It's an odd staircase, it seems older than the house itself. The top
step is smooth, polished contemporary sharp machine tooled edges. The
next step seems older - not as shiny. Perhaps she had to replace the
top step. A few steps down and you notice that the steps look rough
hewn. You look at the stairs below you, they appear to be organic
like branches or roots forming a natural staircase. Of course that's
impossible, it must be just some carefully carved wood made to look
natural. You are impressed, and actually start to walk faster. You're
anxious to see what the basement must look like if it's designed with
the same naturalistic architecture.
You're halfway down the staircase when you notice how itchy you're
clothing is start to feel, and how warm it seems to be getting. The
boiler is probably in the basement and that's why it's getting hotter
as you descend the staircase. You trip and extend your legs. You land
on all fours catching the hamhock in your mouth. Your seams rip, but
that doesn't really bother you. You see a large animal collar hanging
from a hook on the wall in front of you. It has a dog tag on it with
the name Precious printed on it.
Your clothing binds in all the wrong places. You shake off your left
shoe.
There's a bing and clanking sound from the right side of the basement
room. You hear the sound of a metal cage door sliding open, then the
wooden door swings open. Apparently, the old woman has an elevator to
the basement, even though she made you take the stairs.
"Precious! How's my new Precious!" she exclaims looking down at you.
You look up, and feel an intense sense of love and loyalty for your
mistress. It's good to be owned. The old woman takes the collar from
the wall and stoops to fasten it around your neck. It's good to be
precious. She attaches a leash and leads you deeper into the basement.
You follow her on all fours. As she leads you to another room, she
brushes against a sheet covered frame. The sheet falls to the floor
revealing a mirror. You turn and blink in surprise, your reflection
isn't your reflection, but it is your reflection. You are no longer
the human that started down the staircase, you are now...