Chapter 12: Curious Vanishings & Other Revelations

 

Aleena is keeping a detailed journal of her experiences in the colony, meticulously noting the passage of days and weeks as she settles into this new environment. As she writes, she can't help but observe a peculiar phenomenon: some of the homes around the town seem to be vanishing without a trace. At first, she thought it was just her imagination playing tricks on her, but as time goes on, she becomes increasingly aware of the empty spaces where houses once stood. The quiet disappearance of these homes adds an unsettling layer to her daily routine. While she shares her thoughts and observations with others, she keeps this particular concern to herself, feeling a mix of curiosity and unease about what might be happening to the colony, in general.

The house that the Hound bolted from weeks ago has vanished without a trace. Strangely, no one seems to recall it ever being there, yet they all remember the man who was attacked by the Hound. She asked Molly if she recalled the events, and Molly replied that the Hound somehow breached the fortress around their town and attacked Will. Aleena looked at her, puzzled, but chose not to argue, as her memories differed from those of others. 

So, she decided not to mention what she has been witnessing, even Eli doesn’t know. Their relationship has been marked by his relentless pursuit since their first intimate encounter. Aleena often tries to distance herself from him, yet there are times when she finds it impossible to do so. He sometimes waits outside her door, and while she occasionally lets him in, she makes a deliberate effort to keep their discussions from becoming too personal.

 Still, there are moments when intimacy feels inevitable. Although she could refuse him, an unspoken obligation complicates her choices. It's difficult for her to understand this feeling, especially since their only connection stems from the Backrooms; before that, they were strangers who likely would never have met. This unsettling reality lingers in her mind, especially when she recalls their first intimate moment together, which was not only her first sexual experience but also left her with a lingering anxiety about the possibility of pregnancy.

Since stepping into the Backrooms, she has noticed something unsettling: her menstrual cycle has completely vanished. This absence raises a troubling question in her mind, could she possibly be dead? However, she quickly shakes off that dark thought, realizing it’s not a conclusion she can accept. Instead, she resolves to bring up her missing periods with Syra, hoping that she might have some insight or explanation for this bizarre phenomenon. After having lunch with Brian, Aleena stopped by the Diner to see Syra. She found her mingling with other local women, as two tables had been pushed together to accommodate everyone. The table was adorned with plates of food and glasses filled with rich red wine, creating a lively atmosphere. The women were laughing and chatting, clearly having a great time, and Aleena was no exception, she was enjoying herself too.

Molly was part of the group, but Aleena felt a bit uneasy around her. It wasn't that she held any grudges about Eli; rather, it was the fact that Molly was unaware of the intimate history between Aleena and Eli that made things feel awkward. She suspects that Molly, who is a few years her senior, might actually have feelings for Eli, but she could be mistaken in that judgment.

As for her own emotions towards Eli, she’s uncertain. She’s hesitant to get too close to anyone since she plans to leave eventually, and the thought of saying goodbye to friends is something she finds hard to bear. As the party ended, Aleena learned that the women in town gather once a month to discuss issues that affect them. While not every woman participates, a significant number do show up for these meetings.

The town has a population of about 150 residents, which is notable but still far fewer than the number of people who once lived in Ashley before the town was split and one half sent to the Backrooms. After the women departed, leaving only Molly and Syra, Aleena seized the moment to ask about the missing menstrual cycles. 

They lounged together, savoring the last bottle of wine, the dim light casting a warm glow around them. Aleena took a deep breath, her mind racing as she contemplated how to broach a sensitive topic. “Syra, I’ve been meaning to ask you something,” she began, her voice tinged with hesitation. “Ever since I ended up in the Backrooms, I’ve noticed that my period has completely stopped. Do you have any idea why that might be happening?” Syra, seemingly unfazed, shrugged her shoulders and let out a dismissive scoff, as if the question was trivial in the grand scheme of their bizarre reality.

“I'm not entirely sure, but I've heard other women here are going through the same thing.”

Molly chimed in, “it's probably a good thing, especially since getting pregnant in this place is the last thing anyone wants.”

 Syra opened up about her situation, revealing, “My periods have also ceased, but at my age, it hardly makes a difference.” Aleena, intrigued by this revelation, asked, “Do you have children?” With a heavy heart, Syra responded, “Yes, I have children back home, but they were already in their twenties when I went missing.” As she spoke, a wave of sorrow washed over her, and her expression shifted, reflecting the painful memories of her family that she left behind.

Molly said, “My periods have stopped too, and the concept of aging is a thing of the past. I’m 28 years old, but I appear somewhat younger than my actual age because this weird dimension seems to cancel aging.”

“How old were you when you came to the Backrooms?” Aleena asked. 

“I was 23,” Molly responded. Aleena listened intently, as she processed Molly's words, perhaps reflecting on her own perceptions of age, the changes that come with it and how she too will not age at all, so long as she is in the Backrooms.

“Maybe Molly’s not so bad,” Aleena thought, as a soft smile grazed her lips. 

Later, Aleena excused herself and made her way back to her room, her expression a mix of contemplation and sadness. As she climbed the stairs, thoughts of her family filled her mind, wondering if they were searching for her. She pictured them putting up flyers with her face on them, declaring her missing. With a heavy sigh, she reached her door and opened it. 

She entered the room and shut the door behind her, assuming Eli was preoccupied with another woman since Molly was out with her and Syra, she didn’t bother going to his room. Honestly, all she wanted was to unwind, be alone for a while. She quickly changed out of her clothes and put on a nightgown she had found in the lost and found box. 

The dress was made of delicate lace and smooth satin, featuring a soft pastel mauve hue reminiscent of styles from the 1950s and early 60s. After brushing her hair and washing her face, she collapsed onto the bed, letting her eyes flutter shut. A haunting stillness enveloped the building where she resides, the streets outside eerily silent, stripped of the usual sounds of life, no chirping birds, no distant hum of traffic, just an unsettling quiet that seemed to stretch on indefinitely. As she plans to embark on her journey to the seemingly infinite grocery level, a sense of anticipation mingled with trepidation filled her heart. She hopes to find the door that might lead her back to the familiar comforts of home, away from the Backrooms. As her eyes grew heavy with sleep, the stillness amplifies her longing for home.

