Artificial Tears

Chapter 11

When I open my eyes I see that I'm surrounded by my friends.

Nova, Jonathan and Peter.

Why are they here?

Wait, why is Nova here?

I want to sit up quickly, but get pushed back firmly by Jonathan: "Edith, be careful you might hurt yourself."

"Huh...?"

Wait, why am I here? Wasn't I found by the killer? That was the mask, right?

How am I still alive and not  apart of their sick hobbies?

"I'm really sorry about what happened before." Nova says with red tearstained eyes. It's been a long time since I have seen her cry.

"What happened?" I ask.

"You passed out."

I start shaking my head, hurting it intensely.

"No, that can't be. I-I was attacked."

My hands shoot to my head in order to stop the loud noises inside it and to protect my eyes from the bright light.

"Doctor! I think she might have a concussion!" I can hear Nova call out to a man with a white coat on.

Her voice is so loud!

I press my hands against my ears and feel like I could throw up any moment.

Before I know it the doctor is standing in front of me shining into one of my eyes with a little light.

I push him away: "Leave me alone." My own voice hurts my head even more.

"Yes, it's a concussion. A pretty bad one too. She should get plenty of rest."

"When can she return home?" Nova asks the man.

"If you're careful, right now. But I would recommend waiting until she wakes up a bit more."

I try to sit up again and get pushed back again.

"Edith, you really have to be more careful." Jonathan tells me with a distressed look on his face.

Their movements are fast and I can't follow any of their conversations anymore.

But it doesn't matter, the way they talk seems like they act like I'm not really there. Like it isn't meant for me.

Are they keeping things from me?

As I calm down, everything starts going dark again.

Back into the darkness and entering a new dream.

I'm back in the white room, still feeling like shit, I get up and almost fall. Just in time someone helps me up.

"W-who are you?" I ask as my eyes don't work with me.

"I'm System, remember."

"Oh, right."

The masked person takes me by the arm and leads me to an open door.

"I need you to show you something before it's too late." I can sense the urgency in their voice and let myself be taken.

The place is dark and I can barely see anything.

"Look, we're here."

I squint my eyes, but still can't make out anything.