When you first saw him behind those dreadful metal bars, you assumed, like everyone else, that he was just another performer, a willing participant in the macabre Putney's

Waxworks. After all, that was the tradition for the month of Halloween. But something about him didn't sit quite right. He never looked at the crowd, only down at the floor,

like he was trying to disappear into it. There was no flair, no hunger for attention. It didn't seem performative at all— it looked like resignation.

And once you noticed that, you couldn't unsee it.

ACT 1:

INT. PUTNEY'S WAXWORKS (THE LOBBY) - 08:27 PM

It is late in the evening, the sun is setting and a long line has accumulated outside Putney's House of Waxworks. You have

finally entered the shop together with your friends, Simon Fletcher and Elise Cromwell. The building is full of visitors walking

around and viewing the many Wax sculptures. But your mind is set only on the man in the basement.

SIMON

Oh my, it's a full house tonight! I wonder if everyone outside will

have a chance to come in. I must say, I feel a bit guilty.

ELISE

As do I. Y/N, please let this be the last time we come here, I fear

Mr Putney might soon ban us for suspicious behaviour-

YOU

-I know, I promise this is the last time!

I just need to check something that's all.

Simon and Elise share worried glances with one another, but you try to ignore them. The three of you walk towards the

Admissions counter to pay for your entrance. At the desk, there stands Mr. Putney and his daughter Lavinia. They are

speaking about something, you seem to make out the words run and Finish off. But before you can decipher something else,

Simon cuts in.

SIMON

Three Tickets please!

MR PUTNEY

That would be- well hello again! Aren't you folks interested in wax!

(He leans on the counter)

This is the third time this week? Is there one particular you're

coming back for? We'd love to know; you see, we are planning on

swapping out some of them. Wouldn't want to get rid of something

we shouldn't!

YOU

Oh, we just love the atmosphere-

SIMON

-This one here seems to be infatuated with the creature you

have in the basement.

(He chuckles)

We think she might be in love.

You lightly kick Simon below the counter. He lets out a quiet wince. Mr. Putney isn't smiling anymore.

SIMON (CONT'D)

(He shoots you a wry look then turns back towards Mr. Putney)

How do you achieve that awful scar on his face, it looks remarkably lifelike?

MR PUTNEY

Oh, you know-

(He strokes the back of his neck)

-with a bit of makeup and a touch of hot wax you can create something

resembling scars astonishingly so.

SIMON

How intriguing! You should come and teach some of the artists at the

theatre, god knows they need some training!

MR PUTNEY

Oh... well, you flatter me. Unfortunately, however, the shop is

quite busy at the moment. Perhaps when things have slowed down a bit-

SIMON

-Oh but yes, Of course! Please reach out to me when the storm has

passed!

Simon hands Mr. Putney his card and some cash, and receives the tickets in return. Elise takes Simon's hand and the two

start heading over to the recreation of Jack the ripper killing some unsuspecting whore. You are about to leave as

well, when Mr Putney stops you.

MR PUTNEY

(He clears his throat)

You shouldn't get too close to him.

YOU

I'm Sorry?

MR PUTNEY

He is my dear employer, you see, and he loves his work, we wouldn't

want to ruin his performance, he does take it oh so seriously.

You understand don't you?

YOU

(You are caught off guard by the sudden question)

...

MR PUTNEY

Miss?

YOU

Ah! Yes I understand. My friend was only jesting with you.

I have no interest in the performer.

(You smile unconvincingly)

MR PUTNEY

Well, I hope you have a great evening then. If you have any

inquires, feel free to ask. Personally, I would recommend the

recreation of Dr. Jekyll, it's one of my favorites.

The two of you exchange polite smiles. As you walk away, an unsettling feeling creeps over you; eyes seem to be watching,

sending a chill down your spine. You try to shake it off. Ahead, you see Simon and Elise laughing and chatting by a sculpture of H.H. Holmes,

and you long to join them, to share in their fun. But instead, an invisible pull draws you toward the basement, where he awaits-

and that, you can't ignore.

END OF ACT 1.

I am aware if the Acts are quite short, but i intend to publish them quite frequently, so it shouldn't be too much trouble. Also, please send me a message

if you have any questions. I would love to know if you're enjoying the story, or if you have any qualms with it to please inform me of them.

Act 2 should be ready in a day or two! :)