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LINKTREE

CHAPTER 13

Chapter 11: A Terrible Incident

 

Aleena and Eli set out to explore the town's streets, focusing on the houses believed to be vacant. As they walked past Harold's place, they sensed he might be watching them from behind the curtains, but it didn't faze them. Their mission was clear: to investigate the empty homes for any signs of unusual activity.

 Eli glanced at Aleena as he secured his pistol back into its holster. "Did Syra mention what we should be on the lookout for?" he asked. They walked closely together, but Aleena's mind was elsewhere, distracted by thoughts that had little to do with their mission. Eli halted her momentarily, recalling Syra's instructions. "Oh, right. She said we need to check for any abnormalities in the residences."

 “What does she mean by abnormalities?” Eli asked. 

“Houses that have unusual structures within,” came the reply. Eli's confusion deepened. He pressed, “What do you mean?”

“If a house appears distorted in any way inside, we are instructed to mark the door, and someone will arrive to seal it off to prevent entry,” Aleena paused before adding,” Syra, informed everyone but I guess you weren’t listening, because you were too preoccupied with flirting with Molly.” She rolled her eyes and smirked at him. He scoffed in response, “Oh now I see, you’re jealous.” Aleena arched an eyebrow and shot him a disapproving glance, shaking her head in frustration. 

“We need to check out that house, so let’s focus on our task,” she insisted. Together, they approached a dilapidated white house, where several boards on the fence lay broken and scattered. The door creaked slightly ajar, and Aleena felt an unsettling vibe about it. They exchanged nervous looks and took a deep breath before entering. As soon as they stepped inside, they noticed dark vines creeping along one wall of what seemed to be the living room.

 Suddenly, something caught Aleena's attention, and she gasped as a shadow darted into another room. She gestured to Eli, and they both drew their weapons. Aleena glanced around and saw the walls of the old house subtly shifting. The wallpaper began to resemble the patterns from the yellow maze, making her uneasy. She urged, “We should leave, now.” 

Eli shot a quick glance at her, interpreting her fear as hesitation, and decided to move toward the room where the entity had vanished. Just then, Aleena clutched his arm, her eyes wide with concern as she slowly shook her head. She leaned in and whispered, “Do you want to end up back in the yellow maze?” The possibility of ending up back in the yellow maze is strong. The urgency in her gaze made him pause, realizing that this was more than just fear; it was a serious warning. He gave her a quick nod, and they hurried out of the house. However, as soon as they stepped outside, the entity lunged at them, knocking them to the ground before it sped away down the road. Aleena exclaimed in dismay, “No,” and without hesitation, she and Eli raced back toward the town hall. As they entered, they saw Syra with a raised rifle, aiming at them but once she saw who they were, she lowered the rifle. 

“What happened you two?” she asked then suddenly they heard screams and dashed out. A man was being torn apart by a Hound, a terrifying creature that lurks in nearly every level of the Backrooms. His screams echoed through the eerie space as the monstrous being viciously clawed at his leg, leaving a scene of horror in its wake. Syra, Eli, and Aleena fired their weapons at the creature, but it was Kyle's shotgun blast that finally brought it down. Two other men quickly followed up by throwing a net over the beast, ensuring it was secured. Aleena looked around, uncertainty in her eyes, and asked “What do we do now?” With a heavy sigh, Syra replied, “We need to burn the body.”

Syra is alluding to the Hound, but there’s a possibility that the man who was attacked could transform into one himself. Two individuals transported the injured man to the hospital. 

With just two doctors and a handful of nurses on duty, Aleena felt uncertain about his chances of survival. Later, she and Eli found themselves at the Diner, where the mood was heavy. Aside from the cook and two waitresses, only four other people occupied the space, contributing to the overall somber atmosphere. Aleena was filled with sorrow over the man who ultimately succumbed to his injuries. Nevertheless, she shared with Syra the story of the house from which the Hound had emerged. The structure had been boarded up with old wooden planks, its windows obscured and the door firmly sealed shut. 

 The men carefully secured a bright yellow tape around the perimeter of the structure, marking it off with precision and intent. Eli, sensing the weight of the moment, leaned closer to her, his expression softening as he reached out to take her hand in his. “Don’t feel bad about what happened,” he reassured her, his voice steady and comforting. The warmth of his grip offered a small solace amidst the chaos that happened a few hours ago.

 Aleena sighed, her voice trailing off as she began, “I understand, but…” Eli quickly cut in, his tone firm yet understanding. “But nothing,” he replied, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. “It wasn’t our fault; it was something we couldn’t have predicted, and it’s truly unfortunate.” Aleena nodded in agreement, her expression softening as she processed his words. Just then, the waitress approached their table, placing their meals in front of them with a warm smile. “Thanks,” Eli said appreciatively, and they both dug into their food. After finishing their meal, they made their way back to the building where they were staying, the soft rain was cool and yet refreshing. Eli had a bottle of wine waiting for them in his room, a small comfort to help them unwind after the day’s unexpected events.

He invited her to his room, suggesting they could have a more in-depth conversation there. Aleena responded with a gentle smile, her eyes reflecting a mix of curiosity and apprehension. "Okay," she agreed, and as they settled into the intimate space, the atmosphere shifted. As their discussion unfolded, Aleena's emotions began to surface, and tears streamed down her cheeks. She confided in Eli about her fears, expressing a deep-seated anxiety that she might never return home. In a comforting gesture, he wrapped his arms around her, offering solace in her moment of vulnerability. But then, as if drawn by an unspoken connection, he leaned in and pressed his lips softly against hers. To his surprise, Aleena didn’t pull away. 

A fleeting moment can shift the course of fate,  

A tender kiss ignites a tempest of feelings,

Yet can such warmth withstand the shadows of the Backrooms,  

Where nightmares linger and hope is all but lost?

