There's this one sound that is easily recognizable and when this distinct noise is heard in a certain context it can send chills through one's body. This particular time the door creaking open behind me met those circumstances, and a shiver slithers up my spine like a frail snake. Usually, and really all the time, light will lighten up a dark area. However, the darkness that was revealed by this front door didn't seem to obey that rule. It spilled out like a flashlight would a dark room and made the world darker. The choice is obvious that I must go in, as Aly is calling out for dinner.
Aly, my little sister, likes to have dinner earlier than most. She probably learned it from her grandparents, who are able to watch a full-length film in the evenings because of this standard.
"When is dinner," she cries. "I'm hungry." I'm in the house already without hesitation, and the door slams shut behind me. I twist and tug on the handle, the door even unlocked, but it's made clear that the house has me now. "Stella," I spin around at the sound of my name, my back against the door. "When is dinner going to be ready?" I look at Aly, knowing she's part of the house, a house I don't recognize. Every item appears carefully placed for my visit, or perhaps my stay.
"What would you like," I ask her. She looks at me with disappointment.
"I would like dinner," she says. I swallow hard and don't break our stare. She rolls her eyes. "Please." This is the Aly I remember, the Aly that has so much potential but is still learning her manners.
"Thank you," I say, walking into the kitchen. She runs down the hall and up the stairs. It's a few steps from the front door to turn the corner into it. I decide to make something simple so I can think to myself while cooking. I grab something that looks pasta and start boiling it.
I still feel my heart jumping out of my chest, I need to relax. I follow Aly up the stairs. When I reach the top, I find the door straight in front of me. It is slightly open already, inviting me inside. Through the small opening I can see a fraction of the room. It's my room... from home. My memory of my life before the entrance has mostly faded, but I remember this room as mine. I walk in and push the door open all the way, taking in a breath of nostalgia.
The size isn't very impressive, but it works as a room. My walls are painted a macadamia white, matching my bed with its slate grey sheets. There is a bookshelf sitting next to the bed with some of my favorite stories. I like to read, but at a very slow pace. I like to savor them. There are headphones on them, this is how I calm down. The sun has set out the window, leaving me alone with the moon.
I hop on my bed sitting crisscrossed and placing headphones over my ears. I turn on the TV in front of me and find a good video, clicking on it.
"Hello," she whispers into the microphone. "Welcome to another," she pauses and breathes into my ears. "ASMR session." I close my eyes and take a deep breath. "Today," she whispers. "We're going to," she pets the mic with her fingernails, sending nice shivers down my spine. "Relax. Maybe you've had a hard day, or maybe you just enjoy ASMR." I give a small smile. "Let's start by taking away all distractions." I open my eyes and look at my door. Aly is playing in her room; she won't disturb me. I forget about it and look back at the screen. She is still smiling, as if waiting. I get up and close the door. "Now if you haven't already," she starts. "Just close your eyes." I obey. "Imagine I am in the bed with you. Sitting behind you, next to you, or even in front of you." I smile a bit as it pleasures me. I hear her mouth making noise near the sensitive mic. "Imagine I slowly brush your hair, brushing away all of the week's stress." I feel the anxiety falling off of me and into my lap. "Just one long brush." This feels good and is a nice sensation. "Almost done." As she finishes her brush, I feel a hand subtly leave my scalp. I tear off my headphones and try to catch my breath. Something touched me, something is here with me. I look at the lady in the video, as she is giving me that same smile. I see her open her lips and blow into the mic, essentially hearing it as well. A breeze drifts along my neck, almost unnoticeable. I put my headphones back on and listen to her. "In the room you are in. Again, beside you, behind you, or even in-" I shut it off. I look at my closed door and my mind goes crazy.
