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Lost glove hangs on a branch | Source: Shutterstock
Lost glove hangs on a branch | Source: Shutterstock

Mom of Missing Boy Finds His Glove in Forest near Barbed Wire with Text 'Danger Zone' – Story of the Day

Anton Usatiuk
Nov 16, 2023
06:50 A.M.

Olga, a widow raising her son Sasha alone, embarks on a desperate search when he disappears. Due to some reasons, Olga could not report this to the police. Her worst fears are realized upon finding his glove by a "Danger Zone" fence in the forest, confirming her terrible suspicions.

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In 1988, the world still whispered about the catastrophe that had shaken Eastern Europe - a disastrous explosion at a nuclear power plant. The event had left deep scars, not just on the land, but in the hearts of those who had lost everything to the invisible terror of radiation.

In the midst of this desolate backdrop, Olga, a 36-year-old widow, traversed a dense forest. Her steps were heavy with worry, her eyes scanning the underbrush, desperate for any sign of her son, Sasha.

Image of a woman in a raincoat walking along a path in the middle of a dark forest. | Source: Shutterstock

Image of a woman in a raincoat walking along a path in the middle of a dark forest. | Source: Shutterstock

He had vanished mysteriously a few days prior, leaving Olga grappling with the terror of possibly losing the only family she had left. Her husband, Sasha's father, had passed away a year ago, leaving a void that seemed to grow deeper with each passing day.

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As she moved through the forest, Olga's mind was besieged by memories. She thought back to the last evening she had seen Sasha, replaying the moment over and over in her head. The sky had been painted with shades of orange and purple as the sun set, casting long shadows through their modest kitchen window.

The sound of the front door opening broke her reverie. Sasha, tall and lanky at 16, walked in, his school bag slung carelessly over one shoulder. His eyes, so much like his father’s, quickly noticed the solemn expression on Olga’s face.

"Mom? Why are you sad? What happened?" Sasha asked, his voice laced with concern as he dropped his bag and approached her.

Olga motioned for him to sit down at the old wooden table. "Sit down, please, I need to talk to you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

A mother is talking to her son. | Source: Shutterstock

A mother is talking to her son. | Source: Shutterstock

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She took a deep breath, bracing herself for the conversation she had dreaded all day. "Sasha, I have some bad news. I've been diagnosed with a serious illness. The doctors say I need an operation soon," she said, her eyes not leaving his.

Sasha's face paled. "But what about the money? Dad left us some savings, right?"

Olga shook her head slowly, a pang of guilt washing over her. "I used that money for your college fund, Sasha. I wanted to secure your future."

Sasha's reaction was immediate and intense. He stood up abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor. "You did what? How could you use that money without telling me?" His voice rose in anger, a mix of betrayal and fear evident in his tone.

"I'll go to the exclusion zone. I'll find Dad's hidden treasures there, and we can pay for your surgery," Sasha declared, his eyes burning with a desperate resolve.

Olga's heart sank. "No, you won't go there! It's too dangerous, and you don't even know where his stash is," she protested, her voice rising in panic.

"I'll find it. Dad told me stories about the forbidden zone," Sasha countered stubbornly.

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Olga stood up, her maternal instinct kicking in. "The conversation is over, Sasha. You're not going anywhere!" She ushered him towards his room, hoping to end the discussion.

Woman or mother female strict angry face wearing yellow shirt point finger aside. | Source: Shutterstock

Woman or mother female strict angry face wearing yellow shirt point finger aside. | Source: Shutterstock

Olga had always shuddered at the thought of the forbidden zone, a desolate area once bustling with life but now abandoned due to a catastrophic nuclear power plant explosion. It was a place that harbored painful memories for her – it was where her husband had lost his life.

The exclusion zone, as it was known, had become a symbol of loss and despair. When the disaster struck, it didn't just release radiation; it uprooted tens of thousands of lives. Families had to flee, leaving everything behind. The nearby cities, once vibrant and full of activity, now stood silent, their souls evacuated along with their inhabitants.

