THE SUPER SCARY SUPERMARKET

By MR MIDNIGHT

Chapter One Hey, Ive got to tell you what happened to my friend Galvin Wong. We call him the Galvinator because hes tough, really tough. Well, one day the Galvinator and I, Gong Chee Wai, went to the new supermarket. Were both twelve. And sos Diana Lim. Shes a girl, and she follows us everywhere because she likes the Galvinator! It all started early one morning at Galvins place during the last school holidays. Galvins mum came in to his room where we were playing computer games. Galvin, she began, I want you and your friends to get me some things at the supermarket. But, mum, he groaned, its too early. The shops wont be open yet. That new supermarket is supposed to open early, she told him, thrusting her list and some money into his hand. Why do grownups always run out of things? I mean, when Im a grownup I wont run out of things. Ill be organized properly. We arrived outside the new supermarket a few minutes later. The big metal shutters were rolled up, the lights were on, and the doors unlocked. We stepped inside and it was cool. But soon it got chilly. Well, I got chilly and Ill tell you why. I was looking around and said: Hey, were the only people in here. Ive never seen an empty supermarket before. Its kind of, well, spooky. Yes, agreed Diana, supermarkets are always full of people. She frowned. And I cant ever see any staff. Well, lets get the stuff for mum and get out, said Galvin, grabbing a shopping cart. We headed down to the sign that said Canned Foods. But half way along the aisle they had this display of biscuits. I picked up a packet and froze. The packet was empty. Thats weird, I said, shaking the packet. Theres nothing in it.

Galvin shrugged. Maybe someone ate the biscuits and put the empty pack back on the shelf. Maybe they have rats, suggested Diana. I picked up another packet, It was also empty. But how are you supposed to buy these biscuits if there are no biscuits in the packs? I wondered. Get a life, said Galvin. Mum doesnt want biscuits, so who cares? He pushed the cart down to where they sold cans of tomatoes, the first item on his mothers list. But when he took a can from the shelf, his eyebrows shot up. Its empty! Diana reached for another can and squealed. Its empty, too! Galvin scowled at her. It cant be. Try the others. But every single can of tomatoes was empty. It doesnt make sense, Galvin shook his head. How will they make money if they only sell empty cans? Maybe the rats got to them, Diana whispered. Get a life, I scoffed. Rats cant chew through cans! Galvin checked the list. Lets get the eggs, he said. We followed him along the aisle to where the cartons of eggs were stacked. Except when we got there it was the cartons that were stacked, but there were no eggs inside. The same thing happened at the frozen pizza section the boxes were frozen, but they were empty of pizzas! Diana shuddered. I dont like this place, she begged. Lets go home. And that was when we heard a strange noise. The loud rattle of metal. For a moment I listened to it, frowning. Then I ran along the aisle and looked round the corner. Quick! I shouted. The supermarkets closing! We couldnt believe our eyes. Chee wai, something weirds going on in here! Why would they close now when theyve only just opened? The doors had all been chained, the lights at the entrance had all been switched off, and the checkout counters were in darkness. Fear ran like lightning through our veins. We were locked in and trapped!

TRAPPED IN A SUPER SCARY SUPERMARKET!

Chapter two We had to get out of there and fast! I mean, who wants to spend the rest of their school holidays locked up in a stupid supermarket? Not us, thats for sure. I wish there was someone we could talk to, moaned Diana. I want to know whats going on! Were the only ones here, I reminded her. I think theyve all gone for breakfast or something. The Galvinator looked tough. I dont care where theyve gone, were not staying in here. He looked around and pointed to a door market EXIT at the back of the supermarket. That should take us outside. So we rushed across and opened the door. We found ourselves in a long narrow corridor with bare concrete walls. Ahead I could see the door to the street. But when we reached it, we discovered it was locked. It shouldnt be locked, grumbled Galvin. What if there was a fire? Nobody would ever get out. Dont talk like that, Diana shivered. It makes me scared. Galvin led us back to the supermarket. We were halfway along the corridor when he stopped outside a door we hadnt noticed before. The sign on it said TOILET. He was about to open the door when Diana grabbed his hand. You mustnt go in there! she cried. My mother said you should always think twice before using a strange toilet. But Im not going to use it! he laughed. I just want to see whats inside. Maybe theres another exit in there. He turned the handle and pushed the door open.

