The Stray Souls ["The Diary Keeper" Sequel; "The Dark Legacies" Series]

Chapter 43: We all come from childhood

Recently, I've been plagued by panic attacks, and hallucinations have become frequent visitors, especially after waking up in the morning. I haven't told my parents or my grandparents about this - it's not the kind of information they need to know. And it's not the kind of situation where they can help in any way. Everything indicated that I was suffering from the same "condition" that Mia and Hazel had.

And damn it, there's no point in rushing to doctors, getting all possible tests done, undergoing unnecessary examinations. None of it will affect paranormal powers. And if I tell the doctors the truth, I'll still achieve nothing and instead become a lifelong patient of a psychiatric hospital. Reality is cruel.

I understand that the reason for all this is my vulnerability to my own fears. Almost everyone is afraid of something, and that's completely normal. But in my case, it means that dark forces can more easily take hold of me, and Harper can take advantage of this.

In addition to everything mentioned above, I've started experiencing flashbacks from my childhood again. No matter how happy it may have been, it still didn't go without psychological trauma.

I've always been afraid of becoming a puppet of society, someone who doesn't have their own opinion. It's like being swept away by the current, going wherever it takes you without stopping to think about where you actually want to go.

Sure, there are pressures and expectations all around, pushing me to fit into certain molds and follow certain paths. But I refuse to let those external forces dictate who I am or what I believe in. I want to be the master of my own destiny, charting my own course and staying true to myself every step of the way.

It's not always easy, standing up against the tide and going against the grain. There are moments when I feel like I'm swimming upstream, battling against the current of conformity and convention. But you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way. Because even though the journey may be tough, the reward is worth it.

But still, the fear that I won't succeed paralyzes my mind. And that's what makes me so vulnerable.

We all come from childhood, and it was different for each of us.

***

But life continues in its own pace and as the sun starts to set earlier and earlier, it's hitting me that summer's winding down. And honestly, I'm not ready for it to end. I've been having such a blast these past few months, hanging out with friends, chilling till the very end of evening, you name it. The thought of trading all that in for textbooks and early mornings? Ugh, not exactly my idea of a good time.

I know school's important and all, but there's just something about the laid-back vibe of summer that I can't get enough of. No deadlines, no stress, just me, my friends, and endless possibilities. Plus, who doesn't love a good sleep-in, am I right?

But now, as I flip through my calendar and see the first day of school creeping closer, I can't help but feel a little bummed out. I'll miss the lazy afternoons spent lounging by the pool and the spontaneous adventures with my crew. And don't even get me started on saying goodbye to those epic summer sunsets.

So yeah, as much as I know I'll get back into the swing of things once school starts up again, right now I'm just wishing for a little more time to soak up the summer vibes. To make memories, have adventures, and maybe even squeeze in a few more late-night ice cream runs. Because let's face it, summer's just too good to let go of without a fight.

But while summer is still ongoing, today I'm heading to Caroline's house, where I need to discuss my recent findings immediately.

"It seems to me you have to conquer your fear in The Empty Room." That was her initial response to my story.

"That's easier said than done! But I just can't. It's much harder than sneaking out to another town for a disco night!" There was a hint of sarcasm in my voice. This amusing episode from the past will remain in my memory forever.

"But then it will be much harder for Harper to negatively influence you, Lia. And you'll be able to piece together this whole puzzle of lifting the curse more easily."

"I'm compelled to piece together this puzzle anyway. There's still a lot left unexplored. For instance, these underground passages are a complete mystery to me."

"By the way, do you remember the portals at Di Flores Manor?" Caroline suddenly recalled. "Why not delve into them further?"

And at that very moment, it was as if enlightenment dawned on me. Indeed, we must return to this topic immediately. Those portals serve a definite aim.

But what is their real purpose and who created them after all?...