Bus Stop

Have you ever encountered something that left you in disbelief, or with a lingering sense of unease?

I admit there have been moments when I've found myself in bewildering situations. There's nothing quite like a classic creepy experience to keep you alert.

Today is Halloween, the day when spirits wander the earth. With that in mind, I'd like to share a story from a few years back. I call it Bus Stop.

While exploring a nearby cemetery, I was on a mission to find my favorite subject: angels. The weather was lovely that October afternoon, with a deep blue sky and the ground covered with blankets of fallen leaves from the tree canopies above.

Photographing in the fall has always been my favorite. The grays and whites of statues and headstones stand out against the vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges of autumn.

On this particular day, as I walked with my camera in hand, I spotted a statue of an angel with long flowing hair in the distance. She had her arms crossed over her chest, holding a cross. Her feathered wings were raised on her back. The intelligent expression on her face seemed to suggest she was ready to reveal a great secret.

After taking numerous photos, I paused to review my work.

As I was going through the frames, a male voice suddenly asked from behind, "Do you know where the bus stop is?" Startled, I turned to see a teenage boy just a few feet away. He was taller than me, with messy dark hair and dark eyes, dressed in a blue plaid shirt and carrying a pack on one shoulder. I was so taken aback by his proximity that I couldn't speak. Standing amidst a large cemetery with crunchy leaves underfoot, I wondered how I could hear squirrels rustling but not the footsteps of someone approaching.

He stood still and asked again, "Do you know where the bus stop is?"

The only response I managed was a simple "No, sorry."

My car was not far, and feeling uneasy, I began to walk quickly. Half expecting to be followed, I glanced back, but saw no one except the angel surrounded by leaves. The boy in the blue plaid shirt had vanished.

I got into my car, locked the doors, and started the engine. As I drove away, I looked back, searching for the boy. As I navigated the winding roads, moving away from the angel, there was no one in sight.

I was left with questions. Who was this boy? Where did he come from? And where did he go?

Despite visiting this cemetery many times since, I've never had another encounter like that. While I've seen people jogging, walking their dogs, and visiting loved ones, I've never again been alone when someone seemingly appeared out of nowhere, asking for a bus stop. Or perhaps, just seeking me?

Have you ever encountered anything or anyone crossing from the other side, through the delicate veil between there and here? Would you want to?

I'll leave you with those questions to ponder. Something to stimulate your mind, much like an abundance of Halloween candy.

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Christine Shephard is a photographer, writer, and avid taphophile. She makes her home in Central New York.

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