It was just a small room with a toilet and washbasin. The floor was covered with mud and dirt. Yuck, what a mess, I started to say. Ant that was when Diana screamed. Her screech echoed round the small room. I almost jumped out of my skin. She pointed at the washbasin with a trembling hand. And I looked at it and choked on my fear. BLOOD WAS DRIPPING FROM THE TAP! Galvin groaned. Get a life. Its just red water! Taps dont bleed! He stepped onto the muddy floor for a closer look. You girls are always screaming at everything! Maybe thats what happened to all the canned tomatoes, I teased Diana. They all ended up in the toilet. But when Galvin bent over the sink, his face turned pale. Its BLOOD! he howled. Someones been killed in here! squealed Diana What, in the washbasin? I elbowed her, trying to be funny even though my heart was thumping. Its too small for a dead body! Galvin wiped sweat from his forehead. The blood must be coming from somewhere we dont know about..... He hurried back to the corridor and closed the door. This place is creepy, whispered Diana. I dont want to stay here! How do we get out? Galvin put on his tough look. Im going to ring Mum. She can come and get us. But when he dug in his pocket, his face fell. I left my hand phone at home. He turned to me. Chee Wai, can I use yours? I left it at your place, I told him. We went out in such a hurry . My battery is dead, Diana announced, checking her phone. Its my sisters old phone and its always dying. So were stuck here, the Galvinator said. It looks like well have to solve the mystery ourselves. Why is the supermarket empty? Why are all the packets and cans are empty? And WHY IS THERE BLOOD DRIPPING FROM THE TOILET TAP?

Chapter 3 We stepped back into the gloomy supermarket. It was still empty, and even more lights had been turned off. Its so spooky I dont think even a ghost would shop here, I whispered. Chee Wai, Diana said firmly, I dont want to see ghosts! Galvin led us along an aisle. There must be another way out, he told us. Then suddenly he stopped. Did you hear that? I shook my head. The supermarket was as quiet as a grave. I heard something, whispered Diana, putting her head on one side just like she does when she listens to our teacher. Then I heard it, too, a soft, weird squeaking sound. It seemed to be getting closer. I was about to dart forward when Galvin grabbed my arm. We dont know who it is, he warned me. He crept forward silently and we followed. The squeaking sound grew louder and suddenly I knew what it was! Someone was wheeling a shopping cart. Every now and then the squeaking stopped, then started again. Someone was shopping! Whoever it was must have been nuts. I mean, why would anyone go shopping in a supermarket that was closed? And how had they got inside? We huddled together listening to the squeaky wheel. It was very close now. Someone was pushing a shopping cart down the next aisle. We held our breaths and edged forward. Then we peered round the corner. A scream rose in my throat. I choked it back. My nerves tingled with terror: I was looking at the MOST HIDEOUS THING ID EVER SEEN IN MY LIFE!

Chapter 4 It was a monster. Not just any monster, but the most hideous creature you could imagine, worse than all the monsters in your worst nightmares! Its pointed head was bald and covered with lumps. Long strands of curly hair poked out from its big flapping ears. Its green skin was covered with purple blotches. Its eyes were small and fierce. The monsters nose looked like itd been taken from an ape, but its tongue was worse. It was a big dogs tongue. It hung out of its mouth, drooling. Globs of dribble dripped from it, just like a dog on a hot day! Its hands were massive, and its fingers were wrinkled. One finger was split in two and had two nails. When I saw it, my stomach heaved. The monster was clad in a filthy old cloak and its sickening smell made my nostrils twitch. It shuffled past, without seeing us. I think Im going to be sick, moaned Diana softly, sinking to the floor. The Galvinator snorted at her. So its a monster, so what? B-b-but what if it gets us? I whispered. Chee Wai, cant you see its part of the mystery? Galvin sneered. Thats why all the packets and cans are empty. Because ghosts and monsters dont eat things like we do. Just then the monster stopped and took six cans of baked beans from the shelf. Galvin pulled a face. Id hate to be anywhere nearby after it ate all those. Why? asked Diana, watching the baked beans being loaded into the cart. Dont you know what happens when you eat baked beans? Galvin grinned. What? I asked him. Galvin put his lips against the palm of his hand and blew hard. It sounded like someone with a monster tummy ache! The hideous noise echoed round the supermarket like thunder. Gross! Diana giggled. Then suddenly her giggles turned into a gasp. Oh no! The monster heard you! ITS COMING THIS WAY!

