CHAPTER 4

TRIGGER WARNING: This chapter talks about parental neglect/alcoholism, i.e. screaming matches in front of a child, blaming the child for ruining everything, etc. Also mentions some self harm/implied self harm scars.

Teddy was comfortable in taking Avery around the museum, pointing out which exhibits were which and which ones you should definitely avoid at all costs…the mayans and the lions. Avery was having the time of her life! It's not everyday you get to have this kind of adventure!

"So Cecil told me that the tablet of- oh gosh I'm blanking on his name-"

"Ahkmenrah."

"Yes Ahkmenrah, thanks. So his tablet is responsible for giving the entire museum life? But only at night?"

"Correct my dear! Ah what convenient timing, here we are at his exhibit! Come, I will show you the source of power."

Teddy had put his hand on Avery's back and guided her inside before she could protest. Immediately haunting screams reached her ears as she saw a sarcophagus rattling around. The screams had triggered unwanted memories inside her of her own parents having screaming matches. She resisted the urge to put her hands over her ears because she wanted to appear polite and listen intently to what Teddy had to say. But it was becoming harder to listen as she could now only hear and focus on the screams. She started getting tunnel vision and felt a little lightheaded. She subconsciously started playing with strands of her hair in an attempt to sooth herself. Teddy was so engrossed in explaining where the tablet came from and where it was found that he didn't notice Avery on the verge of a nervous breakdown. But she swallowed hard and asked if they could leave as the screaming was giving her a headache. Yes it was a lie, well sort of, her head did hurt a little. But she didn't want to state the real cause of her distress to someone she barely knew.

"Not to worry dear! Onward then. Continue to yell all you want, Pharaoh! You've been in there 54 years and you're not getting out tonight!"

And with that they left, passing under the watchful gazes of the two statues. Only when they were outside and away from the screams and rattling coffin, was Avery able to start the process of trying to calm herself down. She did not expect that, at all. She felt bad for the Pharaoh, whoever he was. She could only imagine how claustrophobic it would be, to be trapped in a small box for over a century, alive no less. But those raw, blood-curdling screams would surely haunt her dreams tonight and even for the rest of her life. She was trapped in her mind now. Remembering when her parents would get into screaming matches. Her mom would be drunk after having a whole bottle and a half of wine or whatever alcohol she could get her hands on. Her dad would also start drinking to manage her mother's blunt observations. No, strike that, they were criticisms. How he couldn't do anything right, how she was always doing this or that (which was just another lie), how he ruined her by getting her pregnant. And her dad yelled back that the only reason he won't divorce her is because he doesn't want to pay child support. That their kid is the reason their lives are ruined. And so on and so forth. Avery remembers being in her closet pressed all the way against the wall with her hands over her ears and tears streaming down her face. Not even the clothes hanging or the closet and bedroom door shut could drown out the screaming.

Avery traced some scars over her wrist in an attempt to calm down and remain in the present. The scars are for a story for a different time. Slowly but surely as they created more distance between them and the Egyptian wing, was she able to calm herself down. Plus she had multiple exhibits to be introduced to that would serve as a kind distraction. As they passed a room where there were weird, faceless soldiers locked in battle, did Avery realize Teddy had stopped to stare into the room with binoculars. She sidled up next to him to glimpse what he was looking at. At the corner of the room was a large glass case with three people inside; two men who looked like they were arguing over something on a map, and a woman in Native American clothes.

"Teddy? Who are those people if I might ask?" Teddy startled and almost dropped his binoculars but recovered quickly.

"Well my dear, are you familiar with the stories of Lewis and Clark and the woman Sacagawea who helped them on their expedition?" He said her name softly.

"Oh wow! That's so cool that they're here! I mean of course they're here, it's a natural history museum and they were trying to discover what this land held, to document it, and I'm sorry am I rambling on?" She suddenly felt self conscious, she rambles on when she's nervous. But Teddy reassured her that she was fine, and with one last fleeting glance towards Sacagawea, they were off again.

"Well my dear, that's everything this museum has to offer. I sincerely hope I was a sufficient tour guide!"

"You were that and more! This is the most fun I've had in a while. I mean a t-rex skeleton that acts like a dog? Who would have thought? He seems like a good boy!- now that I know he only wants to play and isn't trying to eat me." She wasn't afraid of him anymore, laughing at herself for how she reacted. Of course now she can laugh at it, but at that moment it was all very scary!

Just as they rounded the corner into the main lobby, did they meet the three night guards in a perfect timing. Rexy had even made a return appearance with his bone in his mouth. This time Avery was prepared as he dropped it at her feet. She laughed and drew her arm back and threw the bone as hard as she could across the hall. Rexy ran right after it.

"Well, it looks like you've had time to get used to ol' Rexy and the rest of the museum! Thanks again Teddy, we'll take it from here." Cecil nodded to Teddy who then was on his way to patrol the grounds once again. The three guards had led Avery down to the security office once again.