THE PAST IS REVOLVING
“M-Mom, is that you?” I stammered, unable to trust my own eyes. My legs quivered, my heart pounded with a mix of fear and hope.
“YOU NEED TO STAY STRONG! I didn’t raise you to be weak!” Mom’s voice resounded, piercing through the darkness.
“Mom, please don’t leave me,” I cried out, mustering every ounce of energy within me. But as quickly as she appeared, she began to fade into the shadows, leaving me on my knees.
“Please, I need you,” I pleaded desperately.
“I’m always within you,” she whispered softly, her voice lingering in the air.
I sat up abruptly, sweat-soaked and disoriented. “Just another stupid dream,” I muttered, trying to shake off the residual emotions. It had been the third time this week. Since my mother’s passing, I had often been haunted by these unsettling dreams, a lingering reminder of my tender age at the time.
Glancing at my phone, I realized it was already 6 am. “I better start getting ready,” I said to myself, pushing aside the lingering unease.
I sat up on my bed, crossed my legs, and took a swig from my water bottle. Suddenly, a knock interrupted my thoughts.
“Come in, Alice. I know it’s you,” I said with a knowing smile. She had become a constant in my life, our reliable family friend and guardian in these challenging times.
Alice entered, a radiant cake in her hands. “Happy Birthday, Mia!” she exclaimed, offering the sweet treat.
With a grateful smile, I replied, “Oh yeah, it’s my birthday today. The week has been quite busy, and I almost forgot.”
As we stood there, the weight of our shared secret hung between us. Not only was Alice a part of the agency my parents had belonged to, but she also understood the pain of my father’s absence.
“Mia, are you okay?” Alice’s voice carried a genuine concern, mirroring my own worries. We were partners in both familial and professional matters.
“It’s been a year since he vanished,” she mentioned, referring to my father. Sensing my discomfort, I swiftly attempted to change the topic, wanting to shield myself from the raw emotions.
“Thank you so much,” I expressed, hoping to shift the focus away from our shared sorrow.
With a nod and a hint of melancholy, Alice concluded, “I have a lot of work today. I better get going. Don’t forget your lunch box, and remember, I love you. Bye.” As she closed the door, I found myself drawn to the cityscape outside the window.
“The city sure is beautiful, right, Bling?” I murmured, momentarily captivated by the vibrant lights dancing before me.
But beneath the surface, my thoughts strayed to what-ifs. What if my mother were still alive? What if she needed my help? Brushing away those ponderings, I refocused my attention on the present. After all, it was my last day at this school in Tokyo before I embarked on a new adventure, transferring to a school in Seoul, South Korea. Our agency had recently forged ties with the Korean government, requiring a select few agents to relocate. Although Alice had reservations, I had my reasons for venturing into this new chapter.
But first, I needed to navigate the day ahead. With a determined resolve, I gathered my belongings, rushing out of the door. Mounting my trusty bike, I secured my helmet and set off, relishing the exhilaration of the open road. The wind carried me forward, and the promise of a new beginning fueled my spirit.
A CLASSMATE’S POV:
She glided to school on her sleek, high-end bike, effortlessly capturing the attention of all the boys vying for her gaze. Every girl yearned to be part of her inner circle, yet she remained enigmatic, not actively seeking friendships. With her impeccable grades, athletic prowess, and unmatched beauty, she stood out among our schoolmates. Her glossy brunette hair, accentuated by vibrant red streaks, perfectly complemented her sun-kissed skin, making heads turn wherever she went. Beneath her poised exterior, there was a gentle warmth that made people feel safe, and her down-to-earth nature endeared her to everyone. Confident and composed, she exuded an aura of quiet charm.
MIA’S POV:
I hopped off my bike and securely parked it in the lot, a wave of fond memories washing over me. But some memories are better left behind.
“I wonder if anyone knows I’m leaving.”
“You’re leaving?” Manori’s voice was filled with concern.
“Where are you going, and when will you be back?” she asked, her eyes searching for answers.
I paused for a moment, not accustomed to engaging in conversation with her, even though she always seemed to be around.
“Yeah, I’ll be transferring to another school,” I replied, keeping my answer brief and to the point.
“Oh, okay,” she said, before hurrying off towards the school building.
It was unusual, but not out of character for Manori. She was always up to something unexpected, like painting the classroom walls for a girl’s birthday. I could never quite figure her out.
As I made my way towards the main building, curious gazes followed me, as if I were a walking enigma. It was amusing how people were always curious about me, yet these particular stares felt different. I chose to ignore them, finding solace in my seat as I gazed out the window, contemplating what lay ahead.
Suddenly, the bell rang, snapping me out of my thoughts. I looked up, realizing that it was already 11 am. It was time for recess, so I slowly packed my bag and headed towards the cafeteria. The bustling hall was surprisingly quiet, giving me a moment of doubt. I checked my watch three times just to be sure it was indeed break time, and as I entered the cafeteria, everyone sprang up from behind the tables.
“SURPRISE!” they all shouted, almost causing me to lose my balance. I regained my composure and stood up straight, as they started singing.
“Happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Mia, happy birthday to you!” I stood there, feeling touched by their gesture.
Manori rushed towards me, embracing me tightly, tears streaming down her face. She always had a flair for drama.
“Why are you leaving us? Especially on your birthday,” she sobbed.
I patted her back gently, taken aback by her display of emotion.
“Don’t cry. Come on, let’s cut the cake,” I reassured her, and she nodded, sniffing back her tears.
Even though I wasn’t the best at making friends or blending in, saying goodbye to these people tugged at my heartstrings. They signed my uniform and handed me heartfelt cards, making this day one of the most memorable in my life.As I thundered back from school on my roaring beast of a motorcycle, an unnerving sensation prickled the nape of my neck, as though a watchful presence had cast its gaze upon me. Slamming the brakes, the heavy bike skidded to a halt, its rumbling engine falling silent. My eyes darted frantically, scanning the empty road for any sign of the voyeuristic eyes that haunted my senses. Nothing. But then, a chilling touch landed upon my shoulder, searing through the fabric of my leather jacket. My fist coiled tightly, ready to unleash a devastating blow, only to meet thin air as my knuckles sliced through empty space. Doubt transformed into certainty, and a surge of urgency propelled me forward, my grip tightening on the handlebars. Through every twist and turn, the weight of the unseen observer persisted, lurking in the shadows of my consciousness. Home beckoned as my haven, but fate had a sinister twist in store.
As I dismounted the growling machine, Alice stood before me with a suitcase. “Are you going somewhere?” I managed to utter, my voice laced with trepidation.
“No silly, why would I leave you when it’s your last night over here,” she replied, her smile strained as she struggled to hold back tears.
I ran towards her and embraced her, relief washing over me. She wrapped her arms around me, but something felt off. Her whisper, barely audible, sent a chill down my spine. “Don’t you want to know what’s inside the bag?” I looked up at her, only to realize that it wasn’t Alice. It was someone else entirely. A pale woman, her mouth dripping with blood. Panic surged through my veins as I desperately tried to free myself from her grip.
“You don’t want to hug me? That’s okay, you will come to me one day like your mother and father,” she taunted, her voice laden with malevolence, before disappearing into thin air. Suddenly, the door swung open, and Alice walked in, oblivious to the macabre encounter that had just unfolded. “Who left the doors open?” she asked, her eyes narrowing as they fell upon me.
Overwhelmed by the otherworldly terror, my strength abandoned me, and I crumpled to the floor, everything fading to black as the shadows of the unknown swallowed me whole.
