#memothoughts

~SENSE AND SAGACITY PRESENTS ~

Around the Corner & Down Below

Summary: Sometimes It’s crazy where the mind will go when you’re bored and overworked. You would think keeping your hands busy typing and buried in research would be enough, but the mind just wanders. Wanders just enough to make you question the things around you. Wondering if anything is really what it seems. Words: 1961

Short horror story about creepy things lurking around.

I had been writing this paper for hours now and was in need of a desperate break. Looking at the time and seeing 7:49 at night, I knew my next one wasn’t until forty mins from now. With a deep desire to finish as soon as possible, I decided to push through. 

The night was boring, and the room was dim enough for the only source of light to really shine through was the setting sun and dull light from my laptop. The apartment was quiet with some of my roommates either asleep or gone out for the night. Their TVs were low in volume and the atmosphere was stale and calm. The resident house pup Gem was snoozing by the doggy gate set up next to my door. 

I adored her so much, but she was a nosey dog who sniffed and touched everything she could. Always the cause of some goofy mess, hence the doggy gate. She was a small and tiny white dog, with just 3 or 4 diamond shaped holes in the doggy gate framing her whole face. Overall, she was a pretty chill dog who usually just waited until someone moved around enough to pique her curiosity.  She had been in that spot for hours, just like me in mine. I would occasionally look in her direction and be touched that she was still there and in front of my door and not one of my roommates.

I checked the clock again and only ten minutes had passed. I huffed and continued to type away. Facts start turning into fluff pieces and repetitive sentences as I make my way through this anthropology paper. As I searched on into the next set of facts, I heard a scratching noise. I immediately looked up and towards the gate. I thought it was Gem waking up and wanting attention. Yet, there she was, still sleeping and laying perfectly still in that same spot as earlier. Which was strange because I'm sure I had heard a noise. 

Then again, there were people still walking about outside and my roommates did have their TVs on even if they were low in volume. So, not exactly inaudible. Rubbing my eyes and now eager that I'm looking forward to my break even more, I try to finish the current page I'm working on. 

Suddenly, I heard the same noise again but much louder this time. My head shoots up expecting to see something new. A light turned on, or the dog moved, or even the voices of my roommates starting to fill the atmosphere. Again, nothing but growing darkness from the sun's absence and the little Gem shaped figure by the gate. I wanted to get up and go look but something just felt off. I also just really wanted to finish this assignment. 

I know, I know, it seems stupid to act like nothing is happening, especially when my gut is telling me the opposite. However, I also knew that I had been sitting in this position for a really long time and my head was so deep in anthropological lore about unsolved mysteries of disappearing societies. So, it made sense to rationalize that it was getting late, and the silence was just freaking me out a bit. 

Trying to calm myself down, I told myself “Third times the charm”. If I heard the noise again, I would get up and go check it out. Though, not before grabbing the nearby salt lamp on my desk. It was heavy enough to at least hurt the intruder and give me an advantage to get away if it really was someone trying to sneak in.

I slowly start ducking my head down to focus back on my laptop. Slightly shaking my head and exhaling a small chuckle at my growing paranoia, which I'm all too familiar with. No longer focused on the topic of my paper, my mind begins swirling with thoughts about the suspicious noises. 

A few minutes passed by, and I heard nothing. Absolutely nothing. Which somehow, made it worse. The house was even more silent. I felt like I couldn't hear anything at this point. Not the TVs, not any snoring, not even- before I could finish that thought, there it was again, louder in volume but more of a tapping sound mixed in with the scratching this time. 

Completely making me jump up from the bed, my heart attempting to punch its way through my chest. My legs were shaking so much that I thought I would either fall down or start knocking the items off my desk. 

Turning my gaze, I attempt to investigate the darkness of the hallway from my new position. Nothing. I looked down by the gate, knowing that Gem had to have heard the noise this time and was looking up curiously as to what was going on. Again, I just saw her figure, in the same spot lying on the floor. This was ridiculous, I was getting scared at nothing or at least something I couldn't see. Logic and common-sense flooding back in my head, told me to turn the light on before trying to use the weighted salt lamp blindly in the dark. 

I turned around as fast as I could to turn on the light and then sharply looked back in the direction of the hallway. Enough time had passed for that little hallway to become so dark that my vision was dulled. If my heart hadn’t punched its way through my chest yet, it surely dropped like an anchor when I saw that the figure on the ground wasn't our resident dog. 

