Oni Way Out is Through

There was only one rule: don't open the door.

Rin knew.

Obasan Saori reminded her often, especially this time of year - when the store was filled with magic and the Japanese maples turned red and orange.

Rin quickly arranged the last box of Oni masks on the counter, eager to get away from them. Their faces looked up at her, all sporting a sinister, sharp-fanged grin. "I hate these masks," Rin thought.

Without warning, the door in the lowest level of their humble shop appeared in her mind unbidden. Heavy planks of Sugi wood joined together in unison; like Gunjin soldiers arm in arm, protecting this side from that. "What was behind the door," Rin wondered, as her mind spun like spider web - circling between the possibilities.

Obasan Saori emerged from the back room; the doorway beads clinking haphazardly in her wake. "I'm going for deliveries Rin, stay up front to take care of customers...and remember...don't open the door"

The store was busy all afternoon and Rin's mind was occupied. It wasn't until closing time that Rin thought of the door again.

Suddenly Rin found herself staring at the door. "How did I get down here?" she thought, alarmed. Horrified at the inability to stop herself, her hands found the knob and with feet planted firm for support - she turned with strained effort. The door inched open, then suddenly flew wide with menace.

Rin saw someone through the doorway, "It's...me" Rin thought panicked. But in place of her face was.. an Oni mask. It stood there staring at her with it's terrifying, sharp-fanged grin. It's hands started moving. She felt them reach through the doorway and grab hold of her shoulders and pull. Her memories fading one by one as she was pulled into the dark abyss.