Artificial Tears

Chapter 2

As I leave the building early, I can see the cold sun slowly go under while waiting for my stop in the train.

Listening to music with earphones I wait.

I never really know what to do while waiting, maybe I should be taking a good book with me or an e-reader. I could also play games on my phone, but I'm not much of a gamer. Good stories are more my thing, not that there aren't any games with good stories. I just prefer not having to do anything but read or listen for them.

I can be really lazy when I want to be.

[FOREST STATION, FOREST STATION]

Ah, this is my stop. I follow the crowd out and onto the platform.

I walk towards my apartment, it's about ten minutes from the station.

I just get out of the platform as someone suddenly taps me on my shoulder.

Quickly I remove my music pods: "Ah sorry, yes?"

An old lady stands before me: "Girl, I'm not sure, but I think I saw someone follow you." She whispers.

"Y-you did?" I want to turn around, but she won't let me.

"You ought to be more vigilant, this world can be dangerous for young girls like you."

"Thanks?"

Then without saying another word, the old lady wanders off.

I look around, but don't really see anyone looking at me.

Well, better safe than sorry.

I put my music pods back in their case and in my bag, I'm better off listening to my surroundings.

With every step I take, I make sure to pay attention. I guess that what the old lady told me has upset me at least a little, I'm not very good with these kinds of things. I just hope Nova is home, she is my roommate. It's cheaper sharing the rent and we know each other from high school, so I know I can definitely trust her.

Here I am with the same question as this morning. Elevator or stairs...

After a minute I decide, it will be stairs this time. I don't want to be stuck in the elevator with a stranger right now and I still have some energy left.

With the last bit of energy I run to the fifth floor, to the door of my apartment.

I take out my keycard for it, not the one for the office of course.

With a soft click the door opens and I enter.

I close the door behind me.

As I enter I notice that the room is a mess, god what the hell happened here?

"Nova, are you there?"

No answer.

"Nova?"

I take the decorative candle holder from the floor, for in case I need to defend myself.

"Nova, are you okay?"

I walk further into the room.

I call her name again, but no answer.

All of a sudden a small creature runs past me and I shriek.

"What the hell?!"

I haven't seen what it was, it's too fast.

It couldn't be a spider right? They don't have them that big right? Maybe in Australia?