On The Road, Again

I woke up with my mom over my face shouting to get up and pack. Our stay at the hotel was just a stop on our journey to my ancestral house. We freshened up and went down quickly with all our stuff.

When I was rechecking the items in my backpack I saw my sketch book. A wave of memories flooded my head. Mimi's nightmares and mine came to my mind when I heard my uncle Joe calling out for us. I gave my stuff to them to put in the truck as I hopped in the car, trying to find a comfortable spot for the long journey.

This time everyone had charged their phones and prepared the maps to make sure we don't get lost again. The ride was a long one. Due to the recent events Mimi and I were not in a bright mood. My mom was confused as normally on trips we are so full of joy that it seems like the car is dancing with us at Coachella! So she took initiative and asked to play songs.

I loved to DJ, but only with my family. My obsession with music is huge. I love it. Hearing her offer I started searching for the favorite songs of our family. Everyone had different preferences but I could always make the just right playlist my audience could enjoy. I knew my mom was trying to cheer me up so I did the same with Mimi by asking for her opinion.

In a second the car's awkward silence was filled by tasteful music. Everyone was enjoying themselves, singing and dancing like we were at a concert. After a while we got tired so I gave the DJ responsibility to my mother as I dozed off. I hate car rides and often get sick due to the smell. To avoid that I play music or sleep to pass time.

I woke up when we were only 10 minutes away from our house. I was excited to see what mysteries I could unfold there. The house was inside a forest. We had to pass an old town to get there. We passed under a tunnel. The tunnel seemed dark and scary on the outside. But when we were crossing it. The stones on the walls glowed under the lumination from the headlights. It was mystical and intriguing.

When we passed the tunnel as far as I could see there were only plants, wildflowers and trees. It was very colorful and looked ravishing. We then stopped at a large gate in front of a castle. There mist was flowing around the castle walls. The sun was beaming through the clouds which made the diamond on the top of the castle tower shine. The wind seemed to get colder as I walked closer. The stones on the walls looked ruggedy but were smooth to the touch. The castle was abandoned but looked regal.

The castle was bold on the blue beyond. It stood there as if conjured from the storybook of a child. It was perfect. Every stone was even and square, as if those who built were set on perfection. There were 9 doors inside one another and opening it seemed impossible even for a superhero, or alien.

My parents tried to push it open but were tired and unable to do so. We had to settle inside and my grandparents needed to rest but the fortress was too strong. The others were discussing how we should enter, when I heard the shadow again. "Go" it said " Open the doors. You can do it as you are worthy. This is your destiny". I looked around hoping it was someone playing a prank and not the nightmare I had met.

My vision got blurry. I could feel the shadow behind me, looking over my shoulder. As if bewitched, I moved towards the door. I put my hands on the patterns sheathing the gates as I pushed...