𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞 | 𝐬.𝐡

054. We're Going Down

The mall was mostly dark, certain spots being illuminated by the few lights that remained on.

Inside, Erica Sinclair had found herself alone in Scoops Ahoy. With only a flashlight strapped helmet, some elbow and knee pads, a walkie-talkie, and a backpack accompanying her.

Dustin, Mavis, Robin, and Steve had found themselves not far away and on the roof of Starcourt.  Dustin wielded the binoculars and Robin held the walkie-talkie. Sitting side by side with their eyes on the loading dock, the four of them anxiously awaited for Erica to call in that she was ready. Mavis was sat between Robin and Steve, finding herself growing tired. She leaned forward, resting her head down on the roof wall border in front of her.

Robin had grown impatient with the radio silence. "Erica, do you copy?" she called into the radio.

"Mm-hmm. I copy. You nerds in position or what?" she called in as she finished tightening the strap of her helmet. Placing both hands on the ladder, she climbed up and once again came face to face with the tunnel.

"Finally," Mavis muttered as she picked her head up. "Yeah, we're in position. It's all quiet here, so you've got the green light," Robn called in.

"Green light. Roger that. Commence Operation Child Endangerment," Erica called back.

"Can we maybe not call it that?" Robin asked, the annoyance seeping through her tone.

"See you on the other side," Erica said as she climbed into the air duct.

Now left to do nothing more than wait, Mavis turned around and sat with her back against the wall and her knees bent up, just staring off into the sky in front of her. She once again let her thoughts pour in.

She was excited about the possibility of a new adventure, a new discovery. But, her mind lingered on the fear she had. The fear that had seeped back into her life for the last month. After the events of last autumn, Mavis had chosen to move on. She chose to do her best to heal; talking to Ms. Kelly, trying to communicate her feelings, getting a job, and so on. For the most part, it worked. Her nightmares had primarily stopped and she was happier than she ever thought she could be.

But this last month has been different. The nightmares and nosebleeds had been a warning. One she initially left alone, that was until she felt him. Him?

Mavis felt something brush against her cheek, bringing her out of her mind. She turned to the side to see Steve facing her, a look of concern on his face. She took note that he was now sat alongside her. "Hey, you okay?" he asked softly.

"Yeah why?" she asked just as soft.

"I was trying to get your attention but it was like you couldn't hear me or something," he chuckled, the worry lingering.

"Oh, sorry. Yeah, I just zoned out, sorry," she said shaking her head. She hoped the warm smile she gave him would be enough to soothe his worry. She leaned her head on his shoulder as he slid his hand into her hand. Looking up at the sky together caused things to grow silent. As if the universe was allowing them a moment of peace.

Of course, peace exists only to be disturbed. A few moments passed before Erica called in again, "All right, nerds. I'm there," she said, barely discernible through the static.

"Do, you... Do you see anything?" Robin said fighting the nerves inside of her.

"Yeah, I see those boring boxes you're so excited about," Erica said, sounding as uninterested as ever.

"Any guards?"

"Negative."

"Booby traps?"

"If I could see them, they'd be pretty shit traps, wouldn't they?" Erica said. Causing Mavis to chuckle, "she's right," she said lowly. Robin turned to Mavis with an annoyed expression and held up the radio, "thank you for that."