I can recall that day as if it just happened yesterday. But it wasn't yesterday. It was 7 years ago. 7 years ago I found that dusty old book. It was hidden in my father's trunk, the one he put all his important stuff in before he went to war. He never came back. My family decided that I should have whatever was in the trunk, but it took me a month to gather enough courage to go through his belongings. I still recall the old handmade leather cover that greeted my eyes when I opened the chest. Carefully, I lifted it up from it's sanctuary and blew the dust off it. I was slightly puzzled at the title: Jay——

"David!"

My mother's voice echoed through the house.

"Why does she always call me when I'm writing in my journal?" I thought to myself.

"Coming!", I replied as I hastily shoved my journal into the back of my teddy bear. My mother still thinks I'm too old for stuffed animals, but I need Teddy. He's the only place I can hide my journal quickly.

I raced down the stairs, half-tripping on the last step.

"Yes, Mom?"

"I know you're busy enrolling for your college courses, but your Aunt Macy and Uncle Ben are going to be coming over this weekend and I need you to help your sister clear out the guest room."

"But, Mom..."

"Honey, please! We have no other rooms and your sister can't do it alone. Besides, it would be nice for you to come out of your room for once and interact with the family."

She gave me one of those looks, the kind only mothers can do. It was stern but persuasive. How could I say no?

"Fine, I guess.... But Abby has to get the cobwebs. There is no way I'm going near those blood-sucking arachnids!"

She shook her head. "Alright, but you both need to work together. I don't want to have to ground you guys again for fighting."

"That wasn't my fault! Abby always gets her way! She can't take no for an answer, so she started to kick me!"

"I'm not going to discuss that with you. Right now, I need you downstairs, cleaning! Understand?"

"Yeah, whatever...."

"Uhh, excuse me! Do you want to lose your phone for a week? Because if you don't, I suggest you get rid of that attitude and start showing me some respect, young man!"

"Alright! Alright! Yeesh! I'm sorry! I'll go help Abby."

I galloped down the steps and opened the door of the guest room.

"Oh my word!"

I remembered the guest room being messy, but not that messy! There were boxes going up to the ceiling, papers strewn everywhere. Dust covered everything, and cobwebs were anywhere a spider could fit.

Abby's voice brought me back to reality. "Are you just going to stand there with that stupid face or are you going to actually help me?"

I hesitatated before responding. "Where do I even start!?"

"The doorway, stupid! Oh, wait! I forgot! You're afraid of spiders! I think they call that Arachniphobia. It's a deep mental issue. Well, since you won't work there, let's have you start by organizing the papers while I sort out the books. Okay, scardy-cat?"

"How is that fair?! There's barely any books and the entire floor has layers of paper on top of it!"

"Then if I were you, I'd get started or I'll tell Mom that you aren't working and she will make you."

"Oh, shut up!" I knelt down and surveyed my task. Organize? Every paper was different! None of them had anything similar!

I let out a sigh and started sorting them. I didn't know how long it would take, but I had to get that room done fast. Every moment with Abby was a moment in Hell.

I looked over my shoulder at her. That old leather book was too familiar...

"Abby! Don't open—"

But it was too late.