Sunken in face and partially shrouded by the bottom corner of the wall and in the same place where the dog should have been, laid a strange humanoid figure. Even though the bedroom light was now on, it wasn't nearly enough to see it fully. The thought of it being one of my roommates never had enough time to cross my mind because this thing radiated something unnatural. I hated how it just lay there on the floor, almost looking like it was snuggled up against the gate. I couldn’t fully grasp the size of it. Its head peeked around the corner just enough so that those 3 or 4 diamond shaped holes framed its intense eyes and a part of its disturbing smile. 

I was frozen in place for what felt like too long. I felt so nauseous that the room seemed like it was spinning. The longer I stared at this thing the more my veins turned ice cold and my skin flushed. Even longer because the intruder never moved, just stared at me with that nauseating smile. Everything felt the opposite of itself. That same feeling you get when you just stare at something unmoving, never blinking or turning your head once. Just letting your vision darken the corners of your eyes and everything seems to faze into itself. Ultimately becoming static. 

I pinched myself because I knew something nonrational was overcoming me. Something strange and out of place. I didn't want to wait for it to start moving just for me not to be able to call for help.

I tried to shake my head, trying to bring myself to what bit of reality I could continue to hold onto. Like trying to regain focus after being hit in the head, movement caught in slow motion. If I could only move my body from this spot, then surely my mouth could cry out. Mustering every bit of consciousness I had left and forcing myself to scream as hard as I could for help. I started yelling for any one of my roommates to wake up and come notice this thing and help me. Hell, I'm sure I even called for someone outside. Or at least that’s what I thought I was doing, but in cruel reality it wasn’t. Even that was a feat because a thick claggy feeling began to seize my throat like a firm hand gripping tightly but slowly around it. 

This was it, a feeling that was now consuming me had me inches away from passing out and unwillingly succumbing to this entity. Who, by the way, never moved from its place, never spoke a word, not even that disturbing scratching noise could be heard from earlier. 

Wait, that scratching noise... Why was that the only sound it made? Why was that the only thing I heard and nothing else after locking eyes with this disturbing being. Not even the TV or outside produced any sound anymore.

No way, it couldn't be that it was just to get my attention. Forcing a subtle but natural way for me to look at it and that’s when it chose to not let me go? That had to be it. 

If sound was no longer an issue, then it must be the fact that I'm still focusing on it. Giving it exactly what it wanted, attention. An audience of one, weak in mind and now body.

The only thing I could think of doing was take the rest of my fading strength, shut my eyes tight and start shouting again. I refused to let this thing have me. Breaking the environment that it created in the first place. It didn’t belong here, and I was going to let it know that. In the midst of screaming, my nausea faded and what felt like a cool breeze rushed past my body. The sounds that were once nonexistent came rushing back in the form of my name being shouted multiple times and the sound of barking in the background.

There I was, still in front of my desk, screaming bloody murder while my roommates were picking one leg after the other up and over the doggy gate, moving towards me. Asking me what was wrong. I picked up a bit of annoyance that my screeching woke them up but was grateful that they ran over embracing me from my untold nightmare. 

I suddenly looked over my shoulder to see if shutting my eyes and taking my attention away from this presumptuous life seeker actually worked. Thankfully the only thing on the ground now was a slanted doggy gate and a small white dog trying to climb over to check on me as well. Relief washed over me that it was really over. However, the dread wasn’t completely gone when I caught sight of the time. It was way past the break time I was supposed to take and now read 3:23 in the morning. A bit of that sick feeling from earlier came back. 

I spent the rest of the night trying to calm my nerves and explaining that I had experienced something terrible. My roommates, as tactfully as they could, theorized that I was overworked from writing all these assignments and pushing myself with projects. That I must have fallen asleep and had some sort of sleep paralysis moment or a sleepwalking situation. 

I wanted to protest and say something else about how realistic everything felt. How I was sure something bad was going to happen to me or the fact that something uncanny found its way into our home and enjoyed terrorizing me. Unfortunately, I was having a hard time rationalizing what happened as time passed by. 

I did make some attempts to find out what it was or at the very least why it happened. Always questioning “Why me?” I still don’t know what it was. Overall, I didn't push too much. I never really felt safe again. In truth, I wasn't prepared for another encounter.

~ FOR THE COLORING PAGES ONLY ~ I'd like to offer something extra to make sure you really feel like a piece of you is in your commission. I'm calling it a "Personal Touch". A prop or object that says something about you. 2-4 suggestions (Inanimate objects only please) will be added as needed. For example: for me it could include a sword, archaeology tools, pomegranates, or even a bonnet, etc. Nothing too crazy and something simple, just a little personal touch that says you.

*More information about rules and expectations will be given later on.

Again, super nervous, but very humble if any one does wish to commission me. I never really tried this officially because I wasn't sure if it would garner much interest. But! WHAT the HeCk! Let's give it a shot!

