Solved Murders - True Crime Stories - Shopping, Sneezes, and Snobs Ela and Tanya Explore the Malls of Metro Phoenix PART9 #9

Episode Date: August 30, 2025

#horrorstories #reddithorrorstories #ScaryStories #creepypasta #horrortales #urbanlegends #creepyencounters #mallhorror #weirdexperiences #strangestory  Ela and Tanya are back for Part 9 of their bizarre and unsettling mall saga. What starts as a casual shopping trip across Metro Phoenix spirals into a nightmarish series of sneezes, stalkers, and snobbish strangers who aren’t quite… human. What’s hiding in those brightly lit corridors? And why are they being watched?  horrorstories, reddithorrorstories, scarystories, horrorstory, creepypasta, horrortales, mallmysteries, urbanlegends, bizarreencounters, paranormalactivity, shoppingtripgonewrong, metrophoenixhorror, hauntedmall, retailnightmare, creepyshoppers, eerieexperiences, stalkedatmall, freakyencounters, supernaturalshopping, part9thriller

The Golden Arizona sun, still a gentle warmth rather than a scorching blaze, streamed through the windows of the Mesa home as both Ella and Tanya stirred awake at precisely 8 a.m. The air was already alive with the comforting sounds of a bustling morning. From the kitchen, the clatter of pans and the rich aroma of something delicious signaled that Priscilla was on breakfast duty, while the familiar hiss and gurgle of a coffee maker confirmed Mary's contribution to the morning ritual. The kids, blessed their independent little heart. were already engrossed in their own worlds, a peaceful hum of youthful energy.

Good morning, sleepy heads. Mary's voice, warm and bright, carried from the kitchen, quickly followed by Priscilla's equally cheerful, wonderful good morning. Ella and Tanya mumbled their hello's back, still blinking away sleep. Just then, Ella was seized by a sudden urge, letting out two truly colossal sneezes that rattled on her pajamas. God bless you, Mary called out in. instantly, ever the attentive host.

Thank you, Ella managed, wiping her chin. As Ella settled back down, Mary's keen sense of smell picked up on something peculiar. It was a bizarre blend, the sharp, clean tang of lysol-citrous sparkle zest multi-surface cleaner, surprisingly mixed with the cloying sweetness of honey and a faint undercurrent of stale breath. But beneath it all, the most prominent note was undeniably ammonia. Mary filed the observation away, a quiet curiosity. Richard is at work, and I'm really swamped with the kids today, Priscilla announced,

a hint of harried exhaustion in her voice. Don't you worry, Mary chimed in, ever the problem solver. I'll take the girls around Phoenix today. Give you a break. Tanya, who had been quietly listening, suddenly exploded with unbridled joy. She bounced up and down, a human Pogo story. stick, her excitement contagious. Breakfast was a quick, lively affair, followed by a flurry of getting dressed. All right, ladies, Mary announced, keys jingling in her hand. Tell me where you want to go.

I'll take you. They piled into Mary's reliable Honda Civic. Ella, Ever the shopper, declared her ambition to visit all the malls in Phoenix. Tanya, still buzzing with enthusiasm, readily agreed to be, submissive, and follow Ella's lead. Excellent, Mary nodded, starting the car. We'll begin with Superstition Springs Center Mall. It's not a far drive. True to her word, the drive was short. They parked near Dillard's, a beacon for serious shoppers.

I'll be doing some shopping here, Mary informed them as they stepped inside the cool, conditioned air of the mall. As they walked around, Ella couldn't shake the few. that Superstition Spring Center almost felt like the shops at Salona. Their exploration led them to JCPenny, where a new mission was born, to ride every elevator and escalator in the mall. They giggled and posed, enjoying the novelty of the mechanical ascents and descents. At one point, Tanya, inspired by their elevator adventures, decided she needed a selfie in one

of the gleaming cars. Just as she was framing the shot, the doors opened, and a group of people piled. in. Suddenly, a gruff voice cut through their fun. What is this clown doing? A ripple of giggles and outright laughter followed. We're taking a selfie, Ella stated, a touch of defensiveness in her voice. You two look weird, taking a picture of an elevator, the man sneered, prompting more laughter from his companions. Tanya's face fell. Well, that wasn't very nice, she mumbled. Ella nodded in agreement, a sour taste forming in her mouth. Her initial impression of Phoenix was quickly shifting, it didn't seem like a very friendly place.

Still, they shrugged it off, determined not to let it ruin their day. They browsed a few more stores, looked around, and before long, they were done. Mary was patiently waiting for them, her shopping bags in hand. Next stop, Chandler Fashion Center. As they drove, Tanya recounted the rude encounter at Superstition Springs Mall. Mary listened patiently, then offered a pragmatic response. Don't take it personally, girls. People in East Mesa, in general, can be pretty mean. Chandler Fashion Center was a welcome change. They liked this mall much better.

They repeated their ritual, riding all the elevators and escalators, walking every store. This time, there were no rude comments, just an odd frequency of people saying, excuse me, for no apparent reason, a minor quirk rather than an offense. Their final destination was the Grand Scottsdale Fashion Square. Before diving into the mall, they stopped for lunch in downtown Scottsdale. Ella, ever hopeful, tried to smile at others they passed, but she noticed a consistent lack of returned smiles. People seemed to avoid eye contact, their faces often said.

in neutral, unapproachable expressions. At Scottsdale Fashion Square, they truly settled in. Five hours melted away in a blur of shopping, riding every available lift, and exploring every nook and cranny. It took up most of their afternoon. Finally, exhausted but happy, they decided to stop for ice cream. As they sat at their table, savoring the cool treat, Tanya voiced her accumulated observations. You know, Ella, Phoenix is just not a friendly or kind metro. Everyone seems really rude and snobby, and people just say really snarky comments. Ella nodded, swirling her spoon in her melting cone. I noticed the lack of education amongst the locals, too.

I really don't like the people here, she admitted, then added, but it's still much better than El Paso. She recalled an incident, someone even sarcastically commented on my hair earlier. See. Tanya pressed. People just aren't kind here. Ella sighed, a thought pulling at her. I really want to see Dallas. Tanya's eyes lit up. Oh, me too. Remember how much friendlier Dallas felt. They finished their ice cream, the conversation solidifying their shared impression of the Phoenix Metro. Their day at Fashion Square was complete. Find out where they will go next soon. To be continued.