Devouring Her Soul

Part 17

I snapped out of my thoughts, my eyes still empty and confused.

"Huh?"

I was still staring at my hands, wondering if I was hearing voices again.

I shifted my eyes a bit to look at the bottom of the stairs and saw nobody. Everyone had left. So who is standing in front of me?

I looked up slowly, but I couldn't quite make out who was standing there. My eyes involuntarily blurred and I got lightheaded.

This feeling that I dread so much. That same feeling I've hated for years. I forgot about it until now. What is it?

Sadness? Loneliness? Pure rage?

...

It's emptiness, isn't it?

I spaced out again, but I don't want to snap out of it. Is it normal to be aware that you're spaced out and still be that way? Is that even possible?

I got picked up and was being carried somewhere. At this point, I don't care. Just take me to wherever you want to go.

Anywhere but here.

I don't remember falling asleep. But I believe I'm asleep right now.

"Yes, go ahead and take her."

Who's that? Ms. Chen? No, it can't be. I'm upstairs on the hallway floor. Ms. Chen isn't allowed to leave her office.

Oh. I'm being carried again. I should probably wake up, but I don't feel like it.

Just let me stay this way.. for a little.... bit... longer.

My eyes slowly fluttered open, and I saw a boy sitting next to me, asleep.

Where am I? I thought to myself, too tired to see clearly.

I looked up past the boy and saw a car window.

I'm in a moving car? To where?

Do I care where?

No, I don't.

I'm still tired, so I'm going back to sleep.

/ "Vivian. Vivian, wake up darling."

I slowly opened my eyes to a bright light shining on my face.

I groaned, sitting up and rubbing the sleep away.

"Hm? Who's that?"

There was a soft giggle before I heard quiet footsteps walk towards the window where that blinding light was coming from.

She shut the curtains a bit and smiled at me.

"Silly girl.."

My eyes widened in shock and I practically stood up from the bed.

"M...mom?"

She smiled at me and walked over, brushing my hair with her hands.

"Of course, darling, who else would it be?"

She laughed again as she messed with my hair.

"I'm making breakfast, it's your favorite. Are you hungry?"

I hesitated.

"Y-yes..please?"

She nodded and walked out of the room and down the stairs to the kitchen.

The kitchen with the white gas stove, and the small beat-up island that we used as a table.

She put a plate of food in front of me, and handed me a fork, smiling.