Page 81 of My Roommate from Hell
We get into the elevator. As the doors close, I try to think of something to say. I want to be here for him if he’s having a hard time. Seeing him like this, so torn up and dejected, is hurting me in a shockingly deep way. I want to fix this in any way I can.
The elevator lurches to a stop. Above us, there’s a groaning metal sound, like the cables holding us are under intense strain.
This is not good.
The lights start to flicker. I look to Zarmenus, hoping he will have an explanation as to what’s going on.
The elevator doors chime, then open.
What I’m looking at outside should be impossible. We’re not on our level, not anymore. I’m not even sure that we’re still on Earth. The hallway outside looks like the hallway usually does, but it’s like it’s been overgrown by flesh-colored vines. The way they’re spread out over the doors, wall, and floor reminds me of the branching pathways of veins and arteries. Dull light pulses through them, running from the base farther down the hall all the way to the narrowest tips right by the elevator entrance.
Zarmenus is still staring at the floor, so he hasn’t even noticed.
“Er,” I say, catching his attention. “We might have a problem.”
He lifts his head. “Damn it. I think we’ve slipped into another plane. I’ll get us back, I just need to concentrate.”
A low moan comes from the far end of the hallway. Zarmenus picks up the pendant of his necklace, and holds it between clasped hands. It starts to glow red, the light seeping out.
Another moan sounds, louder this time, and a figure emerges from around the corner. It’s made of the same fleshy material as the vines covering the hallway. The thing, whatever it is, is shaped like a human, but doesn’t have eyes or any other facial features. It’s a monster, and my gut tells me that it doesn’t wish us well.
It raises one hand, then takes a quick step toward us, breaking out into a shambling run.
“Zarmenus,” I say, as I press my back against the wall of the elevator. “Zarmenus!”
The monster draws closer. Its breathing is heavy and phlegmy, and as it comes closer I realize I was wrong before. It does have a mouth, just a big gaping hole in the middle of its face. As it comes closer it stretches, growing larger and larger with every passing second.
I’m so afraid I can barely speak.
The elevator chimes, and the doors start to close. The doors shut right before it reaches us, then the elevator starts to rise. I am still pressed against the wall, my heart is beating dangerously fast.
“We nearly died,” I say.
“Please,” Zarmenus scoffs. “I’m the prince of Hell, remember? No low-level creeper like that is going to kill me.”
“Fine, I nearly died.”
“No, you didn’t. I’m not going to let anything hurt you, roomie.”
I brace myself when the elevator opens again, half expecting the creeper to be out there, ready to finish the job, but the hallway looks normal. Zarmenus walks out of the elevator like nothing happened. I press my hand against my chest and try to anchor myself. It’s okay. We’re back. I’m safe. Unless there’s some other terror waiting for us in our room, which, judging by experience, there might well be.
When we get to our room, the bathroom door is open. A low groan escapes from the mirror as I shut the door.
Not now, ghoul. I’ve got bigger fish to fry.I pull off the hoodie and toss it into my laundry basket. I’m wearing a Yeah Yeah Yeahs shirt Mom got me last year.
Zarmenus stops in the middle of the room and turns to face me. Bell appears on my bed, where it seems she’d been sleeping on my pillow. Her big, black, soul-stealing eyes seem especially wide today. She instantly starts doing circles around Zarmenus’s legs, but he shoos her away.
“I’m fine, Bell,” he says.
She doesn’t give up, doing another lap around his legs until he gives in. I’ve always known that pets can tell when their owners are sad, and it seems pets from Hell are no different.
Outside, rain pelts against our window.
“I’m going to have a shower,” I say.
“Wait,” he calls, stopping me. “Thank you.”
He finally lifts his head to look into my eyes.
