When morning arrives, my first thought is coffee. Not just any coffee, but iced coffee, preferably with a swirl of caramel. It's one of those little things I can't do without.
I reach for my phone, still half-asleep, and search for nearby coffee shops. A place with excellent reviews catches my eye.
Stretching out of bed, my body makes all sorts of groans and creaks, protesting the early start. I shuffle to the bathroom, sticking to my simple morning ritual: using the restroom, brushing my teeth, and washing my face. It isn't elaborate, but it's my routine, it helps start the day right.
Next, I rummage through my suitcase for something to wear. I decide on a cropped white sweater, one of my favorites, paired with gray-black jeans. My black Vans complete the outfit, along with a few pieces of jewelry to add a touch of sparkle.
With my bag slung over my shoulder, phone in hand, and car keys jingling, I am ready to start the day.
Stepping out of the house, I feel a surge of independence. This is a new day, in a new place, and I am off to explore, one cup of caramel iced coffee at a time.
As I head to the coffee shop, I turn on one of my favorite playlists. The familiar tunes fill the car, setting a relaxed, upbeat mood for the drive. I am heading to a place called The Coffee Bean – such a cute name for a coffee shop, right?
Pulling up to The Coffee Bean, the first thing that hits me as I walk in is the enticing aroma of espresso and freshly baked goods. It's an instant delight to my senses, making my stomach grumble and my mouth water.
The coffee shop has a cozy, inviting atmosphere—the gentle murmur of conversations blends with the soft background music, creating a calming ambiance. I find myself smiling, soaking in the warmth of the place.
When it's my turn to order, I am greeted by a pretty woman with strawberry blonde hair. Her warm smile is friendly and welcoming. "Hi! What can I get you?" she asks cheerfully.
I give the menu a final glance before making my choice. "I would like an iced caramel latte and a blueberry muffin to go, please." My order is quickly typed into the computer by the friendly barista.
"Can I get a name for the order, pretty girl?" she asks with a playful, flirty smile. My cheeks flush with a bashful warmth. "It's Hannah," I reply, trying to hide my shy smile.
She nods, scribbling my name onto a cup before passing it to another barista. "Alright, that'll be eight dollars and seventy cents, please." The barista says. I nod, reaching for my wallet. I hand over a twenty-dollar bill, telling her to keep the change as a tip. Her smile widens in thanks, adding a little warmth to my morning.
I find a seat, waiting for my order to be called. The coffee shop's cozy vibe makes me feel at ease. I can see myself becoming a regular here, drawn in by the friendly people and the inviting atmosphere. While waiting, I check my emails and texts for any updates from the moving company. Nothing yet. I sigh, hoping they will arrive soon.
"Order for Hannah? One iced caramel latte and a blueberry muffin!" My name echoes across the shop, and I stand to collect my order. As I do, the pretty barista stops me again.
"Is there any chance I could get your number?" she asks. "I would love to hang out sometime. I've never seen you before, and I am always looking for friends."
Surprised, but pleased, I nod. She hands me her phone, and I enter my name and number. "I'm April, by the way," she says with a kind smile.
I return the smile. "Nice to meet you, April."
Leaving the coffee shop with my order in hand, I feel a small spark of happiness. Now, I'm heading back home, ready to tackle more cleaning and organizing.
Back at the house, I decide to swap my nice sweater for a plain gray oversized sweatshirt. The house feels chilly, not just from the dropping temperatures outside, but also because the heater still needs fixing. The cold seems to seep into every corner of the old house.
Curiosity leads me to the last room at the end of the hallway, a room I haven't yet explored. The room is cluttered with furniture and various items strewn about. Among the chaos are boxes, totes, and a broken dresser. The walls, partially covered with torn wallpaper, give the room a neglected, forgotten feel.
As I look around, something catches my eye. Tucked away in the corner, partially hidden by the peeling wallpaper, is what appears to be a very small doorway. Driven by curiosity, I carefully peel back the wallpaper, revealing a tiny door.
With unease running through me, I twist the knob slowly, gently pushing the door open. But what I find leaves me with more questions.
A brick wall? Why would there be a small hidden door leading to a brick wall?
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Sorry for the short chapter, everyone.
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Next Update: Sunday, February 18, 2024; 3:15pm CST
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House of Horrors || 18+
RomanceHannah's new home hides a chilling secret: a hidden portal leading to its past. There, she meets Nathan, a boy cursed by his witch mother to find love or remain forever bound. As Hannah is drawn into Nathan's dark, mysterious world, their fates inte...
