Alyssa's ramblings...

A beginning?

I entered the dark, barren room, frantically sweeping sticky spider webs from my face and hands. I looked around in the gloom, searching... There. The ornate, ancient chest caught my eye, and, heart pounding ferociously, I advanced slowly towards it. I stumbled halfway, falling onto the dust-covered floor, my mouth and nose filling with a musky odor reminiscent of mothballs and rotting cedar. Laying there, the side of my face flat against the hardwood floor, I could hear every sound the old house made - every creak and groan, every rustle, every footstep... Startled, I jumped to my feet and listened intently. Nothing. The sounds of the house were still there, but no footsteps. Maybe I imagined it, I thought. But just as I was recovering from my shocked stupor, I heard it again. Mustering up as much courage as possible, I shouted, “Is anyone there?” No answer, just the footsteps, getting louder all the time. I have to get out of here! I thought. But I couldn’t leave then, not with the looming possibility that what I had spent months looking for was right there in that chest.

I raced across the room and knelt in front of the chest. My hands were shaking uncontrollably - not solely from the fear of who, or what was steadily approaching, but also from the excitement of impending discovery. The chest was fitted with a heavy-duty padlock, but I was prepared for this. I pulled a piece of strong, thick wire from my jeans’ pocket, and picked the lock with the precision of a thief. As I heard the lock release, a wave of pride washed over me. I was close, so very close. All I had to do now was open the chest... but remembering that something was coming, I swept my eyes around the room. My mouth dropped open as I looked over at the door. Pulse racing, I considered my options. They were definitely very limited. There were no windows in the room, no ulterior means of escape. The only exit now was the door, and there was absolutely no way I could get anywhere near it without... I shook the thought out of my head. It was just too dreadful to consider that option. There was nothing left to do but look inside the chest. I might as well see whether or not I die in vain I thought bitterly. I opened the lid. It was there. “Wow!” I gasped... and then I felt something touch my shoulder. Dully turning to face the enemy, my mind plunged into darkness.

posted by Alyssa @ 4:30 PM