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Streets that once echoed with the laughter of children and the chatter of neighbors were now eerily quiet. Cars were frozen in time, abandoned in the middle of roads as if their drivers had vanished into thin air. Houses, with doors left ajar in the chaos of evacuation, stood as silent witnesses to the panic that had ensued. In schools, classrooms were left as if time had stopped – pencils lay beside half-finished drawings, books open on pages that would never be read again, and backpacks abandoned by desks, waiting for students who would never return.

This once-thriving place had transformed into a ghost town, its only inhabitants now the soldiers who patrolled its perimeters and the marauders who lurked within. Soldiers were a constant presence, setting up roadblocks and patrolling to prevent anyone from venturing into the hazardous zone. But despite their efforts, the marauders found their way in. These individuals, driven by desperation or greed, scoured the abandoned homes and buildings, taking whatever valuables the fleeing residents had left behind.

The marauders weren't just scavengers; they had become a subculture of their own. Over time, they formed gangs and clans, each staking claim to different parts of the city. Their presence added a dangerous element to the already perilous zone, leading to clashes with military forces that often turned violent.

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Sasha's father had been one of these marauders. His life had ended in this forsaken place, either at the hands of fellow marauders or by military forces – the truth was lost in the chaos that reigned within the zone. His death left a void in Olga and Sasha's life, a painful reminder of the risks and dangers lurking in the forbidden zone.

Sunset sky and barbed wire. | Source: Shutterstock

Sunset sky and barbed wire. | Source: Shutterstock

As Olga reflected on these grim realities, she couldn't help but feel a deep sense of dread. The very thought of her son, Sasha, venturing into this hazardous and lawless land was unbearable. Yet, as she continued her search through the forest, the grim possibility that he might have gone there in search of his father's hidden treasures weighed heavily on her heart.

As Olga meandered through the dense forest, her mind was a whirlwind of worry and fear, filled with the haunting stories of the forbidden zone and the tragic fate of her husband. She trudged on, her eyes scanning the ground, hoping against hope to find a clue, any clue, that could lead her to her son, Sasha.

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The forest was thick with undergrowth, the trees forming a canopy that barely let the sunlight through. Birds chirped in the distance, oblivious to the human drama unfolding beneath them. Olga's heart raced with each rustle of the leaves, each snap of a twig underfoot.

Then, something caught her eye. It was a splash of red against the green and brown of the forest floor. She hurried over, her heart pounding in her chest. As she got closer, her worst fears were confirmed – it was Sasha's glove, unmistakable with its bright red fabric and the small tear on the thumb that she had meant to mend.

Lying there, so out of place in the wilderness, the glove was a silent, ominous signal. It lay just inches from a fence topped with menacing barbed wire, beyond which lay the desolate wasteland of the exclusion zone. The stark sign reading "DANGER ZONE!" hung on the fence, its warning clear and foreboding.

A warning sign pointing to a radiation-contaminated territory. | Source: Shutterstock

A warning sign pointing to a radiation-contaminated territory. | Source: Shutterstock

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Olga's breath hitched in her throat. The realization hit her like a punch – Sasha had gone into the very place she had feared most. He had ventured into the perilous exclusion zone, risking his life to retrieve the hidden treasures his father had left behind. Olga knew all too well that the police couldn't help in this situation. If they found Sasha in the exclusion zone, he would face severe consequences, perhaps even imprisonment.

Determined to find her son and bring him back safely, Olga approached the fence. She knelt down, examining the ground. There, she found a small, barely noticeable hole under the fence, partially hidden by the undergrowth.

It was just big enough for a person to crawl through. Her heart heavy with dread and determination, Olga lay on the ground and began to squeeze herself through the hole, following in the path she believed Sasha had taken only days before.