Chapter 5 The monsters eyes darted everywhere. Its huge shoulders heaved and its head jutted forward as it ran toward us. Run! screamed Diana. We sprinted down the aisle and the monster followed, its foul-smelling breath coming in horrible grunts and spurts. Its arms reached out, its gigantic hands clawing the air behind us. I grabbed things from the shelves as I ran and hurled them back at the monster. The floor was soon covered with squashed packets. Empty cans bounced and rolled everywhere. But for every step we took, the monster took more. For something so big and ugly it was as fast as a truck. And when its wrinkled hands seized my shoulders, there was no escape! I screamed as it squeezed by shoulders. Galvin! Help! I struggled wildly, but the monster held me firmly. I kicked back with all my strength, but it was useless it was like kicking a brick wall! Galvin grabbed a shopping cart and charged toward us. And then we froze STOP! It was a mans voice and we spun around. A short, tubby, funny-looking little man in a white shirt and blue trousers came striding down the aisle, staring at all the mess wed made with a very sour look. His face was as round as the moon. On his shirt was a badge that said MANAGER. The manager walked up to the monster, smiled politely and said, Ill handle this, sir. Please continue with your shopping. The monster gave a thick, snarling grunt and let me go. A stream of drool splashed onto my shirt. It staggered back to its shopping while I rubbed my shoulders. Now, the manager turned to us angrily, whats the meaning of all this? Whats going on here? Why have you wrecked my supermarket?

Chapter 6 The monster attacked us, I began. My shoulders were aching. I could still feel where the beasts fingers had dug into them. It was going to kill Chee Wai, Diana shuddered. What kind of supermarket is this anyhow? Galvin demanded. Dont be rude to me, young man, snapped the manager. The chubbiness of his face matched the tubbiness of his body. Little blobs of fat around his chin bobbed when he spoke. Rolls of fat circled his short neck. Youve got a lot of explaining to do! So have you, Diana shouted, her hands on her hips. Why did you lock us in? You werent locked in, argued the manager. You came sneaking in here uninvited! We didnt! I protested. Your doors were open and we came in to do some shopping for Galvins mum! And then we found out everythings empty! Galvin told him. Your supermarkets a fake! The manager glared at us. It is not! he snarled. Our packets are empty for a very good reason thats how we prevent shoplifting. So people like you cant steal our merchandise. But that doesnt make sense, Diana shook her head. How do people buy anything? They get the real items once theyve made payment at the check out counter, the moonfaced manager explained. Its very clever, isnt it? Why did I think he was lying? Was it the way his eyes shifted from side to side? Was ot the little beads of sweat on his forehead? Was it the way his feet couldnt stand still? Why do you have monsters shopping here? I demanded. Monsters? The managers eyebrows shot up into his forehead. What monsters? That thing that was chasing us! I reminded him. That monster! Oh, him......hes a valued customer, the manager laughed nervously. He may look a little unusual, but he isnt a monster. We know what monsters look like! insisted Galvin.

And anyhow, why was there blood coming out of the toilet tap? Youre asking for too many questions! The manager stamped his foot furiously. I dont like smart little kids who try to rob my supermarket! Come to my office immediately while I call the police! And he seized Galvin by the arm and dragged him toward a door at the back of the supermarket. We followed angrily. Well tell the police about the blood, Diana warned him. And well tell them about the smelly monster, I added. You can tell them whatever you like, the manager snorted, his round little head bouncing on top to his round little body. You are thieves and shoplifters! He opened the thick door and pushed Galvin inside. The he shoved Diana and I into the dark room, but he stayed by the door. You can wait there till the police come! he scowled. I looked around. It was a very weird-looking room. I caught a glimpse of some pipes on the walls. Boxes were stacked everywhere. This isnt your office, I yelled, and started to run for the door. You TRICKED us! I know, the moon-faced manager grinned slyly and pushed me away. But youll be safe in there until I decide what to do with you. And as the big, heavy door closed I wondered how we could ever escape!

