The backrooms Begin

Ch. 3 -Rejuvenated Hope-

                                              -=/\LOOP THIS AMBIENCE AND PLAY IT/\=-

A week has passed since Jon found Shadez, so let's catch up with them!

Jon abruptly awakens to the sound of water splashing through a nearby door. Groggily, he gazes at the ceiling, his mind still foggy from sleep. "Honks, what could Shadez be doing this early?" he mutters, rubbing his eyes with the palm of his hand. Slowly, he rises from the bed, taking a moment to survey his surroundings before letting out a sigh.

Standing up, Jon gently lifts the edge of the bandage covering his scratched arm. To his relief, the scratch appears to have healed to a significant extent. Realizing that the bandage is no longer necessary, he carefully removes it, taking care not to cause any further damage. He pauses, gazing out of the window, taking in the scene outside. It is daytime, with the warm glow of the sun bathing the neighborhood in its light. However, a strange occurrence catches his attention.

Although the sky is a clear and vibrant blue, there is no visible sun above. No clouds. The absence of the sun's presence adds to the confusion. Curiosity piqued, Jon reaches for an eyepatch from the nearby desk, securing it over his right eye. With a determined stride, he turns and heads towards the source of the ongoing splashing sounds. The sounds grow louder as Jon approaches the room.

As Jon reaches the door, he braces himself, muttering under his breath, "What could it honking be this time?" With a swing, he opens the door, and to his surprise, the splashing abruptly ceases. Shadez, submerged in the water, gazes at Jon with a hint of curiosity before resuming its playful splashing. Jon chuckles softly, noticing the subtle changes in Shadez's appearance, as if it has grown.

Jon approaches the hot tub and settles into a chair positioned beside it. Shadez eagerly swims through the almond-scented water, its movements swift as it propels itself toward Jon. It leaps against the edge of the tub, seeking Jon's attention, and he reaches out, affectionately petting Shadez's head.

"It's already been a week, how about that?" Jon remarks, a mix of amusement and contemplation in his voice. "A whole honking week of silence and peace, well, peaceful enough. You make so much splashing that I mistake it for someone drowning in there," he sighs, releasing a gentle laugh.

As the scent of chlorine lingers in the air, Jon's memory is jogged, and a bright idea sparks within his mind. Perhaps he could help Shadez keep them happy by bringing them to the level he discovered it in. However, doubts creep in—what if Shadez runs away? Loneliness would become his unwelcomed companion. Alternatively, he contemplates offering Shadez books as a form of engagement. After careful consideration, he reaches a decision.

"Hmm, okay, Shadez. You stay here for a bit. I just need to look for something," Jon announces.

Jon rises from his chair, stretching his limbs as he does so. With a deliberate motion, he walks out of the room, ensuring that the door is carefully shut behind him. His gaze scans the house, seeking something to captivate Shadez's attention and divert it from its constant splashing. As he explores, he stumbles upon a stack of magazines, their content not exactly aligned with his usual reading preferences. The images within carry a suggestive undertone, but Jon pays them little mind, muttering to himself.

"Personally, no matter how lonely I get, I would never bring myself to read these... maybe," he chuckles, lightly amused by the notion.

Jon carries the magazines back to the bathroom, holding them in his hands as he reenters the room. He places them on the cool, polished marble floor, arranging them for Shadez so she can see them.

"Shadez! I've got a few things to keep you busy while I go look for more supplies. Perhaps you can play with the papers or find something interesting," Jon announces, his voice carrying a tone of encouragement.

"I'll be back in a while, Shadez! I need to venture farther out, honking already looted the nearby houses. I wonder if any of them have almond water," he muses aloud, considering the possibilities.

Jon exits the room, ensuring that the door is securely closed behind him. The scene shifts, revealing Jon walking through the chaotic neighborhood, clad in his worn and weathered hazmat suit. The suit, illuminated by the light, bears the marks of countless trials and wear, a testament to the time Jon has spent navigating this liminal space. As the perspective widens, the liminal neighborhood unfolds before us, the day casting its glow upon the scene. Jon proceeds down the road, his hazmat suit a familiar sight within this peculiar environment.