Chance

Chapter 18 - Home

Sylver

I felt trapped. I wanted to turn away and bolt to the door, but the closer I got to the door, the further it was pushed away. I was exhausted and soon enough, I gave up. I sat down in the cold floor. The surroundings were dark. I couldn't understand where I was. The entirety of the dark area was solely illuminated by the faint glow of the door. Of my blue door.

I had started to cry, even though I had only noticed the tears. I was a mess. I didn't know if this was a dream because it felt so real. What was this weird place? Even if I tried to scream, nothing would come out. My throat hurt. A scream was trapped in my throat. Trying to speak only aggravated the pain. I hated this feeling. I never had felt so helpless.

I could feel my body. I could feel the other body as well. I was having sudden alternative flashes of the other. I tried my best to open my eyes. The room got darker and darker. I felt I was being consumed by the black and the black only seemed darker. The entire situation intensified.

And I opened my eyes.

I woke up with a start suddenly totally aware of everything. I quickly checked my surroundings. I wasn't in my own bed. Or my room. Right --- I was in a hotel room, in a small hotel in a town off the highway. Sundaleville, was it? I broke into a cold sweat.

I pulled the blanket off.

I put my feet to the ground. The floor was warm, contrary to what I dreamt. He didn't sleep over, thank God.

I tried to remember what happened. I rattled my brain for a clear answer.

Adam Brown came over and told me his story. He had quite the ridiculous one to tell and he also refused to come home. So I asked him to stay and that I'd leave and be out of his way.

His face was dressed in distress and shock.

I'm sorry, Adam Brown.

I hit my forehead with my palm and scolded myself for telling them that. I had to bring him home.

But first I had to see for myself, if it was worth it.

∆∆

The church was not far away from the hotel. Nothing here was away from each other. It was a small town, so everything was sort of stitched close together.

I entered the church with a flashlight. It was dark. It was quiet. I switched the light off, seeing that there were candles lit. I have to admit, it was a tad bit creepy.

I sat at the first pew again. It was customary to pay my tributes.

Our Father who art in Heaven...

I mumbled the Lord's Prayer under my breath. I opened my eyes and asked Him for help.

I didn't speak.

I only prayed.

∆∆

The church basement wasn't hard to find. There was a door behind the murals. I opened it and it led me downstairs by a dark, creaky set of stairs. I was greeted with squeaks that, no doubt, belonged to mice aka Adam Brown's "roommates".

I fumbled to find the light switch. Unsuccessful in my attempt, I switched my flashlight on.

And there he lay.

Adam Brown. My Adam Brown, in rags, on the floor, covered in soot. O sighed.

"Get up," I demanded. He did not stir.

"Get up," I said in a voice sterner and louder than the previous. "Now."

He sat up and rubbed his eyes. "Yes, Father?" he said sheepishly.