As she emerged on the other side, Olga found herself in a world far removed from the one she had left behind. The air was heavier here, the silence more profound. She stood up, dusting herself off, and took a deep breath. There was no turning back now. She had to find Sasha, no matter what dangers lay ahead in the haunting expanse of the exclusion zone.

Olga treaded cautiously through the dense forest, each step taking her deeper into the eerie quietude that shrouded the area. The trees, tall and foreboding, stretched upwards, their branches interlocking like fingers in a silent pact to guard the secrets of the forest. Shafts of light pierced through the canopy, casting ghostly shadows that danced on the forest floor.

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Full moon through the clouds over the spruce trees of magic mysterious night forest. | Source: Shutterstock

Full moon through the clouds over the spruce trees of magic mysterious night forest. | Source: Shutterstock

She knew her destination: an abandoned hospital in the heart of the city, where her late husband had hidden his stash. The path to the hospital was fraught with danger. Not only was the terrain treacherous, but the area was also heavily patrolled by the military, who were always on the lookout for trespassers like her.

As she ventured on, the once familiar sights of the forest seemed alien and menacing. The rustling of the leaves under her feet sounded like whispers, and the occasional snap of a twig sent a jolt of fear through her heart. Olga's breaths came in short, hurried gasps as she navigated through the thick underbrush, her eyes constantly darting around, vigilant for any sign of danger.

The further she went, the more the forest seemed to close in around her, creating a claustrophobic feeling. The air was thick with the musty smell of damp earth and decaying leaves, adding to the surreal, almost mystical atmosphere of the place.

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Suddenly, her heart skipped a beat as she heard voices drifting through the trees. They were low and gruff, unmistakably the voices of men. Olga froze, her body tense. She recognized the tone and cadence – it was the military. Her mind raced, thinking of where they might be and how close they were. She crouched low, minimizing her silhouette, her eyes scanning the thickets for a glimpse of uniforms or the glint of a weapon.

The voices grew louder, and Olga could now make out snippets of conversation, though the words were muffled by the density of the forest. She realized that she was perilously close to a patrol. Every instinct told her to turn back, but she knew she couldn't. Her son's life depended on her reaching that hospital.

Troop with gun weapons of long range patrol army. | Source: Shutterstock

Troop with gun weapons of long range patrol army. | Source: Shutterstock

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With her heart pounding in her ears, Olga inched forward, trying to move as silently as possible. The voices seemed to be coming from just ahead, to her right. She knew she had to avoid being seen at all costs. The thought of Sasha alone in the dangerous exclusion zone fueled her determination to press on, despite the fear that gripped her heart.

Peering out cautiously from the underbrush, Olga could see the roadblock loom large before her. It was a formidable barrier, a stark reminder of the military's presence in the area. Soldiers milled around, their uniforms blending with the grey of the concrete blocks and the dull metal of their weapons. Their voices, though indistinct, carried a tone of authority and vigilance.

Olga's heart sank as she realized the impossibility of getting past this checkpoint unnoticed. The roadblock was just one of many that dotted the entrance to the abandoned city. With military patrols regularly sweeping the area, every few hundred meters another roadblock stood, each a sentinel guarding against intruders like her.

She remembered her husband's tales of the exclusion zone, the city now a ghost of its former self, shrouded in desolation and danger. As she surveyed the scene, Olga's eyes fell on a small hatch embedded in the road. It was partially obscured by debris, but unmistakable to someone who knew what to look for. Such hatch, her husband had once mentioned, led to the underground sewer system – a network that marauders frequently used as a covert entry point into the city.

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The very thought of descending into the sewers filled Olga with dread. The idea of navigating the dark, confined spaces below was daunting, but it seemed to be her only viable option. The sewers, with their murky waters and narrow tunnels, were a stark contrast to the open forest she had just traversed. Yet, they offered a glimmer of hope, a chance to bypass the heavily guarded roadblock and make her way into the heart of the city.