 WEBSITE

Chapter 12

Chapter 10: Another Day in Paradise

 

As Aleena opened her eyes, the unmistakable sensation of a hangover hit her. "No," she murmured. The urge to vomit was overwhelming, and she couldn't hold it back as she stumbled into the tiny bathroom. After retching into a metal bucket placed beside the toilet, which was devoid of water, she grabbed a white cup from the sink, filled it with almond water, and swished it around in her mouth. 

She exhaled deeply and gazed at her reflection. Her eyes appeared tired; almost blood shot; she still had on the yellow blouse, but she realized she was not in her skirt—rather, she was dressed in a pair of cotton blue men’s pajama shorts. She hurried out to find Eli asleep on the couch. She regarded him with suspicion, her heart raced. Suddenly, she felt the urge to vomit again and hurried back to the bathroom. Her eyes landed on the bottle of almond water. 

"This will help me feel better," she thought, gulping it down, she started to feel better. 

“It’s amazing that this strange water has magical properties,” she said to herself. After taking care of business in another bucket, she returned to the bed. Then she noticed her skirt lying on the floor. She frowned and struggled to recall what had transpired a few hours ago.

 Reclining on the bed, she exhaled deeply. Eli was snoring away. She rolled her eyes and turned onto her side. A few minutes later he started to wake up, yawning as he slowly sat up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. 

He spotted Aleena on his bed, watching him with a suspicious gaze; her arms crossed. "What’s the matter?" he asked. 

She shook her head and let out a huff, saying, “What’s the matter?” She frowned. “Well let’s see, why am I in your pajama shorts?"

“Oh that,” he sighed and said, “You spilled wine on your skirt and um,” he paused, choosing his words carefully, “you changed into the shorts.” Aleena cannot remember but it will come back to her eventually. 

“Oh, okay. Well thank you for the shorts.” She got out of bed and walked over to picked up her skirt. “Damn it, I liked this skirt, it fits really well.” 

“And it looks beautiful on you,” Eli remarked awkwardly, trying to ease the tension in the room. 

“I should go back to my room and change. Will you be going to the library today?” She asked him. He shook his head, “No I’m good.” He gave her a smile. 

“Maybe we can have lunch together?” he suggested.

Aleena smiled and nodded. However, a sense of suspicion still lingered in the back of her mind. Her hair was a bit disheveled, and as soon as she returned to her room, she took the time to comb it out. Later, she made her way to the library.The library was always open, and books were scattered all around. She was on the lookout for anything that might provide her with additional information about the town as a whole. She stumbled upon several books, primarily school yearbooks and a town almanac.

“A town almanac,” she whispered to herself. She discovered another book and brushed off the dust. It contained details about the town and its history, with the town's name displayed on the cover.

"Ashley," Aleena murmured. She noted that the town's population was listed as 679, which struck her as strange since it felt like there were fewer people living there now. She settled into a chair, surrounded by a few books resting on the table beside her. The details she found were quite elementary, and none of the books provided her with a definitive understanding of what had transpired in the town or why it had ended up in the Backrooms. She let out a sigh and recalled what Syra had mentioned about a man who could be one of the original inhabitants. "I recall Syra saying he’s a hermit; perhaps Eli and I could pay him a visit," she pondered. Brian entered the room, saying, "Hey, you’re here." His smile widened as Aleena glanced up at him. He took a seat beside her. She expressed her curiosity about how the town came to be in the Backrooms and mentioned that she was searching for details about its residents.

"I honestly have no knowledge about this town, except that when Chris and I were discovered by Kyle and Collin, they brought us here." 

"I was wondering if you could perhaps show me where that recluse lives." Just then, Eli entered the room. 

"Hey, there you are! I thought we were supposed to grab lunch together." His eyes landed on Brian, and Brian could sense the tension.

Brian said,”I can take you to Mr. Dylan right now if you want, but just a heads up, he might not answer. Usually, folks just leave a note under his door and drop off supplies at the front."

Aleena furrowed her brow, "Front door? Does he actually live in a house?" Eli was seated beside Aleena, now focused on their conversation. "Yes, it seems he has his own house. Syra thinks he is one of the town's original inhabitants. Likely the only one left. The rest of us came after the town appeared in the Backrooms."

“Okay, take us,” Aleena said.  

The three of them exited the library and strolled a few blocks away. Brian appeared somewhat nervous since nobody really engages with Harold, and those who do, only speak to him from behind his front door. As they reached the door, Aleena knocked softly. A voice from within responded, “I’m fine, don’t need anything right now.” She exchanged glances with Eli and Brian before clearing her throat.  “Um, Mr. Harold, my name is Aleena, and my friends and I would like to speak with you, if that’s alright.” There was no reply, prompting Aleena to try once more. Harold, I was hoping to get some details about the town's history and any memories you might have. He didn’t respond, but just as Aleena, Eli, and Brian were about to head out, the door creaked open. A man in his fifties appeared, sporting scruffy salt-and-pepper hair and wearing a dirty beige coat with faded jeans. His hazel eyes narrowed as he regarded them with suspicion.

He seemed a bit fragile and slightly emaciated. She looked at him earnestly, expressing her desire to understand the town's history and what had transpired. "Were you here when it happened?" she asked, her voice trailing off. Brian leaned closer and whispered, "Of course he was here." Eli fixed his gaze on Harold, contemplating the weight of the man's experiences, realizing that he had undoubtedly witnessed something truly horrific. Harold narrowed his eyes, clearly wary. 

He asked, "What’s got you so curious?" She hesitated for a moment before responding, "Eli and I just arrived here, and I heard you were around when the town... well, when it became part of the Backrooms." 

Harold exhaled deeply and nodded, acknowledging Aleena's curiosity. He warned her, “I know you might think I’m a bit out there, but here goes.” Aleena pressed him for his story, and he continued. “I had just returned home from work, and my wife and son were at her sister’s place for a birthday party."

