Room Below The World

Prologue

The night hung heavy with an unnatural stillness, as Tyler Lawson slipped into the embrace of sleep. The sterile confines of the hotel room faded away, replaced by a dreamscape that teetered on the edge of the familiar and the unknown. He found himself standing in a dense, primeval forest, the trees towering above him with their twisted, gnarled branches, clawing at a sky painted with bruised and ominous hues.

The air was thick, laden with an oppressive fog that clung to his skin, seeping into his lungs with each breath. A profound silence surrounded him, broken only by the distant rustle of unseen creatures lurking in the shadows. An inexplicable dread began to gnaw at his senses, a sensation that something malevolent watched him from the darkness, just beyond his sight.

With a cautious step, Tyler began to walk, the ground beneath him uneven and treacherous. The path twisted and turned, leading him deeper into the heart of the forest. The trees seemed to close in around him, their branches forming a suffocating canopy that blotted out what little light remained. Each step he took seemed to draw him further into a labyrinth of despair, the path ahead obscured by the ever-thickening fog.

As he ventured deeper, a rhythmic pounding began to throb through the earth beneath his feet, resonating through his bones. The sound grew louder, more insistent, as if the very heart of the forest pulsed with a dark and ancient power. Tyler halted, his pulse quickening in time with the relentless beat. The ground beneath him trembled, the very earth seeming to shift and buckle in response to the unseen force.

Tyler’s unease deepened, a cold sweat breaking out across his brow as the surrounding forest began to shift and twist. The trees leaned in closer, their branches reaching out like skeletal fingers, and the path became more treacherous with each step. His breath came in ragged gasps as he struggled to maintain his footing on the unstable ground, the oppressive atmosphere closing in around him.

Suddenly, the pounding ceased, and the forest fell into a deathly silence. The absence of sound was more terrifying than the noise had been, a void that seemed to swallow all light and hope. The air grew colder, the fog thickening until it was nearly impenetrable. Tyler felt the ground beneath him shift once more, the earth quaking as if alive, and he stumbled forward, trying to escape the unseen terror that pursued him.

But the path ahead was gone, swallowed by the shadows that pressed in from all sides. The forest had become a cage, its dark limbs imprisoning him in a web of despair. His heart pounded in his chest as he searched desperately for a way out, his mind racing with fear and confusion. The darkness loomed closer, a tide of malevolent force that threatened to engulf him completely.

In the distance, a faint light flickered, barely perceptible through the dense fog. Tyler’s breath caught in his throat as he realized it was his only chance. With every ounce of strength he could muster, he broke into a run, the forest closing in behind him as he sprinted toward the distant glow. His legs burned with the effort, the rough ground tearing at his feet, but he pushed on, driven by a desperate need to escape the encroaching darkness.

The light grew brighter as he neared, a shroud of hope in the suffocating gloom. But just as he reached out to grasp it, the ground beneath him gave way, and he was plunged into darkness. The sensation of falling gripped him as the world around him dissolved into a void, the light extinguished as swiftly as it had appeared.

Chapter 1

A Morning Without End

TYLER LAWSON WOKE TO the soft murmur of the city coming to life outside his hotel window, feeling the weight of another long day ahead.

He squinted at the pale glow filtering into the room, feeling the weight of another long day ahead. The chirping of birds outside the window was a welcome contrast to the city’s usual harshness, a reminder of the peaceful start to a day that would bring him closer to home.

He couldn’t shake the dream he had. It lingered in his mind.

What could it mean? If dreams mean anything at all. He decided to put this thought behind him, besides, he was leaving soon. Back to his family that he misses so much.

Tyler stretched out his stiff muscles, savoring the brief quiet moment before the whirlwind of meetings and presentations began again. He rubbed his tired eyes and glanced at the framed photos on the nightstand—images of his family that had traveled with him for just such moments of homesickness. Jessica’s radiant smile, Oliver’s mischievous grin, and Grace’s wide-eyed wonder seemed to beckon him from the glossy surfaces.

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee drifted into the room from the hotel’s breakfast area, mixing with the faint scent of his own aftershave. Tyler could almost taste the rich, creamy warmth of a good cup of coffee, something he had come to depend on to start his day. He imagined the comforting ritual of his own kitchen at home, where Jessica would have brewed a pot, and the kids would be bustling around, chattering about their plans for the day.

As he got out of bed, the cool touch of the hotel floor against his feet was a stark contrast to the warm, soft rug at home. He padded over to the window, pushing aside the curtain to take in the view of the city slowly waking up. The skyline, bathed in the golden light, reminded him of the skyline back home, though the silhouettes of trees and rolling hills punctuated that one.

Tyler’s mind wandered once more to his family, the ache of missing them more pronounced with each passing moment. He thought of Jessica’s laugh, a sound he missed more than he realized, and the way Oliver and Grace’s voices blended into a symphony of youthful energy. His heart yearned for the simple pleasure of their morning routines—sharing breakfast, helping with school projects, or just lounging together on a lazy weekend.

