Lucid

CHAPTER 3 - ACCIDENT

It sucks, doesn't it? Being innocent yet branded with guilt, marked as an abnormality—a "threat to humanity." A disgrace to mankind. Is that fair? No, it isn't. But life's never fair.

Remember that when you encounter someone like me. Don't forget the hardships we face daily: the pain, the shame, the guilt... the feeling of worthlessness.

Yeah, that's right. We feel worthless.

But enough about that. Here's another thought: Would you truly trust those close to you if you were suffering from amnesia?

<>

I had no idea what to expect from a house nestled deep in a rich town. We didn't live far from The Black Oak—just a few streets back down Bright Lane, to the first turn-off.

Hidden Springs, they called it. Probably the wealthiest neighbourhood in town.

As we pulled into the gravel driveway, I gaped at the massive two-story house before us. It stood proud and striking, with a peaked black roof and a symmetrical facade framed by large windows covered in dark curtains. The grass was a vibrant green, nearly glowing, and it was blocked from the street by a waist-high hedge.

In my opinion, a bit of grey wouldn't hurt anyone.

"Welcome home, kiddo," Dad said as he cut the engine. The house was aglow with warm outdoor lights, but the black curtains dulled any light that might have come from inside, giving it an eerie quality that made me uneasy.

Dad turned in his seat toward me, followed closely by Mom. "What do you say? Ready to head in?"

Well, why not? I opened my door and stepped out. A mossy cobblestone path led from the gravel to a dark oak front door, covered in intricate engravings. To the side, I spotted the hidden door to the garage and a small black gate that probably led to the backyard.

Please have a swimming pool. Please have a swimming pool. I would die for a swimming pool right now.

Mom handed me the keys, her eyes bright with joy.

The lock clicked open smoothly, and I pushed the door wide. A rush of warm air greeted me, filling my lungs with the cosy scent of home. The floors were polished oak, reflecting the orange glow of lights scattered throughout. It felt like a cabin tucked away in the woods, a retreat from the world.

I stood in a hallway decorated with paintings and a small table meant for keys and odds and ends. At the far end, a staircase connected the upper floor with the lower. To my left, a large opening revealed the living room, while to my right, the dining room opened up to a five-star kitchen and a tiny bar.

The living room was plush, boasting a large flatscreen TV and couches that looked softer than marshmallows. Across the room, tinted glass doors hid a soft blue glow that almost certainly belonged to a swimming pool.

Mom squeezed my arm. "So, what do you think?"

I couldn't hide my amazement. "It's totally cool!"

Dad chuckled. "I think your mom might prefer 'homey.'" He drifted toward the living room, putting on a show. "And here we have a wonderful living room, perfect for snuggles, cuddles, and chills! With our state-of-the-art smart TV, you can enjoy everything the world has to offer right here in the comfort of your home!"

Mom raced into the kitchen. "With a five-star chef and top-quality goods, this dining room and kitchen can easily become your personal restaurant. Designed for welcoming meals and secret midnight snacks!"