If You Resonate

They Come For Me

We creep into the driveway. The sun is high in the sky, smacking brave passersby with violent rays.

    "Alright guys, let's get some work done while we still have the light." Dad starts unloading the van.

    I wordlessly, hop out into the scorching Virginia sun. I won't help with the bags and no one will say anything about it. Dad and Robin understand my aloof nature, as a part of my 'condition'. In reality, I'm too eager to get back to that room.

    Normally, I avoid any thing or place I know as a trigger, but this feels different. I felt something chilling from that voice, still, I was not immediately dragged into hell.

I jimmy the key in the front door, taking cautious steps inside. The dark must punches me once again.

It's not a scent you get used to.

Covering my nose with my sleeve, I keep a wary eye out for movement, as I make my way to the winding stair case. The old wood cries under my weight. I continue to climb higher; into the danger zone.

To the right of the dark hall, I see the sun peeking under the closed door of that room. I know it's not an illusion this time, because I was the one who opened the drapes. With my body fully alert, I take long strides towards the door. One quivering hand on the brass knob, immediately I feel the warmth left by the direct kiss of sunlight.

I want to close my eyes, but it's not like it will make a difference.

Whatever will be, will be.

The hinges squeal, sending chills through my bones. I chew my lower lip in anticipation. Past experience has taught me to always expect the worst.

Sun rays force my eyes to narrow against their brilliance. The room is just as I left it, except it isn't...

The drapes are pulled wide open. High noon sun washes over the white walls and gold embellished furnishings.

The dusty sheets are long gone. The grey, gone.

Instead, two white and pale pink, Louis XV style armchairs, trimmed in gold embellishments are perched in front of the open window. Crystal clear glass, free from the heavy white drapery and gloomy grit, filled the room with natural luminescence. The beams of light refract with flecks of rainbow twinkles, evoking a diamondesque cinematic vision.

A small, oval, glass coffee table sits neatly between the two armchairs. Glistening crystal scotch glasses rest precisely in front of the half-full decanter, the brown liquid undisturbed.

No blood... No bodies...

My chest tightens as I take a step further into the room. Hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. The chill in my bones intensifies.

A bureau to my left is adorned with perfumes and diamond jewelries. The vanity, with not even a smudge, perfectly deflects the powerful light beams.

Earlier, the room was too cluttered and dusty to explore, but under this circumstance, I am able to fully take in the large space.

I keep my fists balled to my sides, for no other reason other than comfort. The puncture of my nails into the sensitive flesh of my palm, reminds me that I am alive.

If I am alive, then I am not trapped.

I pass the bureau to a short hall. It's a bit darker, a wall broad obscures the suns path, casting me in shadow as I enter the hall. A closed door to my right calls to me. I place my hand on the knob, halting. Voices inside...

A song.

A woman's voice croons quietly, singing something sweet and melodic. I can't make out the words, I'm not sure I understand the words I can hear.