These are also to help me grow as an artist and writer. Sort of breaking the rules and boundaries I created originally that have been holding me back from growing as a content creator. It would also really help financially. Wordy explanation, I know, but thanks for reading this far!

This one was a dream, 

or maybe it was a memory. 

A piece of framework I was gifted with observing. All I can say is that it was a moment in time where I resided somewhere I felt I shouldn’t have been and yet it was somewhere I couldn’t seem to leave from. Whether it was from fear or the awe, in that moment I was immovable. I always asked myself afterwards if it was my will, or the mere presence of it that kept me there. 

I've yet to find the answer.

The atmosphere was dark, quiet and calm, like roaming around early in the morning while everyone else in the house was still asleep. Except in my case, I remember being alone. I found myself in a familiar hallway of an old house I used to live in. 

Feeling comforted by the gentle morning, I tried my best not to focus on the potential expectations of the day. I settled down in the living room, in a spot where I thought I could watch the sun rise. Which I don’t believe I ever saw. Deep shades of ocean blue attempted to coax me back into paralyzing rest. However, the light that slowly crept through was enough to keep me awake and aware of everything all at once. 

After spending effort gazing in front of what I remembered to be a window, for what felt like too short of a time, I suddenly shifted to standing, motionless and drawn to a door near the kitchen. Nothing eccentric or mystical was off about the physicality of the door’s appearance. It was indeed just a simple garage door. If anything, the most curious thing about the door was not the door itself, but that it was slightly open and an all too cliche soft bluish-green light emitted from the breach. 

This made me nervous, because I was not the one who opened it and again, I thought I was alone. Nevertheless, something deep within me wanted to take a look inside, dreamily enforcing logic unto myself that I could not deny; “Whatever is behind that door can’t hurt you if this is simply only a dream.”

Walking further towards it, I hugged the walls to avoid colliding with any unknown obstacle in the way, considering it was still dark, and I didn’t want to bump into any neighboring chairs or counters. Or that’s what I kept telling myself. I think in reality, I hugged those walls so tightly seeking their protection from whatever unknown factor that opened the door. Pushing the door inward a bit more, I partially peered into a garage similar to my own but also very unfamiliar. 

The size of the garage was enough to fit two cars and a small workstation. Yet here it was without those very defining features. The size alone also, couldn’t explain the confusion that had now rested between my brows. Silhouetted and standing, a small gathering of people were turned facing a giant mirrored structure about as tall and wide as a large-scale electronic screen. 

A trademark you would see downtown in a major city, blinding but captivating. It was uncanny that a mirror this substantial could fit in such a small mundane garage. Although no vehicle, tools or extra storage resided there, it was still impossible to even begin to fit such a screen.

Even so here it was, the main focal point of everyone's attention, reflecting nothing but the shadows existing in front of it except for me. In some twisted way I wasn’t shown in the mirror. Even with my concealment and the door still visibly open I wasn’t there. I didn’t know if I was glad or if I felt left out. Maybe that contemplation in itself, was a blessing. 

In this reflection I could make out very little of the scene in front of me. The group seemed to be arguing in hushed whispers with some engaged in tactful conversation and a few of the others just waiting, patiently. Although their movements were at a minimum, their mouths continued fervently. 

I didn’t know any of these people and unfortunately, I couldn’t really hear their coveted conference from my tucked away position, behind the door that hid my presence oh “so well”. 

In my eagerness to hear, the small brushing shift of my foot readjusting caused me to reveal myself. The argument that they seemed so invested in was halted and their heads snapped in my direction. Staring at me, all in the same way. They looked at me as if I had offended them by my strange existence. That my interest in what was going on in my own home was a criminal offense. But even with the disdained looks, I couldn’t help but take a few more steps forward. 

I think, I wanted to talk to them. 

Not even a beat later, they continued the hush whispers, mouths moving in similar speed as before, studying my appearance. Chills shot all throughout my skin lightning fast as I watched the group stay tuned into my direction. The sudden modulation made me rethink my impulse, causing me to halt in place unsure. 

The attention I thought I wanted was now suffocating me with expressionless individuals who seemed annoyed that I cut in on their conversation. At that moment I knew that I didn’t want the attention on me anymore. It became overwhelming and I was disturbed that I couldn't really see anyone's faces, details briefly blurred, blending and smoothing into the darkness around them. There they stood silhouetted and unmoving, darkly cast in those blue-green hues. 

The same chills that erupted on my skin previously raced through once more because where the unnaturally large mirror rested on the garage wall, ripples began to vibrate from within. The whispers ceased and everyone and everything including my own breathing fell silent. 

Every head now turned, and everyone's eyes paid their respects to the mirror as an unknown ethereal light shimmered throughout the room like waves of my morning ocean. The ripples randomly contort into a gateway in the middle of the group's argument.