Military is on duty at the checkpoint. | Source: Shutterstock

Military is on duty at the checkpoint. | Source: Shutterstock

Olga crouched low in the bushes, her heart racing with anticipation and fear. She knew that timing was crucial; one wrong move and she could be spotted by the soldiers. The forest around her was a blur of greens and browns, but all she could focus on was the distant roadblock and the sewer hatch that was her gateway to the city.

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The minutes dragged on, each one feeling longer than the last. Olga's thoughts were a chaotic mix of worry and determination. She thought about Sasha, about what dangers he might be facing alone in the city. She felt a pang of guilt for not having prevented him from leaving, followed by a surge of maternal resolve. She had to find him, no matter what.

The forest seemed to be holding its breath along with her, the usual sounds of wildlife eerily absent. Olga's muscles began to cramp from staying in the same position, but she dared not move too much. Her eyes stayed fixed on the roadblock, waiting for an opening.

An hour had passed when she noticed the military truck rumbling towards the checkpoint. It was laden with supplies - a lifeline for the soldiers stationed in this desolate place. As it pulled up, the soldiers gathered around it, eager for a break in their monotonous routine. They were chatting, laughing, their attention momentarily diverted from their guard duties.

Seizing the moment, Olga crept from her hiding place, keeping low to the ground. Her heart pounded in her ears as she moved stealthily towards the hatch. She reached it and carefully, quietly, lifted the cover. Just then, a shout pierced the air, "Stranger! Stranger!"

Drainage hidden on the edge of an asphalt road. | Source: Shutterstock

Drainage hidden on the edge of an asphalt road. | Source: Shutterstock

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Adrenaline surged through Olga's veins. She didn't hesitate, quickly jumping into the hatch and pulling it shut behind her. The darkness of the sewer enveloped her as she landed with a splash in the shallow water below. Without pausing to orient herself, she started running.

Olga's heart raced as she sprinted through the dimly lit sewer tunnel, the sound of her splashing footsteps echoing off the damp walls. Behind her, shouts from the soldiers and the clattering of their boots on the concrete floor indicated they were in pursuit. The narrow beam of a flashlight swept through the darkness behind her, casting long, ominous shadows.

Every turn in the labyrinthine tunnel was a gamble. Olga relied on instinct, taking random turns, hoping to evade her pursuers. The air was thick, filled with the musty, earthy scent of the underground. She could hear the soldiers' voices getting louder, their determination to catch her evident in their tone.

In a desperate bid to lose them, Olga took a sharp left turn, splashing through ankle-deep water. She stumbled but quickly regained her footing. The soldiers followed, their shouts growing closer. Suddenly, a shot rang out, its sound deafening in the confined space. Olga flinched, but kept running, her fear fueling her speed.

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Up ahead, she saw a faint light filtering through a grate. With a burst of energy, she surged forward, turning down another corridor. The soldiers, confused by the network of tunnels, slowed down, their shouts growing uncertain.

Dark concrete tunnel. | Source: Shutterstock

Dark concrete tunnel. | Source: Shutterstock

Finally, finding a small recess in the tunnel wall, Olga squeezed herself into it, holding her breath as the soldiers passed by her hiding spot. Their flashlight beams swept over the area where she was concealed, but luckily, they didn't stop.

Once the sounds of their pursuit faded, Olga let out a quiet sigh of relief. She waited for a few moments to ensure they were gone, then carefully continued her journey through the sewers, determined to find Sasha and escape the clutches of the military.

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Emerging from the sewer hatch, Olga found herself in the heart of the abandoned city within the exclusion zone. Night had fallen, shrouding everything in darkness. The lack of lighting made it hard for her to see more than a few feet ahead. She squinted, trying to make out her surroundings in the faint moonlight that filtered through the broken skyline.