Chapter 7

We looked around our prison. It was a long room. Metal pipes ran along every wall. A dim light glowed in the ceiling. Suddenly Galvin snapped his fingers. I know where hes put us! Were in the cold room! Diana shivered. You mean, she made a funny swallowing noise, where they store the frozen food?

I touched the pipes. They felt warm. If its the cold room, why isnt it cold? I asked. Galvin shot me one of his looks. Get a life. Theyve got nothing to freeze. Its all a fake. He ran a hand along the pipes. But if they do turn on the freezer, well be turned into FROZE MEAT. Diana screamed. Dont say that, Galvin! The Galvinator started pacing up and down. Something really weird is going on here, he said in his tough voice. We werent supposed to find the empty packs, we werent supposed to see the blood, and we werent supposed to see that monster thats why Moon Face the manager locked us up in here. We know TOO MUCH! I scratched my head. But we dont really know ANYTHING! I mean, whats he doing thats SO SECRET? If we knew that, Galvin stated, he probably would have KILLED US! Yuck, I shrugged, trying to be funny. We have two choices. We can either be dead meat or frozen meat. Diana screamed even louder. I dont want to be killed! I turned to Galvin. Do you think hell ever let us out? I wondered. I mean, hell have to, wont he? Our parents will come looking for us. So will the police. But if the supermarket is shut, no one will ever think of looking for us in here, Galvin argued. He was right. The little round man had us trapped. We sank to the floor, wondering what to do next, and thats when we heard it. A DISTANT RUMBLING THAT GREW LOUDER AND LOUDER....

Chapter 8

Diana tapped Galvin on the shoulder. Is that you stomach? she asked him. But it wasnt. The rumbling came from under our feet. It got louder and louder, and then faded away. Maybe somebodys drilling, I wondered. Or maybe the monster ate the baked beans!

Nobody laughed. A few moments later, we heard it again. The dull, distant rumble seemed to pass right beneath us. Diana jumped up, her eyes wide with fear. Its not an earthquake, is it? Girls! Why do they always think of such silly things? I know what it is, Galvin grinned. TRAINS! Trust the Galvinator. He always had an answer for everything. Youre right, I told him. The trains go underground in this area. Theres a station in the next street. Diana looked at us. Youre sure its not an earthquake? Galvin was on his feet. I thought he was going to tell her to get a life, but instead he listened carefully as another train rumbled through the tunnel beneath the supermarket. It seems to be coming from that side of the room, he decided. Lets have a look. But there was nothing to see just boxes, and more boxes, and lots of big, bulging sacks. If only we could reach the trains, Galvin said, then wed get help. But we cant, Diana shrugged. I mean, we cant dig a hole in the floor or something, can we? Its concrete. She sat down on one of the sacks and sighed. A moment later she grunted and shifted to another sack. Its so uncomfortable down here. Ouch, she complained again, somethings poking me. I rolled my eyes. Diana Lim was being really fussy. She was such a typical girl, right? There we were, our lives in danger, and all she could think about was finding something comfortable to sit on! Diana stood up, rubbing her bottom. She tried to move one of the sacks, but it was too heavy. I guessed it was full of potatoes or pumpkins imagine sitting on those! Ha-ha! Next thing she started pulling the cord at the top of the sack. Just like a girl theres a monster outside, and a mad manager, and blood running from a tap, but all she could think of doing was having a look inside some dumb old sack! Who cared why it was so hard to sit on? Who cared what was in it? Who Diana screamed.

She was kneeling beside the sack, frozen with shock, her mouth hanging open, her eyes just about popping out of her head. Galvin and I raced to her side. I pulled the sack open so we could all see what shed found. Maybe it was a dead body or something. Our jaws dropped. Our eyes bulged. The sack was full of MONEY!

