Opening his eyes once more, Anderson Au foundhimself roused from yetanother nightmare.
The familiar surroundings of his bedroom serving as a disconcerting backdrop to the recurring terror that plagued his sleep for five consecutive days.
Night after night, the same haunting dreams unfolded within the confines of his own apartment, leaving him to grapple with a sense of unease that refused to dissipate.
The repetition of these unsettling dreams raised troubling questions in his mind, each more perplexing than the last. Why was he, an ordinary civilian leading a simple and solitary existence, subjected to such torment within the confines of his own home? What significance did these nightmares hold, and to whom did they truly belong?
As he pondered the implications of his nocturnal ordeal, a sense of urgency gripped him, driving him to seek answers where none seemed readily available.
Despite his desire for solitude and tranquillity, the specter of these recurring nightmares cast a shadow over his once-peaceful existence, compelling him to confront the unsettling reality that lay just beyond the confines of his consciousness.
Unable to bear the thought of succumbing to sleep once more, Anderson rose from his bed, his mind abuzz with a flurry of thoughts and emotions. With each passing moment, the weight of uncertainty bore down upon him, urging him to unravel the mysteries that had enveloped his life in a shroud of darkness.
Though the notion of recurring nightmares might be dismissed as a common occurrence, the persistence of these dreams within the familiar confines of his own apartment filled Anderson with a sense of foreboding. With every passing night, the boundaries between reality and illusion blurred, leaving him to navigate a labyrinth of uncertainty where truth and deception intertwined.
Sitting in the silence of his bedroom, Anderson resolved to confront the enigma that had taken root within his subconscious, determined to unearth the truth that lay hidden beneath the surface of his waking world.
Until then, he knew that his quest for understanding would be fraught with uncertainty, his conclusions mere conjecture until the elusive answers he sought revealed themselves.
Taking a moment to survey his surroundings, Anderson noted the steady rotation of the overhead fan, its gentle breeze providing a welcome respite from the stifling heat.
The walls of his bedroom retained their familiar white hue, offering a sense of calm amidst the uncertainty that lingered in his mind.
Directing his attention to the working desk positioned opposite his bed, Anderson found solace in the sight of his trusty Acer laptop and Samsung Android phone, both tethered to the power source, their screens illuminated in silent readiness. Drawing nearer, he conducted a cursory check, confirming with a sense of relief that both devices were fully charged, their status indicators serving as a reassuring anchor amid the nebulous realm of his thoughts. For both served as his tools of trade and profession.
Phew, what a dream! Anderson exhaled deeply, his sigh echoing the tumultuous journey his mind had undertaken in the depths of sleep.
Unlike others, he possessed a deliberate and methodical approach to processing the events unfolding around him, a trait that often-necessitated careful consideration before accepting reality as it presented itself. This inherent scepticism not only shaped his worldview but also informed the choices he made in navigating the complexities of life, serving as a testament to his unwavering determination to maintain stability and focus amidst the chaos that threatened to overwhelm him.
Suddenly, a faint vibration roused Anderson from his contemplation, drawing his attention to the luminous display of his phone, where the words Unknown Call flashed in stark contrast against the dimly lit screen.
Given the nature of his profession and the imperative of maintaining uninterrupted focus during work hours, Anderson had adopted the habit of keeping his phone on silent mode, a precautionary measure aimed at minmizing distractions and maximizing productivity in pursuit of his livelihood.
Tapping the vibrant red icon on the screen, Anderson brought the phone to his ear, his curiosity piqued by the unexpected call.
"Hello? Who is that?" His voice carried a note of cautious inquiry as he awaited a response from the caller on the other end of the line.
"Help…me…" The words, uttered in a trembling voice, barely audible over the crackle of static, sent a chill down Anderson's spine. His mind raced with a myriad of questions, each more urgent than the last.
"What?" A sense of disbelief colored his response, his thoughts scrambling to make sense of the cryptic plea for assistance. "Who is this?"
Before he could glean any further information, the line abruptly went dead, leaving nothing but a disconcerting silence in its wake. Anderson stood in stunned silence, his grip on the phone tightening involuntarily as he grappled with the unnerving encounter.
Setting the phone aside, he disconnected it from the charger with a sense of unease lingering in the air. The unanswered questions continued to gnaw at him, fuelling his determination to uncover the truth behind the mysterious call.
Seeking solace in the mundane routine of daily life, he approached his bedroom window, drawing back the curtains to reveal the familiar scene unfolding beyond the confines of his apartment.
The bustling activity of the outside world offered a semblance of normalcy, with vehicles traversing the streets and pedestrians bustling about their daily business.
As his gaze shifted to the Tanjong Pagar station in the distance, he was reminded of its colourful history and learnt of its disclosure through Channel News Asia broadcast recently.
Despite the apparent normalcy of the world outside, he could not shake the feeling of disquiet that lingered within him, a nagging sense that the events of the morning were but a prelude to a larger, more unsettling truth yet to be revealed.
