The Abandoned

This place holds memories long forgotten. It doesn’t want me here. Why did I ever agree to this?

The door behind me—when did it close? I grasp desperately for the handle. Pull. Again. The aged wood groans but holds. I give up, but cling to hope.

My head hurts. I reach up—wet. When did I... What happened?

Every step takes effort. I can barely move... I must get out.

Dust hangs in the air, thick in my lungs, choking me—stealing my breath away.

Light begins to fade through boarded windows. Shadows feel heavy, waiting to consume. No—I can’t think like that.

Upstairs, can I get out? No, it’s too high to jump. The basement terrifies me. Which way?

Movement catches my eye. I watch as a moth flies into a web, caught by the spider who set the trap. I want to save it. Am I a moth? Who can save me? Did I agree to this?

I have to keep going. I move to the stairs, each one screaming a warning to go back. How long, how many steps? I feel like something keeps adding more.

I made it. Look for a way out. It is darker—every sound now echoes around me. How long have I been... Oww—I stumble. I reach down slowly, my hand resists. What is this? I don’t want to know. I cling to it in a futile attempt at protection.

It is getting darker... Wait, I heard something behind me. Crawling along the stairs. Those sounds... too big. I have to go—now. Quietly!

Will it find me? A window—there. If I can only... Almost... There... The board suddenly gives up, much easier than it should.

I freeze. It pauses behind me—I think it knows where I am.

Even the dust seems to hold its breath. My heart is pounding, threatening to give me away.

Escape is within reach, but I dare not move. What do I do?

Even my tears want to betray me. I can’t cry. Will someone just find me?

I close my eyes. When I open them, will this be over?