“Miss?” the bus driver called to me as the bus came to a complete stop.

I slowly sat up and coughed into my hand. The nap was a welcomed one but it was starting to wear me down. I didn’t feel good. When I got up I reached into my pocket and pulled out my wallet, I took a dollar out and put it in the tip jar before turning and grabbing my bags.

“Thanks for everything,” I told the man sincerely before leaving the bus. The sun hitting my face felt nice, I couldn’t remember what time I left my house. Ravenswood felt warm and inviting, and best of all my “mother” wasn’t here to scream at me.

I walked right to the Hyacinth Motel and Spa.

“Barbra?” I called out as I looked around. I walked over to the front desk and waited for her to come out. It only took her five minutes and I used the time to gather my thoughts. I didn’t want to break down crying to a person I didn’t know.

“Back already?” Barbra asked me as she reached under the desk and took out a room key.

“Staying at home wasn’t an option, I think,” I mumbled to her before looking at the room key.

“You knew I was coming?” I asked as I took the key.

“I had a hunch you’d be coming back,” Barbra told me.

“I can pay this time, at least for a night.” I offered as I reached for my wallet.

“No. You can stay for free.” Barbra said as she pointed to the staircase.

“Room 32. Go up to the second floor and you’ll find it. If you need anything make sure to ring the front desk.” Barbra smiled at me.

I was deeply confused, why was I getting a free room? Did everyone get a free room when they came here? I briefly wondered how this place would keep its doors open if everyone got a free room.

“Thank you,” I said before heading upstairs. The rooms were completely out of order. The first room I saw was room 50 and at the end of the hallway was room 3. There were a couple of ice machines and even a vending machine. I stopped and put a dollar in to grab a chocolate bar.

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Afterward, I took the stairs to the second floor. There was an elevator but it was out of order. Rooms 32, 5, 42, and 70, were the only rooms on this floor. I had never seen a motel like this before.

I took the key to my room and opened the door. I had a desk, a box TV, a DVD player, and a king-sized bed. There was a separate bathroom with fresh towels and a small fridge and microwave.

I sat on the edge of the bed and broke down. I was crying so hard it felt like my chest was going to crack. I was crying over my mom, my dad, my house, and my mental stability. I cried because I couldn’t get the image of my mom's head being crushed out of my head. I cried because I knew she was dead and whatever was inside our house wasn’t her.

I let my body fall backward onto the bed. I knew the situation I was in was weird. I knew it was weird that I couldn’t see anyone driving cars, that the bus always came when I needed it, and that it was especially weird that I fell asleep every time I came and went from this town.

I moved to curl up on the bed and cry myself to sleep.

-

When I woke up I turned to look at the window, it was still light out. I went to check the clock, it said it was 8:00 AM. I must’ve slept for a full day. I felt better, at least physically. My ankle didn’t hurt as much and my body felt much more relaxed.

I walked over to my bags and took out my pillow and blanket and tossed them on the bed. I kicked my boots off and curled up for another nap. I went back to sleep with ease.

I assumed when I woke up it would be darker out, but no. As I sat up and rubbed my face, when I noticed that the sun was still out I turned to look at the clock. It was still 8:00 AM. Convinced the clock was broken I got up and walked to the bathroom to take a shower.

When I came out the clock had the same time on it. I signed and made a note to get a new clock as soon as possible. I would also need a way to get money, so it was time to look for a job: The thought of it all was stressing me out. I wanted to turn back and curl up in my bed.

When I went downstairs to explore the town, I was stopped at the front desk by a man I hadn’t seen before. He was older and looked permanently sad.

“Before you can live in Ravenswood, you have to slay your demons.” The man told me with a frown.

I was confused, but only for a second because it started to dawn on me that I only had one demon. The faceless man.

“How? The last time I saw him he was at my house. He murdered my mother and left, as far as I know.” I told the man behind the counter.

“You won’t have to go far, child.” The man said before turning towards the door, “Go to the edge of town and your demon will be waiting for you. Be prepared to win, or die trying.” He warned me. His voice was monotone, I wanted to assume he was joking but after all of the weirdness I have been facing, this seemed to be the thing that made the most sense.