Stunned and in shock they dared not to make a move, and neither did I. All they could do was stand as still as possible and gaze up at the potential threat. My head felt sick trying to study the warping space and how all of this was unfolding in my two-door car parking garage. I could see glimpses of fear in their altering shadows, but also a reverence for what was about to happen.

With my body now fully into this new domain, it was too late before I realized that I was now in line with the rest of the group. Right in front of the mirror, treading carefully and still reflectionless. I was just as much in awe as I was in fear, but whatever existed behind that mirror wanted me closer. And I obliged. That feeling from before, the one which brought me to my garage door, didn’t want me to disobey. 

Or maybe, I think, I just wanted to be closer. 

Before new words could even be spoken, new light brightly poured in from the mirror. So bright that I found myself shielding my eyes. When I did manage the opportunity to look around, there they were, the secretive group looking at me, shimmering faces in disgust. Unfazed by the brightest light I had ever seen. When the light dimmed just enough for me to get a comfortable visual, my gaze froze on the abnormal size of my new guest.

My ears fell upon the silence now, it lingered so thick, oozing with heaviness. A massively monochromatic hand pushed out from the center of the mirrored portal. Locked in a fist, it begins to slowly open, unfurling its dark and opaque fingers, looming uncertainty where it now resides. 

Functioning as one cohesive thought, every nerve screaming in our bodies told us not to move one inch as we waited for the hand to fully extend itself. Stopping midway with only a part of its forearm sticking out, the hand was now fully open and motionless. It was beyond belief at what was occurring. 

Out of the corner of my eye, and for the first time, I saw wide eager eyes and a single translucent tear roll down the face of the stranger to my left. The distortion that kept me from seeing their human features earlier was that of a man’s now. Before I could question the new discovery or even ask if he was alright, a timbre of ominous energy vibrated through the walls, cascading down onto the floor.

From those vibrations came a voice, a mother’s voice to be exact, authoritatively calm and intimidating. During this whole interaction I realized the only words ever spoken were mumblings and discordance. But this was the loudest and clearest thing I ever heard. Haunting and ethereal cadence booms from the direction of the altering mirror. 

“Why have you come here, dear ones? What is your request?” An amused female voice echoes in almost nauseating thunder. Her hand outstretched like that of an invitation. 

No one dared to speak, not even me.  

With the words she spoke, even I began to shed a tear. It was the only time I could afford this much emotion from myself without feeling like I would ruin the moment. Blinded and yet completely captivated by the open-handed offer in front of me. She spoke once more with that same commanding and endearing tone. 

“Hmmm, then let me show you kindness for your answer.” 

Without warning and without suspected consent her hand deftly moves, casting down and grabs at the onlookers. As the hand rose, it now held a fistful of unnervingly calm spectators, who were now shadows twisting and turning, flickering like the flames of a scented candle.  

When it was my turn, I didn't move. It seems I was the only one in a silent panic, I never felt more ice cold. A paralyzing chill rampaged through my bones. I was imprisoned in place by something bigger and all encompassing, threatening and giving a reality that I was sure I would never come back from. I could have died that night, and yet I almost felt free. 

The mysterious hand was full and there seemed to be no more room for anyone else. Now retreating back within the mirror, fully emerging itself, herself, back into the darkness from where it came from, the veil officially closing. 

With a “whip” sound followed by a few crackling pops and lines etched in the mirror, a light smokiness was all that was left from the center where the hand was once stationed. 

Or I should say, all that was left was me standing dumbfounded in an empty garage. The air settles while dust tucks itself back into familiar crevices. 

After a few more moments of lingering, I gingerly started back towards the garage door deep in thought. Stepping back through and closing it behind me, my back softly bumps the door. 

The finality of it all is that I was left like how it all began, a contradiction; curious but too afraid to speak up. Questions I’ll never have the answers too trudging through my mind.

What was the request she expected us to make, and why was she so amused by our collective silence?

The one thing I did realize, I was in need of connection, jealous that I didn’t get to be a part of something bigger than myself. Even if that meant…well maybe not her way. Who knows that night could have meant death. However, those very questions kept me sane, which I was sure to be grateful for, when I woke up.

Authors Note: Some context; I wrote this based on a real dream I had in 2023. As mentioned in another writing post, I drew a visceral image as best as I could quickly from my phone notes after jumping up to document it. I’m a very vivd dreamer and I like to take advantage of a dream if I remember it. So in turn, I like to put stories to them to make them sound more coherent. I tried to keep as much of the emotion and essence of the dream I felt during as I write things out. Sometimes I also just like leaving things as messy and groggy as I feel waking up to write it down.