The Botanical Park in Woodcrest is typically a serene and picturesque refuge. It provides an idyllic setting for a peaceful late-night stroll, studying under the soft glow of flickering street lamps, or enjoying a moment of solitude beneath the lush canopy of whispering trees. The cool breeze carries the gentle rustling of leaves, creating a soothing ambiance. However, rumors suggest that a shade haunts this tranquil haven.
The story begins in the summer of 1924 with a circus performer named Timothy Slattery. Eager to take the stage as part of the illustrious Circus of Pépin and Breschard, he arrived in the quiet town of Woodcrest. However, his journey took an unexpected turn. Goons from a notorious Boston gang had boarded the same train—not to seek his talent, but to settle old scores or uncover whatever secrets he carried with him. They followed Slattery down an unlit path beneath a bridge and swiftly ended his life with a razor. After setting his body ablaze—presumably to destroy any evidence of the crime—they departed on the next train. The locals later discovered his charred remains, one hand clutching a trumpet mouthpiece and the other grasping a three-cent piece.
Slattery’s presence lingers in the small town of Woodcrest a century after his fateful summer night. Students have reported seeing his shadow gracefully hovering near campus windows or meandering through the moonlit park. When the moon hangs low on autumn nights, whispers tell of a figure dancing in the dim light like a flicker of candlelight on the gentle breeze. During these mystical evenings, some have even heard the distant sound of soulful trumpet notes floating through the air as if carried from another era.
The Shade of Botanical Park hides within the heart of the town. As dusk falls on a balmy October evening, watch for the elusive specter who dances between the trees as you wander along the winding paths. Listen intently, for you may catch the melodic notes of Tim Slattery as he plays his final encore.