Come Back to Me (Part VI)

As soon as he heard her close the front door, Johnny suddenly heard a piercing scream coming from below his feet.

Austin!

His pulse speeding up, he dropped his guitar and sped down the hallway and descended down the staircase to the operation room. As he reached the new floor however, he wrinkled his nose and looked around.

What the hell is that smell? He fanned away the stench from his face, slowly approaching the operation door.

Suddenly, a loud bang was heard from inside. Startled, Johnny jumped back with a yelp, clutching his chest.

Holy mack, another drop of sweat fell from his chin, saturating his red jacket. He shivered, feeling cold and unusually frightened.

Then he heard the scream again.

“Austin?” he called out, slowly stepping towards the door, his hands beginning to shake. The lights along the hallway’s sides began to flicker and vibrate. From above, a small chandelier rocked back and forth from the ceiling, directly over Johnny’s head.

“Hey Austin Buddy,” Johnny repeated. This time, his voice was a little shaky. His heart racing faster than ever, he used his every ounce of energy to stay put by the door, refusing to run away. He would refuse to do such a thing and leave Austin, his good friend and band partner, alone in danger…or whatever was going on in there.

I have to get in there, Johnny took in a breath and clasped his hands together. I have to see if he’s alright.

Carefully, he reached the door and clamped his trembling hand on the bronze knob.

At once, all the lights in the hallway blew out.

What the- ? Johnny whipped his head around in the dark. That’s weird, he thought.

With one final puff, he turned the knob and opened the door.