November 14th, 2002
You know the feeling of being watched? Well imagine that, except you're being observed by nothingness itself. Sometimes we peer into the darkness of abandoned department stores, to see pin points of lights which resemble eyes. They stare, yet without purpose. Approach them, and you realize they were never there to begin with. I would call them hallucinations, yet the camera does not lie.
Sometimes we would look at a distant wall, and see a tear. Look away, and the tear is gone. Then it is back again. Sometimes we would see nondescript figures in the distance, observing, displeased at our intrusion, yet they are merely our shadows. The static in the skylights is just as displeased, yet we learned to let it be. Best not to let its anger frighten us, it has no power over those who refuse to look.
The place is silent, yet full of noise all the same. It's like listening to a radio station that's just out of range, mostly static yet at intervals snippets of a washed out song would seep through. Distant and unfamiliar, yet nostalgic.
November 15th, 2002
We're on level 8, and there are neon signs here and there. Their presence was enough to make me want to take over another entry. As eerie as others find them, I consider their presence to be quite comforting. There's a dream-like vibrancy to them, especially due to the surrounding darkness, which I find to be so reminiscent of my memories of this place.
I know (name) often wrote of how we are alone, yet, I never felt this loneliness. Things feel slightly unreal, yes, but never empty. Perhaps that's why I wasn't as surprised as the others when we found an eel in the doorway. (name) assumed, or perhaps hoped, it was just a long piece of fabric or felt. Felt it was, yet it was able to around and was shaped like an eel. I sensed no hostility from it, perhaps it was something about the way it looked at me. Something genuine and welcoming about it. This lad came close enough for me to touch, quite soft for a fish. I don't think it was capable of speaking, yet there was no need. For the amount of time we were together, I think I understood… something. Not sure what, but, I felt very calm afterwards and still do.
Something frightened it off, though. Some sounds in the distance, not sure what they were. Could be anything really, this place is teeming with odd creatures. You'll probably find something if you look over your shoulder, though they're fleeting and hard to photograph.
One last note: I really don't understand how we still have power for the laptop and camera. Seriously, we didn't need to replace the batteries once. I suppose I mentioned this before, but god, I wouldn't be surprised if we're all in one big dream.
November 16th, 2002
Do any of you remember the moving tear I mentioned recently? Perhaps it was never a tear to begin with. I think it wanted to approach us, and tell us something about the place. It looked like a cockroach being, hence I kept my distance. (Name) of course approached it, likely corrupted by whatever thing he encountered yesterday. He talked to this cockroach thing, though when I tried to listen in that being spoke nonsense. Not sure what (name) could possibly gather from all that.
He came back to us once the thing crawled off under the wall. He informed us that the creature has warned against the static, the static? Wasn't it all around, or perhaps I was right to be apprehensive of the skylights? He responded that it was neither of those things, and if the static appears we will know. I then asked him if any other creatures are a threat, and (name) responded "only if you think they are".
I don't believe that last part. They either are a threat or they're not. And honestly, I feel they are. That uncanny feel from their staring is not a friendly one.
November 17th, 2002
Fuck… I should have seen it sooner. But there was nothing I can do…
I knew that warming up to this place was a dangerous feat.
On the 10th level down, (name) said he found the place where he belonged. The entrance had light coming from the outside, had life. It was a beacon to him, indicating that this was his destination. The mall was kind to him, and decided to free him. To him, staying would be an unwise move; for there was nothing for him further down.
The entrance had no light. It was black, as it always was ever since we entered this nightmare mall. I kept trying to tell him he's going mad, there is no light out there nor was there ever. The cameras were unable to pick up on this supposed light either. This awareness that he was the only one who could witness it saddened him, as he realized he can bring no one else along. He merely hoped that we find our exits eventually, and to leave when we do. I don't think that'll ever happen.
We hugged one last time before he left through the doors, and vanished into the black abyss as if he were nothing. I couldn't keep him here, I wish I could.
I feel the neon lights grew colder without him around.
November 18th, 2002
Things seem more hostile now. Before they merely observed, now they seem to be hunting. The creatures and the mall in unison, frankly. The place is distorted in all the wrong ways, things are growing less recognizable. Not sure if I can even remember the place properly.
I don't think I'll be able to report on things as detailed as before, nor as frequently. They're always after us, no time. We're currently hiding, but I'm not sure if we'll be able to stay hidden for long.
There are more stores open, all nonsensical. The skylights are furious, do not stare at them. I keep thinking back to this static (Name) warned us against, I still don't understand. What sort of static could possibly stand out against a world that's plagued with it already?
November 20th, 2002
We had to run from these creatures as they only grew more hostile, often being unable to stay on one level. I think we went down like… 10, 20 floors? 30?? I can't tell, I lost track. Unfortunately I can't stick around for long, they're always searching for me. Have some photos, don't know if you'll be able to pick any of them out… I'm having a hard time myself….
November 22th, 2002
All is probably irrelevant by now. I can see the static, it is everything yet nothing. An inexplicable mess of signals which refuse to work together and that's what I'll become.