Tap tap tap.

The sound was one I dreaded for years. I want to look and see what was making, how it was making it, but those years before existed made me think better. It was the sound of something covered, and sealed away. It was for the best, I told myself, that no one knew.

I grind together some roots and leaves, a recipe for a potion I had been wanting to try for a while, but just only got a hold of the ingredients.

Tap tap tap.

It started up again, and again I was curious. But I had ignored it for so many years, and I would ignore it today as well. I added the blood of a very... difficult creature. To think it would live so close to my own home! The thought made me shudder as it mixes into a syrupy substance. I pour the mixture into a bottle and seal it. It would have to rest for a few days, but for now I was done.

TAP TAP TAP.

I started to worry this time, it getting more aggressive than it had in years. I feared the glass would break but... I sigh. It never had in the past, why would now be any different?

Maybe.. Maybe a peek wouldn't hurt... I touch the box that contained it, and then immediately pulled my hand away. I wouldn't, no. This was insane. I pace around, looking for a new project to distract my mind, but to no avail.

Tap TAP TAP.

I swallow thickly, knowing the consequences... But perhaps it was worth it...? I rest my hand back on the box, and I unlock it. Inside was a wrapped bottle. I just needed to see if it was cracked, if it was cracked I could... fix it.. I could. My whole body shook as I grabbed the paper wrapping around the neck of the bottle. I had to see. For the good of this world, right?

I stood staring at the bottle for a very long time, the black paper preventing any looking in or out.

TAPTAPTAP.

I dropped the bottle, too startled to realize my biggest mistake.

It crunched down with a weight that couldn't have possibly been the bottle alone. I backed away, stunned as... it... tried to escape the wrapping. It leaked through with a black ooze, ripping the black paper away. It expanded until it was larger than myself, and before I could muster the courage to run, it swallowed me.

I was blind for a time, before I had realized what had happened.

I reached out.

Glass.

My stomach sank.

I was pulled up to what used to be my face, my body, grinning at me.

"It's so good to be back. Your turn now."

I was then set up on the shelf.

Tap tap tap.