He excused himself and took a bottle of almond water from his big ice box before returning to his seat. “I was by myself when I first heard the screams outside. I stepped out to see what was happening and spotted Mrs. Jenkins staring up at the sky. When I looked up too, there was,” he paused, a distant expression crossing his face. A bizarre black void loomed in the sky, casting a shadow over the entire town. One of my neighbors dashed back inside, likely to alert the authorities in the nearby town of Haze. 

Suddenly, the ground began to tremble, and as the darkness expanded, chaos erupted among the townsfolk. I felt the panic rise within me as I attempted to call my wife, but the line was dead. Things took a strange turn when people began claiming to see their deceased loved ones. Harold recounted a particularly unsettling incident where a woman cried out, convinced that her son had come back, even though he had passed away years earlier.” Aleena listened intently, captivated by his tale. Eli urged him to keep going, clearly intrigued by the bizarre occurrences that Harold experienced. Harold inhaled deeply, feeling the weight of the moment. 

“People began to vanish without a trace, prompting me to rush inside and secure my door. Peering through the slats of the blinds, I saw the town swallowed by an ominous darkness. An eerie silence enveloped everything, and then, without warning, a powerful earthquake struck. The house trembled violently, making me feel as if it might collapse right from under me. In that terrifying instant, I screamed and prayed for safety. It all happened so quickly. Harold finished off the last of the almond water, while Eli, Aleena, and Brian contemplated the situation. 

Brian broke the silence, asking, “What happened next.” Harold shrugged and replied, “I finally found the courage to leave my house, realizing that I was alone. With no one around, I decided to stay in my house no matter what. Only venturing out if necessary. Eventually people began to show up.” Eli's skepticism lingered as he inquired, "How did you manage to survive? Where did you find food and water?" Harold replied, "I had stocked up on water and canned goods, particularly spam, for emergencies, but that supply only lasted about a month and a half. I soon realized it rains frequently in this area, so I began collecting rainwater. However, when I took a sip, it tasted..." He hesitated, knowing Eli would understand what he meant to say. 

Aleena nodded in agreement. Eli believed that as more people arrived in town, Harold tended to withdraw into himself. Although the locals were familiar with him, they often regarded him as eccentric or even mad. Aleena looked over at Eli and Brian before saying, "Thanks, Harold, for sharing your story.” After they left, Aleena and Brian headed to the diner located down the street to eat. Meanwhile, Eli opted to return to his apartment but made a brief stop at the restaurant where the man from the party picked up the wine bottles. As he entered, he noticed only a couple of people seated in booths, each absorbed in their own activities. In the back of the establishment, the cook was busy at work while a waitress stood by, waiting to see if Eli was interested in a meal. In this colony, the concept of money was foreign; everyone contributed to the community without expectation of payment. Unlike his previous life, where mortgages and financial transactions were the norm, the Backrooms operated on a different principle entirely. Eli caught the waitress's eye as she made her way toward him. 

He couldn't help but be drawn to her gentle smile, captivating hazel eyes, and full lips, finding her undeniably attractive. Loneliness had been his constant companion, and he yearned for the warmth of affection, hoping that Aleena might be the one to fill that void. However, he was cautious, not wanting to pressure her into a relationship that could make her feel uneasy. The waitress, with a playful wink, broke his reverie, asking, "So sexy, what do you want to eat?" Her light brown hair was neatly tied back in a ponytail, with soft bangs brushing against her forehead. Dressed in a blue and white outfit, she caught Eli's attention. He asked,  “What’s your name?” 

“Molly, and yours?" He introduced himself as Eli Marsh and then hesitated before asking what her plans were for later.

She raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed by his directness. Eli let out a nervous laugh and replied, “I was just curious and…” She cut him off with a playful tone, suggesting, “No worries, we can hang out if you want.” He responded with a knowing smile and a nod, feeling a sense of ease between them. 

Eli said, “I’ll just have toast and ham.” 

The waitress chuckled, “There’s no ham here, but I could get you toast and spam.”

Surprised, Eli asked, “how did you get spam.”

The waitress took a seat beside him and explained that scouts explore the vast grocery level, bringing back whatever they find. It turns out they’ve stumbled upon cans of spam in the aisles, which have become their primary source of meat. Eli grimaced at the thought of Spam, viewing it as a food for the less fortunate. Despite its popularity, he had never actually tried it. “That's intriguing! Where did the wine bottles come from?” 

“Most of them were sourced from this restaurant and another one. We intended to save them for special occasions, like that party we hosted.” Eli felt a twinge of guilt for having taken two bottles without permission. With a slight smile, he suggested, “Perhaps we could enjoy a bottle together later.” 

She laughed and nodded, saying she would check with the cook before heading off to relay Eli's order. After he finished his meal, he told the waitress where he’s staying and left to look for Aleena, only to find that she and Brian had gone to the library after they ate. She looked at Brian with curiosity. "I have a question," she said, pausing for a moment. "When the scouts head out to gather food and supplies, how do they know which door will lead them back here?" Brian took a sip of his almond water and remarked, I’ve only visited the endless grocery level once or twice. There is a door that leads directly to that level and back, but scouts must time their visits carefully, as access to that level is restricted to specific times of the day."  Aleena looked confused and asked how anyone could tell the time in a place that seemed perpetually stuck at noon. Brian nodded and explained that they gauged time by people's feelings; when folks started to feel tired, it was a sign that it was time to rest, so they created a schedule based on that. After a brief pause Aleena asked, “When is the grocery level accessible? When can people visit that level?” Brian contemplated for a moment before responding, “it’s usually available around 7 in the evening.” With that information, Aleena nodded, and they exited the library, parting ways as they headed off in different directions. After a long day of training alongside Syra and another woman, Aleena headed to her small apartment building. As she approached, she glanced up and noticed Eli's light glowing in his room. A thick fog was rolling in, and fatigue washed over her.

