Red Door

There was only one rule: don’t open the door.

The foreboding directive invaded like a mephitic odor. Dahlia didn’t understand. What the hell was behind the red door?

Dahlia and her brother, Xander, had lived alone for four years now, ever since their parents’ deaths due to a flash flood, the siblings maintaining residence in the antiquated home they’d inherited. Xander had always been different, referred to as ‘Dahlia’s weird little brother’ due to his eccentric nature, but Dahlia tolerated him, and he didn’t frighten her. As far as she was concerned, all scientifically-minded people were strange.

She hadn’t given Xander’s oddities more thought until last month when he’d become excessively secretive, his behavior erratic and raising a red flag akin to the red door.

Dahlia’s interest had been piqued, mostly by Xander’s persistence. She was a rebel though, always doing whatever she shouldn’t. The opportune moment had come - today was the day. With determination, tools in hand, Dahlia moved toward the red door. Xander would be gone for hours. Essentially, the house was hers, and so was whatever was behind the door.

A moan sounded as the doorknob twisted in Dahlia’s hand. Or was it a growl? Easing the door open, she flinched at the noxious odor permeating from the dark depths. Bloody hell….. Hesitantly, she switched on the light, the glare from overhead momentarily blinding until her eyes adjusted, focusing on a reflection of a crazy, disheveled version of herself. A doppelganger?

A hollow scream caught, hanging as the twin advanced. Dirty nails drew fresh blood as Dahlia was dragged forward, the door slamming shut. An evil cackle sounded. The room went black.

Trapped, Dahlia had one thought in darkness: it’s ourselves we should fear most, is it not?