1 Junction Point

There it was, the noise of a rusted engine I hated so much. Usually I would plug in my earphones and be in my own world, or at least that's what I think I would do. I opened my eyes, only to find myself on a deserted bus. I was surprised at how come I was the only passenger left. Did I sleep the entire way and miss my stop? Where was I?

Wait? Why am I in this bus? And where was I going? I don't remember boarding this bus or any bus. The last thing I remember was... Well... Nothing!!?

What's going on? How come I lost all my memories in a bus ride?! I search my body, check my head for any injuries, anything that might explain what's going on, or even a clue of who was I? I'm wearing a brown top, a somewhat torn Jacket and black jeans. There were no signs of any injuries or anything that could possibly explain anything that could have happened to me. I was wearing a chain with a locket having a green gem in it. I looked around but it looked like I had no belongings with me whatsoever.

Exasperated, I finally decide to confront the only other person I could see in my vicinity. The old man who was driving the bus. At least he knew the route we were on.

"Hello"? I call out but he doesn't respond

I called again " Hello"? Still no response. I finally raised my voice "Excuse me, Do you know where we are going"?

Extremely irritated, he replied "Look child, I'm tired of answering this question every single day. Sit down, you will see when we get there."

"Every single day? What are you, a contractual kidnapper or something?"

He snorts "that's one way to put it, except it's even worse."

"Wait, WHAT??! I was just kidding, but this is insane. Why the hell wou-"

Suddenly the man hits the brakes as the bus comes to a halt with a jerk. .

"I've already said more than enough. Get down kid. We're here."

As soon as I get down I see a deserted place with only one house there. Where was I? I mean if I was kidnapped shouldn't they be more cautious with me so that I don't run away? This felt really weird. Plus not remembering anything hurt. I wish I could get the tiniest bit of explanation as to what's going on. The bus left the moment I stepped down so I'm all by myself with no idea what to do. So, I decided to see who lives here. The moment I was about to open the door, I heard a voice "WAIT!?"

I turned around to see a woman dressed in a suit, wearing glasses as of a very formal attire. It's ironic, but given the state of affairs I can't really complain.

"Hey there, don't open that door yet, will you?"

I raise my eyebrows. "Okay? I was actually looking for someone, I mean, anyone who can tell me what's going on? This day has been kind of... confusing "

" Well I suppose that's a common phenomenon" she smiles at me."Don't be sad, I can assure you it's a great adventure ahead, although given that how you are not supposed to be here yet, I believe something must have went wrong."

So here I was expecting her to say finally something that made sense but, she ended up confusing me further.

"Listen, Uh, I have no idea what's going on, okay!?, who am I? It seems like you were kind of expecting me, do you, perhaps, know me?"

" Wait, you don't know your name?"

"No"

"That's... new." she looks concerned " what's the last thing you can remember? "

" Waking up in an almost empty bus? Like a while ago?"

"Oh dear" she raises her hand to pat my shoulder, but I back away. I'm not very comfortable with touching people. She withdraws her hand and gives me an empty smile.

"Well, I wish I had the answers you were looking for, but unfortunately I don't have access to that kind of information. However, since I can tell that you were not supposed to be here, I will offer you an option. You can stay here for a while and figure out everything you're curious about. Or you can open the door and move on"

" Open the door and move on? As in going somewhere else? it's just a little hut"

"Not really, it just looks like that" she smiles.

"Then where does it lead to?"

" Beyond"

"Beyond? What's that like?" I laugh. Sounds like some fantasy drama to me.

"I wouldn't know. I have helped many people across this door, but I've never been to the other side. If I were, I wouldn't be standing here."

"Wait, is this a one way road?

"Yes, once you go past it, you can't return. Which is why when I offer you the chance of staying here here or go across the door, I want you to think carefully. Not everyone is offered this choice."

I think for quite a while, considering what I should do. I mean I have no idea who I am. If I choose to go I will never know anyway. But if I stay I get to figure it out, and maybe come back when or if I'm ready to go to... well.... "Beyond".

" If I choose to stay, I can come back later right? To go to the other side of the door?" then why am I so intrigued about what is on the other side of that door, I wonder.

" Yes"

" Then I'll stay for now."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes"

"Alright then. I'll see you when you come back here later. Oh remember don't cause too much trouble. Believe me it effects on what you find across that door".

"It varies from person to person? "

"Yes it does, it leads everyone to a different place".

I narrow my eyes at her "I thought you said you didn't know what lies on the other side of that door"

"I don't. I'm just telling what I've been instructed to tell the Newcomers"

" Fair enough. Just last thing, what is this place? I mean what's so significant about this place that I've been brought here?

"This is the Junction Point. It connects two realms. Everyone who dies is brought here first."

Hearing that my eyes were about to pop out from their sockets. If what she said is true then that means I'm.... Dead.