Oh no, I'm late!" I exclaimed, panic rising in my chest like a tidal wave. I grabbed my bag and dashed out of the classroom, the door swinging shut behind me with a loud thud. I took to my heels, my feet pounding the pavement in a frantic rhythm that echoed through the emptying hallways. I ran as fast as my little legs could carry me, my heart racing with every step, every beat threatening to burst free from my chest. But alas i missed the bus by just a second. I tried running after it but it was already long gone. I had no other choice but to run all the way home now.The last rays of sunlight glinted off the skyscrapers, casting a golden glow over the city before fading into the darkening sky like a dying ember. The sight before me was breathtaking – the vibrant hues of sunset dancing across the horizon, a kaleidoscope of colors that would have left me awestruck on any other day. But I didn't have the luxury to enjoy its brilliant display, not today, not when time was of the essence. My heart started beating so fast I could feel my rib cage rattling, my breath coming in short gasps that left me lightheaded. The sounds of the city – car horns, chatter, and wailing sirens – were slowly fading away, replaced by the rustling of leaves and snapping of twigs underfoot, a symphony of sounds that signaled my approach to the forest's edge. The trees were getting taller and closer together, their branches creaking ominously in the gentle breeze like skeletal fingers reaching out to snatch me. The air was getting fresher and cleaner, filled with the scent of damp earth and the sweet aroma of blooming flowers, a heady mix that invigorated my senses even as my mind raced with worst-case scenarios. The fragrance of the forest was getting stronger by each passing second, drawing me closer to the safety of home, a beacon of hope in the darkness that gathered around me. But time wasn't on my side either – every second counted, every step felt like an eternity, and I couldn't afford to waste a single one.
I burst through the front door, slamming it shut behind me, and dashed up the stairs to my room, my feet pounding against the steps. I didn't even glance into the living room, where my dad was surely engrossed in his favorite football match, a usual daily ritual. No friendly hello or quick wave today; I was too consumed by my own distress. My sole focus was reaching the sanctuary of my room, where I could finally succumb to my exhaustion.
I flung open the door, shut it behind me, and leaned against it, as if barricading myself from the world. My gaze landed on my dresser, my destination. I strode over, yanked open the drawer, and grabbed the small bottle of pills. My hands trembled as I opened it, spilling a few onto the counter. I picked one up, popping it into my mouth with a sense of urgency, as if my life depended on it – which, in a way, it did. The familiar bitter taste brought a fleeting sense of relief.
I collapsed onto the bed, my body surrendering to the exhaustion that had been building up. My head hit the pillow, and I let out a deep sigh, feeling the weight of my struggles momentarily lift. The softness of the bed enveloped me, a comforting embrace that soothed my tensed muscles.
"Are you alright, sweetie?" My dad's soft voice was laced with concern, making me turn to face him. His clear blue eyes, like a serene lake on a summer day, locked onto mine, filled with a deep worry that made my stomach sink. I couldn't bear the sight of his pitying expression, so I turned away, feeling a lump form in my throat. The tenderness in his voice only made me feel more vulnerable.
"Yes, Dad, I'm fine," I replied, trying to sound emotionless, but my voice cracked slightly. I didn't want to talk about it, didn't want to relive the emotions that were still raw. I just wanted to be left alone, to process my thoughts in peace.
He cautiously approached me, sitting beside me on the bed. "You really need to be careful, Ellie. If you'd been a second later…" His voice trailed off, but I knew what he meant. I could sense the fear and helplessness behind his words. He was scared for me, scared of what might happen if I didn't get my life under control.
I felt a surge of frustration, but I knew he was only trying to help. "I know, Dad. I know that more you do. But I'll try harder," I whispered, feeling a bit defeated. I didn't know how much more of this I could take – the worry, the fear, the constant looking over my shoulder. It was exhausting, both physically and emotionally.
He opened his mouth to speak again, but I cut him off, my body tensing as I felt a wave of anxiety wash over me. "Get out of my room, Dad. Please," I said, my voice firm but laced with a hint of desperation. I needed him to leave, I could feel it happening again. It's menacing presence creeping under my skin.
