Solved Murders - True Crime Stories - One Last Ride Through El Paso Malls, Cowboy Hats, and the Magic of White Sands PART6 #6

Episode Date: August 29, 2025

#horrorstories #reddithorrorstories #ScaryStories #creepypasta #horrortales #ElPasoAdventures #CowboyHats #WhiteSandsMagic #LastRide #NostalgiaTrip  In this part, Ela and Tanya embark on a memorable last journey through El Paso’s bustling malls and iconic cowboy culture, savoring moments of joy and magic at White Sands. This chapter blends nostalgia with adventure as they capture fleeting happiness before moving on.  horrorstories, reddithorrorstories, scarystories, horrorstory, creepypasta, horrortales, ElPaso, cowboyculture, malls, WhiteSands, adventure, nostalgia, journey, memories, friendship, exploration, roadtrip, magic, lastride, bittersweet

The next morning hit differently. It wasn't just another day in El Paso, it felt like the day. The day they'd finally admit to themselves that this trip had been a mistake and it was time to cut their losses. Ella stirred first, groaning as sunlight forced its way past the thin blinds. Her throat felt like she'd been chewing on sandpaper all night, and her nose had that ominous tingle that meant only one thing. She barely managed to grab a tissue before a series of wet, aggressive sneezing.

exploded out of her. Ugh, five in a row. That's a new record, she muttered, her voice muffled through the tissue. Across the room, Tanya blinked herself awake, rolling over to watch her friend with a mix of concern and amusement.

Girl, you're gonna sneeze your brain out at this rate. Maybe it'll cure the homesickness, Tanya teased, her voice thick with sleep. Not homesick, Ella sniffled dramatically. Just sick, sick. This air hates me. Yeah, well, I hate it too, Tanya said, sitting up and stretching like a cat. She shuffled over to the window and slid it open, letting in a sharp breeze. But we've survived this long.

One more day, right? Ella sighed. Right. One more day, then Phoenix. They'd already decided the night before to bail early. Rosa had been nothing but sweet about it, telling them she understood completely. But now, with their last 24 hours in El Paso staring them down, it felt bittersweet. They wanted to make the most of it, or at least try.

Breakfast was waiting for them downstairs like it always was. Rosa had whipped up scrambled eggs, warm tortillas, and a pot of strong coffee that could wake the dead. You girls sleep okay? Rosa asked, fussing over the table. Like babies, Tanya lied with a smile. Ella gave her a side eye but didn't call her out. We talked last night, Ella said cautiously. And, we think we'll head out tomorrow. To Phoenix. Rosa nodded, not surprised. That's a good idea, Meja. You've both been so polite about everything, but I can tell this city isn't treating you well.

Phoenix will be better, I think. It's not El Paso's fault, Tanya said quickly. I mean, it's, Well, maybe a little bit. Rosa chuckled. It's not for everyone. But let's not talk about leaving yet. You've still got today. Exactly, Tanya said, clapping her hands together. And today is Mall Day.

Mall day. Rosa raised an eyebrow. Mall. Day. We're going to hit every mall this city's God and by things we don't need. Tanya declared like it was a sacred mission. Rosa laughed. I'll be your chauffeur then. Their first stop was the shops at Solana, an outdoor mall that Rosa swore used to be the place to go.

She dropped them off in front of Dillards, promising to pick them up later. Inside, the mall had that strange vibe of being half alive and half dead. Soft music played over the speakers, something jazzy and vaguely melancholic, and every now and then, a crackly voice announced codes over the intercom. What even is, code 5-2? Tanya whispered as they rode the escalator. Probably two lost tourists spotted buying random crap, Ella said dryly. Tanya snorted. This mall feels like a ghost town. Or like, purgatory for shopaholics. Still, they wandered. Tanya bought a clearance sweater she didn't need, and Ella made them detour into Star Western were just a stare at rows of cowboy boots. I didn't know cowboy hats needed steaming, Ella said, watching an employee.

employee fuss over one with a puff of hot vapor. Maybe it's to iron out the Yehaws, Tanya said. Ella burst out laughing. Ten minutes later, they both walked out wearing shiny new cowboy hats. We're officially Texans now, Tanya announced. Not Texans. Tech adjacent, Ella corrected. Rosa reappeared and drove them to Bassett Place, another mall that felt more like a relic from the 90s. They dipped into coals and Target but didn't stay long. This place is, underwhelming, Tanya said, wrinkling her nose. Even Target feels sad, Ella agreed. Tanya sneezed loudly in the kitchen aisle, accidentally spraying a shelf of plastic containers.

She quickly wiped it down with her sleeve. Oops. My bad. Let's leave before we get banned. Next up, Cialo Vista Mall and the Fountains at Fair. two larger shopping centers that Rosa promised would lift their spirits. And, shockingly, she was right. Cielo Vista felt alive, bustling with people.

They went on a full-blown shopping spree, trying on endless outfits and laughing hysterically in dressing rooms. Tanya bought three pairs of jeans she didn't need. Ella snagged a hoodie that said vibes only, in neon letters. This is it. This is my personality. now, Ella announced dramatically as she twirled in the mirror. At the fountains at Farah, they dove into T.J. Max. The place was packed, the line for checkout snaking so far back it

almost reached the parking lot. This is Disneyland Paris levels of chaos, Ella whispered. And with only one cashier. Classic, Tanya said. They waited, made their purchases, and stumbled out with shopping bags cutting into their hands. This city's retail scene is exhausting, Tanya muttered. Rosa scooped them up again and insisted on treating them to dinner at Carlos and Mickeys. You can't leave El Paso without trying their enchiladas, she said firmly. The restaurant was cozy and buzzing with energy. Over plates of sizzling food, Ella felt another round of sneezes coming on. Ah, chew. Ah Sitcho-oh. Bless you, Rosa said, passing her a napkin. Ella blew her nose noisily.

earning a grimace from Tanya. Girl, you're single-handedly spreading a plague. Worth it, Ella mumbled, reaching for her enchiladas. With their bellies full and shopping bags piled in the trunk, Rosa had one last surprise. Before I take you home, let's do one more thing, she said with a mysterious smile. She drove them out of the city, past Las Cruces, and into the vast, alien beauty of White Sands National Park.

The sun was setting, casting. the dunes in shades of gold and pink. Ella and Tanya stepped out of the car in awe. This doesn't even look real, Tanya whispered. It's like another planet, Ella said softly. They kicked off their shoes and ran barefoot across the soft sand, laughing like kids. For the first time since arriving in El Paso, Ella's lungs didn't feel so heavy. Maybe El Paso isn't all bad, Tanya said, collapsing onto a dune. Yeah, But Phoenix is still happening, Ella replied with a grin. Rosa watched them with a gentle smile.

This is a good memory to leave with, she said. That night, back at Rosa's house, they packed their bags in silence, the weight of goodbye settling over them. Tomorrow, they'd be on an Amtrak train headed west, leaving behind a city that had challenged them but given them a few unexpected gifts too. You ready for Phoenix? Tanya asked as they turned off the lights. ready for anything ella whispered and for the first time in days she fell asleep without coughing to be continued