MASS MURDER AT THE GRAND THEATRE: Entry for Art Prompt Writing Contest

Image Credit: @lymmerik

It's 5:05pm out here in front of the "Grand Theatre ". Bright sunshine but deserted streets and a tensed atmosphere surrounds it's area. Who would think the entrance could be this deserted and it's inside empty, a place usually full of life, filled with people all the time and usually has lots of people outside waiting in queue for tickets or hanging around for the next show. This area is termed by the local as "the mix", a place where the good and bad things thrive. This is a 24/7 theatre home, a place where many described as a home of fun and excitement for children, host of lovers and group of friends, destination of traders, the arena for pickpockets, the stage for magicians, the den of swindlers. Here, money exchange hands in quick succession, coins for tickets,muffler, bangles, rings, adornments and many other things. In there is where you forget everything (pain, anguish, worry e. t. c) waiting outside, you melt and blend with the inside, the moment you step over the floor design which reads "Grand theatre " you become transformed, the rush, everyone looks to be in a hurry, planning on beating others to getting the front sits, or the night show tickets.

Today, it is left in ruins, empty at this time with broken glasses all over it's entrance, the horror from yesterday had overcome it's existence and brought it to it's near end. While some argued of its continued existence, others condemned what happened, a mass murder had happened here some hours ago leaving everyone running for their lifes, there were no heroes or heroines just helpless humans who came to escape the world problems to watch a great show meeting their ends.

Grace and Raymond had been going out for months now. She was the only child of her parents, showered with all the love she could ever asked for. She was portrayed as a cool and calm lady, intelligent and beautiful. She had overcome every obstacles before her, crushing mountains to sands, flying high with hopes and aspirations. She was ambitious and energetic, no wonder her father, Jim, had openly proclaimed her as the successor to his business empire. She had met Raymond at a fund raising event three months agowhere she was invited as the guest speaker.

Raymond was the master of ceremony, he knew his crafts so well, she watched as he amuse everyone with his charms, his jokes made her laugh. And when the time came to be invited to the podium, it came as a surprise to her she had been noticed, he had introduced her with so many sweet words that left her in awe. Nevertheless, she didn't lose her composure. She delivered on her topic and did well to enlighten everyone about the purpose of the event and what it should mean to everyone. When the event ended, she was about leaving in her car she noticed someone was running after her, and it was Raymond, there they exchanged contacts and had been in touch afterwards. They went out on dates and had started the relationship on a strong note.

Grace had noticed a sense of entitlement from Raymond since the relationship started and they've had a couple of rough nights arguing and debating on what is and what's not. Raymond was said to be an insecure, jealous and bitter lover. Many had questioned why Grace is with him, her father had warned her of imminent danger a person with Raymond's kind of attitude possess but Grace wouldn't have it, she was caught in his charms and had neglected his character. Often times, since they relationship started, Raymond has warned her to stay clear of any other man, Grace had taken this lightly and dismissed it whenever he brought it up, an act she used to describe him as being childish.

When, James showed up at 1100hrs in his cousin, Grace office, it was an unexpected visit, she was happy. She had to quickly clear her table and show him the beauty of the city. They had lunch and fixed the evening to enjoy a show at the "Grand theatre", a show Grace had picked herself, one she had enjoyed with her cousin a few times before. She would have called Raymond but for the earlier quarrel they had, she hurriedly went to join her cousin for the show starting at 1900hrs.

Just few minutes into show, trajedy struck as Raymond show up wielding a gun 🔫, he didn't hesitate or ask questions, he shot bullets into James and Grace before shooting sporadically into the crowd. Leaving scores dead, many injured while others ran to safety. He then ended his own life. The police had earlier in the day announced the closure of the "Grand theatre ". Many had questioned Raymond's action and thousands had wished he had been rational. Many questions still left unanswered and investigation is underway.

This art prompt brought out imagination beyond me, i didn't want to stop, wanted to add things here and there. Thank you to @jayna. Found this contest on your blog. And thanks to @gmuxx and @thewritersblock. I'm glad to have joined friends at The Writers' Block too. And great job with the art prompt, @lymmerik.
Hope you all found this interesting.