Thursday, January 21, 2010

The Lost Door

"You have to save the Millimen."

Those words repeated over and over again in Ruby's mind. She had been trying desperately to fall asleep, but she couldn't forget how Lilia suddenly appeared to her. 'It's been 20 years, how could she ever find me again?' Thought Ruby.

She finally surrendered. She got up from bed, pulled up her socks and put on her slippers. If Lilia took all the troubles to find her, then something must be happening. She opened her bedroom window and climbed down.

The street was damp and cold. She got on Bus No.2. It took 45 minutes to get there. She looked out the window, familiar houses and signs passed. She closed her eyes when they passed the lane with lining trees. It always scared her how those trees seemed to be moving and alive.

She had to walk another 15 minutes after she got off the bus. She remembered every turns and corners. The night air seemed to be haunting. She ran when she heard a hoot. She'd been wanted to run, and now she had the reason.

'I will get back before sunrise. Mom mustn't know about this.'

She remembered how Mom hated it, even just to hear about the Millimen. She said they didn't exist, it's just her imagination. But, Ruby knew it's because Mom never really paid attention. You see, they're so tiny. How could you see them when you're always busy doing things?

Mom also hated Lilia. That's because Lilia was the only kid who confessed to also see the Millimen. When they moved out of the house, Mom made sure Ruby would never mention Lilia again.

'Found it!' Still looked so much like it was, except for the weather-beaten condition. But what shocked her was the sign in front of it.

CONDEMNED. DEMOLITION ON JANUARY 23.

That's tomorrow! She regretted, why she didn't took Lilia's warning immediately. She ran into the dark house, shouting their names.

The house turned out to be more dilapidated than it looked. The floor was loose. It was dangerous, but Ruby headed boldly into the basement. That's where the Millimen live. It was dark, the only light was from a ventilation on the basement wall. Suddenly, they emerged out of nowhere. Pan, Skye, Blu, Flo, and Huggano.

"They're destroying the house, Ruby. We haven't found our way home yet. What should we do?" Said Huggano.

Ruby's heart tinged with pain. For 20 years they've been wandering alone in this abandoned house, unable to leave. Somewhere in this house, was the door to their world. They've been trying to find it ever since they accidentally got tossed here, but it was said to be so tiny, it's so hard to see. And without any light, it's even harder to find.

"We have to find the door before the demolition!" Ruby's voice was firm, but her heart sank.

The Millimen cheered. They're always so enthusiastic, so full of energy. They never changed. Back when she was kid, finding the door was their only activity. They would scavenged every inch of the house until Mom got so annoyed and tell her to stop.

"Not without me." The familiar voice was heard. Lilia appeared out of the blue.

"Perfect." Said Ruby, "Now all we need is light."

Suddenly, blinding lights were pouring all over the basement. It felt like 1000 flashlights devour them.

"It's okay, darling. We got you." Ruby heard Mom's voice as she grabbed her and locked her body. She tried to struggle, but then she felt a needle in her arm and then she felt so calm.

***

In the backseat of the car, Ruby leaned her head to the window. Her head felt so light, she wondered if she had just woken from a dream. Outside, she saw her mom, talking to some police.

'What is she doing there?' She thought. 'And why is that looked like my childhood home?'

Mom got into the car, and as they drove away, Ruby saw a pale little girl, peering from behind a big tree.

'That's Lilia.' Ruby thought of her childhood friend. 'Strange, why hasn't she grown a bit?'

5 comments:

  1. Huhuhuhuhu Miaaa... poor Lilia.. I like it.

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  2. Very nice! Glad to see a fellow "fantastical" take on this week's prompt, too :) I do hope the Millimen find their Door before the house gets demolished!! :( And that Ruby doesn't get sent to a mental institute :(

    ~willow~

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  3. Hello Mia, well this is the third time that I've tried to post my comment on here! I'm new, so forgive me!! I have to know what happens to the millimen- who are they- where do they go- where is the door? Will the house be saved? I love the idea of a door to another world being inside a house- very 'the lion, the witch and the wardrobe', but instead of you going to their world, is the door letting them into ours? I love the ending too- I want to know what happens next!! :)

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  4. A great piece with a good characterisation and conflict to drive the piece. The line between childhood fantasy and mental illness is well defined and would be a good thing to develop.
    Adam

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  5. Wow, I must agree with roseyposey, this story got me hooked real bad! Great story and characterization, with a dash of twist at the end. Please continue the story! Love it!

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