The Dark Room: Dark Room, #1

By Kylie Jensen

In a collision of two worlds, Eva finds herself torn between the confines of a dull relationship and the allure of a secret life of underground clubs and hedonistic pleasures. A manager at a designer boutique in Berlin, Eva has always tried to keep balance. Work, her boyfriend Ken, and her very limited circle of friends on one hand, and her desires on the other. As her dissatisfaction with her partner grows, she seeks solace in the darkness, desperate to escape the monotony of her everyday life. 

But when her clandestine activities intersect with her reality, Eva is forced to confront the consequences of her desires. Will she be able to reconcile her need for freedom and pleasure with the expectations and responsibilities of her ordinary existence? In this captivating tale, Eva navigates the complexities of her dual life, exploring the boundaries of love, intimacy, and self-discovery. With each step she takes, she must decide whether to embrace the passion that beckons or return to the safety of the known.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Seagull Editions
• Release date: Jun 29, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223813118

Book preview

Chapter One

Eva stood in the back room of the clothing store she managed, surrounded by stacks of boxes. Her slender fingers deftly lifted one box after another, carrying them from the cluttered storage room to the pristine display area on the sales floor. The late afternoon sunlight streamed through the two large windows, casting a warm glow on her golden locks.

As she moved with purpose, Eva's keen fashion sense was evident in every detail of her appearance. In her mid-30s she radiated a timeless beauty, her blonde hair framing a face adorned with delicate features. Her attire, a perfectly tailored ensemble of designer pieces, accentuated her impeccable style.

The store itself mirrored Eva's taste, located on a bustling shopping street in the heart of Berlin. With its elegant façade, it beckoned passersby to step into a world where fashion reigned supreme. Inside, cozy armchairs and a sparkling chandelier added touches of luxury to the blend of classic and modern styles. Bathed in natural light, the space felt bright and inviting.

Eva navigated through the two expansive sales floor rooms, organizing and arranging the clothing racks with meticulous care. Every garment was a work of art, awaiting its moment to dazzle the world. The changing rooms, tucked away discreetly, provided a sanctuary for customers to try on their potential new identities. A long corridor led from the sales area to the back office and storage rooms, an unassuming pathway that concealed the inner workings of the store.

As the clock approached 5, signaling closing time, Eva finished restocking the shelves and racks. The store was filled with a dazzling array of branded clothing for both men and women. She glanced around, satisfied with her efforts. The mostly full racks stood as a testament to her diligence.

With a sigh, Eva returned the empty boxes to the storage room, her heels clicking on the polished wooden floor. Once the task was complete, she found herself, once again, in the state of boredom that often accompanied the solitude of the store. There was little left to be done, and the minutes seemed to stretch endlessly before closing time.

Eva sought solace in the pages of a book, its words transporting her to a different world. In a world where routine dominated her days, her affinity for literature provided a much-needed escape. She propped herself behind the counter in a simple chair, losing herself in the story.

Unlike many of her peers, Eva was not one to immerse herself in the world of social media or incessantly check her cell phone. Her life followed a predictable pattern, with a small social circle that consisted of a few close friends. She was content in her own company, finding solace in the quiet moments she spent reading.

Time passed by in a blur as Eva turned page after page. Her routine life seamlessly transitioned from one task to another, the store's closing hour marking the end of yet another day. With a soft sigh, she closed the book, its pages whispering tales of distant lands and forgotten dreams.

As she locked the doors behind her, Eva couldn't help but look forward to the next day, the promise of a new routine waiting to unfold. For now, the store stood silent and empty, its elegant interior a testament to Eva's meticulous work. And as she walked away, the chandelier continued to cast a gentle glow, bidding her farewell until tomorrow.

Eva descended the stairs of the subway station, the bustling sounds of after-work commuters filling the air. Her cellphone emitted a twinkling noise, signaling an incoming message from her boyfriend, Ken. She resisted the urge to check it, keeping her focus on the present moment. The strap of her designer purse nestled securely on her shoulder as she navigated the crowded platform.

The subway arrived with a screech, and Eva found herself squeezed into the cramped space, sandwiched between strangers. The rhythmic jostling of the train mirrored the thoughts swirling in her mind. A few stops later, she managed to navigate her way through the sea of people and stepped out onto the platform of Ken's neighborhood.

The area exuded an air of tranquility and prosperity. The streets were quiet, lined with well-kept buildings and manicured trees. Eva made her way towards the entrance of the elegant old building where Ken resided. The kind doorman, a familiar face, greeted her with a warm smile and a nod of recognition.

Good evening, Eva, the doorman said in a genial tone. Long day?

Eva returned the smile, her voice carrying a hint of weariness mingled with contentment. Yes, long indeed, but a good day overall. Thank you.

The doorman's eyes twinkled with understanding. Well, I'm glad to hear that. Have a wonderful night, Eva.

Thank you. You too, Eva replied before stepping into the elevator, the doors closing behind her.

On the fourth floor, Eva knocked lightly on Ken's apartment door. It swung open almost immediately, revealing Ken's familiar face. She greeted him with a warm embrace, pressing a gentle kiss on his cheek. She slipped off her heels and jacket, placing them neatly by the door.

Ken's apartment reflected his eclectic personality. The shelves were adorned with rows of books, displaying his intellectual curiosity. The modern minimalist style was accentuated by tasteful art adorning the walls. Designer accessories were carefully arranged, adding a touch of sophistication. Vintage records lined a corner, hinting at his appreciation for nostalgia.

As Eva made her way into the bedroom to change into more casual and comfortable clothes, the room continued to reveal Ken's essence. It was a space where his work seamlessly blended with his personal life. The desk held a clutter of papers, a testament to his life as a journalist. It was a realm where creativity and productivity intertwined.

Eva emerged from the bedroom, transformed into a more relaxed version of herself. She found Ken engrossed in his writing, his fingers dancing across the keyboard. She approached him, her presence punctuated by a soft smile.

Long day at the store, she said, her voice laced with a mix of weariness and affection. How was your day?

Ken looked up from his work briefly, continuing to type as she sat next to him on the couch. The apartment smelled of cooking food, and she glanced at the kitchen,