She pondered whether it was already 10 PM back home as she ascended the stairs to her apartment. Pausing briefly, she decided to pay Eli a visit. Upon reaching his door, she was taken aback by the unmistakable sounds of intimate moans emanating from within. It was clear that Eli had company, and a frown crossed her face as she processed it. She sighed, clearly unimpressed, and muttered to herself, “Well, I guess he doesn’t need company.” With a roll of her eyes, she turned away and headed to her room, where she promptly locked the door behind her. She lay awake for a while, her mind racing with thoughts of the door that could take her home. Eventually, exhaustion took over, and she fell asleep. A few hours later, she stirred, stretching and yawning as she contemplated the time. “It must be morning.” As she gazed out her window, the familiar midday light flooded in, a constant in her routine, with a soft sigh, she got ready. She slipped into a white tee, an olive-green vest, and her favorite jeans. After dressing, she opened her door just in time to hear a woman descending the stairs. The woman in the waitress uniform waved goodbye, saying, "See you around, Eli." Aleena quickly shut her door but left it slightly ajar to catch a glimpse of her. She couldn't help but scoff at the sight. She paused for a moment before stepping out of her room, locking the door behind her. Just then, Eli spotted her and rushed down the stairs.

 "Hold on a second," he called out. She stopped and asked, “How did you sleep, Eli?"

“Pretty good, actually. I haven't slept like that in ages, well, not since I found myself in the Backrooms," he replied, a faint smirk appearing on his face. She shook her head and added, "I saw a woman leaving." I met her at the diner where she works, and I ended up inviting her over to my place.” 

Aleena laughed softly, saying, “Eli, you really don’t need to share your personal life. If spending time with her makes you happy, then I’m glad for you.” He glanced at her, taking in her appearance, but she quickly averted her gaze. She suspects that he finds her attractive. Aleena shared that she would be part of the lookout group today. Eli asked,  “Syra asked you to join the group?” She confirmed with a nod. 

“Do you want to join me?” He smiled and nodded. 

“Brian’s not going with you?” Aleena glanced at him and she clarified that Brian had other plans. Eli felt a wave of relief knowing that Brian wouldn’t be around but he can't shake the feeling that he's being a bit selfish by wanting all of her attention. The truth is, he struggles to connect with the other townsfolk since most of them hail from different eras. Even Molly, whose company he genuinely enjoys, is from 1996. Aleena, on the other hand, knows about him, and there's a certain comfort in that familiarity that he craves, additionally she is from his timeline. Despite her awareness of his wrongdoings, he is still drawn to her intelligence and allure. Aleena interrupted his thoughts, “I’ll be patrolling the inner ring fortress of the town to ensure its security.”

He nodded in agreement, saying, “Okay, I’ll join you, it gives us some time to explore the rest of the town.” 

Aleena chimed in, “Yeah there’s something I want to check out.”

Eli raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her remark.  “What do you mean?”

She then revealed her discovery about a door that might lead back to their world. “You still want to go back?” he questioned. Her desire to return was evident in her eyes. 

He paused, and she hesitated before turning to face him. They stood in the middle of the street, tension hanging in the air. Eli expressed his concern, “I don’t think you should attempt it.”

Aleena sighed and stated firmly, “I understand that you don’t want to return but I do.” With determination, she headed toward the Diner, where Syra and the rest of the group were gathering. Eli watched her walk away; arms crossed in disbelief. After a moment of hesitation, he shook his head and decided to follow her.

Chapter 11

Website

 

 

 

Chapter 9: The Colony

 

Eli Marsh and Aleena completely lost track of time while they mingled with the locals. When they first arrived, Aleena noticed that the residents had constructed a wall around the community using metal sheets, bricks and wood. The metal sheets, standing tall at heights between 10 and 25 feet, looked like the kind used for aluminum roofing. They were supported by robust wooden poles anchored deep into the ground, with large stones stacked in front to enhance their stability. Despite their rusty and weathered appearance, they effectively formed a fortress-like barrier. The fortress had an outer ring, and then there was an inner ring before you could enter the community. Aleena noticed several towers, where there was someone standing watch.

She asked if they had ever faced any creatures trying to break in. Syra answered, “Yes, but our defenses have been strong enough to keep them away. We do get raiders sometimes, and we’ve dealt with them, even kill one or two if things get out of hand.” 

“Wow,” Aleena mused. Syra has been teaching Aleena how to handle a crossbow and a firearm. 

“We usually avoid using pistols or homemade bombs, but if it comes down to it, it’s either us or the creatures,” Syra explained while showing how to position the crossbow.

Syra mentioned, “While you might not see much action during your stay, the creatures don’t appear all the time. However, when they do show up, we’re usually ready for them, which is why we have watchers in place.”

“Watchers?” Aleena asked.

 “Yes, the men stationed in the towers, are always on alert,” Syra replied.

“Do the goblin-like creatures ever attack?” Aleena pressed.

 “Occasionally, but we usually manage to fend them off,” Syra reassured her, noticing the unease in Aleena’s eyes. “It’s uncommon for them to venture this far. We’re more likely to encounter them when we go out to gather wheat for bread.”

She gave Aleena’s shoulder a comforting pat and smiled. As Aleena absorbed Syra's words, she realized that her stay here was not meant to be permanent. Deep down, she longed to return home, missing her friends and family dearly. No matter how long it took, she was determined to find a way back.

After two weeks, Aleena started to acclimate to the rhythms of life in the community. She documents her time in a slightly weathered notebook she found, marking the weeks that have gone by. Enjoying leisurely walks, she relishes the opportunity to meet new people and engage in conversations. While she occasionally spends time with Eli, her main companion is Syra, and together they explore the abandoned houses that the community leaders have overlooked.

In one particular house, Aleena noticed a balcony jutting out from the living room wall, yet it seemed completely inaccessible. There were no stairs leading up to it, and its position was alarmingly close to the ceiling. Adding to the house's strangeness, a set of stairs were warped in an odd manner, rendering them nearly impossible to navigate without a serious effort to climb. The overall atmosphere of the house left Aleena feeling both confused and a bit on edge. 

