Chapter 1: Introduction
It was a cool, chilly night in the middle of November. Clara and her friends had gathered on a cozy rooftop cafe to celebrate her 18th birthday. The space was filled with laughter, celebration and camaraderie.
Clara, being an extrovert, enjoyed the company that her friends Emma, Rebecca and Katherine gave her. “Happy Birthday Diva!” Kat chimed, giving Clara a warm hug, Clara giggled, accepting the hug and returning the embrace with a huge smile. Rebecca and Emma squealed in delight as party poppers went off, covering the friend group in its blanket. “This is too much fun! I love this!”
Clara exclaimed as she was celebrating her birthday with full throttle, little did she know—this joy would be temporary...
They ordered food and began digging in as it arrived. “Damn, this pizza is lit!”—“I know right, its too good!” they enjoyed their meals in harmony, sharing giggles and making memories.
Finally, it was time for the big treat, the cake. “We got this custom chocolate cake with a Barbie theme for you, Clara” said her friends in unison, leaving Clara breathless and in awe at the sight. Clara couldn’t help but stare and admire at the piece of art in front of her.
She picked up the knife and was about to cut the cake when suddenly, the knife almost struck her wrist, but before it could do, thankfully her friend Kat intervened and saved her, “Oh Clara be careful!” Clara let out a surprised gasp, returning back to reality. The knife momentarily fell on the table and everyone grew concerned.
“Oh my god, uhm, I think I got carried away by the cake and accidentally almost injured myself.” Clara said as her friends bought the excuse and helped her cut the cake together safely which they later shared.
Though Clara was shaken by the sudden ordeal, she tried to reassure herself that it was just her being clumsy and it was no big deal—but was it really her mistake or something external at play?
As the party came to an end, all friends exchanged the final goodbye and went on their separate paths to their respective homes. The streets were calmly silent with the streetlights providing a warm, orange glow, contrasting the grey-dark roads beneath Clara’s feet.
Occasional sounds of vehicles passing by was the only thing keeping Clara company on the otherwise dead silent street. As she was walking, she felt as if something, or someone is following her. Her body started tensing, her heartbeat raising slowly but steadily and her gut started alarming her brain that something was definitely behind her.
The shocker came when Clara noticed a shadow stretching beneath her feet. She mustered up the courage and immediately turned around to see who it was but received another shocker, there was no one behind her.
Clara wasted no time and turned around, walking towards her house as fast as she could, she personally hated walking alone at night and unfortunately for her, she couldn’t call an uber since her phone ran out of battery.
Finally, after a swift walk, Clara reached her home and locked the door behind her, feeling safe and secure in her familiar habitat.
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