The cab drove along the forest road as its headlights sliced through the dense fog that was covering the forest. It was silent, except for the low hum of the engine and the noise of the tires rolling on the road. Even the driver had not said anything since we last stopped 30 minutes ago, when we stopped at a gas station for fuel. It felt like he was in his own world while driving.
The outside was filled with fog and darkness. It felt like one could get swallowed by this darkness. Only at some point, the streetlamps were glowing on either side of the road, which was also flickering weakly as it felt like it was going to stop glowing at any moment.
I leaned my head against the window of the car. The glass was cold and almost wet, perhaps due to the condensation. The fog slowly started to fade as we were getting closer to the town. I could see it emerging from between the trees from the faint lights coming from the houses. Just a few minutes later, I saw the wooden sign, which was barely visible, "Welcome to Evershore". The white and red paint was peeling, and the letters were almost hidden behind the moss.
I leaned back on my seat, closing my eyes, thinking. It felt strange, coming back here in this town. It has been around 2 years since I left this town after my family moved to the city. I do not know why I am back. I wanted to spend some alone time. I wanted some peace of mind. The college life is too noisy. I just wanted an escape. But I still don't know why I was back here.
I felt the cab slowing down, waking me from my thoughts. We entered the town, and I watched the shops, the houses, the streets. Nothing has changed, Evershore is the same as I left it 2 years back. Well, what could even have changed in two years anyway? But the hit of nostalgia is a whole other emotion I am feeling right now.
Just then, the cab driver stopped the car. We were right in front of my old house, the house where I lived my whole childhood. Then the silent driver finally spoke.
"You have arrived at your destination, sir. It will be fifteen-twenty bucks, sir."
I nodded my head and replied, "Yeah."
I handed him the cash and stepped outside the car, and took my suitcase out of the trunk of the car. And as soon as I closed it, the driver just started the car and left in a hurry. Well, whatever.
BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ
My phone vibrated. I checked my phone it was a notification pop-up 'Battery Low'. As I saw the pop-up, I checked the time, which was showing 12:00, 11 October 2025. Well, I have arrived at a completely new day. What a coincidence.
I was feeling cold. I had forgotten how chilly nights are here. I opened the door and entered my front yard. The lawn was overgrown. The weeds even covered the path towards the door of the house. Well, don't want to worry about this. I just want to go inside right now.
I walked towards the front door. I took the metal keys out and opened it. I stepped inside the house. Everything was dark, and I could hardly see anything. The smell of old wood hit me. I do not want to say, but I liked the smell of wood. I searched for the switch on the right side of the wall and flicked it.
The bulbs started to glow. Well, I don't want to say, but the house was dirty. It was completely covered in dust. I moved inside. The living room was also the same, covered in dust, but it also looked the same as it did when I was last here. The couch, the clock on the wall, and the family photo frame on the mantel of the fireplace. It was the same.
I dropped my bag on the floor. It feels weird, there is so much silence, and I could only hear the faint ticking from the clock on the wall.
Tick
Tock
Tick
I made my way towards my old bedroom. I started to climb up the stairs. My room was just at the end of the hallway. When I opened the door of the room. Everything was still there, as I had left it two years ago. My bed, the old desk, the almirah, and even the poster I have pasted on the wall.
I felt happy for a moment for coming back here. I turned on the lights. The bulb flickered twice or thrice as it steadied. I walked to the window and opened it, enjoying the view from here. I could hear the sound of the waves from the sea, and just as I was enjoying the view, my eyes went towards the cliff. I remember a memory of when Rhea and I used to go there after bunking the classes of school.
Rhea.
It's been so long since I thought of her. She was my crush. Even when I was leaving, I was not able to express my feelings to her. This thing haunts me to this day. I don't know whether she is still out here or if she has also left this town. I wondered if she would even recognize me. I don't think I have changed much since we last met.
Aaaahhh...
I took a long yawn. Well, I think I should rest now, it's been a very long drive. I sat on the bed and pulled off my shoes, and threw them on the floor. I lay back on my bed and stared at the white ceiling. There were also cracks in the paint on the ceiling, and I could still hear the faint ticking of the clock from downstairs. I thought just how silent my house is right now.
And I was just drifting in my sleep. I heard a name from a very familiar and soft voice. It was my name.
"Alex. Alex, please save me."
I sat up as soon as I heard that. I don't know what that was, but it felt strange. Maybe it's just my mind playing tricks on me, as I have come after a long time.
I lay back again on the bed, thinking it was nothing. And closed my eyes, drifting back into my sleep.