“That’s so strange,” she mused as she gazed at the interior. It has been two days since Aleena's exploration of the abandoned houses alongside Syra. As Aleena adjusts to the community, she learned that many years ago, the first settlers of this forsaken town recognized the power of community and banded together to create a small but thriving colony. This revelation struck Aleena profoundly, as it highlighted humanity's remarkable ability to adapt to even the most unusual circumstances. She was assigned a room in a charming, vintage three-story building that exuded the character of the 1930s. The architecture, with its intricate details and nostalgic charm, made her feel as though she had stepped back in time, adding to the sense of wonder and possibility that surrounded her in this unique place.

She is living alone in a cozy studio apartment and is doing her best to adapt to the circumstances. Adjacent to the building where Aleena resides, there is another building that is used as a hospital. It has four floors and enough rooms to meet the community's needs, although not many require it unless they sustain serious injuries during their scouting missions or while patrolling the outer rim. The community is supported by two doctors and three nurses but some of the women are currently undergoing training to provide assistance at the hospital if needed but considering that almond water provides magical properties, it’s rare that anyone gets sick.

The bathrooms are quite small in the building where Aleena lives, but they come with a sink and toilet with no water running through the pipes, as expected. The tub is made of enamel-coated cast iron and somewhat clean. The room that Aleena is staying in is somewhat tidy, which made Aleena feel a bit more comfortable, but she still chooses not to sit in the tub, instead she takes a sponge bath by standing in the tub, then she pours a gallon of filtered almond water over herself while lathering up with a bar of soap. It’s the best that she can do.

 In the community, residents rely on almond water collected in large metal buckets during the rare rain showers. This valuable resource is primarily used for bathing and personal care, with each person receiving a set number of gallons to ensure everyone has enough for their daily needs. Careful management of this water reflects the community's commitment to sustainability and resourcefulness, making each drop count in their daily routines.

Almond drinking water is distributed in six packs, poured into empty glass milk bottles. Each person can only possess three packs per week depending on the amount of rain gathered in large amounts. This process not only ensures that everyone has access to almond water but also fosters a sense of community. Aleena has often pondered why almond water is the primary beverage in the Backrooms, but that remains an enigma that might never be solved.

It’s been almost a month since Aleena and Eli arrived, and both are doing well. Eli Marsh resides in the same building as Aleena, though his room is on the third floor. There seems to be quite a few people living in that building too.

Eli seems to be integrating well into the community and has no plans to return to his former life. Although he has yet to talk about it with Aleena, he will do so in time.

That day, the community threw a small party at the town hall, to welcome newcomers and to celebrate life. There was a lot of food and music. The tunes came from speakers connected to an old turntable that seemed to be from the 1950s. Aleena thought it was really cool that someone had managed to locate a turntable, speakers, and records. They probably found them in one of the houses and brought them to the community town hall. In a previous conversation, Syra explained to Aleena that when the town showed up in the Backrooms, it just came as is. She mentioned that items tend to pop up out of thin air in the Backrooms and when they appear they intend to use them. Aleena noticed that all the buildings and houses in the town appeared to be stuck in the 1950s, however some buildings look older. She found it intriguing and promised herself to dig deeper into its history later. She frequently pondered whether the town's first inhabitants were transported along with the town.

"The Backrooms," Aleena murmured softly. "I thought it was merely an online story or a creepypasta," she clarified to Eli, taking a sip of punch that had a subtle almond flavor. They observed as the people reveled in the festivities. The punch was crafted with almond water and Kool-Aid packets, Aleena made a sour face as she swallowed it. As people chatted and swayed to the music, Aleena stood out in her stunning outfit. She donned a yellow floral hippie-style blouse, elegantly tucked into a long denim skirt. Her black velvet Mary Jane shoes fit comfortably on her feet. The outfit she put together didn’t exactly scream 1950s nostalgia, but it was a spontaneous choice made from whatever she could find at the local thrift store just the day before. As she rummaged through a box of lost and found items, she encountered a colorful mix of garments from various decades. She couldn’t help but wonder who the clothes belonged to. 

She asked Syra about the clothes and Syra mentioned that when scouts go out to search for food and other necessities, some of them bring back clothes that they find in various crates and cardboard boxes. 

Eli's outfit made him appear quite dashing. He donned a short-sleeved, pastel blue button-up shirt paired with slacks and black shoes. His hair was neatly styled, though he still had some stubble on his face. Eli looked over at Aleena. "Wow, you look beautiful," he praised, admiring her appearance. She blushed and looked away. A faint smile appeared on her lips.

“I found the clothes in a huge lost and found box at that thrift store down the street.”

“Me too, I also found my clothes there. They obviously have no clue who the original owners are, but it’s great that they can provide newcomers with the necessities they need.”

Once again, Eli’s gaze roamed over her appearance, making her feel a bit awkward.

"I was curious if you’d be interested in a dance," he asked. Aleena was surprised but figured that a single dance wouldn’t harm. They swayed to an old tune called, A Summer Place. 

A young man, roughly the same age as Aleena, glanced at her shyly. However, she was oblivious to his gaze, and Eli was eager for another dance with her. 

As he mingled with the crowd, he found his way to Aleena. Hesitating slightly, he introduced himself, "Hi, I’m Brian." Dressed in an olive-green button-up shirt and black slacks, he exuded a certain charm, enhanced by his bushy brows and striking blueish-green eyes.

"Oh, hello, I’m Aleena," she responded warmly, shaking his hand. Meanwhile, Eli, who had been deep in conversation with another man, caught sight of their interaction. A pang of jealousy surged within him, prompting him to excuse himself and approached them.

"Hi, I’m Eli Marsh," he said as he introduced himself to the young man. Brian extended his hand for a shake. “I apologize, Sir, but I was hoping to speak with your daughter, if that’s alright." Eli felt a twinge of offense, and Aleena caught the look in his eyes as they conversed.

"Actually, Eli isn’t my father; we just happened to end up together." After reflecting on her words, she realized that her statement didn’t quite convey what she intended. Her cheeks turned red.

