When did it start?
Was it when I left the hospital ward?
A cold wind blew past both my shoulders.
No... it started way before that.
I only saw it for the first time in that bathroom. Or... was it even earlier?
My steps echoed through the seemingly empty hallway.
I remember now.
I was playing with Leah, at Father's funeral.
I'd hidden behind a wall of bushes, knees pulled to my chest.
Waiting.
Waiting.
She was taking her sweet time.
The emotions I have buried deep down, came out with the lonliness of the wind.
I heard a growl behind me,
But no, it was not a wolf. It was ten times bigger. A shadow with no form—only a black blur and glowing eyes. Breath like ice, curling against the back of my neck. It reminded me of my family disaster.
I knew this wolf.
"Echo!" Leah screamed. "I give up! I can't find you! Please come back!" she sounded really worried.
I couldn't move.
I heard the rustle of leaves.
She found me...
She was crying and hugged me, "was it that scary? I didn't realise, please forgive your sister Echo, I didn't mean to make you cry" she sobbed, her hands trembling.
crying?
I wiped a tear off my cheek.
I hugged her back and smiled.
"I'm okay Leah."
I dragged myself back to the present.
I didn't want to indulge in the past for too long.
Besides...
I arrived at a longer hallway...
I was certain now...this isn't the hospital.
None the less I kept walking...
I thought I saw Riven, my courage
But it turned out to be a crow instead...
In a hallway?
It flew beside me, then started leading...
I followed it,
It flew faster...
I ran faster
I felt like my feet floated in the air
The crow took higher
I floated higher
Until a bright light burned through my eyes,
I collapsed.