55 - Obscure

By Justin Irabor

06 August 2016

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Room 101c was a suite, comprising of two rooms, a corridor leading to the bathroom and a little detached balcony. A tight fit for two.
I collected the key from the receptionist and headed to the room.I noticed the way she stared at me with stone cold eyes till I was walked out of sight. I didn't let it bother me. I divorcing my husband was enough calamity. I needed nothing to add to it. I quickly unlocked the door with the key and closed it behind me, passing out a frustrating sigh. My eyes swept over the setting of the room.Which was odd. A lot. Thick cobwebs hung at the edges of the ceiling, reflections of light shimmering off their iridescent surface. The half current really bothered me. I checked the time; it was quarter past ten.The bed looked uncomfortable, mere looking at it.Then a chair and worn out carpet.That was all to it. I wondered if that was meant specially for travellers. I felt something. Was it resentment..frustration.. fright.. Couldn't remember which. I opened my bag and brought out towel. Removed my panties and walked lazily to the bathroom. I opened the door and a blur of black streak past my legs, starling me into a heart-ripping fear. I turned to see what it was but then it disappeared into thin air.
I heard loud whispers in the other smaller room. Now I realized I needed a weapon. There was nothing to lay my hands on except my high heel shoe inside my bag. I rushed to get it.
The noise incremented. My pulse ramped up. I tried to calm myself down but I got agitated the more. The poor light went off and I heard a quite groan. It repeated several times.
I froze. Unnecessary thoughts clouded my mind. Maybe someone had already taken the room and I was intruding he's privacy. And he got mad. But then, i was sure I locked the entrance door. My heart pounded loud enough and my breathe grew harsh.But I still managed to be strong. I am a woman but never saw myself as vulnerable. I might certainly not win a fight but my opponent must definitely sustain injuries.
I gently unlocked the door and ran out of the room. Something mysterious happened. The hallway was longer. I could barely see the end of it. My frustration grew. Room 101c became the only room there. Every other door I saw initially disappeared before my eyes. I turned and saw a giant mirror. Something was in the mirror. A silhouette.
I whipped around, a cry breaking from my lips. But of what use was it. No one was there to help. My pulse roared and I started running forward. My sister once told me the story of a certain hotel where mysterious things happen.But I seldomly believed it. I didn't adhere to superstitious believe. The thought of this had discerned on me several times but I kept waving it off.
I guess this time I accepted my the truth. If eighteen miserable months of my marriage didn't kill me, I guessed Room 101c would.
I saw an image in front and smiled. I turned to see how far I've ran. Suddenly, fingers closed around my legs. The shout was alarming. A man reached out and held my hands.

"What's the matter young lady? " I noticed something in him. He was new and fresh. And different.

"There's someone following me" I blurted out. I could remember my nose bleeding. He turned towards the hallway. I couldn't believe what I saw. The hallway was shorter than before with rooms adjacent to each other.

"What? Where's that" He was astonished. Some people had gathered, with worried faces.

"Room 101c. There's something wrong with room 101c" I sobbed like a five year old.

"101c ? What are you saying ? There's no Room 101c here"

"No. You're wrong. I was booked there just this night. I saw them there" I was stuttering.

"I've worked in Dannis's hotel for fifteen years. Believe me there's no 101c here"

I felt my senses lost in the course of this mystery. The noise inside my ear was appalling, as if someone was starting a motorcycle. I held the collar of his shirt and slumped

  • Written by Kingsley Kalu

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