Speaking of his phone, Anderson had attempted numerous times to reach out to his landlord and even his contacts, hoping to shed some light on the inexplicable events that had unfolded within his apartment.
Despite his persistent efforts, each attempt to establish contact met with frustration as he encountered an inexplicable barrier preventing him from reaching out to anybody. Whatever hopes he had to uncover the elusive figure holding key that confined him were gone.
With each unanswered call and unanswered message, Anderson's sense of isolation deepened, leaving him to confront the unsettling reality that he was truly alone in navigating the labyrinth of uncertainty that had engulfed his life.
The inability to connect with anybody served to compound his growing sense of unease, leaving him to confront the disconcerting possibility that there may be more at play than mere coincidence or happenstance.
As he grappled with the implications of his failed attempts at communication, Anderson could not shake the nagging feeling that his landlord's inexplicable absence held the key to unravelling the enigma that had taken root within the confines of his own apartment.
With each passing moment, the walls seemed to close in around him, leaving him to confront the unsettling truth that the answers he sought may lie beyond his grasp, concealed within the shadows of uncertainty that loomed ominously on the horizon.
Once more, Anderson's phone stirred with a subtle vibration, signalling an incoming call. His gaze flickered to the illuminated screen, where the words Unknown Call gleamed in stark contrast against the dark backdrop. Driven by a mixture of curiosity and apprehension, Anderson accepted the call, his fingers poised to unravel the mystery of the anonymous caller.
As the call connected, anticipation hung heavy in the air, mingling with the static crackle that permeated the line. Anderson listened intently, hoping to discern any semblance of coherent speech amidst the electronic interference. However, to his dismay, the only response that greeted him was an unsettling chorus of static, drowning out any attempt at communication.
Frustration gnawed at Anderson as he strained to make sense of the cryptic silence that enveloped the call.
With each passing moment, the oppressive weight of uncertainty grew heavier, casting a shadow over his already troubled thoughts.
And then, as suddenly as it had begun, the line fell silent, leaving Anderson to confront the unsettling reality of yet another unanswered call, its significance shrouded in the enigmatic veil of the unknown.
As well as even questioning his own sanity since he seemed to be the only one affected. For if this carried on, he would sooner or later starve or even suffocate himself to death. His job would also be at stake.
Trapped within his own apartment, Anderson was unable to find any means of escape. Every window, sealed shut and inaccessible, offered no avenue for freedom or respite from the eerie confinement that enveloped him.
With a sense of déjà vu, Anderson resolved to retrace his steps from the unsettling dream that had haunted his sleep.
Stepping out of the bedroom, he found himself once again standing in the familiar expanse of his living room, its layout mirroring that of his nocturnal visions. However, unlike the nightmare that had tormented him, the walls were adorned in pristine white paint, devoid of the ominous red dust and cobwebs that had plagued his subconscious.
Turning his attention to the main door, his heart sank as he confronted the reality of his confinement. The door, once a gateway to the outside world, now stood as an impenetrable barrier, secured by multiple chains both inside and out. The mystery of who or what had imposed this imprisonment upon him loomed large in his mind, its enigmatic origins defying rational explanation.
As Anderson grappled with the implications of his isolation, a sense of foreboding settled over him, intensifying the sense of unease that had plagued him since the onset of his ordeal.
Despite his best efforts to rationalize the situation, the absence of any logical explanation only served to deepen the mystery that had ensnared him within its grasp.
Alone in his apartment, with no visitors or intruders to account for the inexplicable circumstances that surrounded him, Anderson found himself adrift in a sea of uncertainty, his thoughts consumed by the relentless pursuit of answers that remained stubbornly out of reach.
If his landlord, employer or any of his friends wished to visit him, typically gave him a day or hours' notice via call or message, although this had yet to occur.
Anderson's unease deepened as he scrutinized the ominous warning emblazoned in bold red letters upon his door: Don't Go Out, Urban!
The cryptic message stirred a torrent of questions within him, chief among them being the identity of this enigmatic Urban and the origins of the cautionary directive. Was he perhaps the previous occupant of his unit, a shadowy figure whose presence lingered in the recesses of his consciousness?
And who had taken it upon him-or-herself to issue such a stern warning? The possibilities raced through Anderson's mind, each more unsettling than the last, as he grappled with the looming specter of uncertainty that hung heavy in the air.
His musings were abruptly interrupted by the sound of sweeping emanating from the corridor outside his door. Intrigued by the unexpected presence of another soul in the desolate confines of his apartment building, Anderson cautiously approached the door, peering through the small peephole to catch a glimpse of his neighbour, Aileen Chea, engaged in the mundane task of tidying the hallway with her broom.
"Oh man!" She sighed over her chores. "Hope my luck changes before the party."
Then she re-entered her apartment unit, closing the door behind her.
