The Map(Short Story)

I pick up the map that lays on the windowsill in my room. My brother’s name appears there at the exact place he died last week. My cousin’s name was beside his and Mr June the old man who lives next door died last month and his name was beside my cousin.

Every family member, local neighbour or anyone who lives in this town who has died has appeared on this map. 

I found this map in the attic in my house 5 years ago and decided to keep it as I thought it was some kind of treasure map but ever since the moment I took it the names of dead people appear on it.

Sometimes I think I can hear whispers from the map in multiple voices whispering all of the names on the map. 

I once asked my Mum about it but she refused to answer me and said that it’s not important.

When I tried to ask my Dad he didn’t even acknowledge that I spoke.

There are some weeks where I try my best to stay away from it but sometimes I can’t help looking at it trying to solve what secrets the map could have. I know that doesn’t sound normal but wouldn’t you be curious too?

On the 23rd of July, the first day of the summer holidays I went to the windowsill not to look at the map but to try to see the sunset but as I looked down I noticed a letter on top of the map that was never there before. 

I read it 5 to 6 times because I thought I kept misreading it.

Dear Owner of this Map,

I would like to inform you that whatever you may wish to do with this map please be careful.

Of course you probably might not believe me as far as you know I’m a random stranger to you who you probably shouldn’t trust. 

Although, If I didn’t care I would never have written this letter so even if you won’t believe me please take my advice into consideration. 

Yours sincerely,

A.S

P.S. Everytime you touch or use the map the person who made the map gets notifications about it on their phone. Whether or not you believe me is up to you.

My mother’s initials is A.S.