Gigi
As another week slips by, my worries for my mother's health deepen. Taking time off from college, I remain by her side, determined to be there for her every moment. Sitting beside her, I watch as she sleeps, her peaceful rest is a sharp reminder to the pain etched on her face. Holding her frail hand in mine, I gently caress it, aching at the sight of her weakening body. The sound of the door creaking open pulls me from my thoughts, and I look up to see Alex entering the room.
Watching my mother sleep, Alex quietly gestures for me to step outside her room. As we stand in the hallway, he shares that he has arranged for a specialized doctor to perform surgery on my mother. Relief floods through me at the news, feeling hopeful that this could be the turning point in her recovery. Alex assures me of his plans to go on a business trip but promises to return soon, leaving me with a sense of gratitude for his support and a glimmer of optimism for my mother's well-being.
After a long and tiring day, my friends visit me at home to catch up on everything that has been happening. Stepping in the kitchen, I find that the cook has prepared a comforting meal of pasta with meatballs. Pulling up a chair, I savor the hearty dish until my stomach is full. With the servants off duty, I take it upon myself to wash the dishes, the warm water soothing my tired hands. As I make my way back upstairs, my mind drifts back to the unsettling memory of the screams from the cellar, a reminder of the lingering mystery and unease that haunts the mansion.
A wave of fear washes over me as I stand in the garden, my gaze fixed on the tinted windows of the mansion, my curiosity getting the better of me. Just as I turn around, my heart leaps into my throat as I spot a shadowy figure watching me from a distance in the garden. Panic sets in as I see the glint of a knife in his hand, and I realize with a sinking feeling that he is wearing the same balaclava as the mysterious stranger from before. Frozen in terror, I realize that this man intends to harm me, and my mind races as I frantically search for a way to escape.
With adrenaline coursing through my veins, I turn and run away, desperate to escape the looming threat behind me. My feet lead me towards the cellar, and without hesitation, I push open the door from the backyard and plunge into the darkness within. Fumbling to turn on the flashlight on my phone, the beam cuts through the shadows as I continue to run, my heart racing in my chest. The sound of his voice humming my name like a melody, "Genevieve!" echoes through the darkness, chilling me to the core.
As I race through the narrow path surrounded by walls concreted with rocks, I find myself in the heart of the giant cellar, surrounded by towering barrels and an array of terrifying weapons. Knives, swords, cutters, blades, and other dangerous tools glint in the dim light, leaving me stunned. My eyes widen in astonishment, my breath coming in short, panicked gasps as sweat beads on my forehead. The realization of being trapped within these walls, surrounded by such ominous objects, sends a shiver down my spine, and I frantically search for a way out, my heart pounding in my chest.
"Sweet Genevieve. Come to me," his chilling voice sends a wave of fear through me, causing me to stumble and fall onto the ground. In a moment of panic, my hand reaches out and twists the tap of a large barrel nearby. To my horror, red liquid begins to gush out, splashing onto the ground and leaving me stunned. As the realization sinks in that it is blood pouring out of the barrels, I let out a scream of terror.
Quickly scrambling to my feet, I wipe my hands on my pants, trying to shake off the shock of the gruesome sight before me. Feeling horrified by the sight of the blood, I take a step back and suddenly collide with a solid presence behind me. Startled, I let out a scream and exclaim, "Blood! There's blood!" The person behind me leans in closer, his warm breath brushing against the back of my neck, sending a shiver down my spine.
I gasp as I feel the cold steel of his sharp knife graze my skin. Clutching my phone tightly in my hand, I realize my breathing is rapid and heavy, likely panting hard in the intense moment of fear and danger. "Do you wish to dance in their blood, Genevieve?" he rasps in a chilling voice, his words leaving me drained of all energy. The lack of air ventilation in the cellar makes it hard for me to breathe properly, adding to my distress.
Pushing him away, I muster all my strength and begin to run, heading back towards the mansion with a sense of urgency and tension gripping me. Suddenly, an idea sparks in my mind, and without hesitation, I dial my stepbrother Alex. After just two rings, he picks up the call, and I quickly explain the horrifying events to him, seeking help and support in my desperate situation.
"Alex! Please, there's blood in the wine barrels -" I hear his voice disconnect as the weak signal prevents him from hearing me clearly. Frustrated, I curse under my breath as I finally locate an exit. Without wasting a single moment, I quickly lock the door behind me before stepping out, ensuring that I leave no room for delay or hesitation.
Breathing heavily, I rush into my room and quickly lock the door from the inside, scanning the room to check if the man has managed to hide inside. My gaze lands on the mirror, and I am horrified to see the stains of blood on my clothes, my face, and my hands. Disgusted, I feel a wave of nausea wash over me. Hurrying to the washroom, I stand under the shower, desperate to wash away the blood and the memories of the terrifying ordeal.