Chapter 9 Id never seen so much money in my life. I tipped the sack upside down. Bundles of money, bound by neat paper wrappers, tumbled onto the floor. There must have been dozens of packets of money lying at our feet. Quick, shouted Galvin, check the other sacks! Diana and I ripped them all open. Every sack was stuffed with money. There must be MILLIONS here! I gasped. Wow...., breathed Diana. She looked at Galvin. What does it mean? Galvin drew us aside and whispered: It means we are in VDT! I stared at him and a cold shiver ran down my spine. He always used secret codes when he thought we were in danger. Whats VDT? Diana whispered. Very Deep Trouble! he told her. Galvin looked at the money. He kicked one of the sacks while he was thinking. Somebody stole this money, he went. Thats why theyve stashed it down here where no one will find it. And now weve found it....... Dianas voice had a hollow, nervous sound. And now were in VDT, I said. Then I had an idea. Unless unless we put it back in the sacks and play dumb! Good idea, agreed Galvin. After all, were kids, right? Nobody would expect kids to find stolen money.

So we started scoping up all the money and stuffing it back into the sacks. And that was when Diana nudged us in the ribs. Its not such a good idea, she said softly. Why? demanded Galvin. Diana , her face pale, pointed up at the ceiling. We looked up and there, almost hidden in the shadows, we saw a security camera. It was aiming straight toward us. Someone had been watching everything we did. So I think that means were really in VVDT, Diana whispered. Very Very Deep Trouble......

Chapter 10

Diana was right. We were in the worst kind of trouble. Now they knew that we knew that they had stolen money. The two big questions were: who were they? And what would they do to us? Ill bet that supermarket manager knows all about it, said Galvin. I never trust anyone with a round face. Maybe the monster stole it for him, wondered Diana. But why did they put the money down here? I asked. I mean, why would anyone want to freeze money? Another train rumbled through the tunnel beneath our feet. How I wished we were on it, leaving all this danger behind! I think well get our answers very soon, Galvin warned. We could hear the cold room door being unlocked. Moments later someone stepped inside and closed the door behind them. It was the manager only now, as he walked toward us, he didnt look funny any more. His moon-shaped face was full of menace.

You kids are causing me a lot of problems, he announced. Your mother was here. So were the police. And now youve found the money. If looks could kill, I think wed have been dead! Youd better let us go, Diana shouted, before you get even more problems! Oh, I wont be the one with problems, girlie, he promised. Youre the ones whod better start worrying! He glanced at all the money on the floor. Now, do as youre told! Put all the money back in the sacks and HURRY! You cant make us! Galvin snapped. Really? The manager shot him a nasty smile. Perhaps youd like Hugo to come in and join you. You remember Hugo, dont you? Hugo the Humungous! You met him shopping. The last thing we wanted was to be locked in a room with a huge, hulking, smelly, drooling, dog-tongued, split-fingered green and purple monster! So we started dumping all the money back into the sacks. The manager watched us carefully, a smile playing on his fat, round face. Im so glad youre such helpful children. When wed finished, he told us to drag the sacks into the corner. Now, stand back, he warned. He stepped up to the wall and pressed his hand against it. We heard a clicking sound from deep inside the concrete. Suddenly a small section of wall swung open to reveal a secret room. Put the money in there, he ordered. We ducked under the pipes and hauled the sacks into the hidden room. Then the manager touched the concrete wall again. Slowly it closed and the sacks of money vanished from sight. Thank you, he nodded his moon-shaped head. Now that weve helped you, Diana begged croakily, youve got to keep your promise. Dont send that Hugo thing in here! Dont worry about Hugo, girlie, the manager told her, youre going to be left alone in peace.......for a long, long time......

And his evil smile made we wonder what he was going to do next. He left us in the cold room and closed the door behind him. Somewhere below a train rumbled through a tunnel. Galvin, I whispered, I dont trust him, do you? Hes a crook, Galvin said tightly. He stole that money and were the only ones who can wreck his plans! And that was when we heard a terrifying sound in the pipes. Like a thousand snakes all hissing at once! Theyve turned on the cold air, Diana screamed. NOW WELL ALL BE FROZEN ALIVE!

