Embracing Happiness

In the recent year, lots of bad stuff happened all around me. Family deaths, I was being surrounded by depressed people and overall it was a bad mood wherever I’ve gone.

Being an introvert, the above stuff got to me even more and amplified that feeling. I slowly got sick and tired of all the common bullshit. Everything was dull, boring, with no salt or pepper. Everyone thought they were special and unique, but all I saw were desperate attempts to copy each other. And thus, I decided to get even more isolated with more time for me and my thoughts. Maybe this will come to pass and I will be my old self once more.

Day by day, I started to think about myself more and more. My life... I didn’t like it. My personality felt lacking. Why was no one approaching me? It must’ve been my face, body, or being an obvious introvert?

During one night, I had a revelation, like someone spoke to me on a clear tone.

“You need to change. Be someone else!”

Gasping for air, I woke up on the couch and was sweating like crazy.

“Damn, what a dream.” I spoke out loud. “How the heck am I sweating this much? And how did I get on the couch?”

Not paying much attention to my surroundings, I went to take a shower in the middle of the night. Minutes later, when I returned to my room, I saw a silhouette of a person on my bed. Panicked, I flipped the light switch on.

Said person was a pale blonde woman that looked me dead in the eyes and smiled. “You got jumpy all of a sudden.”

I was in shock. Who was she? Last night I wasn’t out, I did not drink and certainly did not call anyone over.

“Who are you? I don’t remember letting you in!”

She looked at me as if I was crazy. “Yes you did. Can’t you remember?”

“Of course not. Did... we do something? Was I drunk?”

The mysterious woman burst out laughing. “No, no. Is this the first thing that comes to mind? No wonder you hate yourself so much.”

That hurt a little, especially coming from a stranger. “Excuse me?”

“You brought me over, indirectly. Your will and state of mind drew me over to this place. Do you understand now?” her dark blue eyes almost sparkled with expectation, as she gave the light explanation.

Something was off about her, besides the obvious situation and the fact that she made little to no sense. Still concerned, I checked the door and confirmed it was locked. Part of me was disappointed, because it didn’t give me a rational explanation.

“You did not trespass it seems. Please, tell me how did you get here? Excuse my memory, but I really don’t remember.”

The woman frowned and approached me. “Your self-hate brought me over.” she whispered softly to my ear. “I will bring you on the right path and make you happy once more.”

“Enough of this bullshit. I might look like an idiot, but I’m assuring you that I’m not. What’s all this crap you’re spouting?” I shouted.

“You wanted to change, to be different. I can help you achieve that... for a price.” her whisper changed its tone to a sweeter flavor.

Deciding to play along, I whispered back, bitterly. “And what’s this price you’re asking?”

“Your body. I get to use it and enjoy it. You get to be happy.” she then took a step back.

Being skeptical about this situation - I mean, who wouldn’t be? - I accepted her offer, to see how far she wanted to take this prank.

“Very well, uhm... what’s your name?”

“Don’t have one. Call me whatever you like.” she smiled.

Thinking hard for a couple of minutes, I finally came up with the perfect name to match the situation.

“Gonna name you... Annabelle. Fits perfectly with the way you just appeared out of nowhere, being creepy and all that.”

She giggled more than I felt comfortable with. “You took that much time for a gag name? Now I fully understand why you needed me. Oh well, shall we proceed?”

No one said that she was needed. I admitted that her confidence was something to be admired though.

“I guess so. We’re calling it a night? Want me to call you a taxi?” I proposed nervously.

The newly named Annabelle frowned. “Still think this is a joke? Let’s get this done already.”

She grabbed me into a tight hug, without saying a word. After a bit, feeling awkward, I wanted to step away.

“Ok, this is a bit too much... let’s stop. Huh... I feel dizzy all of a sudden.”

In the next moment, I felt myself collapsing as my feet gave away.