Beyond the Red Door

There was one rule above all others: the door must not be opened.

This ominous instruction permeated all like a foul fragrance. Dahlia did not know. What the bloody hell was behind the scarlet portal?

For the past four years, Dahlia and her brother Xander had been living together in their crumbling inheritance. Their parents had died in a flash flood when the children had just turned four. Xander had always been unique, or rather odd in his behavior, which is why he was known as ‘the quirky little brother of Dahlia’s. But Dahlia had put up with him, and he did not terrify her. All of them in her opinion were people with scientific minds, and they are all weird.

No more did she ponder over those strange quirks of Xander after he was all hush-hush and evasive like there was some issue the other month and even started behaving unusually, active red flag alert red door style.

It was Xander’s perseverance, in particular, that made Dahlia want to get involved. She was a rebel, however, always engaging in what she ought not to do. The right time has come – today is the day. So equipped with her resolve and tools, Dahlia advanced towards the red door. Xander would be absent for a couple of hours. Practically, the house was hers and whatever object is behind that door was hers too.

With the turning of the doorknob, a moan escaped from Dahlia’s mouth. Or perhaps, a growl? She opened the door and stepped back immediately as black smoke filled the air. Fuck me… She turned on the light with hesitation only for it to be so bright; she had to squint her eyes only to see her reflection looking very psychotic and shabby. Was it a mirror?

As the twin moved forward a strangled scream was swallowed. Sharp, filthy fingers left new slashes on Dahlia as she was pulled forward and the door slammed. An insane laughter echoed. Everything got dark.

Dahlia was left in that darkness with one thought – it’s us who should be afraid the most, isn’t it?