The Groundskeeper - DOORS

Your knowledge on where you were was… not exactly the best. Your head hurt, and rubbing your temples only made it worse. Yet, even with this throbbing pain inside of your head, you felt at peace as you smelled the sweet scent coming from the forest that seemed to be endless. It was honestly better than being in that godforsaken hotel. It didn't help with the thudding of your heart increasing by the minute, though.

You inspected your surroundings carefully. There were two pairs of tables across from each other with multiple pink flowers. The sight was extraordinary, especially due to the fact that you had to endure many attacks from creatures before. “Fuck that hotel,” you thought. However, once your gaze landed on the fountain right outside of the ‘cabin’ that you were inside of, your eyes seemed to widen. The cobblestone path along with the carefully trimmed grass on the side made you seem as if you had found something precious. Delicately, you walked over towards the opening of the building to stare at the flora. There was something so warm about it. But before you could dwell in your imagination, a thought suddenly struck you. Who was taking care of this place?

The cold wind air with a tinge of warmth hit you softly. The leaves lapped right under your shoes. You began making your way out of the front. Startled by some trees falling right in front of you, the thought that they were intentionally cut like that took form in your mind for a split second, yet you shook your head and made yourself forget about it. Not only that, but while you explored the vast garden, you stopped in front of a closed gate. Fortunately, it was easy to get through due to the fact that there was a particularly prominent red button staring right at you. Small, annoying Mandrakes roamed around the place. You would pick them up by accident here and there. Nonetheless, you'd always put it back where it came from. Additionally, you'd also find monuments—long, spider-like creatures that struck fear into you once you realized you were being followed. Those were nightmares to deal with.

While passing through another gate, a tall scarecrow suddenly stepped right out of the corner of your eye.

Apparently, the idea of you stepping on the grass around was forbidden, for it would usually threaten you with a gesture or just grunt at you. Its scythe, long and wooden, influenced you to maybe avoid irritating the man either way. It was curious, yes, but that did not mean that it wouldn’t go ahead and stab you or do something worse. It always had eyes on you.

Multiple noises of annoyance came out of its mouth watching you walk around like nothing. The air got colder as the scarecrow narrowed its eyes not to only move closer to you, but to also grab you by the shirt. Its grip was tight, rough, and yet… enticing (which was embarrassing to admit to yourself, of course. Unless you are a psycho).

gesturing to the flora around them, it pushed you down onto the hard, cold floor. Pain shot through you instantly. You let out a cough and a groan of anger while looking up at the man standing in front of you. “What was that for?” you asked cautiously. It only responded with another grunt. Seemed like you weren't going to get a proper response. Well, what a great conversation. Either way, you decided to speak to it.