My dad recognized the warning signs and quickly retreated to the safety room in the basement, a titanium sanctuary we'd built for emergencies like this. I was left alone, my body wracked with excruciating pain. I screamed, the sound echoing through the air, and collapsed onto the floor, unable to find any relief. Everything went dark, like I'd fallen into an abyss. The pain vanished, replaced by a numbness that enveloped me, a reprieve from the agony.
The rays of sunlight creeped through the curtains, and they fell gently on my face. I squinted my eyes, and the light slowly woke me from my slumber.As I slowly come to, my mind foggy and my body heavy,it felt like a million tonnes, I was met with a familiar ceiling - my own bedroom. I tried to lift my head, but a wave of dizziness washed over me, but it passes quickly. I tried to remember what happened, but my memories were hazy. The transformation, the pain, the darkness...and then nothing. I ran my tongue over my teeth, and taste blood. The metallic and bitterness made my stomach churn. I raised my hands and what I saw made my heart race....they're bruised and scratched, and there was a faint smudge of blood on my knuckles. It looked like someone tried to wash it off, but missed a few spots. I try to sit up, and my head spins again, but I manage to stay upright. What did I do? What happened to me?
My thoughts ran wild like a headless chicken trying to come with answers. At that moment I remembered my dad. Was he okay? I hoped he managed to stay safe. I thundered downstairs, my heart still racing, but the sweet aroma of sizzling bacon enveloped me, calming my frazzled nerves. My relief at seeing him safe and sound was short-lived, as my gaze fell upon the transformed living room. The familiar contours of our old couches were gone, replaced by sleek, modern substitutes. Even the coffee table was new, its polished surface gleaming in the morning light. But it was the empty space where the front door used to be that left me breathless. The sudden changes were jarring, like a punch to the gut. It just made me more curious. What happened?
My dad's warm voice broke the spell, " Come let's eat, sweetie."His loving smile, creased with concern, drew me in, and I found myself succumbing to its warmth. I hesitated for a moment, but his gentle encouragement won out, and I took a seat at the kitchen table. Before me lay a feast fit for a king - or in this case, a hungry teenager. Eggs, pancakes, toast, crispy bacon, and creamy macaroni and cheese all vied for my attention. The aromas wafting from each dish were tantalizing, making my stomach growl with hunger. Yet, despite the mouthwatering spread and my ravenous appetite, I couldn't shake off the unease that lingered within me. I couldn't bring myself to take a bite.
"How bad was it?" I asked, despite my reservations. Curiosity always got the better of me.
My dad's smile faltered, and he looked away. "You weren't friendly with the furniture, but the house is still standing," he tried to joke but I wasn't having any of it.
I pushed my plate away, feeling a lump form in my throat."Why aren't you eating? You don't like the dishes I made?" he asked, concern etched on his face.
I shook my head, feeling tears well up. "I just can't bear the thought of hurting you one day. I can't lose another parent." Just the meer thought of it made my insides twist.
My dad's expression softened, but I continued, desperation creeping in. "Isn't it time we started looking for a solution? Something to fix this for good?"
He mentioned my pills, but I cut him off, hitting my balled fists onto the table, my frustration boiling over. "That's not what I mean, Dad!"
The silence that followed was oppressive, but I knew he understood my desperation. Just as I opened my mouth to continue, the doorbell rang, a timely interruption. I could tell from the way he sighed that he appreciated the intervention.
"I'll get it," I said, rising lazily from my seat. As I approached the entrance, I was met with a dazzling smile, showcasing pearly white teeth. His emerald green eyes sparkled with warmth and kindness, reminiscent of a serene lake reflecting the sun's gentle rays. His rosy cheeks bloomed like a rose in full flourish, while his smooth, flawless skin radiated a porcelain glow. He stood tall and strong, like a majestic oak tree, yet exuded a gentle and humble presence, as soothing as a morning breeze.