Ticking Secrets At Maydale

Chapter 12

Jan stood up, gesturing for us to follow her. We trailed behind as she led us down a hallway to two adjacent bedrooms. Both rooms were almost identical, each featuring a single bed with crisp white linens, a washroom tucked into the corner, and a sleek, minimalist dressing table. The furniture, all white and polished, gave off a pristine, expensive look, as if each piece had been handpicked for its elegance.

"Wow," I couldn't help but blurt out, my eyes wide as I took in the carefully curated space.

"You like it?" Jan asked, a hint of amusement flickering in her eyes.

"Like it? Are you kidding? I love it! It's so beautiful," I breathed, my voice barely above a whisper as I ran a hand over the smooth surface of the bedframe.

"I designed the place myself,"

"Really? You've got some incredible skills," I said, genuinely impressed. The balance of simplicity and luxury was impeccable, and I couldn't help but admire her taste.

She glanced away, trying to hide the smile that tugged at her lips. Clearing her throat, she redirected the conversation. "Anyway, let's make plans tomorrow morning. Since you're both staying here, one of you will need to wake up early and make breakfast for everyone. So, who's it gonna be?"

Her gaze shifted between me and Ben.

"I guess I'll do it," I volunteered, though the thought of waking up early was already making me second-guess my decision.

"Great," she said, a playful glint in her eyes. "I'll show you where the supplies are."

Ben shot me a thumbs up, but all I could do was force a smile. I was already regretting it.

. . .

The morning arrived far too soon, and after a long, tiring session in the kitchen, I found myself slumped on the couch in the living room, utterly exhausted. The room was filled with the scent of freshly brewed coffee and toast, but I could barely muster any enthusiasm after the chaotic breakfast prep.

Jan, as energetic as ever, stood in front of a large whiteboard she had set up, a black marker spinning skillfully between her fingers. Her sharp gaze landed on us, and I could sense that we were about to dive into something serious.

"Now," she began, her fingers still twirling the marker with a sense of urgency, "let's gather everything we know." She uncapped the marker with a quick flick and began to write in bold strokes. "Darya claims she's coming back, which means she's found a way to escape the time loop... the one I trapped them in."

For just a moment, I caught a flicker of something-regret, perhaps-cross her face. It was gone as quickly as it had appeared.

"That also means," she continued, her voice steadier now, "we need to be prepared to face her. I'm sure she's not coming in peace, and if she's managed to mess with time travel, it could cause serious damage. We can't afford to let that happen again."

"What about the visions?" I asked, my voice tentative.

"I was just getting to that," Jan replied, a sharp edge creeping into her tone, clearly not appreciating the interruption. "The person communicating with you through the visions is likely someone you know, but we can't be sure. The visions only occurred while you were in Maydale, correct?"

"Yes," I nodded, glancing at Ben, who seemed just as uncertain as I was.

A heavy silence settled over the room as we tried to make sense of it all. The weight of the unknown pressed down on us, making it difficult to focus.