Hello Neighbor: Hidden Shadows: Unofficial AFK Book

PROLOGUE

   I wake up with a loud gasp. A gasp that could've been heard by anyone even if they weren't nearby. I don't know how long I've really been here, but so far, I should be used to it by now. I sit up on my worn-out mattress, examining me surroundings, finding nothing but the same thing I've been seeing for what feels like eternity now.

   I hardly doubt that anyone has made an attempt to look for me now, after how much of a selfish jerk I've been. I wouldn't be thrilled if they were happy that I was gone for all this time. It would make sense.

   I walk over to the door in front of me to try the doorknob. Unsurprisingly, it doesn't work.

   Cool.

   Without consciousness, I slide onto the wall surrounding the door, planting my face into my arms.

   I should really just give up and die already. I don't think anyone would notice anyway.

   *Click *Click *Click

   "Hello?" I call. I racketing noise startles me behind the door. Then after a short period of time, it ends with another clicking sound. I feel hesitant at first, but I try the door again, and it . . .opens?

   How?

   I slowly creek open the door, only staring into the abyss that would be called a basement. I feel enough courage to fully open the door, then being met with a light figure that emits down the hall.

Aaron.

"Hey Aaron, wait-

"You can go now, Nicky," Aaron says. He means it? I can see my friends and family again? My friends and family that don't care for that fact.

   "You can't be down here anymore Nicky," Aaron says.

   "Why are you-

   "You've got some things you've got to work out on your own. A family. Friends who-

   "No," I cut him off. "Come with me."

   Aaron doesn't answer, only giving me a grin like this is some sort of joke or something.

   "You see that vent over there?" Aaron says, pointing his finger in the opposite direction of where we now stand. I turn around, seeing a bronze-colored vent frame that looks a bit loose.

   "Aaron I-

   "Trust me. They still care. I promise they do," Aaron convinces, putting his hand on my shoulder as I watch in disbelief. Without saying a word, Aaron just leaps out into the darkness.

   "Aaron?" I call. No response.

   We let go of each other. "You just go. I'll cause a distraction while your leaving," he says. Without saying anything else, he runs back into the shadows, thinking that I may never see him again. I turn back to the vent that he had mentioned, and my face straightens up. I run towards the vent and I manage to pry off the frame. I crawl into it, trying not to make any noise.

   I make it through.

   As I make it through the vent, I try to land on my feet. But out of weakness, I fall in the hard wooden floors that lie beneath me. I groan loudly in pain, but I still try to make it out. I head towards the ladder that leads to the ceiling. I manage to climb all the way up, where I am met with a surface.

   I push it up with one of my hands, and it surprisingly opens.

   I climb up higher to get a better view of the terrain.

   I see a massive wooden wall going in both directions of my peripheral view. I look both ways to make sure that no one is watching. I crawl out of the basement hatch silently closing it to avoid any noise.