Short Stories

Hypocrite

[UNEDITED]

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TRIGGER WARNING! Mentions of panic attacks and hallucinations!

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"Get movin'!" I felt a rough object shove me, making me stumble. I hurriedly placed my foot in front of the other, steadying myself. I never dared to look up, keeping my gaze trained on the dirty floor beneath me. I kept walking, my breath shaky, and my heart pounding. I kept walking, my ears blocking out the statements thrown on me.

Time rolled on, seconds seemed to turn into hours. I felt like I was walking in an endless hallway, the air cold and thick. A dusty scent filled my nose, the putrid musk making me grimace. Suddenly, "A-ah!" The room lurched, making me stumble. I let out a grunt as I slammed into a wall, the wooden structure making a *THUNK* noise on contact.

"Oi! Did we tell ya to stop? Get over here!" A burst of pain shot through my shoulder, making me yelp. I was dragged back into the center, where a dull object met my back. The cloth of my rags met my raw, bleeding flesh. I staggered, gritting my teeth at the stings.

I heaved out a breath, before forcing out my remaining strength to walk. After what seemed like a million kilometers later, a grip on my shoulder stopped my movement. Then, a powerful push sent me barreling towards the small room. I laid helplessly on the cold floor as they closed the gates before walking away. The surges of stings simmered down to occasional aches, which was enough for me to sit up.

I reached an arm out, feeling around for a wall. Once I found it, I used it as a support, leaning against it. I swallowed in an attempt to ease my constricted throat, the pain making itself known again. I exhaled through my nose, before staring helplessly into an empty spot in the room. Soon enough, my heartbeat slowed down.

After a long day, my mind felt empty. The ringing in my ears was soft, but apparent. Just a couple of minutes ago, I felt erratic. The adrenaline driving me forward, fear banging in my heart, but now? It's silent. I don't know what to think of this anymore. My mind felt fuzzy, the events from earlier blurring.

I don't know what to do. Can I even do anything? I'm trapped, I can't get out. Is it really inevitable? The darkness at the edges of my vision grew. Fatigue clawed at me through my drooping eyelids. Is this it? Is this really... what I did it for? No, not this isn't it? Is it? I just...I... need a small nap... I feel so tired. A stifled yawn escaped through my lips, before I let myself get carried away into the void.

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A shrill sound pierced my ears, waking me up. I groaned, my eyelids opening. "Oh, sorry for waking you!" An unfamiliar voice jolted me out of my sleepy state, my eyes widening. I hurriedly scurried into the corner, staring at the stranger. He's one of THEM, I'm sure of it! Tears welled into my eyes, my hands trembling. "Please, please have mercy! I-I don't want to die! I'll do anything, please!" A slew of words made its way out before I can even think, my voice cracking at every sentence.

"Please! I can be useful, I promise! I-I can-" "Hey, wait! I'm not here to kill you!" He stepped closer, making me slide farther into the corner. With my mouth agape, I heaved for air. I can hear my blood pumping in my ears, my heavy breathing, his voice, it was all- all too much! I let out a few sobs as I curled up, my hands gripping my head. I don't wanna die! I don't! My head ached, and my thoughts went haywire.

I felt myself tremble, panicked sounds coming out of me. Please don't kill me! I don't want to, not yet! "Hey, try to focus on your breathing for me. Deep breaths." Breathing, breath- right! I hiccupped, my eyes darting around, but I couldn't see anything. "Come on, look at me. You can do it. Lift your head up, slowly." I felt tears run down my face as I trembled. I craned my neck to look up from my arms, my vision blurry. In front of me I see someone. Who? I don't know who- why were they here-