The atmosphere was eerie and unsettling. The city, once bustling with life, was now a ghost town, its silence almost deafening. The only sounds were the occasional rustling of small animals scavenging in the shadows and the distant hum of patrol cars driving down the deserted streets. A light wind whispered through the empty buildings, carrying with it the ghostly echoes of the city's past.

Abandoned ghost town. | Source: Shutterstock

Abandoned ghost town. | Source: Shutterstock

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Olga shivered, not just from the cold, but also from the realization of how isolated she was in this forsaken place. The buildings around her stood like hollowed-out skeletons, their windows dark and lifeless. She glanced around nervously, her senses heightened by the desolation.

Knowing she needed to find shelter for the night, Olga headed towards the nearest apartment building. Her footsteps were cautious, the sound muffled by the overgrown weeds that cracked the pavement. She reached the building and gently pushed open the door, which creaked ominously on its hinges.

Inside, the air was stale, filled with the dust of years of neglect. Olga made her way to the staircase, each step echoing in the empty hallways. She climbed the stairs slowly, her hand brushing against the cold, peeling walls for balance. "The higher I climb, the less chance that they will find me," she thought to herself, her breath coming in short gasps from the exertion and fear.

Reaching the 6th floor, Olga paused to catch her breath. The corridor was shrouded in darkness, the doors of the apartments lining it like silent sentinels. She chose a door at random, finding it unlocked. Stepping inside, she was enveloped by the remnants of a life once lived – now just an empty shell in the heart of the exclusion zone. Here, she would spend the night, hoping to remain hidden from those patrolling the city outside.

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As Olga stepped through the open door of the apartment, a palpable sense of abandonment and desolation enveloped her. The eerie stillness of the place sent a chill down her spine. It was as if life had abruptly stopped, leaving behind a silent testimony to the lives that once filled these walls.

Soft toy on the windowsill in the empty abandoned apartment. | Source: Shutterstock

Soft toy on the windowsill in the empty abandoned apartment. | Source: Shutterstock

In the dim light, Olga could see signs of hasty departure. In the kitchen, half-washed dishes lay abandoned in the sink, a sponge still damp beside them. On the nearby table, clean plates were stacked unevenly, as if someone had been interrupted mid-task. It painted a vivid picture in Olga's mind of the woman of the house, perhaps humming to herself, suddenly startled by the sirens, her hands still wet from the dishwater.

The children's room was a frozen scene of everyday life. Toys were scattered on the floor, a small truck lying on its side, a doll's house open with miniature furniture in disarray. Olga could almost hear the echoes of children's laughter, abruptly silenced by the urgency of evacuation. She wondered about the family that lived here, where they were now, and if they ever thought about the home they left behind.

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Exhausted, Olga lay down on the small bed in the children's room. The blankets were dusty, but at that moment, she was too tired to care. Her thoughts drifted to Sasha and the critical day ahead. She knew she had to reach the hospital, to find him and her husband's hidden vault.

But her rest was short-lived. The creak of the front door jolted her awake. Her heart pounded as she saw three figures standing in the doorway, armed, but not in military uniform. Marauders. Olga's mind raced, fear gripping her.

"Don't be afraid, we won't hurt you," one of them said, his voice gruff but trying to sound reassuring.

For a fleeting moment, Olga hoped they meant no harm. But as one of them stepped closer, his intentions became clear. The last thing Olga felt was the cold, hard impact of the gun against her head before everything went black.

Unconscious young woman lying on floor. | Source: Shutterstock

Unconscious young woman lying on floor. | Source: Shutterstock

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Regaining consciousness, Olga slowly opened her eyes and found herself in a dark room which looked like a basement. The blurred surroundings gradually came into focus, revealing her son, Sasha, holding her gently in his arms. He looked down at her with a mix of relief and concern in his eyes.

"Mom! Mom, can you hear me?" Sasha's voice was urgent, filled with emotion.

"Sasha, son," Olga managed to whisper, her voice barely a breath. Pain coursed through her body, making it impossible for her to move her head.