He imagined the warm embrace of Scout, their loyal dog, curling up at his feet as he drank his coffee. The thought of her wagging tail and the way she’d nuzzle against him filled him with a deep longing. The hotel room, though comfortable, felt sterile and impersonal compared to the warmth of home.

Tyler prepared for the day with a sense of eager anticipation. Each routine gesture—a quick shave, adjusting his tie, and packing his briefcase—was infused with the hope of soon returning to the life he cherished. The distant sound of a city awakening faded into the background as his thoughts were fully consumed by the anticipation of reuniting with his family.

He glanced at the clock and realized it was time to head out. With a final look at the photos from the nightstand, Tyler gave himself a silent pep talk, promising that this was one more step towards coming home.

As he left the hotel room, the crisp morning air greeted him, and he took a deep breath, savoring the fleeting sense of calm before the busy day ahead.

He picked up his phone, his fingers moving with practiced ease to dial Jessica’s number. The familiar ringtone echoed faintly in the quiet hotel room before she answered.

Hey, Jess, Tyler said, his voice carrying a hint of fatigue but also warmth. It’s me. I just wanted to let you know I’m heading home from the city.

Tyler! That’s great news! Jessica’s voice crackled with enthusiasm over the line. We’ve missed you so much. How was the trip?

Busy, as usual, Tyler replied, his lips curling into a smile at the sound of her voice. But everything went well. I’m looking forward to getting back. I can’t wait to see you and the kids.

We’re all looking forward to it too, Jessica said. Oliver’s been asking about you every day, and Grace keeps drawing pictures to put on your desk when you get home. Scout’s been a little restless, missing you.

Tyler chuckled aloud. I’m sure she has. I’ve been missing all of you more than I thought possible. It’s been too long.

I know, sweetie, Jessica said, her voice softening. We’re counting down the hours. I’ve got a surprise planned for dinner, something special for your first night back.

You’re the best, Tyler said, his voice filled with genuine appreciation. I’m really looking forward to it. I’ll be home as soon as I can. Just wanted you to know.

Safe travels, love. See you soon, Jessica replied, her tone full of affection.

See you soon, I love you Tyler echoed.

I love you too, she replied.

He ended the call with a contented sigh, feeling a renewed sense of anticipation for the moment he would finally step through the door and back into the warmth of his family’s embrace.

Tyler stepped out of the hotel, the brisk morning air waking him up a bit more. As he approached the curb, he spotted David leaning against their rental car, looking more worn out than usual. David's eyes were slightly red, and he rubbed his face as if trying to push away the lingering fatigue.

Hey, David, Tyler called out, concern evident in his voice. You look tired. Do you want me to drive?

David straightened up and forced a smile. I’m fine, Tyler. Just a rough night. Besides, you’ve got a long day ahead. I can handle the drive.

He did have a long day ahead. Before heading home he had to go into the office and talk to his boss about the business meetings over the past week.

Tyler hesitated, glancing at David’s tired face. You sure? I don’t mind taking the wheel. It’s a long trip, and we need to be safe.

David waved off the concern with a dismissive gesture. I appreciate it, but I’ve got it covered. Let’s just get on the road so we can get home sooner.

Tyler nodded reluctantly, tossing his bag into the back seat and sliding into the passenger seat. He still felt uneasy, but he trusted David’s judgment. Settling into the seat, Tyler thought again of his family and the comfort of home waiting at the end of the journey.

As they pulled away from the hotel, Tyler glanced at David once more, hoping his coworker’s exhaustion wouldn’t be a problem. The engine's steady purr filled the car, and the city began to fade behind them as they started the long drive home.

As the car merged onto the highway, Tyler glanced out the window, watching the cityscape gradually give way to suburban sprawl and then to open countryside. The rhythmic sound of the tires on the road provided a soothing backdrop to their journey.

David broke the comfortable silence. So, how’s the family doing, Tyler?

Tyler turned to look at him, a warm smile spreading across his face. They’re doing great, thanks for asking. Jessica’s been keeping everything running smoothly at home. Oliver and Grace are growing up so fast, sometimes it feels like I’m missing so much.

David nodded, his eyes briefly meeting Tyler’s before returning to the road. I can imagine. It must be tough being away from them so often.

It is, Tyler admitted, his voice tinged with a touch of sadness. But it makes the time we do have together even more special. I can’t wait to get back to them. Jessica told me she’s planning a surprise dinner for my return. It’s little things like that which make all the hard work worth it.

Sounds awesome. Must be nice to have that kind of support. he retorted.

It really is, Tyler said, his gaze turning wistful. And Scout, our dog, she’s probably been missing me too. The kids keep telling me how she waits by the door every evening.

That’s sweet, David replied. "It’s great that you have