This is a serialized story – be sure to read in order: from A (afterthought) to Z (zealous).
The wind had returned along with the whistling and pieces of paper wafted through the air in front of them. They were faced with a long hallway that appeared to actually be an alley. Battered metal trash cans, torn posters, and even a mewling cat on an overhead balcony greeted them.
“What the heck?” Nash sputtered. “Where the heck are we?”
Courtney spun around and tried to open the door behind them. “It won’t open. I wonder if we went out the wrong door?”
“No, I’m sure it was the right one. Let’s keep walking. Maybe something will show us what to do or where to go next.”
“I dunno…”
“C’mon, Court. We’ve made it this far. And we only have one more left turn according to the engraving.”
“Fine. But I’m registering a vote to just find a way out of this insidious nightmare and go home so I can forget this ever happened.”
“We must be nearing the end. Just one more left. We’ve made it—”
A loud bang grabbed their attention.
“Hey, is that a door at the end of the alley?” Nash squinted, trying to see through the dust still swirling through the air.
Courtney took off at a sprint and shouted over his shoulder. “Hurry up!”
“But Court, we’re supposed to take a left. Not go straight!”
“It’s a door and I’m outta here!” The door gaped wide as she rushed through the opening. Turning back to see where Nash was, she jumped as the door slammed shut. Grabbing the knob she shouted, “Nash, open the door. It’s jammed on my side.”
As she tugged and banged on the door, Nash stood on the other side feeling shell-shocked. In front of him was a solid wall. No door. No Courtney. What the heck had just happened?
To be continued…
Thank you.
Oooh, very exciting installment! I’m ready for tomorrow now.
Thanks, it’s going to get even stranger before we’re done.
Hi Donna. I have been coming back to read every day. That’s the pull you have created with this series. Great going.
Best,
Arpita @https://arpitamisra.blogspot.com/
You are so sweet, I’m glad you’re enjoying this strange story. Writing it one piece at a time and having to use the pre-selected words has been a bit of a challenge. I’m now down to writing the last two letters and have finally figured out the ending (took me long enough).
Okay, so this is exactly like when I write poetry. I never know the end until it is ending. Interesting. I’ve always felt like if I was writing a story I should know it all before I start. This is good information.
Love this!
Janet’s Smiles
Good to hear, thanks for sticking with it.
Insidious, indeed! And word to the wise, when it says go left, GO LEFT! lol
https://nydamprintsblackandwhite.blogspot.com/2024/04/magical-botany-i.html
{snicker} Thanks for stopping by! I’m behind on your blog, trying to catch up on real life stuff. LOL!
I did not expect the red door to lead into an alleyway – nice! cool touch with the cat, I always think of alleyways as having at least one cat. I was wondering how whoever was doing this was allowing Nash to bring someone along – I was thinking they’d want Nash alone but didn’t know how they’d manage that. Nice twist!
I may have to bring the cat back at the end…
All I can say is WHOA! Quite a plot you’re hatching here.
It’s taking me on quite the ride! I’ve had trouble the last couple of days getting your blog to load. Will try again today.
I’m having such a good time. And the quest idea was brilliant for this!
I had no idea where it would take me, I just started writing. LOL!
That was a surprise… now I’m thinking Harry Potter. Doorways that aren’t really there
Someday I will go back and read all the H.P. books. I have watched the movies but several years ago.
You’ve been doing well with the word of the day, and continuing to hold our interest. I’ll be back for more! Alana ramblinwitham
Thank you, Alana, glad to hear it. It’s been a bit nerve-wracking, not knowing where the story would go…
Decided to wait and read thru start to finish. So glad I didn’t have to wait fir the next chapter! Love your cliffhangers!
Thanks!