The Hamilteam

This Box will be Your Doom

"I'm sorry."

Those were the first words Gabe told us when we returned.

"I tried to go back but something was blocking me. I promise."

I nodded. I felt bad for blaming him. "It's alright."

"You two go get some rest." Mary instructed me and Elijah.

"Could I see a Chloe first?" I asked. Elijah nodded in agreement.

"She's fine, I'm going to cure her, and Harry won't let anyone within a few feet of her."

"Please Mary, it'll take two seconds."

She sighed. "Fine. Two seconds. Then rest time."

Chloe was lying on a cot while Harry stroked her hair.

"Chlo? Are you alright?"

"I'll be fine. Harry gave me some medicine, and Mary will be able to cure me."

I thought about mentioning Mary being unable to stop the wheel from rolling, but I didn't want to worry her.

I nodded.

"Do you guys know what happened?" Elijah asked, his voice sounding ragged, having not spoken for a while.

Chloe shook her head.

"All I remember is the wheel going out of control, and taking Chloe to safety. I tried to come back for you guys but I couldn't for some reason." Harry informed.

"That's what Gabe said." I replied.

The mood suddenly became darker.

"Gabe is very powerful." Harry remarked. "If he couldn't go back..."

There was no need to finish the thought.

"Rest time." Mary ordered. I didn't mean to clutch my head, but all the thoughts made it hurt more. I didn't bother to protest.

Elijah and I walked back to our rooms slowly, in a grave silence. Once we reached my door, he grabbed my hand to stop me from entering.

"Thank you for saving me. I should have helped, I'm sorry I-"

I interrupted him. "You were afraid, I understand. As long as you're alive." I laughed.

He smiled.

"Get some rest. I feel like something bad is about to happen. Something bad." I say.

He nodded and we went to our rooms. I climbed in bed and attempted to get some shut eye, but my head continued to spin with thoughts, despite being exhausted. Eventually, I gave up. I went to Elijah's room, because I knew he'd be awake as well. Without a word I joined him on the couch, spreading out a blanket over the two of us and flipped through the tv.

The world may be ending, but at least I got one more moment of peace.

•••

I woke up in my bed, headache gone. Mary must have cured me. I made a mental note to thank her later.

I didn't want to leave the warmth of my covers, but something caught my eye. It was a box at the foot of my bed. A wooden one, with ancient script on the sides.

Now, when you've had as many near death adventures as I have, you learn not to open random boxes that appear after something chaotic has happened.

However, as a young girl I was gifted with the annoying yet entertaining gift of curiosity.

I eventually roll out of bed, grab the box, and bolt to the living room, where Mary and Sophia were entertaining Lydia.

"What is that?" Mary sound panicked when I showed her the box.

"That's what I was going to ask you." I told her. I explained how I found it.

"Anjali, this is a terrible thing. Let me take it, and we can forget this ever happened."

"What is it?" I asked.

"That will only make you open it."

I was infuriated. "Why would I open something that will possibly end us all?"

Mary shrugged.

Sophia looked up. "Oh yeah you really don't want to open that...."

"Sophia, you're my best friend. You can tell me."

Mary grabbed Sophia and began to whisper to her. This only made me feel worse.

"Guys, seriously. Tell me."

They looked at each other, having a silent conversation. A conversation with their eyes.

Mary sighed. "Fine. Anji, have you ever heard of Pandora's box?"