Beyond the Threshold

Chapter 5: "Beyond the Threshold"

"Come on, don't be scared. It's daytime, as long as we're respectful, nothing will happen to us," a boy said, his voice laced with bravery.

"But last night..." a girl replied, her voice trembling. The memory of something hidden seemed to replay in her mind like a haunting melody.

Asher's eyes fluttered open, and he sat up, disoriented. The chattering outside had awoken him. He looked around, taking in his unfamiliar surroundings. He was on a bed, but he had no memory of lying down the previous night.

Curiosity got the better of him, and he stood up, making his way to a small hole in the wall. He peered through it, watching as the two siblings, a boy and a girl, picked wild fruit from a nearby tree. The girl seemed restless, her eyes darting nervously around the clearing.

"I feel like we're being watched, brother," she whispered.

"That's just your imagination," the boy replied, his voice reassuring.

Asher watched them silently, his presence unnoticed. After they finished picking fruit, they hastily departed, almost running as if they were being chased.

Asher emerged from the restaurant, his eyes scanning the surrounding area. He spotted the siblings' retreating figures and watched as they disappeared into the distance. His stomach growled, reminding him of his hunger. He plucked a wild fruit from a nearby tree and took a bite, the sweetness exploding in his mouth.

As he ate, he gazed back at the abandoned restaurant, its plaque creaking in the gentle breeze. The exterior looked worn and weathered, like a tombstone in a long-forgotten graveyard.

Asher shook his head, focusing on his immediate needs. He walked back into the restaurant, his eyes adjusting to the dim light. He approached the symbol etched into the ground in the center of the room, its intricate patterns seeming to shimmer in the faint light.

As he touched the symbol, the air around him seemed to ripple, and a small, ornate box appeared in front of him. Asher opened the box, revealing a sturdy knife, a hammer, and a broom. He examined each item, his expression unreadable.

The tools would be useful for maintaining the restaurant and potentially defending himself. He noted the quality of each item, his mind already turning to the tasks he needed to accomplish.

With his new tools in hand, Asher began to methodically inspect the restaurant, searching for any areas that needed repair or improvement. His eyes scanned the space, his mind working calmly and efficiently.