Rescue...

Your heart races as you struggle against the ropes, **** for any sign of movement. The sound of your own pleas for help echo in the basement, but the stark reality is that you might be completely alone in this nightmare. The cold, damp walls surround you, pressing down on you like a weight, and you feel the sinister presence of Bernhardt looming over you.

In your panic, you notice a crack in the wall, a small sliver of hope in this otherwise hopeless situation. The itch to escape burns within you and you strain against the ropes with a renewed vigor, counting every bead of sweat that drips off your forehead. You're determined to find a way out, even if it means risking everything.

"What is going on?" The voice is soft and sweet, and yet Bernhardt flinches back away from it like he is terrified.

"Not here… not here… dead… dead." Bernhardt squeals like he is in pain, looking around with a kind of wild eyed horror. Clapping his filthy hands over his ears, he begins to hum loud and tunelessly as he vanishes back into the dark basement hallways.

"Help me please…" You call as suddenly a small slender figure prances into the room, looking at you laying there exposed on the old wooden table top… The young pixie-faced figure stares at you, smiling as if there is nothing wrong, odd or remotely scary going on.

"Hello I'm Beebe… who are you?" The tiny newcomer sounds absolutely innocent and delightful, but still… saving you or not, you have no idea how to react.

"Beebe… get help, there is a madman here. HURRY." You manage to say, as the pretty… Boy/Girl you are unsure which just claps those little hands together.

"Oh that's just Bernhardt… he's harmless." You look around at the jars full of organs, and then back at the newcomer wondering if they are really that innocent… or just crazy. As you listen for any sign of Bernhardt coming back for you, you quietly test the ropes as Beebe glides over and unties you. "I know he seems scary… but he is just a coward always running away from me." Once your hands are free you hastily shove yourself back into your trousers, zipping and buttoning them as Beebe talks to you about the house and the family. Are you safe now? Or are you just playing a dangerous game of trust with the creepy little boy/girl?

"W-What do you mean 'he's harmless' Beebe." You demand anxiety filling your voice, feeling cautious of your new tiny companion even though they saved you.

"He's just scared of me… He keeps a eyes on this house though, he's been watching us for years." The way Beebe talks about Bernhardt almost makes it sound like some kind of strange, one-sided drama between the gardeners and the inhabitants of the manor.

"Well, I am truly grateful for your help…" Your body trembles as you try to regain your composure. "What can I do for you in return?"

"Rumors say there is a hidden room in this house," Beebe says, peering up at you with those sweet innocent eyes. "I've never been able to find it… would you help me?"

"A hidden room?" Your interest is piqued in spite of your ongoing fear. You look around at the ornate walls, trying to figure out where a secret passage or door might be hidden.