"Yep, I get it. The first time I wandered into the Backrooms, I felt completely lost, scared and alone. Fortunately, I came across a middle-aged man named Chris, who was also trying to find his way out of the yellow maze,” he pointed at the man with slightly curly salt-and pepper hair, medium built and has a five o’clock shadow. She noticed a gold wedding band on his left ring finger. His eyes are a shade of grey-blue, and he is somewhat taller than Eli.

“His story is incredible; you really should have a conversation with him,” Brian suggested. 

“What year was it before you ended up in this twisted dimension?” asked Aleena.

“I believe it was 1980. I was 16 and on my way to my friend’s house on my bike. There was a short tunnel that I had to go through before getting to his neighborhood street,” he paused. “The tunnel became dark, and it wasn’t dusk yet. When I went through, I ended up peddling straight into a wall. When I looked around, I found myself in the Backrooms.” Aleena thought about what he said for a moment. “We ended up going through a yellow door and ended up in the maze,” Eli said.

"Well, we’re still in the process of getting to know the people here, and I’m eager to learn more about the history of this town, I’ll go to the library tomorrow," Aleena remarked.

"Great, the library holds everything you need. Each of us has contributed to the town's history by documenting our personal stories," Brian shared.

"Aleena and I will join you tomorrow," Eli added. Aleena looked puzzled, her brow furrowing as she wondered why Eli appeared to be dismissing Brian.

“Meet me at the library tomorrow after lunch. I think you know where it’s at.” Aleena nodded and smiled. Brian and Aleena enjoyed a dance or two while Eli mingled with the men and women at the gathering. 

Everyone in the town is at least over 18 years old. There are no kids present. Brian is 20, and there are a handful of other young adults in their 20s as well; the majority are over 30. The oldest resident is a man in his 50s, who knows more about the town’s history than most people. Aleena remains unaware of Eli's age, but it doesn't really matter; they both found themselves in the Backrooms and journeyed together as fate intended. 

One of the men presented two bottles of wine, mentioning that he had obtained them from the wine cellar in one of the restaurants in the town.

"Let’s get the party started!" He exclaimed and gestured another man to help him with a wooden box filled with several wine bottles. The man who brought the wine bottles, is in his 30s, sporting a ruggedly handsome face, short black hair, and captivating hazel eyes. While looking around the room, Aleena sees that most of the guests are paired up, with just a few, including Aleena and Eli, still single.

"Each month, we honor Life and the fact that we've made it through another day in the Backrooms is amazing," Syra remarked as she walked over to Eli and Aleena.

“Numerous individuals have decided to stay and carry on with their lives in this location, yet just a few chose to leave,” she paused and added, “They vanished without a trace, never to be seen or heard from again.”

Aleena took a moment before asking, “Did they leave alone or in a group?"

Syra looked at her and replied, "A few went alone, but the other three set off together. There were two men and a young woman, about your age. Kyle and I were wondering if they ever made it to another colony."

"Are there other colonies in the Backrooms as well?" Aleena asked.

"Yes, there are. Kyle and I actually came from one of those other colonies. We were part of the raiders, which is how we know a lot about them and their methods. As you know, this town wasn't always here; it actually materialized out of nowhere in the wheat fields."

"What can you tell us about this town?" Eli asked. 

“Well, there is more info about it at the library if you wish to read more. There is at least one original inhabitant of the town, but he doesn’t attend the parties, he’s kind of a recluse.”

Aleena looked at Eli. “It looks like Kyle is looking for me, I’ll see you guys later,” she winked at them as she turned and walked away. 

“I am curious about this town, I wonder how it suddenly appeared and what happened to the original inhabitants,” Aleena said as she took a sip from the glass of wine that Eli and she picked up from a table where other glasses were set. A woman in her late 30s, sporting long blonde hair and brown eyes, who was a bit on the heavier side, was arranging the wine glasses on the table. 

Aleena realized that the wine had a really rich flavor to it, especially since the label indicated it was from around 1910. As the party started to wind down, Aleena and Eli exchanged their goodnights with other people and made their way back to the building where their rooms were. Eli grabbed two bottles of wine to take with him.

"What do you think? Should we enjoy a little nightcap?" he proposed with a mischievous smile.

Aleena yawned, "I’m not sure, I feel like I’ve had my fill." She chuckled.

"Oh, come on, just for a little while," Eli urged playfully.

Aleena sighed, "Alright, but only for a brief moment."

They headed to the building where they reside. As Aleena stepped into his room, he secured the door behind him.

"I can’t believe that the case of bottles Josef brought were nearly gone," Aleena said with a laugh.

"This is some great stuff," Eli added, taking a sip from the bottle. Aleena agreed, recalling the time she had wine at her cousin's wedding with her friends. They all got drunk, and the next morning, Aleena woke up nursing a hangover.

"Um, Eli, if we found a way to go back to our world, would you be interested in doing so?"

Eli pondered her question for a moment before responding bluntly, "No."

"But why not?"

"There are a few things I've done that I really regret, and I don't want to go back to that," he mentioned, gulping hard as he took another drink of the wine. The expression on his face showed his remorse. Aleena furrowed her brow and nodded in agreement.

“It appears that the others are unaware of who Eli is, so it’s understandable that he wishes to remain here, especially with all his troubles back home,” she mused. 

A moment of silence passed between them, and then she continued, “I get it,” glancing at him, she added, “But I want to return home. I can’t establish my home here. I want to be with my friends, my family, and my cat,” a soft smile grazed her face as pleasant memories surfaced of her loved ones. Eli nodded and took another sip from the bottle. He handed the bottle to her, and she took another sip. They sat on the only couch in his room, chatting. "How old are you, really?" Aleena asked. Eli hesitated before responding. 

"I’m 45,” he watched her reaction, concerned that she might reconsider spending time with him due to his age. "And what about you?" Eli swiftly redirected the focus away from himself.

"I’m 21, but my birthday is in two weeks, so I’ll be turning 22. Time here feels different compared to where we came from. I can’t help but wonder if my birthday has already passed." Her brow furrowed in thought as she pondered this idea. “I started marking down in a composition notebook the number of weeks we’ve been here.”

“Why bother,” he said.