"What happened?" she asked, confusion and fear evident in her tone.

Sasha's face was a mask of worry. "They found me," he began, his voice tense. "I was close to the hospital, about 300 meters away. They knew who I was. They knew about Dad, about his vault."

Olga's heart sank as she processed his words. "Why are they keeping you here?" she asked, a sense of dread building within her.

Dark basement of an abandoned building. Natural light. | Source: Shutterstock

Dark basement of an abandoned building. Natural light. | Source: Shutterstock

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"I don't know for sure," Sasha replied, his brow furrowed in thought. "They probably want to kill us. I told them the vault was in the abandoned hospital, but we never actually found it. That's why they brought me here."

Olga's mind raced, trying to piece together their dire situation. They were in the hands of people who were desperate to find what her husband had hidden, and now both she and her son were caught in the middle of this dangerous game.

The dank, musty air of the basement was heavy, pressing down on Olga and Sasha as they waited in apprehension. The sound of footsteps broke the silence, and a man about 40 years old entered the room. His walk was uneven, marked by a slight limp, and one of his eyes was covered with a bandage, giving him a pirate-like appearance. Flanking him were two armed men, their expressions stern and watchful.

Olga's heart sank as she recognized the man. "Olga! I can't believe I see you here. We haven't seen each other in years," he said, his voice laced with a mixture of surprise and malicious delight.

Victor, as Olga knew him, was a feared figure in the marauding world, rumored to have been involved in her husband's death. His presence filled the room with a palpable tension.

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"Victor, please, at least let my son go," Olga pleaded, her voice steady despite the fear gripping her heart.

Woman cry on black background. | Source: Shutterstock

Woman cry on black background. | Source: Shutterstock

Victor sneered, "I don't think that's a good idea. He knows too much. Besides, I think the boy will want revenge when he grows up. Why not just kill him now?"

In a desperate attempt to protect her son, Olga blurted out, "I know where the stash is. I'll take you there if you promise to let me and Sasha go."

Victor's eyes narrowed as he considered her offer. After a moment, he replied, "Okay, then in an hour we go to the storage. If you really find your husband's vault and give us what's inside, I'll let you both go and even help you out of the exclusion zone."

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Olga knew Victor's words couldn't be trusted. His reputation for ruthlessness was well-known. But this was her only chance to buy time and possibly find a way to save both her and Sasha's lives. She had to be cunning, to outsmart Victor and his men.

As she nodded in agreement, a plan began to form in her mind. Olga knew that as soon as she revealed the location of her husband's hideout, their lives would be in immediate danger. But she had an idea, a risky plan that just might turn the tables on Victor. Her resolve hardened; she would do whatever it took to ensure her and Sasha's survival.

Olga, Sasha, Victor, and his two heavily armed bodyguards set out from the dimly lit basement into the eerie silence of the abandoned city. The night cloaked their movements as they navigated the desolate streets, once bustling with life but now hauntingly quiet. Olga led the way, her mind racing with a mix of fear and determination, while Victor limped slightly behind her, his one good eye scanning their surroundings with paranoid vigilance.

Old rusty broken abandoned Ferris wheel at night. | Source: Shutterstock

Old rusty broken abandoned Ferris wheel at night. | Source: Shutterstock

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As they moved stealthily through the city, the presence of military patrols loomed large in their minds. Every shadow, every sound made them tense, ready to react. Olga knew that encountering the military could mean the end for all of them, especially with Victor's ruthless reputation. The group took a circuitous route, avoiding the main roads where patrols were more likely to be found.

They passed through narrow alleys, overgrown with weeds, their footsteps muffled by the soft earth. The buildings around them stood like silent sentinels, windows dark, the stories of their former inhabitants lost to time. The only light came from the moon, casting long, haunting shadows across their path.

