wonderland

-chapter 1-

home sweet home

2025 was a fresh start to my working life. Everyone I had known is having kids or living their life normally. I-I still don't know what I expect but I think I'll like it in the end of my life. I'll feel like I... accomplished something.

I usually take the bus into the city for uni, and I will for work too. This is routine and has been for most of my life living in and out of the city. I have always had a love for the city. I was allowed to travel around and go shopping or spend a few hours in a park, watching sunsets as the sky fell dark. The city lights and atmosphere are really what make me smile.

*beep*

A notification? Who could it be? Hopefully not anybody disbanding or Imma-

??? – hey, it's me. I know, long time no see but I really wanna see you again. It's nothing bad or anything. I just wondered if u could spend a day or two here at my house. The address is *insert address*. Please come when you can. I'd like to show you some of my new albums. All Ateez ofc duh.

What? No. this isn't her, is it? It-It can't be. That address is familiar. Maybe it's a hacker or something crazy. I haven't heard from her in years. Because...

I stood in silence as I kept reading the message as the bus rocked me back and forth. When the bus stopped, I felt the sudden urge to run out crying at the thought of seeing her again. Tears streamed down my face as my hand wiped them away.

Keep yourself together Alice. Thank God I'm finished for the day.

I walked home with my headphones in but no music playing. This feeling was overwhelming me so much that it was all I could think about. Could it be true? All this time she could be alive and well. Away from things that haunted her.

I opened my front door and was greeted by my roommate Charlie. My eyes were still puffy from my little cry on the walk home but not enough for my roommate to notice. "Hey Alice. Was work good today?" Charlie smiled. "Yes, it was. Still getting use to things but it's going smoothly." I tried to shake of my sad mood and waited until night to think things through. "I am heading out for work in an hour you know. Gonna get big bucks tonight!" Charlie smirked as she brushed her hair. "Leftovers is dinner I'm guessing?" That's usually the case when Charlie leaves early for her work. "Yeahh... they called me in early again," She sighed, "I'll be back by 3am at least." "Alright, I'll just be in my room if you need anything." I yelled.

6pm. The door squeaked open and closed indicating that Charlie had left. I now have time to examine the text I received from the anonymous person who claims to be her.

Should I reply? Maybe I could figure things out more if she responded.

I opened messages and texted 'her' back.

Alice – Hey, is this you? I think I don't have you in my contacts because of my new phone. It's been a while huh?

Send. I nervously wait as I see the 3 dots move back and forth on my screen.

??? – yes. It has. What has life been like for you?

Alice – ahhmm. I'm training to be a substitute teacher now. Uhm, are you doing well?

??? – you bet I am. My streams have been doing so well and I am constantly finding new things about my power. So, about the thing I asked of you? Are you free this weekend?

Alice - This weekend...tomorrow is Friday and I finish work at 2. I can come over then until Sunday morning. I don't seem to have any plans.

My heart began to race for some reason as I sent the text through. It feels weird, eerie in some manner. If this is really her then I must go. Alone though. No one can know of this. Hmm?? I'll just say to Charlie that I'm travelling down south for a bit to refresh myself. I close my phone.