“It matters to me,” she said as she took another sip from the bottle. They continued their conversation for a bit longer, but as they both finished a bottle, and started another one. A wave of lethargy washed over them. Aleena didn't realize she had dripped some wine on her skirt, but Eli did. She leaned her head on his shoulder. He smiled broadly and carefully picked her up, placed her on his bed before reaching for his cotton pajama shorts. He took off her skirt and dressed her in the shorts.

After that, he tucked her in with the blankets. He let out a yawn and stretched his body. He longed to lie beside her, yet he hesitated, not wanting to intrude.

 "You look so beautiful," he whispered while observing her as she slept. He made his way to the couch and laid down. It seems that this specific level of the Backrooms is only ensnared at midday, yet the body naturally knows when it needs to rest; indeed, everyone in the town follows a particular routine, which is why most are currently asleep while the guards rotate their watch with the next shift.

 (Images are for the readers entertainment)

Chapter 10

Chapter 8: Infinite Grocery Store

Eli and Aleena pressed on along the dusty path, which appeared to go on forever in both directions. Eli caught sight of the worried expression on Aleena's face. "Don't fret, we'll discover a way out of this place."

Aleena replied, "Yet here we are, navigating another section of this intricate dimension. It seems we've wandered into a realm that challenges all rational thought. This place is unlike the previous levels, but it may be just as perilous. I sincerely hope we don't encounter those goblins again."

Eli nodded, remarking, "This place feels like it's in a perpetually afternoon time zone." 

Aleena let out a scoff, followed by a light chuckle. "Exactly, and we have almond water to enjoy." Just then, raindrops started to fall, prompting Aleena to pull out the bottle and catch the rain, filling it up. They both took a sip together. 

As the rain eased, the sky transformed into a canvas of grey and lavender hues, enveloped by the fragrant aroma of almonds and wheat. Sipping the refreshing almond water revitalized them for the journey ahead. Eventually, they stumbled upon yet another farmhouse. 

They exchanged glances and dashed toward it. Cautiously entering, they found the interior in an even worse condition than the previous place. The room was devoid of furniture, with curtains dangling from broken rods, and cobwebs and dust blanketing every surface of the ceiling walls. 

Aleena was eager to leave quickly. As they wandered through the house, they opened a door and unexpectedly stepped into a sprawling grocery store. Just as they decided to retreat, the door disappeared behind them. They exchanged a wary glance before continuing their exploration of the expansive grocery store, filled with row after row of food and, strangely, an abundance of what appeared to be water bottles. She unscrewed the cap of one and took a careful sip. It was almond water but at least it was something. There appeared to be some soft drinks too. She opened one of them and took a sip. She made a face. 

“Oh God, no way.” She left it on the shelf. Eli looked at her, and she said, “I suppose almond water is in the abundance here but that soda, I wouldn’t touch.”

“Oh my God, just look at this! We have actual food! He exclaimed, and they embraced. The moment was uncomfortable yet unexpected when he kissed her, causing her cheeks to redden. She took a step back, letting out a nervous laugh. To shift the mood, she suggested they look for some food to take along. As she browsed the aisles, Eli did the same. "How about we grab a few bags of beef jerky?" he shouted from a couple of aisles away. Her eyes widened in surprise, and she hurried over to him. "Shh, keep your voice down," she urged, her tone filled with urgency.

"Why?" he murmured. "Because in every place we’ve been to," she hesitated before continuing, "there's always something that..." 

“That could kill us, you're right,” he replied, wrapping his arm around her shoulder. "He’s getting a bit too cozy with touching me," she thought. 

She looked away shyly and remarked, "We need to be careful here..." Her voice trailed off as she spotted a woman watching them from a short distance. Eli quickly turned and called out, "Hey, wait up!" The woman took off running down one of the aisles, while Aleena positioned herself at the other end to intercept her. The woman had messy, shoulder-length dark blonde hair, and her greenish-brown eyes were wide with fear and apprehension.

"Hold on, we just want to chat with you," Aleena said to her. The woman brandished a knife, making Aleena leap back. Eli caught up and asked the woman, "Who are you? Did you end up in this nightmarish place like we did?" A sudden voice broke the tension from behind Aleena. "Leave her," a man ordered, leveling a pistol at them. His tousled light brown hair matched the intensity of his stern expression, which conveyed a clear message.

Aleena cautiously stepped back and stood beside Eli with her hands raised. She shot a worried glance at Eli. Then she mustered the courage to say, "We’re sorry if we have done something wrong," she hesitated. "It's just that we haven't encountered anyone else in this strange, twisted dimension, and when we spotted her, we felt both excited and anxious about the possibility of another person being here." The man nodded in agreement. His stern eyes never wavered away from them. He brought down his pistol. 

Aleena scrutinized their attire with interest. He wore a fashionable, weathered brown leather jacket over a black t-shirt, complemented by faded jeans and a holster strapped around his waist. The woman next to him sported a denim jacket, a stained blue tee, and similarly worn jeans, both finishing off their looks with flat leather boots. Aleena couldn't help but wonder, “I’m curious as to where they got their clothes.”

"This nightmarish dimension is known as the Backrooms," the man disclosed.

"The Backrooms," Aleena whispered.

"The Backrooms?" Eli said curiously.

“Yes, this twisted dimension as you referred to it, is called the Backrooms. It has many levels and many ways for you to die.”

‘You can bet on that,” the woman chimed in.

“My name is Syra and this is Kyle,” she said and shook Aleena and Eli’s hand. The man pocketed his pistol and let out a sigh.

“Well, you should come with us, we are a part of a colony, not the main factions but one of the smaller colonies and if you want, you can join us. We have a place to stay, clothes, showers,” he paused and added, “Well sort of.”

“What do you mean, sort of?” Aleena asked.

“As you probably have figured out that most of the water in this place is almond water, but some have found a way to filter the water enough that a bath is possible. Of course you’re still gonna smell a little like almonds.” Aleena and Eli looked at each other. “Okay, show us the way,” Eli said.

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Chapter 10