Observing Aileen's weary demeanour, Anderson could not help but feel a pang of empathy for his neighbour, whose words hinted at a deeper struggle lurking beneath the surface of her outward composure. However, any inclination to reach out for assistance was thwarted by the insurmountable barrier that seemed to separate him from the outside world, rendering his cries for help as futile as whispers in the wind.
As Anderson grappled with the isolation that enveloped him, the realization dawned upon him that the barriers to communication extended beyond the physical realm, encompassing the intangible bonds that connected him to his neighbours and loved ones. Trapped within the confines of his own apartment, Anderson found himself adrift in a sea of silence and solitude, his pleas for salvation echoing unanswered against the walls of his prison.
Turning away from the peephole, Anderson's gaze fell upon an unexpected discovery: a note nestled at the base of his door, as if it had been slipped underneath by an unseen hand - perhaps even Aileen's.
Intrigued by the mysterious message, Anderson knelt to retrieve the piece of paper, his fingers trembling with anticipation as he unfolded its contents.
The red words that greeted him bore a haunting familiarity, their significance eluding him as he grappled with the cryptic message before him: Mom, why don't you wake up?
The implications of the note sent a shiver down Anderson's spine, as he pondered the identity of the individual addressed and the meaning behind the plea for awakening.
Was this Mom a reference to Urban's mother?
Or did it hold a deeper significance that eluded his understanding?
Despite the uncertainty that clouded his thoughts, Anderson resolved to safeguard the enigmatic note, tucking it away within the confines of a small scrapbook nestled within his shirt pocket. Though its significance remained elusive for now, he could not shake the feeling that the key to unlocking the mysteries that surrounded him lay within its cryptic message.
With each passing moment, the urgency of his quest for answers intensified, driving him to preserve every clue, no matter how seemingly insignificant, in the hopes that they would eventually converge to illuminate the truth that lay hidden beneath the surface of his confinement.
Feeling a parched sensation grip his throat, Anderson made his way to the modest kitchenette area, driven by a pressing need for refreshment. As he swung open the door of the fridge, a wave of relief washed over him.
For it contained a plastic bottle of mineral water and a carton of chocolate milk. Unlike the barren interior of his dreams, the fridge now held tangible sustenance, a welcome departure from the eerie emptiness that had plagued his subconscious.
Instinctively, Anderson reached for mineral water, his movements guided by an innate thirst that had lingered since his awakening.
With a sense of urgency, he twisted off the cap and eagerly gulped down the cool refreshing water, savouring the sensation as it quenched his parched throat. In the wake of his exertions - both physical and mental, the simple act of hydrating himself brought a measure of comfort and reassurance, grounding him in the present moment amidst the surreal uncertainty that loomed on the horizon.
After finishing his bottle, he disposed into a nearby small metal bin when all the sudden, he heard something rumbling within the bathroom just opposite his kitchen.
Curious to find out what it was, he headed directly to the bathroom. However before even opening the door, he saw another piece of note pinned right on it. In same red ink, the handwriting read:
Through the Ritual of the Holy Assumption, he built a world.
It exists in a space separate from the world of our Lord.
More accurately, it is within, yet without the Lord's world.
Unlike the world of our Lord,
it is a world in extreme flux.
Unexpected doors, walls and odd creatures,
A world only he can control…
Anyone swallowed by that world,
will live there for eternity and undying.
They will haunt that realm as a spirit…
How can our Lord forgive with such an abomination…?
What the hell? Anderson again grew terrified by the mysterious red handwriting. For it just could not make any sense to him. Yet he had an intuition that whoever wrote this was the one responsible for locking him up here.
Opening the bathroom door, Anderson was met with a startling sight.
A gaping black hole was embedded in the wall beside his toilet cubicle.
As he tentatively extended his hand toward the void, he felt a hollow emptiness within, his fingers grazing against a cold metal pipe nestled within the gap.
A wave of bewilderment washed over Anderson as he struggled to comprehend the bizarre discovery before him. Who could have created such a peculiar aperture, and for what purpose? His mind raced with more unanswered questions, each more confounding than the last, as he grappled with the unsettling reality of his situation.
If the sight of the hole was not disconcerting enough, Anderson's apprehension only deepened upon hearing eerie noises emanating from the depths beyond. His thoughts swirled with trepidation as he contemplated the possibility of someone - or something - lurking on the other side.
Could there be another soul trapped within this mysterious void, just as he was trapped within the confines of his own apartment? The thought gnawed at Anderson's mind, fuelling a desperate determination to explore the unknown, no matter the risks involved.
With a mixture of apprehension and resolve, Anderson braced himself to venture into the darkness beyond the hole, his fingers tightening around the metal pipe as he prepared to confront whatever lay on the other side.
Though the prospect was daunting, he knew that the alternative - remaining confined within his apartment until his fate was sealed - was simply not an option.