The House at the Edge

The room is in a state of disarray, but there is no sign of anyone inside. I cautiously step forward, my eyes searching the room for clues.

Suddenly, I notice a strange shadow moving behind the bookshelves. My heart races with dread as I realize that someone or something is hiding behind there.

[Thump! Thump! Thump!]

My heart thumping frenziedly, racing and my breath is ragged.

Without thinking more, I lunged forward and pull the bookcase away to reveal...

"Nothing! The shadow was just a trick of the light and the room is empty."

"That's scared me! I thought there's a robber or wild animal here! Thank goodness it's nothing!"

"It was all just my imagination playing tricks on me after all!"

Still shaking with fear, I hesitantly approach the bookshelf and begin to examine it more closely. This is my first time seeing it.

The bookshelf is old and dusty but I was mesmerized by the beauty of the carved at the bookshelves. The carving's meaning is not lost on those who take the time to appreciate its beauty.

"Its euphoric.... there is no word could describe the beautiful of the carving. I wondered who did this."

The bookshelves are adorned with a series of intricate carvings that depict the journey of knowledge. Some of the carvings show books, scrolls, and manuscripts, symbolizing the pursuit of wisdom through written works.

Others depict symbols of strength and perseverance, suggesting that true understanding requires both mental acuity and a strong will. 

At the center is an image of Death holding a book in its skeletal hands, a reminder that knowledge is not a means to escape the inevitable but a way to embrace it wisely and with courage.

"Thats!...."

Upon further examination, I notice something unusual: that there is a hidden compartment behind the books.

Curiosity getting the better of me, I carefully maneuver the books aside from the shelf to access the compartment, wondering what might be hidden within and slowly opens the secret compartment.

[creak]

The compartment opens slowly with a soft creak, as if it hasn't been opened in years.

Inside, I discovers a small, unassuming leather-bound notebook. As I flip through the book frenziedly, I only come across a single page. The page is covered in neat cursive handwriting.

The entry is dated to a 20 years ago that reads as follows:

"Dear Diary,

I can't believe it. Today is a day I'll never forget. My brother actually invited me to meet up with him. I'm still in shock! We've never been the closest, so I was completely surprised when he reached out to me first. It's moments like this that remind me that maybe our relationship isn't completely broken after all.I'm curious to find out why he wants to meet up and what he has to say. I'll update you soon, Diary!

I pause for a moment, I eyebrows furrowing as I try to make sense of the entry in the diary. It's puzzling - who is the writer, and more importantly, whose book is this? 

I took a moment to think, As I can't find the answer to that, I carefully close the diary and tuck it into my pocket. As I step back from the bookshelf.

I glance around the room, trying to find any clues that might help me understand the mystery. Is there anything else nearby that could shed light on who the diary belongs to?

I notice that a small picture frame has fallen to the floor in the commotion. I bend down to pick it up, curious to see what is inside.

As I turn the frame towards me, I notice that it contains a photograph of a family. The photo is faded and slightly worn, but I can still make out their faces and the love that shines in their eyes.

I realize that it featuring my father standing in the middle who look at least 15 years younger, a young women who seem to be his partner, is at her her side, a smilling girl who look around 12 years old. I can't help but notice that the girl is a spitting image of the women next to her. Then there's me, around six years old who standing in front of them.

"What is this?"

"JUST WHAT THE HECK IS THIS!"

Staring at the picture, leaves me confused and puzzled, I feel a rush of emotions. Confusion, fear, and a sense of unease wash over me. It's as if the world has shifted beneath my feet, leaving me to question everything I thought I knew about my past.

These strangers in this photo raise more questions than answers, adding another layer to the mysteries I've been facing. These people seem like keys to a forgotten chapter of my past.

I can't help but feel a sense of curiosity and wonderment, and my mind begins to race with possibilities.

"How is this possible? I don't remember this at all. Where did this photo come from? Who are those two people? What is the truth?"

I need to take some time to process this newfound mystery.

"My head hurting so much! Just.... just what is this!"

This is getting more perplexing by the minute.

"Just what is father hide from me?"

I have a feeling there's a dark secret lurking behind this photo, waiting to be uncovered.

It seems as if this photo is just one more piece of the bigger puzzle and I are slowly beginning to piece together.

"But the question is…."

"Am I ready to face it? Or will the truth be even more terrifying than the fear of the unknown?"

do I truly want to unlock that door of truth?