Shattered Happiness

Duck

"But Serena..." Ash looked back at the truck and stood up. "I don't think that was an accident...and I think you are a target."

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a/n: minor panic attacks

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...

Those words continued to repeat in her head over and over. 

It can't be real. Why? Why is she being targeted?

Her shocked gaze were stuck on the sight of her frozen feet. She didn't want to believe it, but it suddenly felt colder than it should be. 

The street light flickered above them briefly, causing her to flinch at the sudden shadows around her as her mind continued running. 

"No..not just why..but who?" She heard Ash thought to himself out loud...or was it just all in her head? She's slowly losing her mind.

Serena doesn't recall anyone who despise her this much. A rival, perhaps? But even for a rival this is way too far! Even if it's possible, she's stumped. Unfortunately for her, she doesn't pay too much to her surroundings to even notice anyone. But she tries to name anyone suspicious on the top of her head. 

Is it the person next door who frowns at her every day she walks out? Or was it that fancy lady who yells at her every time she passed by her? Or was it the mailman who strangely comes to her door every single morning? 

Her head started to spin. 

No, no. This is getting ridiculous, Serena thought with a sigh. It could be someone in school. Or perhaps a close friend  who's possibly two-faced with me?  A stranger? A creeper who stalks her when she comes home from school? Or...or..?

The ground looks like it's going to consume her. 

How about the people who are close to me? My mom? Dawn? Are they even safe with me?

The ringing in her ear began to get louder and was suddenly pulled into a memory where she saw her younger self holding her precious flute...that's suddenly painted in a color that's not even hers: Black. 

Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? 

Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why?

Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why?

Why is it always me!?

Serena felt two hands on her shoulders and the owner's voice calling out to her. Her focus was snatched away from the concrete ground to Ash's concerned expression. She wanted to say something to him. Anything! The one time she actually wanted to express her true feelings and emotions... But, no...her lips wouldn't move a single word and she felt her energy draining. Her hands began to feel numbed and her vision became blurry.

What is this feeling...?

Ah, Serena realizes something before blacking out...

Oh...that's right...

It's fear.

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The next time Serena woke up, she found herself in an unfamiliar room. The lights were dimmed and could hear voices outside of the room. She felt sore and heavy, so didn't bother to try getting out of the bed covers.