Perfect Storm

Chapter 1

An endless white expanse replaced the darkness. I blinked several times, trying to get adjusted to the sudden change. In my peripheral, I noticed that dim figures began to appear. I was taken aback when a dog-shaped figure started running towards me, but instead of us colliding, it just went straight through me, sending a cold chill down my spine. Before I could even have the time to turn back to see where it went, I saw it by my side, running again, but away from me this time. It ran towards two figures; they seemed like a couple. One was taller and more masculine, while the other one was way shorter and more ladylike. They entwined their hands, and the taller figure seemed like it was kissing the other on the forehead. The dog looped around them before stopping, allowing them to pet it. I approached slowly, curious if they would go through me as well. I reached out to touch them, but as soon as I did, they dispersed into the bleached expanse, sending another cold chill down my spine. My heart was thumping, and my arms felt heavy. But not long after, more figures started to appear. On my right seemed to be three females sitting down for a cup of coffee. I could faintly hear the sound of laughter, but it wasn't coming from the women. I was confident it was a child's laughter. But I couldn't see any children around. I walked past the females and further into the achromatic area. The further I got, the louder the laughter grew. Following the sound, I reach what looks to be a family gathering. People are sat at the table chattering, while another is serving food. In the back, a pregnant woman spinning a toddler around.

That's where the laughter came from.

Suddenly they all stopped what they were doing. The faceless beings stared at me. Upon realising this, the hairs on the back of my neck and my arms all stood to attention. Then, to my surprise, the beings all merged into one, forming a thick black cloud that hovered over my head. It was like it wanted to grab my attention because as soon as I tilted my head upwards, it started to move even further forward into the endless expanse as if it was leading me somewhere. It felt like I was walking in a never-ending light until we reached two more figures. This time it was two toddlers who seemed to be playing at the beach. They were splashing water at each other, and they had built several sandcastles. Suddenly, one of the toddlers started crying before disappearing once more.

The cloud moved even faster into the endless light. Two more figures appeared. They looked like a couple in the middle of an argument, but looking closer, I could see they weren't alone. Behind them was a child with its arms wrapped around its knees. Suddenly, the male figure grabbed a suitcase and walked away, leaving the woman behind. She seemed to be punching the air. After that, the toddler seemed to transform into a young woman. She seemed to be getting a suitcase of her own ready. While the woman from earlier, who I presumed to be her mum, was screaming at her. Her screams were muffled but still rang through my ears. The young woman shut her suitcase and pushed her mother aside as she walked away. The figures disappeared one more time, and now the dark cloud was in front of me. I tilted my head in confusion, but before I had the time to think, it started moving again. It kept floating in the air, taking sharp rights and weird lefts until it reached its destination. I was so confused because I could only see a white wall, that's until a doorknob appeared. Arching my brow, I carefully walk closer to the doorknob that magically appeared. My finger gently touched the silver and slightly cold surface before I turned it.

My body felt so light, as if I was floating. It was like I was in one of those trance dreams psychics keep talking about, those out of body experiences. My legs carried me without my mind having to think about it, my arms opening doors that I wouldn't open. I had no control of my body; I just let it lead me to wherever it wanted.

I reached a long, white and dim-lit hallway as a sudden cold rushed through me. Someone bumped into me. But this time, it wasn't dark figures anymore. The hallway was filled with faces full of worry, excitement, fear and sadness.

A man in his twenties was jumping with joy as he hugged his friends and family. Further down, a woman collapsed on the floor crying, her partner kneeling over her, planting soft kisses on her head. Still having no control over my body, I walked further into the never-ending hallway. A middle-aged woman was pacing up and down, biting her nails but always making a small stop every time she crossed the glass door with NICU printed on it. Doctors and nurses kept running up and down the hallway, bumping into me several times. I would almost get run over by a hospital bed if I didn't get out of the way.

I followed my legs to a more expansive room filled with chairs. Suddenly I came to a halt as I saw some familiar golden locks. Having control over my body again, I quickly run to the petite, blonde girl.

"Freya!" I nudged her shoulder, but there was no response. Confused, I get in front of her and spread my arms wide for a hug. But again, she acted like I was not there.

Is this some kind of sick joke?

Without looking at me, she went further down the room, where she met more familiar faces. Anya quickly hugged her with bloodshot eyes.

"What happened?" Freya's voice cracked.

The raven-haired girl got Freya's hands and motioned her to sit down. Freya complied, worry written all over her face. Anya tried hard to compose herself and not break down once more.

"It was a hit and run, no one saw who did it. Both her legs are broken, three broken ribs, along with a deep cut over her cheek. One of her lungs has collapsed, she's in ICU with a medically induced coma as they're trying to save her lung." Anya grabbed the blonde's hands as she was talking, as a way to comfort herself.

Deep cut over her cheek.

I instinctively touched my cheeks, and on the right side, I felt a big bump, like the cut had healed and formed a scar. I run to the nearest window to see my reflection and find out how big that scar was. But to my surprise, I could not see my reflection in the window. I could touch it, I could feel the cold glass on my fingerprints, yet I could not see myself, and neither could anyone else.

What's going on?

"How's Henry?" Freya was holding up better than Anya.

"It's better if I show you."

*You asked an I delivered, first chapter of the Trust Me continuation is up. I have another chapter written awaiting to be beta read. There will be slow updates unfortunately due to my busy work schedule. But there was such a high demand that I couldn't keep you waiting much longer. Hope you like this one better than the Trust Me.