She’s Not Alone

Part 1

On the wall is the mirror that she walks past every morning on the way to work and every night on the way home. The same smudge on the bottom corner has been there for months. She steps over shoes and toy trucks to answer the door. The dogs are barking, and the children are arguing again. She stops to take one more look in the mirror before opening that heavy door. Everything looks perfect. It always looks perfect. She adjusts her necklace and dress before answering the front door with a smile on her face.

A man dressed in dark colors was waiting at the door with his back to the woman. As he turns, she sees his weapon on his hip and dark facial hair. "Mrs. Fancy?" He looks down at a piece of paper in his hand. "Joy Fancy?" She nods and smiles as she responds, "I was told you are an expert in this field?" He smirks, "Yes ma'am. Best in the business. Though there aren't exactly many of me out there. Your issues are....unique." Joy looks down ashamed and widgets with her bracelets, his deep voice sending shivers down her spine. "I would like to keep this quiet if you don't mind. I would rather no one know why I requested your services." The man removes his cowboy and nods assuredly. "That's what I do. Shall we then?" Joy nods as she steps back to allow him inside and points to the staircase. His face turns cold and serious as he begins his ascent. Her heels clicking as she follows closely behind him. He stops at the last step and looks around. "In there," she whispers behind him and as she points to the door at the end of the hall.

The man takes a deep breath and walks cautiously to the door. After standing there for a moment, staring and thinking, he makes eye contact with Joy. "Are you sure you can help me?" she stutters. He nods slowly, "Stay behind me and no sudden movements. It's gonna be mad." He reaches for the door knob but pulls away quickly as Joy gasps. "Ah! That's hot," the man grumbles. He uses a handkerchief from his pocket to open the door slowly. She grips the back of his jacket, scared but ready. They both stop and look around the dark, stale room. The man sees boxes lying around, a mirror in the corner. He thinks he can make out an old crib and dresser in the back of the room. None of this is why he came. "Where are you?" He thought to himself.

Suddenly, the slightest growl occurs on their left from behind the open door. He keeps his hand on his weapon and braces himself. "Here goes nothing."

(To be continued....)