At one point, the distant sound of a patrol vehicle caused them to freeze. Victor motioned for them to hide, and they quickly ducked into a nearby building. Huddled together in the darkness, they listened as the sound of the engine grew louder and then faded away. Olga's heart pounded in her chest, her mind on high alert.

Once the danger had passed, they continued on, moving through backyards and over fences, trying to remain unseen. Sasha stayed close to Olga, his eyes wide with the fear and uncertainty of the situation. Despite her own fear, Olga tried to reassure him with a brave smile, though she knew he could see right through it.

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As they neared the hospital, the reality of their situation became even more tangible. The hospital loomed before them, a massive, foreboding structure that seemed to hold the weight of countless untold stories. Its windows were shattered, and the walls bore the scars of abandonment and decay.

Dark and creepy abandoned haunted mental hospital. | Source: Shutterstock

Dark and creepy abandoned haunted mental hospital. | Source: Shutterstock

Olga led the group to a side entrance, her mind working through the plan she had devised. She knew that their lives hung in the balance, and that every decision she made could mean the difference between life and death. With one last deep breath to steady her nerves, she pushed open the door to the hospital, stepping into the darkness within. This was it – the culmination of their perilous journey. The fate of her and Sasha now hinged on what they would find inside and on the plan that Olga had carefully crafted in her mind.

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In the dim, musty basement of the abandoned hospital, Olga stood with Victor and his bodyguards, her heart pounding with a mix of fear and determination. The air was thick with dust, and the only sound was the distant dripping of water from the ceiling. The beam of Victor's flashlight cut through the darkness, revealing a large gap in the basement floor.

"Well, where is the stash?" Victor demanded, his voice echoing off the cold, concrete walls.

Olga pointed to the gap, her voice steady despite the tension. "It's in the foundation of the hospital," she said.

The gap was daunting, a dark void in the floor that seemed to swallow the light. Olga knew it was just wide enough for someone slim to slip through. "Only Sasha or I can fit through here," she declared, her mind racing with the plan she had devised.

The cement floor collapsed and saw the crevices into the hollow under the house. | Source: Shutterstock

The cement floor collapsed and saw the crevices into the hollow under the house. | Source: Shutterstock

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Without hesitation, Victor decided, "Your son will go!"

Sasha's eyes met Olga's, a silent understanding passing between them. He was handcuffed and ordered to descend into the gap. With a nod to his mother, Sasha carefully maneuvered himself into the opening and disappeared into the darkness below.

Olga watched anxiously, her heart in her throat. "Sasha, do you see the entrance to the dug tunnel?" she called down to him.

After a moment, Sasha's voice floated up, "Yes, I see it."

"You need to go in there. Walk about 10 meters, and you'll find a box on the right. That's where it is," Olga instructed, her voice echoing in the vast space.

Dug tunnel. | Source: Shutterstock

Dug tunnel. | Source: Shutterstock

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"Okay," came Sasha's reply, muffled by the distance.

As Sasha moved through the tunnel, Olga's mind was abuzz with thoughts.The tension in the air was palpable, with Victor and his men waiting impatiently, their guns at the ready.

Olga glanced around the basement, taking in the details of her surroundings. She needed to be ready for what was to come. The next few minutes would be crucial, and she was determined to do everything in her power to ensure their escape. Her plan was risky, but it was the only hope they had to outwit Victor and free themselves from this nightmare.

As Olga watched Sasha disappear into the darkness of the dug tunnel, her heart swelled with a mixture of love, fear, and determination. She could see his silhouette moving cautiously, the faint light from above casting long shadows on the walls of the tunnel. Taking a deep breath, she gathered all her strength and shouted with all the love of a mother, "I love you, Sasha! Never come back here!"

Woman with tears on her face. | Source: Shutterstock

Woman with tears on her face. | Source: Shutterstock

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The words echoed in the hollow space, a final, desperate message to her son. She then turned her attention to a small, almost invisible button discreetly installed by her late husband near the gap. This button, a part of a plan they had never hoped to use, was connected to controlled dynamite charges her husband had set up as a last resort to protect the tunnel.

