The Other Side

Jane arrived at the temple almost immediately. The temple itself was very ancient, covered with dust, vines and roots from nearby trees. But the door was still steadily intact. Before the temple there were mini steps, and there were ashes poured on top of them. It was probably the people before her who came here, just like the old man said. Jane slowly climbed up the steps and when she finally reached the door she opened it. Slowly, the door produced a creaking sound and a putrid scent could be smelled from the inside. Jane switched on her torch light and shone the black pitch darkness inside with the light. The temple was empty, a dead rat on the floor and some candles were on top of the altar. There were no statues inside. Jane had to clean the temple first by removing the dead rat. The smell almost made Jane wanted to vomit.

Now it’s time for the summoning ritual. Jane closed the door of the temple and locked it. She lit two candles to her left and right side. Behind the door, she had to put her late son’s most treasured possesion, his toy car. Finally she needed to burn the incense. Now all she had to do was sit and wait.

Jane was awoken by the loud knock on the door. She didn’t realise she was asleep. Startled, she felt like her heart just dropped to her stomach. She looked at her watch and the time showed 3:18 am. Jane forced her self to be brave and asked whoever it was knocking on the door.
“Who’s there?”
“Mommy? Is that you? I can hear your voice.”
“Joey?” Jane replied. She quickly moved closer and pressed her ear against the door.
“Mommy where am I?”
“Mommy’s here. Don’t be scared. Joey, mommy’s so happy to have you here again.”
“Me too. You and daddy was missing. I’ve been looking for you two.”
“I know honey, mommy and daddy been looking for you too.” At this moment Jane was crying and sobbing badly.
“Why are you crying mommy? Please don’t cry.”
“Joey, mommy’s so sorry. I wasn’t there to save you.”
“It’s okay mommy. It wasn’t your fault.”
“Honey, I love you.”
“I love you too. Mommy it’s so dark out here. Let me in.” Joey was now trying to open the door.
“No I can’t honey. Mommy cannot do that.”
“Why not mommy? I’m so scared please let me in!” Joey knocked the door harder.
“I’m so sorry.”
“Please open the door mommy! I just want to hug you! Don’t you love me anymore!?” Jane heard Joey crying pleading to be let inside.
“No honey it’s not that. I just can’t!” Then the door went still and few seconds later Joey started talking again.
“Mommy I have to go. They’re coming to get me.”
“Go? Go where? But you just came! Who’s coming to get you?” There was no answer from Joey.
“Joey! Joey! Who’s coming to get you?!”

Without thinking any much longer, Jane ignored the taboo, she stood up, unlocked the door and opened it wide. There was no one outside. She yelled for her son’s name but no one was there. A sudden gust of wind blew passed her and shut the temple’s door with a loud impact. Seeing it as a bad sign, Jane left the temple immediately with a desperate feeling and a broken heart.