Zemblanity

Chapter 1

"What do you think is out there?" A mirror image of myself questioned.

"Other than the usual, I wouldn't know," the hazy face I could no longer recognize replied.

I knew I was once familiar with them; every time I looked at them, nostalgia would pour over me like a cold bucket of water. That's why I always fumbled on whether to welcome them with open arms or to force myself awake.

I thought that was a part of my memories, but at the same time, I knew that could never have happened. I never appreciated my mind forcing me to realize that. Wasn't it meant to be on my side? It showed me that obscure face as if taunting me, rubbing it in my face on how I will never remember what they once looked like.

Who they were... what they were to me...

She, or rather I, asked the same question. "When will I remember?"

The figure turned towards her and spoke without hesitation. "To remember, you need to realize something first."

My attention was taken off the conversation by something beating against the ground. I looked around and saw water droplets beating against the ground just a few inches from my position. Rain. Once again, I am reminded that this isn't even a part of a memory. This was all created by my mind. The conversation; this version of me.

The figure. It was the only thing my own mind wouldn't let me see properly. Which made me sure that they are real or at least they once were.

I didn't understand why? Why does it create everything I wish for? And then bring this obscure figure along, and make me realize. The dream for what it is. A false memory. A fake.

I look at the figure. I see an outline of a smile.

"Are you?" the replica of me hesitated in questioning further as we both knew what will happen afterward. The figure tilted their head, it waited patiently for her to continue. "Are you always going to answer my question in a roundabout way?"

She chuckled and replied, "This is your mind. You tell me." I let out a dry laugh. Everything starts to fade out, and I woke up.

***

                                                                                                                                                                            3.17.2201

"Miss Quinn, was my lesson that boring for you? That you had to fall asleep?" Miss Gonzalez spoke from my right.

I lifted my head towards her. She always had great timing. I checked my surroundings to see the whole class staring at me, some snickering. Evander didn't even try to conceal his amusement, and Amy was also trying to keep a straight face.

Did the situation bother me? It should, but I didn't care much for this lesson, but I had to hold my tongue considering the aftermath of my actions, so as I was going to apologize, the bell rang overhead.

I glanced towards Miss Gonzalez, and I sighed quietly considering Miss Gonzalez was still standing beside me, staring, so I waited. Everyone sat up and left the class, and when everyone was gone, I apologized and in return got cleaning duty for two weeks. I packed my screen and exited the class.

When I got to the door, Evander started talking, "you might as well not come to class if you're going to fall asleep."

Amy added unnecessarily, "you know he is right, Avy." She said with a disgruntled tone.

He ignored her tone and continued, "you know if Miss Gonzalez calls and informs Aunt Rachel about how you have been falling asleep for most of her lessons, she wouldn't be happy."