As Victor and his bodyguards waited impatiently, unaware of the impending danger, Olga pressed the button. In that moment, time seemed to stand still. A deafening explosion erupted, shaking the foundation of the hospital. The blast was immense, engulfing the basement in a ferocious roar of fire and debris.

Olga, Victor, and the bodyguards were caught in the heart of the explosion. In those final moments, Olga's thoughts were with Sasha, hoping beyond hope that her plan would save him. The basement, once a place of dark secrets and hidden dangers, became their tomb.

Meanwhile, Sasha, who was deep in the tunnel, felt a sudden tremor. The ground shook violently, and a muffled, thunderous sound reached his ears. Dust and small debris rained down on him. Panic gripped him for a moment until he realized what must have happened. His mother had made the ultimate sacrifice.

Teen boy cries, covering his face with a had. | Source: Shutterstock

Teen boy cries, covering his face with a had. | Source: Shutterstock

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With a heavy heart, Sasha navigated through the tunnel, guided by the faint light of his flashlight. The tunnel eventually led him to a sewer system that opened up into the forest beyond the exclusion zone. As he emerged into the open, the fresh air of the forest was a stark contrast to the oppressive atmosphere of the tunnel.

Sasha knew he could never return to the exclusion zone, the place that had claimed the lives of both his parents. With a final look back at the dark opening of the sewer, he stepped into the forest, leaving behind the shadows of the past and stepping into an uncertain but hopeful future.

As Sasha emerged from the forest, leaving behind the shadows of the Exclusion Zone, he carried with him the weight of his parents' sacrifices. The events in the desolate zone, marked by danger and desperation, had changed him irrevocably. However, amidst the turmoil, he carried within him a burning resolve to honor the memory of his parents by forging a new path in life.

Sasha decided to start afresh in a small town far from the haunting memories of the exclusion zone. The town, with its welcoming community and tranquil streets, offered him the peace and normalcy he longed for. He found work at a local construction company, where his dedication and hard work quickly earned him the respect of his colleagues. The physical labor was therapeutic, helping him to process his grief and rebuild his life piece by piece.

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In time, Sasha enrolled in night classes at a community college. He was determined to complete the education his mother had sacrificed so much for. His studies focused on environmental science, a field that resonated with him due to his experiences with the nuclear disaster. He wanted to make a difference, to prevent other families from suffering as his had.

Cheerful guy in graduation costume showing his diploma and smiling at camera. | Source: Shutterstock

Cheerful guy in graduation costume showing his diploma and smiling at camera. | Source: Shutterstock

Sasha became an advocate for environmental safety and renewable energy, driven by the memories of his hometown and the lessons he learned from his father’s life and his mother's unwavering courage. He volunteered in community projects and worked on initiatives to educate people about the importance of sustainable living.

As the years passed, Sasha found solace in the small joys of life. He formed new friendships, and although he never forgot his past, he learned to embrace the future with hope. He often visited a small memorial he had set up in a peaceful corner of the town park, a tribute to his parents. It was a place where he could reflect, remember, and find strength.

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Sasha’s journey was one of resilience and transformation. From the shadow of tragedy, he emerged as a beacon of hope, driven by a desire to make the world a safer and better place. In his heart, he knew that his parents would be proud of the man he had become, a man who had faced the darkest of times and emerged with a spirit unbroken, ready to write a new chapter in the book of life.

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If you enjoyed this story, here's another one: Wealthy businessman Larry is watching a news report on a bomb threat in Paris when a beggar runs into the reporter. He instantly recognizes the beggar as his wife, Susan, who stole $500,000 from him and disappeared 12 years ago. He leaves for Paris immediately to find her and get answers. Read the full story here.

This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life. If you would like to share your story, please send it to info@amomama.com.

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