Chapter 11

The hissing sound grew louder and louder as cold air flooded through the pipes. We have to ERF! shouted Galvin. Whats that? demanded Diana. Escape Real Fast! Galvin told her. Im feeling cold already, I yelled. I reached a hand toward the nearest pipe and my fingertips were chilled to the bone. HISSSSSSSSSSS......... It sounded like the pipes were ALIVE! The air was becoming so cold that each breath I took felt like I was swallowing ice. KEEP MOVING! Galvin warned. DONT STAND STILL! We were running and jumping, trying to keep our bodies warm. But it was no use! With every passing minute I could feel the chill seeping into my bones. Soon we would be three pieces of frozen meat!

I d-d-dont want to d-d-die! Diana moaned through chattering teeth. Then her eyes lit up. Galvin, lets ch-ch-check the wall! Maybe we can m-m-make it open like M-M-Moon Face did! It was a great idea. And it gave us something to do. We ran across to where the manager had stood when he opened the secret room. Our hands pushed and pressed the icy concrete. But nothing happened! Keep trying, Galvin said. It was here somewhere! groaned Diana, pushing harder against the solid wall. She was shivering and coughing and her skin was turning blue. And then suddenly we heard a soft CLICK! Slowly, very slowly, the wall began to MOVE....

Chapter 12

We raced through the narrow opening into the secret room. The sacks of money were stacked on the floor where wed left them. Its nice and warm in here, Diana sighed and stretched her arms. But not for long, Galvin reminded her. All that cold air will soon come in here. Then lets close the wall, Diana said. You can only do that if youre outside in the cold room, Galvin frowned. And anyhow, if we did lock ourselves in here we wouldnt get any fresh air. Already the cold air was drifting in to the secret room. I shivered as I looked around quickly. I wonder if theres another way out? At first I thought my eyes were playing a trick on me. The walls were all bare, unpainted concrete, that boring creamy-gray color you always see. But part of the back wall seemed to be a different color. I blinked. Was it my imagination? I ran over to where Id seen the patch of darker color and ran my hand over it. Then I pressed my hand against it, as hard as I could.

From deep inside the wall I heard a strange CLICK and the sound of a machine starting. I heard Diana scream and spun round. My eyes almost popped out. A section of the floor was opening. And there, at our feet, I saw a steel ladder leading down into a dark pit.........

Chapter 13

We stared into the mysterious black hole. Where does it go? I wondered. Whats down there? I dont want to know! Diana shuddered. Lets go down! Galvin snapped his fingers. Come on! But its so DARK, Diana protested. What if there are snakes or spiders or something? Well if we stay up her well be frozen to death. Galvin pushed her toward the ladder. Suddenly he swung round. I could tell by the look in his eyes that hed had an idea. Lets take the money with us! Why? I blurted. Its not ours. Its not Moon Faces either, Galvin scoffed. Dont you understand, Chee Wai, the money is what this mystery is all about! If we take it with us and hide it, Moon Face cant hurt us until he gets it back. Diana looked down into the black hole. But how can we carry it down there? Those sacks are too heavy. Who said anything about carrying them? Galvin dragged the nearest sack to the side of the pit and pushed it over the edge. We watched as the heavy sack plunged into the inky black hole. A moment later we heard a dull thud as it landed at the bottom. Easy! grinned the Galvinator. Come on, Chee Wai, help me with the rest!

So one by one Galvin and I threw all the sacks of money down the hole. CLUNK ! THWACK! By the time wed finished the secret room was icy cold and we were both shivering. Well have to hurry, Galvin warned. Chee Wai, you go first, then you, Diana and Ill follow. I took a deep breath and eased myself over the edge. My feet touched the top rung of the ladder. I lowered myself deeper into the black hole until my hands had firm grip on the ladder. I looked up at my friends for the last time. Bye...... Diana was trembling with fear. Be careful, Chee Wai, she called. And then they vanished as I climbed down the ladder into the HIDEOUS DARKNESS