Perception (ONC 2021)

Chapter 5: Doppelganger

"Shut up. Don't scream. It will give away our position to the killer."

Lauris nodded. She sighed in relief as the hand lifted from her mouth. She turned around, frowning at her friend.

"Why did the twins send you here?"

Marie frowned. "The twins? What are you talking about? I was out shopping, and the next thing I knew, I was here."

Lauris wrinkled her brow. It looked like not all experiences were the same.

Marie looked around.

"Anyways, you're the first person I've seen. I was following you around for a while to check that you were not the killer."

"And?"

"For now, it seems like I can trust you."

Lauris nodded. She averted her eyes from the body. "It's a good thing we're friends then. It's unlikely that either of us is the killer."

Marie raised her brow. "Friends? We only said hello once in the theatre."

Lauris blinked. "Theatre? Are we not IT consultants? Wait, what is your name?"

Marie shot her a strange look. "I'm Marie Lemocks. Yours?"

"Lauris Maltikata."

Marie frowned. "The person I know looks exactly like you with the exact name. Do you have a twin?"

Lauris shook her head.

Marie pursed her lips. "A doppelgänger then."

"A what?"

Marie sighed. "You know, people who have no relation to you but have the exact same appearance."

Lauris hummed thoughtfully. "Then I guess you are also a doppelgänger of someone I know."

That said, she knew that something was off. That person in front of her looked like a clone of Marie. She had the same mannerisms, the same name and the same appearance. Yet, they seemed to be completely different people. She also knew that Marie was an only child.

Marie tilted her head. "What are you looking at?"

Lauris shook her head. "Nothing. Just thinking."

Marie rolled her eyes. "Well, I feel like it's a good idea to move away from that thing. There is a grassland at the end of a road."

Lauris tilted her head.

Marie sighed. "I don't understand either. It's not like this place runs on logic."

Lauris nodded. "You got me there."

Marie snorted and began to walk. Lauris followed before the guiding figure became fully obscured by the fog.

"I suggest not to look too hard. It's not pleasant."

Lauris frowned. Her eyes widened as she saw more gently swaying silhouettes.

"You see, I thought you were dead."

Lauris blinked. "What?"

Marie sighed. "One of these bodies looked like you."

Lauris stopped. "Wait, what?"

Marie huffed. "I'm glad you are a doppelgänger."

Lauris nodded, leaving the rest unsaid.

The duo spent the rest of their time walking in silence.

Lauris pursed her lips. What the heck was this place? What was going on? Why were the twins doing this What was their goal?