Solved Murders - True Crime Stories - Leaving El Paso Behind A Train Ride, New Dreams, and the First Breath of Phoenix PART7 #7

Episode Date: August 29, 2025

#horrorstories #reddithorrorstories #ScaryStories #creepypasta #horrortales #TrainJourney #NewBeginnings #PhoenixDreams #LeavingElPaso #FreshStart  This chapter captures Ela and Tanya’s emotional departure from El Paso by train, symbolizing the closing of one chapter and the hopeful beginning of another in Phoenix. As they watch the landscape change, they embrace new dreams and fresh possibilities on the horizon.  horrorstories, reddithorrorstories, scarystories, horrorstory, creepypasta, horrortales, trainride, newbeginnings, Phoenix, dreams, journey, change, hope, transition, adventure, growth, travel, freedom, freshstart, movingforward

Beep, beep, beep. The insistent drone of the alarm cut through the pre-dawned stillness of the El Paso room at precisely 5 a.m. Ella groaned, burying her face in the pillow. Beside her, Tanya slapped a hand vaguely in the direction of the noise until it fell silent. Both were bone-tired, the exhaustion of a trip already in motion settling deep in their muscles. The rich, life-giving aroma of coffee soon drifted into the room, a silent summons from their host, Rosa. Downstairs, she stood by the stove,

a warm and welcoming presence in her floral housecoat. She handed them each a steaming mug. Gracius, Rosa, Ella murmured, cradling the warmth in her hands. She didn't normally drink coffee, but the early hour and the long day ahead demanded an exception. She poured a generous amount of creamer into the dark liquid, mirroring Tanya.

Their suitcases stood by the double. door, packed and ready. Their train to Maricopa station, a strange logistical quirk, as Amtrak inexplicably bypassed Phoenix, didn't leave until 10 a.m., but Rosa was a believer in being prepared. She served them a hearty breakfast of huevos rancheros and handed them a bag filled with homemade burritos and bottles of water for the journey. You girls are going to love Arizona, Rosa said, her smile genuine. She was a treasure, a living piece of El Paso's history, embodying a kind of warm, unconditional hospitality that, she lamented, had started fading from the city around the turn of the millennium. You must see the Grand Canyon, of course.

And Saguaro National Park, right by Tucson, the cacti are like something from a movie. You can go to the old mining town of Globe, visit all the big shopping malls in Scottsdale, and ride the Valley Metro Light Rail. It's very clean. That all sounds amazing, Ella said, spark of genuine excitement cutting through her fatigue. Tanya nodded in agreement, her own eyes bright with anticipation. With breakfast finished, Ella stepped outside onto the porch to call her mother. The air was already thick and heavy. Mama.

Ola, soy yo. She switched between English and Spanish seamlessly. See, we're leaving today, for Phoenix. There was a knowing sigh on the other end of the line. I knew you weren't going to last long in El Paso, Mija. It's my health, Mama, Ella insisted, a hand resting on her chest. I can't breathe here. El E.Ra K.S. Terrible.

Meanwhile, Tanya was on the phone with her parents. Her father's worried voice was audible even from a few feet away. Phoenix Tanya, be careful. I've heard stories, kidnappings, human trafficking. You two young women alone. Dad, will be fine, I promise, Tanya said, her voice a practiced calm. We'll stick together and be smart. It's a big, modern city. Ella's parents, in contrast, were unconcerned. Her mother had once had a layover at Sky Harbor Airport and recalled the experience with fondness.

I got good vibes from that airport, she declared, which for her was as good as a thorough safety review. Soon, the girl's suitcases were loaded into Rosa's van. She drove them through the quiet morning streets to the Grand, Historic Union Depot. After a heartfelt goodbye and promises to keep in touch, Ella and Tanya were on their own. Ooh, look at that cool elevator, Ella said, pointing to it. They rode it up to the second floor waiting area, a small, fun detour. They sat on the wooden benches, looking down at the tracks. A soft chime echoed through the station, followed by a robotic voice announcing, Amtrak train number one, the Texas Eagle, now arriving.

Providing service to Deming, Tucson, Maricopa, and Los Angeles. That's us, Tanya said, grabbing her carry on. That jingle, Ella remarked, it sounds just like the one back home at Manchester Airport. Tanya listened for a moment. You know what? It really does. The long, silver train glided to a stop. They boarded, found their coach seats, and settled in by a large window.

