Chapter 254

The next night, anticipation hummed in the air as Timothy and I met up with Aria and Lucas, along with their dates, for our planned get-together. We settled into the apartment, the atmosphere buzzing with excitement.

"So, what's the plan for tonight, guys?" Aria asked, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

Lucas, always the joker, chimed in with a mischievous grin. "How about we hit up that strip club again?"

Aria shot Lucas a warning glare, shaking her head. "Lucas, please. We're looking for something more family-friendly this time."

Lucas scoffed, but his boyfriend’s admonishing look was enough to quiet him down. "Fine, fine. What do you have in mind, then?"

Aria's boyfriend, Jake, leaned forward, his eyes alight with a suggestion. "How about an escape room?"

The idea seemed to catch everyone's attention, sparking a collective interest. Timothy's eyes lit up with curiosity, and I found myself a little taken back by the escape aspect.

"An escape room sounds like fun," Timothy said, nodding in agreement. "I've never tried one before."

Aria smiled, pleased with the idea. "Great! It'll be an adventure."

I hesitated as we stood in front of the escape room, the sign bearing the words "Horror Experience" in ominous letters. A shiver ran down my spine as I glanced at Timothy, my unease evident in my eyes.

"Are you sure about this one?" I asked hesitantly, my voice betraying my apprehension.

Timothy, sensing my unease, spoke up, "Maybe we should consider something less intense."

But Jake, adventurous and spirited, interjected, "Come on, it'll be thrilling! We can handle it, can't we?" He winked at Aria, seeking her support.

Aria smiled reassuringly. "Come on, Evie. It'll be an adventure. We've got this."

Reluctantly, I agreed, eventually swayed when I saw the group’s rising excitement. The receptionist led us to the entrance of the horror-themed room, and my nerves jittered with apprehension.

The room's decor exuded an eerie ambiance. Dim lighting cast shadows against the peeling wallpaper, while eerie sound effects filled the air. The challenge ahead seemed daunting, but there was an underlying excitement among us.

"You have sixty minutes to escape," the game master explained, locking us in. "Clues are hidden throughout the room. Work together, and remember, communication is key."

As the countdown began, adrenaline surged through my veins. The room was riddled with cryptic messages, puzzles, and hidden compartments. We huddled together, scanning every nook and cranny for clues, our teamwork becoming our lifeline.

Aria's voice resonated with encouragement, "Check under the table! There might be something there."

Lucas, ever the skeptic, teased, "Maybe it's a ghostly message, huh?"

My heart raced as the minutes ticked away. With each puzzle solved, the tension heightened. The atmosphere grew more ominous, shadows seemingly moving in the corners of the room. The haunting soundtrack intensified my anxiety.

Eventually, Lucas found a hidden compartment that yielded a key, and we were able to progress to the next room. I wanted to be more active, but the rooms seemed to get more and more ominous. The darkness was creeping in, and the spaces seemed to grow more claustrophobic.

Reluctantly, I followed behind them, the atmosphere instantly shifting as we stepped into the dimly lit corridor. Eerie sounds echoed through the narrow hallways, and the air was thick with a sense of foreboding. I wanted to be more helpful, but part of me wanted out.

The hall seemed to stretch before us, getting longer and longer. Lights flashed and there were chilling screams that reverberated through the corridors. My heart raced with each unsettling noise, and a wave of anxiety washed over me.

The horrors seemed to intensify, triggering a flood of distressing memories. Bruce’s repulsive smile emerged before me in a brief flash of light, his eyes red and hateful. There was a bleeding hole form where he’d been shot in the chest, but it didn’t seem to disturb him.

I jerked back, grasping the nearby wall for support. My breath quickened, and a suffocating sense of panic seized me.

"I... I need a moment," I managed to stammer out, my voice trembling as I struggled to maintain composure.

Before anyone could react, I bolted from the group, seeking refuge from the overwhelming sensations. I stumbled into a secluded corner, my breathing erratic as I fought to regain control of my racing heart.

Alone in the darkness, the echoes of screams and flashing lights continued to haunt me, triggering vivid memories of the horrors I had endured. I curled into myself, trying to quell the rising panic that threatened to overwhelm me.

It felt like an eternity as I sat there, trying to steady my ragged breaths and calm my frayed nerves. The feeling of terror lingered, refusing to release its grip on me. Bruce’s voice trailed through my thoughts, calling out my name in furious bursts.

"Evie!" Timothy's voice cut through the darkness, jerking me out of my visions.

I looked up to see him standing there, his eyes filled with worry as he took in my distressed state. He hurried over to me, crouching down beside me.

"Evie, what's wrong? Are you hurt?" Timothy's voice was gentle as he rested a hand on my knee, and his eyes scanned over my body for confirmation.

I struggled to compose myself, the memories still vivid and overwhelming. "I... I can't... it's too much," I managed to whisper, my breaths coming in short gasps.

Timothy wrapped his arms around me in a comforting embrace. He held me close, rubbing circles into my back.

"Hey, it's okay. You're safe. I've got you," Timothy murmured softly, fingers carding through my hair in gentle strokes.

I leaned into his embrace, wetting his shirt with my tears. His steady heartbeat and reassuring words helped anchor me in the present, slowly easing the overwhelming panic that had consumed me.

Minutes passed, and gradually, my breathing steadied. Timothy remained by my side, offering silent comfort as I tried to collect myself. Eventually, the tightness in my chest loosened, and I felt brave enough to lift my head and meet his gaze.

"Thank you," I finally managed to say, though my teeth still chattered violently.

Timothy offered a reassuring smile. "Let's take it slow, okay? We don't have to rush."

“I need to get out of here,” I said, clinging onto him.

He nodded firmly, already standing up. “Alright.”

He took my hand and helped me up, letting me lean against him as we walked down the hall.

As we found ourselves outside the escape room, Timothy’s concerned gaze never wavered from me. I couldn't help but feel guilty for causing him, and possibly the others, distress.

"Evie, are you sure you’re alright? Do you want to just wait out here until the others are done?" Timothy asked.

I hesitated, torn between not wanting to spoil everyone else's experience and my own need to distance myself from the overwhelming horrors of the escape room. When I looked around, I noticed we were in what looked like a gift shop for the attraction. People swarmed around us, oblivious.

"I... I don't want to ruin it for everyone,” I said quietly. “I can stay, but you should go back inside. You were having fun.”

Timothy gently placed a hand on my shoulder and guided me toward a bench by the exit. "It's okay. I’m more concerned about you right now. We can wait out here together."

I offered him a small, grateful smile, touched by his consideration. "Thank you, Timothy. But you really don’t have to. I don't want to hold you back."

“I want to,” he pressed, and his expression softened with sincerity. "Just let me."

With a grateful nod, I accepted his offer, and I let him draw me into another protective embrace. I shut my eyes, already feeling the exhaustion seep in.