Room: A Novel By Emma Donoghue Novels & Stories

Andrew DeLuca The silence of the night enveloped me as I finally left Emma's room. The door closed behind me, isolating her from the outside world, but also leaving me alone with my tumultuous thoughts. I walked through the silent corridors of the mansion, my steps firm and determined, but my mind a true storm of internal conflicts. Emma's eyes still danced before mine, an intriguing mix of challenge and vulnerability. She was like a burning flame, difficult to extinguish, even in the face of the circumstances I had created.

Leslie couldn't believe it, he must have called her phone a million times but there she was. She steps away from the door and Leslie walked in. Emma's Airbnb was a cosy and minimalist space, adorned with contemporary furniture and tasteful decorations. The sitting room had soft, neutral tones, with large windows allowing natural light to filter in. A plush sofa stood against one wall, accompanied by a sleek coffee table and a couple of accent chairs. The room exuded a sense of calm and serenity, creating an atmosphere that contrasted with the storm of emotions brewing between Leslie and Emma. As they both sat in silence, the tension in the room became palpable. Emma broke the silence, her vo

"Avis, could you grab my body wash? It’s on my desk. I'm busy showering; I can't go over to get it." On the balcony, my roommate, Linda Lowe, was indulging in her cold shower, basking in the sunlight streaming through the windows. Our dorm wasn’t on a high floor, and anyone passing below could easily glance up to enjoy the view. But Linda didn’t care. Far from it—she seemed to revel in it, swaying her body with exaggerated movements as though she couldn’t wait to flaunt herself.

She thought. She got her cleaning supplies and a guard took her to another section of the house. They stopped in front of a huge door. “This is the Don’s room.” He told her. "Is he in?" "Didn't anyone tell you not to ask questions here." He said scowling She kept quiet and knocked, but there was no answer. She opened the door nervously and looked in the room. It was empty. Feeling relieved she went in. The room was like a mini apartment and she spent some seconds admiring it. Then headed for the bathroom.

"My parents and my sister, Lyla." He turned back to her after nodding and taking another look at the picture. "So, the room?" Hyper aware of his presence behind her, Grace guided him down the corridor. She said, "It's not very large," and opened the second bedroom door. "But it gets good light in the morning." Max entered and looked around the deserted room. With the exception of the dust bunnies beneath the bed and an enigmatic stain on the carpet that Grace had spent hours cleaning, Megan had taken everything.

Mason called, his socked feet sliding as he rounded the corner. “You’re too slow!” Emma chirped, darting into her pastel purple room, the little star-shaped night lights already glowing. Brielle leaned on the doorframe, smiling as she watched Emma climb onto her new bed and bounce twice before stretching out her arms dramatically. “It’s all mine!” Emma announced proudly. “Yeah, well mine is bigger!” Mason countered, running back across the hall to his new space a soft green room filled with dinosaurs, art supplies, and a play rug shaped like a racetrack.

It's his room. Esmeralda waits until the doors close. Then five more seconds. Then ten. Patience had always been her mother’s gift, not hers. But tonight impatience would get her killed. She slips across the polished floor noiselessly and eases one door open just enough to slide inside. The room is vast. Too vast for one man. Dark wood. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the forest. A fireplace cold but immaculate. Shelves lined with books she knows no one has touched in years. Weapons mounted on one wall like art. A low bed draped in charcoal linen.

•.• Skylar •.• “I’m Room 16,” Harper said, staring at her phone. “Queens Hall.” She looked up at me. The school had sent out details of students’ dorm rooms and every other vital piece of information through email. “What room are you?” she asked, and I pursed my lips, staring down at my phone. “Room 17…” I was interrupted when Harper shrieked and threw her arms around me. “Our rooms will be right next to each other!” she grinned, and I cocked my head to the side.

Chapter Two – First Impressions (Dante POV) The room was already too small. It always had been. Four steps from the door to the window. Two long strides to cross from one bed to the other. The walls pressed in like they were waiting for an excuse to close the gap entirely. The overhead fluorescent buzzed faintly, the same low drone I’d tuned out last year, and the air still carried that sharp, institutional tang of bleach and new paint trying to cover up years of other people’s sweat and spilled energy drinks.