As the train lurched forward, pulling away from the station, they watched El Paso shrink behind them. A little while later, they made their way to the cafe car, the gentle rocking of the train a constant rhythm beneath their feet. They ordered burgers, chips, and sodas, a classic American road trip meal on rails. Back in their seats, with the vast, ochre-colored Chihuahuan desert sliding past their window, the conversation turned serious. Tanya, Ella began, her voice low. I have to be honest. I hate where we live.

I hate Stoke-on-Trent. She said the name of their hometown as if it tasted foul. I know I complain, but I've been thinking. I never want to go back to Stoke. I want to plan my estate. escape from there. Tanya wasn't surprised. She just listened. What is it you hate so much? She asked softly, then admitted, I hate it too, you know. It has no airport, Ella listed, ticking the points off on her fingers. There are no nice, fancy malls. The people, they're just

so rude and cold most of the time. The drivers are terrifyingly aggressive. And besides my family and you, I don't feel like I have anything there. The people are all right, some of them, Tanya offered, but definitely cold. And you're right, the driving is scary. It gets so, so boring. Ella gestured out the window at the endless expanse of desert plains and distant mountains, painted in shades of brown, red, and purple under a brilliant blue sky. Look, she said, her voice filled with a quiet awe. This is so much prettier than Stoke. Tanya couldn't argue. It was a different world. Just then, a tickle in Ella's nose became a sudden, sharp sneeze. Bless you, Tanya said automatically. Thank you. A few people in the seats around them began sniffing reflexively.

Anyway, Ella continued, pulling her phone out. I want to work on my escape plan. I've been reading this blog, it's called No Stoke. It's written by this guy who transplanted from Amsterdam, of all places, and he just tears the city apart. Every point he makes, I agree with. She found the link and sent it to Tanya. But what I really want to say is, I fell in love with Dallas Fort Worth when we visited. I think. I kind of want to move there. Tanya's jaw dropped.

Dallas? You want to leave England. It would be nice to live in the United States. States, wouldn't it? Ella said, a dreamy look in her eyes. I've been all over Europe and, honestly, it got old fast. This feels, new. Exciting. Tanya looked from Ella's earnest face to the alien landscape outside. The idea, so huge and life-altering, settled not with a crash but with a quiet click. If you moved, she said slowly, I think. I'd want to maybe try the U.S. with you, a Brilliant smile spread across Ella's face.

Really? Maybe after Phoenix, we could check out Dallas. Just for a few days, that would be lovely, Tanya agreed. The flights would have to be changed, though. They can easily be changed, Ella said dismissively, already tapping on her phone, pulling up images of the Dallas skyline in sprawling suburbs. Look how nice it is. Tanya leaned over, and they looked together, two friends from a dreary English city,

dreaming of a sun-drenched future as the train rattled across the desert. The train slowed, pulling into the Tucson station for a brief stop. The Dallas conversation hung in the air, electric and full of possibility. To ground themselves, they started talking about fun memories from back home, nights out, silly inside jokes, the comfort of family's Sunday roasts. It was a bittersweet journey down memory lane, acknowledging the good they would be leaving behind. An hour or so later, the train began to slow for its final approach to their stop. Next station stop, Maricopa Station is next. They gathered their bags and stood by the door. As the train hissed to a halt and the doors slid open, they were hit not by a wall of heat,

but by a wave of dry, clean air. Ella stepped onto the platform and took a deep, deliberate breath. And then another. A look of pure as simple. astonishment crossed her face. Oh my, she whispered, pressing a hand to her chest. I can breathe so much better. The pain in my lungs, it's gone. I don't feel sick anymore. She looked back in the direction of Texas. I think El Paso is not a good city for me. I agree, Tanya said, taking her own deep breath of the clear desert air. Their Uber arrived, a cool oasis from the afternoon Sun. As it pulled away from the small station, leaving the tracks and the train behind, they were officially in the Valley of the Sun, on the cusp of a new adventure, with an even bigger one now

simmering on the horizon. Coming up next, Ella and Tanya arrive at their Airbnb. Richard and Priscilla hosted them in Mesa. Their Phoenix adventures are fun. Stay tuned. To be continued.