to ash. Waiting by the platform was a gleaming cherry-red frontier pro for X, polished so well it looked like it had been driven straight off the showroom floor that morning. The truck idled, purring softly like a giant cat. A man with kind eyes and deep laugh line stepped out, his weathered face turning into a smile as he waved. This had to be Richard.

Behind him came a woman bouncing with energy, her hair tied up in a messy bun, her hands flapping in the air as she spotted them. That could only be Priscilla. You must be Ella and Tanya, huh? Hop in. You both look absolutely knackard, Richard said in a deep, warm voice as he swung open the back door of the truck. Yeah, that's us, Ella replied, adjusting her backpack and shooting Tanya a tired grin. The inside of the truck was like stepping into an air-conditioned heaven. Ella almost moaned with relief as the cool air wrapped around her flushed cheeks.

Sorry about the heat, Priscilla said from the front seat, twisting around to face them with an excited grin. But hey, welcome to Arizona. You'll get used to it, or you'll roast like a turkey in November. One or the other. The hour-long drive to Mesa felt like an episode of one of those talk shows where the guests spill their whole life stories. Richard and Priscilla were buzzing with questions, their curiosity like a faucet that wouldn't turn off. They wanted to know everything, why? Ella and Tanya had decided to come to America, what life was like in their little corner of England,

and what crazy adventures they'd already had on this trip. Newcastle underline, right? Priscilla said, her voice lilting like she was savoring the syllables. That's just outside Stoke-on-Trent, isn't it? We went there a few years back. Richard, remember that quaint little pub with the Ivy and the beer garden, Richard let out a soft laugh, eyes still fixed on the road ahead. Friendly folks there, as I recall. And a lot of history packed into those towns, Priscilla nodded vigorously. Loved England, period. Though I swear, in London I heard people speaking with cockney accents.

Is that a real thing? That's more of a southern UK thing, really, Tanya explained gently, her voice tinged with amusement. Ella wasn't really listening, she was too busy staring out of the window. The desert rolled by in waves of muted browns and greens, broken up by towering cacti and distant mountains blurred by heat waves. It was so different from the emerald green hills of home that her brain struggled to process it. Wow, Ella murmured, pressing her forehead to the cool glass. Phoenix is gorgeous. This feels so much more alive than El Paso.

Priscilla made a face like she just swallowed something sour. Oh, El Paso. Don't even get me started. That place is rough. Rude people, dirty streets. Just, the pits. Richard snorted in agreement. Ella perked up.

You're telling me. The librarian at Utep literally told me to stifle my sneezes so I wouldn't make the whole room smell like sneeze stink. Like, what kind of human says that? That doesn't surprise me one bit, Richard said, shaking his head. As they merged on to US 60, Richard asked, you girls eaten yet? Or are you running on fumes? We had something a few hours ago on the train, Tanya replied.

Well, let's get you some real food. And maybe a little fun. Priscilla suggested, eyes sparkling mischievously. How about Golfland Sunsplash? Mini golf, arcade games. A little bit of everything. Sound good. Ella and Tanya exchanged looks, their exhaustion melting into excitement.

Sounds amazing, Tanya said. Yeah, let's do it, Ella agreed with a grin. When they arrived, Golfland Sunsplash was an explosion of neon lights and distant laughter. The smell of funnel cakes and sunscreen filled the air. Richard paid for everyone, and soon they were wandering through the winding paths of the mini-golf course. Ella, who had never played before, surprised everyone, including herself, by sinking shot after shot with uncanny precision. Would you look at that? Ella's a natural.

Richard boomed with laughter as Ella did an exaggerated victory dance after winning the round. Beginners' luck, Tanya teased, though there was no hiding her grin. After golf, they hit the arcade, where the air throbbed with the sounds of clinking tokens, roaring machines, and overexcited kids. Ella and Tanya threw themselves into the chaos, bouncing from ski ball to racing games to whackamol like they were 10 years old again. By the time Priscilla rounded them up for food, Ella was flushed from laughing so hard she thought she might pull a muscle.

All right, time to refuel. Priscilla announced, leading them to the food court. Ella and Tanya split a greasy pepperoni pizza while Richard and Priscilla opted for burritos so massive they looked like they could double as doorstops. Tanya let out a sudden, explosive sneeze mid-bite, spraying crumbs across the table. Bless you, Richard said, handing her a napkin without missing a beat. Thanks. At least you're not yelling at me for it, Tanya joked. In El Paso, people actually scolded us about sneezes, Ella added with a grimace. Priscilla waved her hand dismissively. Sneezes stink sometimes. So what? Everyone does it. That's normal human stuff.

Don't let those grumpy El Paso folks get in your head. The air around them smelled faintly of melted candy and sweaty socks, but in the moment, none of them cared. Back in the truck, bellies full and eyelids heavy, Ella and Tanya leaned against each other as Richard drove them to their final destination, the family home in Mesa. They were greeted by Mary, Richard's lively aunt, and her five noisy, excitable children. The house was a whirlwind of laughter, shouting, and the occasional crash of something breakable hitting the floor. Ella and Tanya retreated to their guest room for a moment of quiet. The bedspread smelled faintly of lavender, and for a second, Ella considered crawling under the covers and passing out for 12 hours straight.

But the sounds of conversation and laughter from the living room drew them back out. Soon, they were curled up on the couch with mugs of sweet tea, swapping stories with Richard, Priscilla, Mary, and the kids. What's Dallas Fort Worth like? Ella asked, her eyes lighting up. Richard sat up straighter, his face breaking into a grin. Now that's a city. DFW, locals call it that, is fantastic. Way more to do than Phoenix.

People are friendlier. feels more alive, Mary nodded. We've even thought about moving there. The kids loved it when we visited. Oh, it's nicer for sure, Priscilla chimed in. Better shopping too. The malls there are like, elegant. Not like here.

Ella wants to move to Dallas, Tanya teased, elbowing her friend. You should, Mary said firmly. For the first time, Ella allowed herself to imagine it, not as a fleeting dream, but as something possible. Dallas. A fresh start. As the night wore on and the house grew quieter, Ella felt a strange sense of peace settle over her. Despite being thousands of miles from home,

something about this place felt, right. Maybe this wasn't just a holiday anymore. Maybe it was the beginning of something bigger. To be continued.